Abstract:
A system and method for modifying monoatomic oxygen levels in an initial fluid, for applications. The system and method produces both positive and negative oxygen modified fluid that retains oxygen levels for long durations as measured by oxygen reduction potential (ORP). An incoming fluid is split between a positive chamber defined by a cathode and a porous divider and a negative chamber defined by the porous divider and an anode. The relative charge over the porous divider produces fluid with elevated ORP from the positive chamber and fluid with lowered ORP from the negative chamber. A method of killing bacteria includes contacting the bacteria with negative ORP fluid produced in the system and method to the bacteria.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/201,236 filed Aug. 5, 2015, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates to fluid modification. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a refraction system and method for modifying fluid to produce high (i.e., “positive”) and/or low (i.e., “negative”) oxygen content fluid. 
         [0003]    A complete understanding of the disclosed system may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which the technology was primarily designed for the flushing and rinse cleaning of the clogged and embedded materials captured on filtering screens, hard surfaces, of all materials or similar applications, as shown in the photographs of  FIG. 4 . The disclosed refraction technology oxidation reduction potential, (ORP) modification has proven efficient at producing a large volume of electronically modified ORP fluid, which was proven to be particularly useful in cleaning and disinfecting bacteria infected screens, eliminating the use of dangerous chemicals and extending the life of the equipment in this operation example. 
         [0004]    Fluids having an elevated positive ORP (i.e., higher concentration of monoatomic oxygen) increase oxidation, and thus can provide pathogen killing properties. For example, chlorine has a high ORP value and is commonly used as a disinfectant additive. Conversely, it is known that the ORP of healthy humans is negative and consumption of fluids with positive or even neutral ORP values consumes energy from cell membranes to reduce the ORP to the body&#39;s natural level. Accordingly, studies indicate that consuming fluids with negative ORP value (i.e., reducing agent) helps individuals maintain natural body chemistry and accordingly carry many health benefits. 
         [0005]    Disclosed herein is a system and method for non-chemically creating modified positive and negative charged ORP fluid streams. These modified fluid output streams carrying electrically modified ORP levels ranging, for example, from approximately +1200 ORP to approximately −700 ORP (specific range is adjustable and non-limiting). 
         [0006]    It is known that conventional ORP modified fluids will naturally return toward a neutral ORP level over time, oftentimes very rapidly. As a result, common ORP modified products need to be applied or consumed in a timely manner to be most effective for the desired use and effect. In addition to modifying ORP levels in incoming fluids without requiring chemical additives, the disclosed system and method has proven to yield modified fluids that maintain modified ORP levels for longer durations than known chemical-based ORP modification methods. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    There is a need for a refraction technology oxygen modification system and method for efficiently producing modified ORP fluids at adjustable levels of charge on a large scale without introduction of chemicals. Moreover, there is a need for a system and method for producing modified ORP fluid that maintains its altered ORP level for extended durations. 
         [0008]    The disclosed refraction system and method efficiently provides two adjacent flow paths through separate chambers for fluid treatment—one carrying a positive charge that yields an output flow of positive ORP fluid; and the other carrying a negative charge that yields an output flow of negative ORP fluid. The positive and negative ORP fluids are produced from the system simultaneously. Tests have shown that positive ORP fluid modified via the disclosed refraction system and method have proven to provide a more efficient and chemical-free cleansing and rinsing technique for eliminating bacteria without the use of dangerous chemicals (such as concentrated hydrochloric acid). In a test for cleaning and disinfecting a filter screen at a sewage treatment plant, positive ORP modified fluid produced by the disclosed system and method showed significantly superior results compared to presently used materials and processes which require harsh and highly concentrated chemicals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Aspects of the preferred embodiment will be described in reference to the Drawings, where like numerals reflect like elements: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a side schematic of an embodiment of a refraction oxygen modification system in accordance with the disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of the disclosed refraction oxygen modification system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an end view of an end cap employed within the disclosed refraction oxygen modification system; and 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4A-4E  show a series of photographs depicting treatment of a contaminated filtration screen using the negatively charged fluid modified within the refraction oxygen modification system of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    A schematic of a refraction technology oxygen modification system is designated as reference numeral  10  in  FIG. 1 . Multiple modified fluid streams are prepared by providing a primary stream of incoming fluid having an initial ORP value to the system  10  via the inlet  31 . The incoming fluid typically ranges from tap water to waste water of average hardness and mineral content, though the disclosed embodiment is not so limited. The refraction technology oxygen modification system  10  can be adjusted in real time during operation to provide a specific range of desired flow rates. A preferred disclosed embodiment employs a flow rate of roughly 10 to 40 gallons per minute, and more preferably around 25 gallons per minute, with an upper and lower surface area within each chamber of approximately 72 in 2 . 
