Patent ID: 6287450
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: C02F

Abstract:
A water purification device for use in water rendered electrically conductive by the presence of ions but with so few ions as to permit acidity to remain within a range suitable for a swimming pool, the device comprising:a galvanic cell consisting essentially ofa first metal drawn from the group of silver and copper and zinc, in physical and electrical contact witha second metal having a higher electrochemical potential than does the first metal,where at least one of the first metal and the second metal is in the form of a planar mesh while the other metal is also in a planar form laid flat against the mesh, immersed in the water rendered electrically conductive by the presence of ions;wherein openings within the at least one mesh permit circulation of the water so that the ions within the water may readily come into contact with both the first and the second metals where there is little distance between them;wherein by galvanic action an effective amount of the first metal is liberated into the water so as to serve as to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and algae.