Abstract:
There is described In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a radiation source assembly comprising: (i) an elongate radiation source; (ii) a positioning element connected to a proximal portion of the elongate radiation source; and (iii) a connecting portion secured to a proximal portion of the positioning element and configured to engage a support element to maintain a distal portion of the elongate radiation source in a cantilevered position. The present radiation source assembly is configured such that the distal portion of the radiation source is cantilevered with the respect to the distal portion of the protective sleeve in which it is disposed. This feature obviates the need to use spacers, stops, springs and the like in a distal portion of the protective sleeve to maintain correct position of the radiation source within the protective sleeve. Further, the present radiation source assembly is advantageous in that allows for withdrawal of the radiation source from the radiation source assembly without the need to disengage all of the components. Thus, it is possible to replace a single radiation source by removing it from the protective sleeve during operation of the fluid treatment system. This operation can be accomplished quickly without the need to shut down the fluid treatment system or otherwise compensate for the fact that one of the radiation source is being serviced.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a national stage of PCT/CA2010/001003, filed on Jun. 30, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/213,685, filed on Jul. 2, 2009. Each of these documents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a radiation source assembly. In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a radiation source module comprising a plurality of radiation source assemblies. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the present specification. 
     Description of the Prior Art 
     Fluid treatment systems are known generally in the art. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,482,809, 4,872,980 and 5,006,244 [all in the name of Maarschalkerweerd and hereinafter referred to as the Maarschalkerweerd Patents] all describe gravity fed fluid treatment systems which employ ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 
     Such systems include an array of UV lamp frames which include several UV lamps each of which are mounted within sleeves which extend between and are supported by a pair of legs which are attached to a cross-piece. The so-supported sleeves (containing the UV lamps) are immersed into a fluid to be treated which is then irradiated as required. The amount of radiation to which the fluid is exposed is determined by the proximity of the fluid to the lamps, the output wattage of the lamps and the fluid&#39;s flow rate past the lamps. Typically, one or more UV sensors may be employed to monitor the UV output of the lamps and the fluid level is typically controlled, to some extent, downstream of the treatment device by means of level gates or the like. 
     In recent years, there has been interest in the so-called “transverse-to-flow” fluid treatment systems. In these systems, the radiation source is disposed in the fluid to be treated in a manner such that the longitudinal axis of the radiation source is in a transverse (e.g., substantially orthogonal or vertical orientation of the radiation sources) relationship with respect to the direction of fluid flow past the radiation source. See, for example, any one of: 
     International Publication Number WO 2004/000735 [Traubenberg et al.]; 
     International Publication Number WO 2008/055344 [Ma et al.]; 
     International Publication Number WO 2008/019490 [Traubenberg et al.]; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,408,174 [From et al.]; 
     U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/193,686 [Penhale et al.], filed Dec. 16, 2008; and 
     U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/202,576 [Penhale et al.], filed Mar. 13, 2009. 
     Conventionally, when radiation source assemblies were used in a vertical configuration in a fluid treatment system, it has been known to use springs, stoppers, spacers and other support elements to receive the bottom portion of the radiation source in the assemblies for the purpose of supporting the radiation source and positioning it properly within the protective sleeve. The conventional radiation sources would have electrical pins that would be received by a module plug which would then be connected to an electrical supply (e.g., a ballast or similar power supply)—see, for example, the Maarschalkerweerd Patents referred to above. 
     When it becomes necessary to service the lamp (e.g., to replace it after its service life has been or is about to be exceeded), it is commonly necessary to remove the radiation source assembly from the fluid treatment system and effectively disassemble it to access the various components. This is cumbersome and increases maintenance costs for the fluid treatment system. This is especially so given that many of these radiation sources are three feet (or longer) in length and significant care must be exercised to avoid breakage of one or both of the radiation source and the protective sleeve in which it is disposed. 
     In addition, conventional radiation sources used in the fluid treatment systems typically contain a metal-containing amalgam composition. The temperature of this metal-containing amalgam composition is important to maintain optimal operation of the radiation source. The prior art has not specifically addressed the issue of appropriate temperature control for metal-containing amalgam compositions for radiation sources that are disposed in a vertical orientation in a fluid treatment system. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a radiation source assembly that obviates or mitigates at least one of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel radiation source assembly. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel radiation source module. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel fluid treatment system. 
     Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a radiation source assembly comprising: 
     (i) an elongate radiation transparent protective sleeve; 
     (ii) an elongate radiation source disposed in the protective sleeve; 
     (iii) a positioning element connected to a proximal portion of the elongate radiation source; 
     (iv) a connecting portion secured to a proximal portion of the positioning element; and 
     (v) a support element configured to receive the connecting portion to maintain a distal portion of the elongate radiation source in a cantilevered position with respect to a distal portion of the protective sleeve. 
     The invention also relates to a radiation source module and to a fluid treatment system incorporating this radiation source assembly. 
     In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a radiation source assembly comprising: 
     (i) an elongate radiation source; 
     (ii) a positioning element connected to a proximal portion of the elongate radiation source; and 
     (iii) a connecting portion secured to a proximal portion of the positioning element and configured to engage a support element to maintain a distal portion of the elongate radiation source in a cantilevered position. 
     Thus, the present inventors have developed a novel radiation source assembly which obviate or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. Specifically, the present radiation source assembly is configured such that the distal portion of the radiation source is cantilevered with the respect to the distal portion of the protective sleeve in which it is disposed. This feature obviates the need to use spacers, stops, springs and the like in a distal portion of the protective sleeve to maintain correct position of the radiation source within the protective sleeve. Further, the present radiation source assembly is advantageous in that it allows for withdrawal of the radiation source from the radiation source assembly without the need to disengage all of the components. Thus, it is possible to replace a single radiation source by removing it from the protective sleeve during operation of the fluid treatment system. This operation can be accomplished quickly without the need to shut down the fluid treatment system or otherwise compensate for the fact that one of the radiation sources is being serviced. 
     The provision of a positioning element movably connected to a proximal portion of the radiation source prevents the creation of a large moment being placed on the radiation source. This obviates or mitigates bending or cracking of the radiation source and/or the protective sleeve in which it is disposed. 
     Further, the present inventors have developed an approach to optimize the temperature of the metal containing amalgam composition by locating this composition and an appropriate control system at a distal portion of the radiation source. 
     Further, the present radiation source assembly obviates or mitigates the need to use relatively expensive modular plug elements connection the radiation source to the power supply. 
     Other advantages of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the present specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present radiation source assembly; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the distal portion of the radiation source assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an enlarged side elevation of a distal portion of the radiation source assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged top view of a distal portion of the radiation source assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate enlarged isometric views of a distal portion of the radiation source assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side elevation of a modified form of a distal portion of the radiation source assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of the modified form of the distal portion of the radiation source assembly illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIGS. 9-13  illustrate various embodiments of connecting the position element to a proximal portion of the radiation source; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a proximal portion of the radiation source assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an enlarged view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the radiation source assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate positioning of the radiation source assembly in a support member; and 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of a radiation source module containing a number of radiation source assemblies illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a radiation source assembly comprising: (i) an elongate radiation transparent protective sleeve; (ii) an elongate radiation source disposed in the protective sleeve; (iii) a positioning element connected to a proximal portion of the elongate radiation source; (iv) a connecting portion secured to a proximal portion of the positioning element; and (v) a support element configured to receive the connecting portion to maintain a distal portion of the elongate radiation source in a cantilevered position with respect to a distal portion of the protective sleeve. Preferred embodiments of this radiation source assembly may include any one or a combination of any two or more of any of the following features:
         the connecting portion may be in a movable relationship with respect to the proximal portion of the elongate radiation source;   the connecting portion may be in a pivoting relationship with respect to the proximal portion of the elongate radiation source;   the connecting portion may be in a rotatable relationship with respect to the proximal portion of the elongate radiation source;   the protective sleeve may comprise a proximal open end and a distal closed end;   the protective sleeve may comprise a pair of open ends;   a distal end of the protective sleeve may comprise a sealing element to substantially prevent ingress of fluid to the interior of the protective sleeve;   the protective sleeve may be constructed of quartz;   the elongate radiation source may comprise at least one centering ring to maintain the elongate radiation source and the elongate protective sleeve in a spaced (e.g., substantially coaxial) relationship with one another;   the elongate radiation source may comprise a plurality of centering rings to maintain the elongate radiation source and the elongate protective sleeve in a spaced (e.g., substantially coaxial) relationship with one another;   the positioning element may comprise at least one loom portion to secure an electrical connecter from the elongate radiation source along a portion of the length of the positioning element;   the positioning element may comprise at least one loom portion to secure a plurality of electrical connecters from the elongate radiation source along a portion of the length of the positioning element;   the positioning element may comprise a plurality of loom portions to secure an electrical connecter from the elongate radiation source along a portion of the length of the positioning element;   the positioning element