System and method for producing massive amounts of elemental iodine

A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to iodine production, in particular to a system and method for producing elemental iodine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diseases, such as, but not limited to,salmonella, often are found in chickens and poultry, such as those found on a chicken farm. Additionally, bacteria, such as, but not limited to,e coli, has also been found on farms. Thus, there is a need to eliminate or reduce these and other diseases and bacteria from farms and other locations. The present invention is directed to addressing this problem and also helps to purify drinking water systems and other system and provides a system and method for generating or extracting active elemental iodine and introducing the elemental iodine back into a drinking water system. The use of the elemental iodine generated by the present invention method and system may also be beneficial for treating medical problems and for other uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and system for the storage of crystal iodine where it is use the system to create elemental iodine. The extracted elemental iodine can be used for different medical needs, such as but not limited to, treating wounds, protecting the thyroid glands from radioactive iodine exposure, disinfecting water supplies, etc. The extracted elemental iodine is provided in an active elemental iodine form and not iodides. Iodine is derived from a family of halogens which include the following members, Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine, and Astatine. From this group elemental iodine is the only one known to have the ability to disinfect or cure many diseases, and can be used to protect the thyroid gland from exposure to harmful elements. The system does not require the use of electricity or complex mechanical elements in order to produce the active elemental iodine.

Generally, the present invention system and method permits a constant flow and extraction of elemental iodine through the contact of flowing water with the stored crystal iodine. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the system can include two housings (i.e. PVC, stainless steel, etc.) which can be tube shaped and can be approximately 1 inch to approximately 6 inches or more in diameter. Though also not limiting, the walls of the housing can be approximately ¼ inch thick. The housings are preferably connected in series with the first housing serving as a primary unit and the second housing serving as a secondary unit. The housings can each be provided with a removable cap and are filed with crystal iodine, which can be approximately 98% pure. The housings can be mounted or secured to a platform for easy handling.

The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be back flowed or back pressured, through the partial opening of a gate valve in the water supply line, where the back flowed water is redirected through a water entry line to the first housing. The back flowed water enters the first housing and contacts the stored crystal iodine causing the water to get iodinized (creating or extracting active elemental iodine). The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters the second housing where it contacts the crystal iodine stored therein which helps to stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The extracted elemental iodine can be used for many purposes, some of which have been mentioned above. However, the desired potency of the elemental iodine can be different from one use to another. Thus, the system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of control and/or metering valves and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the secondary housing. One travel route can include a water reentry line for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into the water supply line. Another travel route provides a hose where the extracted elemental iodine can be directly applied and most likely in a more potent form as compared to reentry into the water supply line where the concentration of the elemental iodine is diluted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As seen in the FIGURE the present invention provides a system and method for creating active elemental iodine and is generally referenced as system10. System10redirects water from a water supply line20through one or more housings containing crystal iodine which forms elemental iodine upon contact with water. Water supply line20can be any type of water source, such as, but not limited to a main water line from water plant, a garden hose (wherein threads on inlet21could be provided for connecting the garden hose to system10), etc.

The formed or generated elemental iodine (iodinized or iodinated water) can be mixed back into the water supply line to dilute the elemental iodine or the created elemental iodine can be directly administered, such as, but not limited to, through an outlet hose, where it can be provided in a more potent or higher concentration form. As mentioned above, system10can be installed within a water plant supply line, connected to a garden hose, etc. Where installed within a water supply line, system10can merely create a break in the flow of at least a portion of the water from through water supply line20for use in creating elemental iodine through contact with crystal iodine.

A water supply inlet21of system10can be in communication with water supply line20. Depending on the position of a valve24(i.e. gate valve, etc.), water entering inlet21from water supply line20can either travel through non-mixing water route or pipe line22and/or mixing water route or pipe line23. Where mixing is not desired, valve24is opened and valve26is closed causing water to travel through non-mixing water route22and to ultimately continue through water supply line20unchanged as if the present invention system10was not present.

Where the creation of elemental iodine is desired, valve26is opened and valve24can be partially, but not fully, opened. The partial opening of valve24creates back pressure and causes a first portion of the water entering inlet22to continue through and out of water line22unchanged, while also creating a backflow at valve24to direct a remaining portion of the water through water exit line25and valve26and into tubing28to serve as an inlet line into a first cylinder or canister60containing or housing an amount of crystal iodine150.

Water exit line25is disposed before the point of location for valve24in water supply line22and an iodinized water (having a level of active elemental iodine in parts per million) reentry line27is disposed at a point of location beyond valve24in water supply line20.

First cylinder, canister, receptacle, vessel, housing, container, etc. (collectively referred as “Cylinder60”) is provided with a water inlet port having a tubing connection mechanism62provided towards the top of first cylinder60wherein one end of tubing28is attached. First cylinder60is also provided with an outlet port having a tubing connection mechanism64provided towards the bottom of the first cylinder60for exiting the created elemental iodine (as discussed below) out of first cylinder60. Disposed within first cylinder60is a substantial amount of crystal iodine150which extends from at or near the bottom of first cylinder60up until it is at or near the top of first cylinder60.

