Patent ID: 7169311
Filing Date: 2007-01-30
Classification: A61L,B01D,C02F,F24F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a chamber having exterior walls, at least one inlet and one outlet, wherein the fluid enters the chamber through the inlet and exits through the outlet, and an optically transmissive window forming at least a portion of one of said exterior walls; and a lamp adapted to generate high intensity ultraviolet (UV) radiation, said lamp positioned adjacent said window for transmitting said UV radiation into said chamber; said chamber includes an inner transmissive tube surrounded by an outer containment vessel spaced from said inner transmissive tube by a gap, said gap containing a material having an index of refraction in the ultraviolet region smaller than the index of refraction in the ultraviolet region of said walls of said chamber; said tube and said gap define walls of said chamber; wherein said ultraviolet radiation is guided through the chamber substantially via total internal reflection at said walls of said chamber; wherein said gap comprises a vacuum.