In-line UV Reactor with Total Internal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV disinfection systems for fluids face high costs and maintenance issues due to expensive optics and UV light sources, and they struggle to ensure uniform germicidal energy distribution, leading to inefficiencies in disinfection processes.
Innovation Solution
A reactor system using transparent quartz tubes with total internal reflection, surrounded by a protective sleeve with an air gap, and equipped with optical filters and light detectors, which allows for efficient UV light distribution through the fluid path, extending the light path length and increasing the probability of bacteria interaction, while maintaining compact design and adaptable geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light sources and optics are used for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but system cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the UV light source inside the transparent tube that contains the fluid, creating a nested configuration where the light source is embedded within the reaction chamber. This eliminates the need for separate external optics and housing structures, reducing component count and system cost while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the UV light source from traditional external positioning and places it directly within the fluid-containing tube. This extraction from conventional design removes the need for complex optical systems and external mounting structures, simplifying the system and reducing maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If UV light sources are positioned to maximize germicidal energy, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but light path length is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses total internal reflection to create a periodic zigzag path of light through the fluid. The light reflects repeatedly off the tube walls, extending the effective path length multiple times before exiting. This periodic reflection action allows the light to traverse a much longer distance through the fluid, increasing the probability of bacteria interaction without requiring a longer physical tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple linear light path to a three-dimensional zigzag path by utilizing the tube walls as mirrors. The light bounces off the internal surface of the tube, converting a one-dimensional direct path into a multi-dimensional reflective path that extends the effective treatment length within a compact space.
3Use of energy by moving object
If tube material has high refractive index to extend light path, then light efficiency is improved, but total internal reflection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and optimizes the refractive index parameter of the tube material. By choosing a material with an appropriate refractive index (higher than the fluid but not excessively high), the system achieves the optimal balance between extending the light path through refraction and maintaining sufficient total internal reflection at the tube walls. This parameter optimization ensures both light efficiency and reliable reflection.
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 solution enhances UV light efficiency by extending the light path within the fluid, increasing the probability of bacteria interaction, and allows for more compact and adaptable disinfection systems with reduced energy loss, achieving effective disinfection with higher light power usage without significant maintenance interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
A reactor system using transparent quartz tubes with total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
equipped with optical filters and light detectors
Implementation Method 3
irradiating the accommodated liquid with light radiation aligned into the liquid in such an angle, such that light is transmitted through the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line reactor for the treatment of liquids or gasses by light radiation is disclosed. The reactor is made of tube, pipe, or chamber made of a transparent material, having at least one fluid inlet and correspondingly at least one fluid outlet. The transparent material of the tube is selected such that its refractive index is as possible close to the refractive index of the fluid to be treated. Air gap is kept around the outer transparent walls of the reactor, in order to allow for total internal reflection inside the reactor, of light directed into it from a light source in angles of incidence greater than the critical angle. Fluid treatment systems comprising at least one said in-line reactor are also disclosed. Furthermore, method of in-line fluid treatment, and especially of water sterilization and disinfection and aseptic filling of water are disclosed. Surfaces hit by the in-line disinfected water after being launched through an outlet nozzle, could also be sterilized by launching the water with the same UV light used for the in-line treatment locked in total internal reflection within the free flow water jet.