may comprise a plurality of loom portions to secure a plurality of electrical connecters from the elongate radiation source along a portion of the length of the positioning element;   the elongate radiation source may comprise a reservoir portion containing a metal amalgam composition;   the reservoir portion may be disposed at the distal portion of the elongate radiation source;   the distal portion of the elongate radiation source may comprise an amalgam base portion secured thereto, the amalgam base portion receiving at least a portion of the reservoir portion;   the amalgam base portion may comprise at least one aperture configured to allow heat dissipation from the reservoir portion;   the amalgam base portion may further comprise a flap portion moveable between a first position in which the flap portion at least partially obstructs the aperture and a second position in which the aperture is unobstructed by the flap portion;   the amalgam base portion may further comprise a flap portion moveable between a first position in which the flap portion obstructs the aperture and a second position in which the aperture is unobstructed by the flap portion.   the flap portion may comprises a first metal and a second metal (different from the first metal);   the first metal and the second metal may thermally expand at different rates;   the metal amalgam composition may comprise a mercury amalgam composition.   the positioning element and the support element may be configured to have a single correct engagement position;   the elongate radiation source may be an ultraviolet radiation source;   the elongate radiation source may be a low pressure ultraviolet radiation source;   the elongate radiation source is a low pressure, high output ultraviolet radiation source;   the elongate radiation source is medium pressure ultraviolet radiation source;       

     Another aspect of the present invention relates to radiation source module comprising a support element for securing the module in a fluid treatment system and at least one radiation source assembly (preferably a plurality) as defined above. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid treatment system comprising a fluid treatment zone for receiving a flow of fluid and at least one radiation source module defined in the previous paragraph, wherein the at least one radiation source module is configured such that the radiation source assembly is disposed in the fluid treatment zone. Preferred embodiments of this fluid treatment system may include any one or a combination of any two or more of any of the following features:
         the fluid treatment zone may be comprised in an open channel for receiving the flow of fluid;   the fluid treatment zone may be comprised in a closed channel for receiving the flow of fluid;   the at least one radiation source assembly may have a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the direction of fluid flow through the fluid treatment zone;   the at least one radiation source assembly may have a longitudinal axis disposed orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow through the fluid treatment zone;   the at least one radiation source assembly may be disposed substantially vertically in the fluid treatment zone.       

     In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a radiation source assembly comprising: (i) an elongate radiation source; (ii) a positioning element connected to a proximal portion of the elongate radiation source; and (iii) a connecting portion secured to a proximal portion of the positioning element and configured to engage a support element to maintain a distal portion of the elongate radiation source in a cantilevered position. Preferred embodiments of this radiation source assembly may include any one or a combination of any two or more of any of the following features:
         the connecting portion may be in a movable relationship with respect to the proximal portion of the elongate radiation source;   the connecting portion may be in a pivoting relationship with respect to the proximal portion of the elongate radiation source;   the connecting portion may be in a rotatable relationship with respect to the proximal portion of the elongate radiation source;   the elongate radiation source may comprise at least one centering ring to maintain the elongate radiation source and the elongate protective sleeve in a spaced (e.g., substantially coaxial) relationship with one another;   the elongate radiation source may comprise a plurality of centering rings to maintain the elongate radiation source and the elongate protective sleeve in a spaced (e.g., substantially coaxial) relationship with one another;   the positioning element may comprise at least one loom portion to secure an electrical connecter from the elongate radiation source along a portion of the length of the positioning element;   the positioning element may comprise at least one loom portion to secure a plurality of electrical connecters from the elongate radiation source along a portion of the length of the positioning element;   the positioning element may comprise a plurality of loom portions to secure an electrical connecter from the elongate radiation source along a portion of the length of the positioning element;   the positioning element may comprise a plurality of loom portions to secure a plurality of electrical connecters from the elongate radiation source along a portion of the length of the positioning element;   the elongate radiation source may comprise a reservoir portion containing a metal amalgam composition;   the reservoir portion may be disposed at the distal portion of the elongate radiation source;   the distal portion of the elongate radiation source may comprise an amalgam base portion secured thereto, the amalgam base portion receiving at least a portion of the reservoir portion;   the amalgam base portion may comprise at least one aperture configured to allow heat dissipation from the reservoir portion;   the amalgam base portion may further comprise a flap portion moveable between a first position in which the flap portion at least partially obstructs the aperture and a second position in which the aperture is unobstructed by the flap portion;   the amalgam base portion may further comprise a flap portion moveable between a first position in which the flap portion obstructs the aperture and a second position in which the aperture is unobstructed by the flap portion;   the flap portion may comprise a first metal and a second metal;   the first metal and the second metal may thermally expand at different rates;   the metal amalgam composition may comprise a mercury amalgam composition;   the positioning element may be configured to have a single correct engagement position with the support element;   the elongate radiation source may be an ultraviolet radiation source;   the elongate radiation source may be a low pressure ultraviolet radiation source;   the elongate radiation source may be a low pressure, high output ultraviolet radiation source;   the elongate radiation source may be a medium pressure ultraviolet radiation source; and   the angled base portion provides physical protection for the lamp and the reservoir portion.       