First cylinder60can be provided with a removable cap70(i.e. threaded and screwed to first cylinder60, snugly secured to first cylinder60, etc.) which is sealed through an o-ring71, gasket, etc. Removable cap70permits access to the interior area of first cylinder60for adding a fresh supply or additional crystal iodine150. The amount of crystal iodine150contained within first cylinder60decreases through its absorption by the water flowing through first cylinder60. Thus, after enough much water passes through first cylinder60, a new or additional supply of crystal iodine will be required to be stored within first cylinder60. By removing cap70, access to the interior area of first cylinder60is provided for supplying the new or additional amount of crystal iodine150. Preferably, a new o-ring71, gasket, etc. can also be provided each time crystal iodine is added to first cylinder60and/or cap70is removed.

Though not preferred, it is also within the scope of the invention to permanently attach cap70to first cylinder60(or not have a cap but instead a permanent top) such that when it is time for a new supply of crystal iodine150the entire first cylinder60/cap70is replaced with a new first cylinder60/cap70having the fresh supply of crystal iodine150contained therein.

The higher position of the inlet port to the outlet port on first cylinder60causes the water entering into first cylinder60through the inlet portion to flow downward and contact a substantial portion of crystal iodine150prior to exiting out of the outlet port and into tubing88attached at a first end at the outlet port of first cylinder60. Though not preferred, it is also within the scope of the invention to reverse the positions of the ports such that the water enters from the bottom of first cylinder60and flows upward to exit out of the outlet port of first cylinder60.

A second cylinder, canister, receptacle, vessel, housing, container, etc. (collectively referred as “Cylinder100”) is provided with an inlet port having a tubing connection mechanism102provided towards the top of second cylinder100wherein a second end of tubing88is attached for receiving within second cylinder100the elemental iodine created within first cylinder60. Second cylinder100is also provided with an outlet port having a tubing connection mechanism104provided towards the bottom of the second cylinder100for exiting the further stabilized elemental iodine out of second cylinder100(discussed in more detail below). Disposed within second cylinder100is a substantial amount of crystal iodine150which extends from at or near the bottom of second cylinder100up until the crystal iodine is at or near the top of second cylinder100.

Second cylinder100can be provided with a removable cap110(i.e. threaded and screwed to second cylinder100, snugly secured to second cylinder100, etc.) which is sealed through an o-ring111, gasket, etc. Removable cap110permits access to the interior area of second cylinder100for adding a fresh supply or additional crystal iodine150. The amount of crystal iodine150contained within second cylinder100decreases through its absorption by the elemental iodine flowing into second cylinder60that was created within first cylinder60. Thus, after enough elemental iodine passes through second cylinder100, a new or additional supply of crystal iodine will be required to be stored within second cylinder100. By removing cap110, access to the interior area of second cylinder100is provided for supplying the new or additional amount of crystal iodine150. Preferably, a new o-ring111, gasket, etc. can also be provided each time crystal iodine is added to second cylinder100and/or cap110is removed.

The directing of the elemental iodine created in first cylinder60through second cylinder100increases the parts per million concentration of the elemental iodine and helps to stabilize or provide a consistent concentration for the elemental iodine created by system10.

Though not preferred, it is also within the scope of the invention to permanently attach cap110to second cylinder100(or not have a cap but instead a permanent top) such that when it is time for a new supply of crystal iodine150the entire second cylinder100/cap110is replaced with a new second cylinder100/cap110having the fresh supply of crystal iodine150contained therein.

The higher position of the inlet port to the outlet port on second cylinder100causes the elemental iodine created in first cylinder60entering into second cylinder100through the inlet portion to flow downward and contact a substantial portion of crystal iodine150prior to exiting out of the outlet port. Though not preferred, it is also within the scope of the invention to reverse the positions of the ports such that the elemental iodine enters from the bottom of second cylinder100and flows upward to exit out of the outlet port of second cylinder100.

First cylinder60can be constructed similar or the same as second cylinder100and for a system having more then two cylinders, all of the cylinders can be constructed similar or same. Additionally, systems having more then two cylinders can be connected in series communication with each similar to how the outlet of first cylinder60feeds into the input of second cylinder100.

An outlet pipeline120, tubing, etc. is in communication with second cylinder100through the second cylinder outlet port. A valve, such as a metering valve92, is provided in outlet pipeline120for controlling the flow of elemental iodine flowing out of second cylinder100. Where the system is provided with a single cylinder, the outlet pipeline120and metering valve92can be at the outlet of the single cylinder. Similarly, for a system having more then two cylinders, the outer pipeline120and metering valve92can be disposed at the outlet of the last cylinder of the plurality of cylinders.

Metering valve92helps to control how much parts per million of active elemental iodine will be in the water supply when the supply of iodinized water is introduced into water supply line20through reentry line27beyond valve24. Metering valve92can be provided with a series of numbers with each number representing or corresponding to a certain amount of elemental iodine in parts per million. Thus, an operator merely turns a dial, indicator, etc. to the number corresponding to the desired amount of parts per million.

