Wetted System Sanitization via Gas Flow Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wetted systems, such as building plumbing, are prone to bacterial proliferation when idle, leading to health risks and biofilm formation, and current sanitizing methods using disinfectants are not environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
Inducing gas movement through pipes and fixtures to dry out internal surfaces and extract pathogens, using a method that can involve blowing or sucking gas through the system, with options for one-way or tidal flow, and potentially adding a biocide, heating, and dehumidification, and using a sanitization device with monitoring and filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water carrying systems are left idle, then water quality deteriorates and pathogen proliferation occurs, but continuous flushing and disinfectant use are required to maintain safety
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes residual water from the system using gas flow, separating the water removal function from continuous chemical disinfectant application. By blowing gas through the system, water is suctioned out via condensation and capillary action, eliminating the need for ongoing chemical waste generation while maintaining pathogen prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces chemical disinfectant systems with a physical gas flow mechanism. Gas is blown through the system to create negative pressure that draws water out through pipes and fixtures, using mechanical/physical forces rather than chemical substances to achieve sanitization.
2Reliability
If gas is blown through the system to dry surfaces, then pathogen proliferation is prevented, but additional equipment and energy are required
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it dries surfaces to prevent pathogen growth, extracts residual water through condensation and capillary action, and can be integrated with existing building ventilation or compression systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sanitization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the building's existing gas supply infrastructure (compression or ventilation systems) to provide the gas flow needed for sanitization. The process leverages natural condensation and capillary action in the pipes themselves to remove water, requiring minimal additional mechanical components beyond simple gas delivery.
3Reliability
If disinfectants are used regularly, then pathogen proliferation is controlled, but environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the naturally occurring condensation and capillary action in water pipes into a beneficial sanitization mechanism. Instead of viewing residual water as a problem requiring chemical treatment, the system uses the water's own physical properties combined with gas flow to extract and remove it, turning a potential harm into a useful water removal process that prevents pathogen growth without chemicals.
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
Effectively sanitizes wetted systems by drying out surfaces and extracting pathogens, reducing health risks and environmental impact by minimizing chemical waste, and being suitable for various systems including inaccessible pipework.
Implementation Method 1
inducing the movement of a gas through pipes and fixtures of said system to dry out the internal surfaces and structures of the system
Implementation Method 2
the gas movement is achieved by blowing the gas into and through the pipes and fixtures of said system and/or sucking the gas through and out of the pipes and fixtures of said system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a device and a method for sanitizing a wetted system, such as a building plumbing system, to reduce the environment hazards of bacteria build up in systems that have been left dormant for an extended period. The method operates by inducing the movement of a gas through pipes and fixtures of said system to dry out the internal surfaces and structures of the system. The gas movement is achieved by blowing the gas into and through the pipes and fixtures of said system and/or sucking the gas through and out of the pipes and fixtures of said system.