UV Fluid Sterilization with Quartz Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sterilization systems in healthcare settings are inadequate for effectively disinfecting large volumes of fluid, as they fail to slow the fluid path, capture organisms, and concentrate UV radiation, leading to limited disinfection power and portability issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sterilization system incorporating radiation-transmissible media, such as quartz or glass, that physically captures organisms while allowing UV radiation to disinfect the fluid stream, with a mobile housing unit and UV lamps arranged to maximize exposure and ease of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV light is placed within ventilation ducts to disinfect fluid, then disinfection is provided, but the fluid flows past the UV sources at high speed which limits the disinfection power
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid stream into smaller channels using flow distributors, increasing the surface area to volume ratio and allowing UV light to effectively treat each segment of the fluid stream
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by placing UV sources above and below the fluid stream in a duct system, allowing radiation to penetrate the fluid from multiple directions simultaneously, effectively treating fast-moving fluid without increasing exposure time
2Reliability
If mechanical filters such as HEPA systems are used, then filtration is provided, but they have limited effectiveness upon viruses and small bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines mechanical filtration (HEPA filters) with UV irradiation in a unified treatment system, where the filter captures larger particles while UV light inactivates viruses and small bacteria that pass through the mechanical filter
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite approach combining physical filtration media with electromagnetic radiation (UV light), creating a multi-mechanism treatment system that addresses limitations of either method used alone
3Ease of operation
If portable UV systems move fluid directly past ultraviolet sources, then portability is maintained, but this limits concentration of the radiation and minimizes length of exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system nests multiple UV sources within the portable housing, arranging them in concentric or layered configurations around the fluid path to maximize radiation concentration in a compact space
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates flow distributors that create periodic turbulence and recirculation patterns in the fluid stream, causing fluid to repeatedly pass through high-radiation zones and increasing effective exposure time without compromising portability
4Device complexity
If standard systems draw and release fluid in close proximity, then simplicity is maintained, but this limits device effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends the treatment path by arranging UV sources and fluid flow in a longitudinal duct configuration rather than a compact point-source setup, allowing extended exposure while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
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
The system effectively slows the fluid path, captures and disinfects organisms, and maintains safety and portability, enhancing disinfection efficacy in healthcare settings by ensuring prolonged UV exposure and mechanical filtration.
Implementation Method 1
radiation-transmissible media being adapted to provide both mechanical filtration by physically capturing organisms as they are carried through the container in an fluid stream and substantially simultaneously permitting transmission of radiation from the radiation source through the radiation-transmissible media
Implementation Method 2
a radiation source, the radiation-transmissible media being adapted to provide both mechanical filtration by physically capturing organisms as they are carried through the container in an fluid stream and substantially simultaneously permitting transmission of radiation from the radiation source
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid filtration system is shown. The fluid filtration system utilizes a one-piece or multiple piece containers having a plurality of radiation-transmissible media adapted to receive light, such as ultraviolet light, white light or other wavelength light. The radiation-transmissible media are situated in the container and at least one or a plurality of radiation sources, such as ultraviolet lamps, are situated in an array in proximity to the radiation-transmissible media. The radiation-transmissible media interrupts the flow and velocity of the fluid stream passing through the container to extend the duration of radiation for any contaminants and also provide enlarged surface areas for the contaminants to be received and ultimately exposed to the radiation. In one example, the radiation-transmissible media may be tubular or spherical sections that are hollow or solid and made of quartz.