The further stabilized active elemental iodine leaves the outlet port of second cylinder100(or the last cylinder in a more than two cylinder system) and can be directed for reentry into water supply line20through reentry line27. A valve29can be provided in reentry27to further control the flow of the iodinized water (elemental iodine). As an alternative to having the elemental iodine reenter water supply line20, a hose or other connector can be attached at metering valve port95. Thus, where the iodinized water (elemental iodine) is reentering water supply line20, a first end of the elemental iodine (iodinized water) reentry line27can be connected at a metering valve port95.

For other applications of the iodinized water (elemental iodine), a hose103with or without a sprayer105, a dispenser, a tubing member, another water line, etc. can be connected to metering valve port95. To switch the item to be connected to or at metering valve port95, especially if water is still entering into first cylinder60, metering valve92can be moved to a “closed” position, to prevent the iodinized water (elemental iodine) from continuing to flow through. With valve92in a closed position, the various items connectable to port95can be switched as desired. Once the desired item (elemental iodine reentry line27, hose103, sprayer, dispenser, etc.) is properly connected at port95, valve92can be moved to an “open” position to permit the flow of the iodinized water (elemental iodine). When hose103/sprayer105is connected at port95, the flow of iodinized water (elemental iodine) flowing out of sprayer105can be controlled by an on/off valve107. Additionally, where only reentry of the iodinized water (elemental iodine) into water supply line20is desired, the elemental iodine reentry line27can extend from the outlet port of second cylinder100(or last cylinder of a more than two cylinder system) to the water supply line20beyond valve24. In this version a single valve can be provided to control elemental iodine flow and the connection of iodinized water reentry line27can be permanent (though such is not considered limiting).

In use valve24is turned such that water following through from water supply20into high22creates a backflow to direct a certain amount of water through opening26into tubing28and into cylinder60. The water going into cylinder60is exposed to and reacts with the crystal iodine and creates elemental iodine therefrom the exposure and reaction. The elemental iodine then leaves cylinder60and travels through tubing88until it reaches second cylinder100. The elemental iodinized water going into cylinder100is exposed to and reacts with the crystal iodine to further stabilize the active elemental iodine. The elemental iodine then leaves cylinder100and travels through iodinized water reentry line27back into the water supply, through hosing103, or as otherwise desired.

Where the iodinized water is fed back into the water supply line20, it can be mixed with water passing through valve24so that the potency or concentration of the elemental iodine is diluted. The reduced potency iodine can be effective in treating and killing many diseases known to exist in water supply lines and as fluid source to farm animals can be used as a treatment of diseases found in such animals, such as, but not limited to,salmonella.Attaching hose103or another attachment provides the elemental iodinized water in a more potent form as it is available for its desired application without being mixed with regular water flowing through water supply line20. One non-limiting use for the elemental iodine applied from hose103can be for cleaning purposes such as, but not limited to, spraying an area occupied by pigs to kill “e coli” bacteria living in the area.

Though not show a two or more connection port can be provided for the metering valve port95. Where a two port connection is provided (i.e. “Y” fitting, etc.), both the elemental iodine (iodinized water) reentry line27and hose103can be connected at port95, and a controller can be provided to select which elemental iodine travel route to open. The controller could also be set up to permit both routes to be open at the same time.

Though elemental iodine can be created from a single cylinder system and such system is considered within the scope of the invention, it is preferred, though again not absolutely required, that at least second cylinder100with its second amount of crystal iodine be provided in order to produce a more stable and consistent elemental iodine. Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is also within the scope of the invention that more than two cylinders containing crystal iodine can be provided and preferably in series similar to how the first and second cylinders described above are attached.

It should be recognized that the various water routes can be created through pipes (metal, PVC, plastic, stainless steel, etc.), tubing, hoses, etc. and such terminology can be considered interchangeable with respect to the above description and claims. Furthermore, a water travel route can be created by any possible configuration (i.e. one long pipe, fittings, short pipes, tubing, hoses, with connectors such as elbows, “forty five” connectors, “T” or “Y” shape connectors, etc.) and all are considered with the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not considered to any one type of valve and all valves capable of controlling and directing water and elemental iodine flow as described above can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention. The various valves, fittings, pipes, connectors, housings (cylinders), etc. describe above can be preferably sealably connected within the pipelines and water travel routes through conventional plumbing techniques and all such techniques and components needed therefore (i.e. gaskets, o-rings, welding materials, etc.) are considered within the present invention and are incorporated by reference. Additionally, though the invention is intended to be use with a water supply line, it is also considered within the scope of the invention to pass through other types of fluids in addition or alternatively to water.

System10can be supported in position by any frame or support system. In one non-limiting example, brackets131, braces, straps, etc. can be used to secure system10to a wall, structure, platform, etc. Additionally, the connection of system10within a water supply line may be itself, provide enough support for system10.

While the invention has been described and disclosed in certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, person skilled in the art who have acquainted themselves with the invention, will appreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments and modifications disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within the scope of the invention.