Water Sanitisation Device With In Situ Chlorine Dioxide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems face challenges with chlorine dioxide's high production costs, safety risks, instability, and inefficiencies, as well as the labor-intensive nature of chlorine dosing and pH balance maintenance in swimming pools and spas.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the direct addition of sodium chlorite and/or sodium chlorate to water, combined with hydrogen peroxide, and conversion to chlorine dioxide using an electrolysis cell, controlled by a system that maintains optimal chlorine dioxide levels, thereby stabilizing chlorine dioxide and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine is used to sanitise pool water, then effective pathogen elimination is achieved, but strong taste and smell irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter from chlorine (Cl2) to chlorine dioxide (ClO2), which has different chemical properties. Chlorine dioxide provides effective sanitization without the strong taste and smell associated with chlorine, as it does not form the same irritating compounds when reacting with organic substances in pool water.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the previously harmful strong smell and taste of chlorine into a benefit by using chlorine dioxide, which eliminates pathogens effectively while avoiding the irritating sensory effects. The harmful oxidation property of chlorine is retained in chlorine dioxide but without the unwanted sensory byproducts.
2Extent of automation
If salt chlorinators are used to convert salt water into chlorine gas, then automated chlorine generation is achieved, but salt and calcium build up on cells requiring manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical reaction parameter from electrolysis of salt water to electrochemical generation of chlorine dioxide from sodium chlorite. This parameter change eliminates the formation of insoluble salt and calcium deposits on cells, as the reaction products remain soluble and do not precipitate on the electrochemical cell surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses soluble sodium chlorite as a consumable chemical that can be easily replenished, replacing the durable but maintenance-intensive electrolytic cells. The sodium chlorite solution is inexpensive and can be added periodically without requiring cell cleaning or replacement.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous salt chlorinator operation is used, then constant chlorine supply is achieved, but incorrect dosing occurs due to site-specific factors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback control system where chlorine dioxide levels are continuously monitored and the sodium chlorite dosing is automatically adjusted to maintain optimal levels. This feedback mechanism accounts for site-specific factors such as pool volume, usage intensity, temperature, and sunlight exposure, ensuring precise dosing despite varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static continuous dosing to dynamic adjustable dosing. The system automatically modifies the dosing rate based on real-time conditions, increasing dosing when chlorine dioxide levels drop due to high usage or temperature, and reducing dosing when levels are sufficient, thereby achieving both continuity and precision.
4Reliability
If chlorine dioxide is used for water treatment, then effective pathogen elimination without obnoxious odours is achieved, but high production cost and safety risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical chlorine dioxide generation systems with a simple electrochemical cell that generates chlorine dioxide in situ from sodium chlorite. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive external chlorine dioxide production facilities and the associated safety risks of handling and storing concentrated chlorine dioxide.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses sodium chlorite as an intermediary substance that can be safely stored and transported, then converted to chlorine dioxide at the point of use through electrochemical reaction. This intermediary approach separates the safe storage material (sodium chlorite) from the active sanitizing agent (chlorine dioxide), reducing safety risks and production costs.
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 provides stable, long-lasting chlorine dioxide sanitization, reducing safety risks and operational costs while maintaining effective pathogen elimination, even in low TDS conditions, and allows for continuous sanitization without frequent manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
converting the sodium chlorite and/or sodium chlorate to chlorine dioxide in an electrolysis cell
Implementation Method 2
The combination of hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide has stabilising effects on chlorine dioxide, extending its lifespan in water
Implementation Method 3
Chlorine dioxide is a potent and useful oxidizing agent which can be used in water treatment... chlorine dioxide has several applications within the water treatment industry, and it is particularly good at eliminating pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sanitising a body of water including the steps of adding sodium chlorite and/or sodium chlorate to the body of water and converting the sodium chlorite and/or sodium chlorate to chlorine dioxide in an electrolysis cell which is in fluid communication with a water circulation system of the body of water.