         [0015]    A preferred embodiment of the system  10  comprises an outer housing  40  made from a non-conductive material, such as a plastic or another polymer. Opposite electrodes  12  and  14  each comprise a substantially flat metal sheet positioned within the housing  40  sealed along all edges of the respective electrodes either to a portion of the housing or an intermediate member like a gasket. In a preferred embodiment, the metal sheets are stainless steel and take a rectangular shape of equal dimensions. The stainless steel sheet electrodes  12  and  14  are spaced from one another substantially parallel approximately 0.1875 inches apart. A substantially flat porous divider  16 , preferably in the form of a sheet of an alumina material, is positioned approximately equidistant between the spaced metal sheets  12  and  14 . Preferably, the porous divider  16  is also sealed within the housing  40  at all edges, thereby defining a first chamber  18  with the first electrode  12  and a second chamber  20  with the second electrode  14 . The spacing distance between the respective electrodes  12  and  14  and the porous divider  16  can vary as needed for specific operating conditions of the system  10 , such conditions including fluid flow rate, voltage applied to the electrodes, initial ORP of the incoming fluid and desired ORP of the output modified fluid. Embodiments exist with spacing between an electrode ( 12  or  14 ) and the porous divider of up to 0.2 inches, and even more preferably between approximately 0.025 and 0.125 inches. A particularly preferred embodiment includes spacing of approximately 0.0625 inches between each electrode ( 12 ,  14 ) and the divider  16 . In a preferred embodiment, each of the electrodes  12  and  14 , and the porous divider are each approximately 0.0625 inches thick. These dimensions are only exemplary, and non-limiting to the scope of the disclosure. Further, embodiments exist wherein the first electrode  12  and second electrode  14  are not equidistant from the porous divider  16 . 
         [0016]    The housing  40  may take the form of a four-sided plastic cap for accommodating rectangular metal sheets  12  and  14 , and the porous divider  16  with each side of the plastic cap  40  mating with each of the metal sheets and the divider in a fluid tight seal. The plastic cap housing  40  typically includes one or more fluid ports in an end cap  26  in communication with the incoming fluid flow path, defining an inlet to each of the first and second treatment chambers,  18  and  20 . Each of the electrodes is electrically connected to a separate electric current with opposite electrical charges to the electrodes. Non-conductive sealing members, such as gaskets, may be included at the interface between the housing  40  and each of the conductive members  12  and  14 , and the divider  16 , to assist in maintaining a fluid tight seal. 
         [0017]    In the disclosed system  10 , the conductive dividers,  12  and  14 , form the oppositely charged electrodes (i.e., become an anode or cathode) when a positive or negative electrical charge is applied during operation of the system. For example, in a preferred embodiment, a voltage of varying strength up to 180V DC with a current between approximately 30-40 amperes is provided between electrode  12  and  14 . One skilled in the art of oxygenating fluid treatment can appreciate that actual operating conditions that are linked with properties of the fluids, such as for example the total dissolved solids (TDS), will vary. Necessarily, more power in voltage and amperage is required to treat fluids with higher TDS measurements. 
         [0018]    As shown and described, the porous divider  16  is positioned intermediate a respective outer conductive member  12  and inner conductive member  14 , thereby defining adjacent flow chambers  18  and  20 . Preferably, the porous divider is formed from a ceramic or alumina material. In the depictions of the Figures, the first chamber  18  is designated as the “positive” chamber and second chamber  20  is designated as the “negative” chamber, as a result of conductive member  12  acting as the cathode and conductive member  14  acting as the anode. As the separate streams of fluid flow through the respective chambers,  18  and  20 , ions are created and separated between the respective chambers by the porous divider  16 . The porous divider  16  is preferably an aluminum oxide divider with a minimum surface area over which fluid passes of approximately 72 in 2  (sheets of 6 in×12 in dimensions), positioned approximately equidistant between the cathode  12  and the anode  14 , thereby providing substantially equal volumes of fluid flow through the respective chambers,  18  and  20 . This is of course an exemplary preferred surface area, chosen for a particular flow rate (25 gallons per minute), and non-limiting to the herein disclosure. 
