Drinking Water Purifying System with UV Recirculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration systems with fine filters of mesh sizes less than 80 microns face challenges in reducing bacterial concentrations and preventing pathogenic bacteria proliferation, especially in warmer water temperatures, and previous solutions like backflushing and electrolysis modules have limitations such as high costs and residual disinfectants in drinking water.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a UV radiation source and recirculation module with a pump and scraper for enhanced disinfection and cleaning, along with an ultrasound head for improved mechanical cleaning, to ensure effective removal of pathogens and maintenance without chemical use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fine filter with mesh size less than 80 microns is used to remove particles, then particle filtration is improved, but bacterial concentration reduction becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fine filter (for particle removal) with a UV radiation source (for bacterial disinfection) into a single water purification system. The fine filter with mesh size 10-80 microns captures particles while the UV source simultaneously or subsequently eliminates bacteria, resolving the contradiction between particle filtration capability and bacterial concentration reduction.
2Productivity
If backflushing is used to clean the fine filter, then flow rate is maintained, but bacterial removal becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the backflushing cleaning mechanism with UV radiation disinfection. During or after the backflushing process that maintains flow rate, the UV radiation source activates to disinfect the water and remove bacteria from the filter, achieving both flow rate maintenance and effective bacterial removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV radiation source is positioned to irradiate water before it passes through the fine filter during normal operation, performing preliminary disinfection. This ensures bacteria are eliminated even during routine filtration, not just during cleaning cycles.
3Reliability
If electrolysis module is used for disinfection, then germicidal effect is achieved, but residual disinfectants remain in drinking water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical electrolysis disinfection system with a physical UV radiation system. UV light achieves germicidal effectiveness by damaging bacterial DNA without introducing chemical disinfectants into the water, thereby eliminating the problem of residual disinfectants while maintaining reliable bacterial elimination.
4Reliability
If UV radiation source operates continuously, then disinfection effectiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV radiation source operates periodically rather than continuously - activating during water flow conditions when disinfection is needed and deactivating during periods of no flow or low demand. This periodic operation maintains disinfection effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect water flow conditions and provide feedback to control the UV radiation source operation. When flow is detected, the UV source activates; when no flow is detected, it deactivates. This feedback-based control ensures disinfection effectiveness is maintained only when necessary, optimizing energy consumption.
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 disinfects drinking water from legionella and coliform bacteria, maintains hygiene by ensuring UV exposure even when water is not being withdrawn, and reduces operational costs by using a cost-effective and chemical-free approach.
Implementation Method 1
the system has at least one disinfection module with at least one UV radiation source, which is arranged in the direction of flow behind the fine filter
Implementation Method 2
The radiation disinfects the drinking water from legionella, coliform bacteria and other pathogenic bacteria by damaging their DNA
Implementation Method 3
The pump directs water into the return line and in particular through the return line
Implementation Method 4
the scraper has at least one drainage opening through which water can be conducted through the fine filter. It removes particles and dirt from the fine filter
Implementation Method 5
there is a backwash device, through which the water is routed in the opposite direction through the fine filter. The contaminant material on the fine filter is thus removed from the fine filter
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for purifying drinking water, wherein the system comprises at least one fine filter (4) and at least one cleaning module (16) for cleaning the fine filter (4), wherein the system also comprises at least one disinfection module (8) with at least one UV radiation source (10) arranged downstream of the fine filter (4) and at least one return module (30) through which water can be conveyed from downstream of the disinfection module (8) to upstream of the disinfection module (8).