UV Treatment Chamber Reflective Lining for Dose Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing and reducing contamination in liquids and gases, such as in municipal water supplies and pharmaceutical manufacturing, often rely on chemical aerosols, microfiltration, and inefficient UV light delivery systems, which fail to maximize UV dose delivery due to low reflectivity and incomplete enclosure of the treatment chamber.
Innovation Solution
A chamber design with at least 80% enclosure and a high reflectivity lining or coating, combined with a transmissive tube for the liquid or gas, enhances UV irradiation efficiency by minimizing openings and absorbing surfaces, allowing for increased photon deposition and dose delivery to the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional UV light treatment chamber with low reflectivity surfaces and minimal enclosure is used, then the chamber structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the UV dose delivery to the target is insufficient and treatment efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the chamber by introducing high reflectivity surfaces (metallic or dielectric coatings) and increasing the enclosure ratio to at least 80%, thereby transforming the chamber from a simple open structure to an optimized optical cavity that significantly enhances UV dose delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful loss of UV photons through absorption and scattering into a beneficial effect by using high reflectivity surfaces to redirect photons back into the treatment path, multiplying the effective UV dose without requiring additional lamp power
2Use of energy by moving object
If high reflectivity materials and increased enclosure are used to maximize UV dose delivery, then the UV treatment efficiency increases significantly, but the manufacturing complexity and cost of the chamber increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying reflectivity thresholds (at least 80% reflective) and enclosure ratios (at least 80% enclosed) that optimize the balance between manufacturing complexity and UV power utilization efficiency, allowing manufacturers to select appropriate materials and designs within defined performance boundaries
3Reliability
If more UV power is applied to compensate for low reflectivity and poor enclosure, then the specified dose level can be achieved, but the energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted UV energy that would be absorbed or scattered away into useful therapeutic dose by implementing high reflectivity surfaces throughout the chamber, thereby achieving reliable dose delivery while reducing the total lamp power required compared to conventional low-reflectivity chambers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design significantly reduces the total UV power required to achieve a specified dose level, delivering up to 10 times more UV light to the target compared to less reflective or less enclosed systems, thereby improving treatment efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective material coating or lining the inside of the chamber, wherein the material is at least 80 percent reflective
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet lamp contained within the chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for the treatment of liquids and gases using ultraviolet light. In one embodiment, a substantially enclosed chamber coated with a reflective material containing an ultraviolet lamp and an ultraviolet transmissive tube running through the chamber for the treatment of liquid passed therethrough is disclosed.