         [0019]    Whether elevated (positive) ORP fluid or reduced (negative) ORP fluid is formed in one chamber or the other chamber ( 18  or  20 ) is simply a matter of operation choice, dependent on the relative orientation of the electrodes ( 12  and  14 ). The porous divider  16  preferably includes series of 0.05 micron diffusion paths sized to allow ionic movement/transfer between the respective electrodes, while inhibiting molecular diffusion. Preferably, the porosity of the aluminum oxide divider is within the range of approximately 30% to approximately 60%. 
         [0020]    Further, fluid flow rate through each chamber can be altered by varying the size of the openings leading to the particular chamber. With reference to  FIG. 3 , a side view of a portion of the endcap  26  of the housing  40  is shown. Larger slots  28  are formed in the housing in a position aligned with the positively charged chamber  18 , while smaller openings  30  are formed in the housing in a position aligned with the negatively charged chamber  20 . This comparative sizing necessarily results in a faster flow rate through the positive chamber than through the negative chamber. 
         [0021]    The exemplary embodiment described herein comprises rectangular metal sheets ( 12  and  14 ), divider  16  and housing  40 . It should be understood that these elements can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, scaled as desired for a particular application, performance and fluid flow. For example, the disclosed refraction technology oxygen modification system  10  may include conductive members  12  and  14  and/or porous divider(s)  16  having general cross sectional shape of, for example, a parallelogram, arc, inverted arcs, or ellipses or different contours, such as toothed, splined, waved or spurred. As noted above, a preferred embodiment includes conductive members  12  and  14 , and porous dividers  16  each having dimensions of approximately 12 inches×6 inches, resulting in a surface area of each element interfacing flowing fluid of 72 in 2  (approximately 465 cm 2 ). This exemplary sizing can be scaled upward to accommodate and treat larger volumes of fluid. 
         [0022]    Further, the fluid flow rate may be controlled in a plurality of different ways. In addition to the end cap  26  depicted in  FIG. 3 , a variable on/off valve (not depicted) positioned along the incoming fluid flow line  31  upstream of the end cap  26  can be used to assist regulation of the volume of incoming fluid flow. An outlet valve (not depicted) may also be positioned along each of the outgoing fluid flow lines  32   a  and  34   a  upstream of the respective outlet  32  and  34  to control the rate of flow through each respective positive and negative chamber  18  and  20 . Regulation of flow with the inlet and outlet valves in this manner allows manipulation to desired ORP values by maintaining the fluid being treated within each chamber for either longer or shorter durations. For example, slowing fluid flow through a positive chamber  18 , thereby maintaining fluid within the chamber for a longer duration, results in output fluid from that chamber having a higher positive ORP value than fluid passing through at a faster flow rate under the same conditions. 
         [0023]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the refraction technology oxygen modification system  10  may optionally include an ultraviolet (UV) light source  38  exposed to incoming fluid flow. The preferred embodiment of the ultra violet light source  38  is within a glass enclosure that allows outward transmission of UV rays positioned such that all incoming fluid is exposed to UV rays prior to entering the positive and negative treatment chambers  18  and  20 . The depicted positioning ensures that all fluid subject to ORP modification in the system  10  is treated with UV radiation. Exposing the incoming fluid to UV radiation kills pathogens that may be present in the incoming fluid prior to modification of monoatomic oxygen levels. While raising the ORP of the incoming fluid to certain positive levels will necessarily kill pathogens that may be present, pathogens entering the negative chamber would not be killed by negative modification. The UV light source therefore allows the system to provide both positive and negative ORP that are substantially pure. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  also shows a plurality of adjustment fasteners  42  extending the length of the system  10 . The depicted fasteners  42  are in the form of elongate screws through opposite sides of the housing  40 . The fasteners  42  are tightened via a threaded bolt or similar to lock the sheet-like inner members (electrodes  12  and  14 , and porous divider  14 ) rigidly in place. The fasteners  42  can optionally be loosened to release the housing and allow access to the inner portions of the system  10 , for removal of the inner members for inspection, cleaning or, if necessary, repair and replacement. Typically, at least one side of the housing  40  may be removable or pivotable relative to an adjacent side to allow the sheet electrodes  12  and  14 , and divider  16  to be slid out from the housing when the fasteners  42  are removed (left to right sliding in the representative depiction of  FIG. 1 ). Preferably, the system  10  includes four or more fasteners  42  in total—at least two upper fasteners spaced from one another above the first electrode  12 , and at least two lower fasteners spaced from one another below the UV source  38  in the  FIG. 1  depiction. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  depicts an alternate embodiment of the disclosed refraction technology oxygen modification system  100 . This embodiment of the system  100 , includes an upper treatment section  122  and a lower treatment section  124 , each having a positive modification chamber ( 118   a  and  118   b ) and a negative ORP modification chamber ( 120   a  and  120   b ). Each of the treatment sections  122  and  124  is configured and operates substantially like the system  10  of  FIG. 1 . That is, each section  122  and  124  has a first electrode ( 112   a  and  112   b ) spaced from a second electrode ( 114   a  and  114   b ) with a porous divider ( 116   a  and  116   b ) positioned therebetween. A single source of incoming fluid at an initial ORP enters via the inlet  131  and is split between the upper and lower sections  122  and  124 . Each treatment section includes an end cap ( 126   a  and  126   b ) like that shown as reference numeral  26  in  FIG. 3  for providing incoming fluid to its positive ORP modification chamber  118   a  and  118   b , and its negative ORP modification chamber  120   a  and  120   b . Further, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the outgoing fluid lines of the positive chambers  118   a  and  118   b  may be combined upstream of a single positive ORP modified fluid outlet  132 . Likewise, the negative ORP modified fluid lines may join upstream of a single negative ORP fluid outlet  134 . Like the embodiment of the system  10  of  FIG. 1 , the system  100  has an outer housing  140  made from a non-conductive material that maintains the electrodes and dividers in a fluid tight seal around all edges. 
         [0026]    In the depicted embodiment, a positive charge is provided to the first electrodes  112   a  and  112   b  (also referred to as the outer electrodes), and a negative charge is provided to the second (inner) electrodes  114   a  and  114   b . The respective first electrodes may be electrically connected to one another, and the second electrodes may be electrically connected to one another, for providing the same voltage to each cathode and anode from a singular positive and negative source. Alternatively, respective first electrodes and respective second electrodes can be electrically insulated from one another, allowing a different voltage to be provided to each electrode and greater variation to the system. Like with the single-treatment section embodiment of  FIG. 1 , which electrode acts as an anode and cathode is a matter of operation choice simply dependent on which electrode(s) receive positive and negative voltage. 
         [0027]    The preferred operating conditions, dimensions, spacing, materials, relative relationships and positioning of each of the electrodes and porous divider are substantially the same as in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . The dual-section system  100  of  FIG. 2  is simply capable of processing a larger volume of fluid per unit time relative to the system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a UV chamber  138  may be positioned centrally so that all fluid entering the system  100  is exposed to UV radiation prior to ORP modification. Like the system  10  of  FIG. 1 , the dual-section system  100  of  FIG. 2  can include a plurality of adjustment fasteners  142  extending longitudinally through opposite sides of the housing  140 . 
         [0029]    Positive ORP output fluid and negative ORP fluid produced by the disclosed systems  10  and  100  can be used for a wide variety of useful purposes. Positive ORP fluid has shown to provide strong pathogen killing properties without the safety drawbacks of chemical-based ORP modification techniques. Negative ORP fluid has been shown to provide positive physiological effects when consumed by individuals. Further, the modified fluids produced by the herein described system and method have shown resistance to normalization toward neutral ORP levels as compared to chemical-based ORP modified fluids. 
         [0030]    Examples 1 and 2 below show the strong pathogen killing properties and industrial impact of positive ORP fluid produced by the described system and method. 
       Example 1 
       [0031]    In Example 1, suspensions of  Pseudomonas aeruginosa  (Sample A),  Salmonella  sp (Sample B),  Listeria monocytogenes  (Sample C),  Staphylococcus aureus  (Sample D),  Escherichia coli  (Sample E) and  Serratia marcescens  (Sample F) were prepared and diluted to 100,000 fu/mL for inoculation. The level of each 6 inoculum suspension was tested by plating a dilution of the suspension containing 100 cfu/mL. 
         [0032]    For each bacteria suspension (A-F), three 100 mL samples were prepared for comparative purposes. Each 100 mL sample was inoculated with 100,000 colony forming units (cfu) of the appropriate bacteria, resulting in 1,000 cfu of bacteria per mL of sample. 
         [0033]    Each sample was then mixed with modified fluid prepared using the disclosed system  10  and method with an ORP value of approximately +700. The samples of each bacteria were tested at different intervals from the time of mixing with modified fluid: 1 mL of each sample was removed at 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes measured from the time of mixing. Each 1 mL portion was then mixed by swirling with Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) immediately after removal. 
         [0034]    The 1 mL portions of Sample B ( Salmonella ), Sample D ( Staphylococcus ) and Sample E ( Escherichia ) were incubated at 38° C. The 1 mL portions of Sample A ( Pseudomonas ), Sample C ( Listeria ) and Sample F ( Serratia ) were incubated at 32° C. After 48 hours of incubation the plates were inspected for presence of bacteria colonies. 
         [0035]    The results showed that fluid samples of +700 ORP fluid (from the negative charge output  34 ) successfully eliminating each of the six tested bacteria within 30 seconds of the bacteria&#39;s addition. 
       Example 2 
       [0036]      FIG. 4  shows a photo time table depicting a test screen cleaning using the modified fluid treated with the disclosed oxidation refraction system  10 . Fluid samples from the negative chamber (+700 ORP) were tested and displayed varying degrees of effectiveness. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4A  depicts the fully contaminated and dried filtration screen to be treated.  FIG. 4B  depicts the screen of  FIG. 4A  approximately 5 seconds after an initial rinse with the oxidized fluid.  FIG. 4C  depicts the screen 15 seconds after the initial rinse with oxidized fluid.  FIG. 4D  depicts the screen 20 seconds after the initial rinse.  FIG. 4E  depicts a fully cleaned screen, less than 30 seconds after the initial rinse with oxygen modified fluid.  FIG. 4E  further shows that the fluid draining from the filter is clear in appearance (clean). 
         [0038]    The actual experimental photos shown in  FIGS. 4A-4E  and described above are an example of a test performed to eliminate the buildup and bacteria on a filtration screen used for filtering hard waste at a sewage treatment plant. The known procedure for cleaning the same filtration screens is a chemical treatment, whereby highly concentrated chlorine or acids are forced through the screen material over a course of several hours. A typical treatment with concentrated acid takes up to four hours, thereby requiring a significant duration of shutdown at the facility. Moreover, such chemical cleansing treatments require special handling and disposal of the toxic treatment chemicals. The force feeding process also causes damage to the screens over time. 
         [0039]    In contrast, the oxygen modified fluid with an ORP value of +700 produced by the disclosed refraction system  10  eliminates the use of chemical cleansing techniques and force feeding of fluid through screens, thereby significantly extending the life of each screen in a safe, non-toxic environment in approximately 30 seconds, thereby eliminating hours of downtime at the sewage treatment plant. 
         [0040]    The refraction technology oxygen modification system  10  allows variations to control the output to a desired ORP fluid, as desired for a specific application. Therefore it concluded that the modified water output for the specific ORP fluid selected (+700 ORP fluid) was extremely effective in elimination of the bacteria, loosening the grip of the attached/clogged materials captured on the test screens and effectively removing these materials from the screens. As shown and described in  FIG. 4 , no chemicals were used under this controlled test conditions. 
         [0041]    Although the inventive refraction technology oxygen modification system and process has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. The system is not limited to the preferred embodiment described herein. For example, the device may be scaled in size and shape to vary from application to application, depending upon the flow and ORP requirements as well as batch sample applications.