     With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 and 14-16 , there is illustrated a radiation source assembly  100 . Radiation source assembly  100  comprises a radiation source  105  which may be an ultraviolet lamp or any other radiation emitting lamp. Disposed on radiation source  105  are a pair of centering rings  110 . Centering rings  110  serve to position radiation source  105  spaced (e.g., substantially coaxially) with respect to a protective sleeve (not shown for clarity). Centering rings  110  may be made from a radiation resistant material such as Teflon™. 
     Disposed at the distal portion of radiation source  105  is an amalgam reservoir  115  which contains a metal-containing amalgam composition (e.g., a mercury-containing amalgam composition). Also disposed in the distal portion of radiation source  105  is an amalgam end base  120 . 
     Amalgam end base  120  is configured to have an aperture  125  which receives a portion of amalgam reservoir  115 . As shown particularly in  FIG. 3 , Dimension A generally represents the exposed region of amalgam reservoir  115  with respect to amalgam end base  120 . Dimension A may be varied appropriately to expose sufficient portion of amalgam reservoir  115  to the surrounding environment optimizing heat dissipation from amalgam reservoir  115  and proper operation of radiation source  105 . Emanating from amalgam end base  120  are a pair of electrical leads  130 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a modified version of amalgam end base  120  is illustrated. In this modification, a flap portion  135  is pivotally attached to amalgam end base  120 . Flap portion  135  is movable between a closed position ( FIG. 7 ) and an open position ( FIG. 8 ). In a preferred embodiment, flap portion  135  has a bi-metal construction. In this embodiment, flap portion  135  would consist of two different metals, preferably in a laminate construction. Each of the two metals would have a different thermal expansion property allowing flap portion  135  to open or close depending on the temperature of the surrounding environment. Thus, when it would be desirable to allow heat to dissipate from amalgam end base  120 , flap portion  135  would open allowing heat to exit from aperture  125 . Once the appropriate temperature of amalgam reservoir  115  is reached, flap portion  135  would then move to the closed position ( FIG. 7 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 9 and 10 , it will be seen that the proximal portion of radiation source  105  has a fixed thereto an end base element  140 . A positioning rod  145  is connected to a pair of ears  150  on end base element  140  by a pair of pin elements  155  that are integrally formed with positioning rod  145 . With particular reference to  FIG. 11 , it will be seen that end base element  140  comprises a series of apertures  160  through with electrical leads (not shown for clarity) from radiation source  105  may emanate. Typically, there will be one or two electrical leads  130  emanating from a distal portion or radiation source  105  and one or two electrical leads  165  emanating from a proximal portion of radiation source  105 . The number of electrical leads is not particularly restricted and will be depend on the nature of radiation source  105 . 
     As will be understood, the connection of positioning rod  145  to end base element  140  allows for pivoting of these two elements with respect to one another. This facilitates placement and removal of radiation source assembly  100  in a protective sleeve thereby reducing the risk of increasing a bending moment on radiation source  105  and/or the protective sleeve minimizing the risk that either of these elements will be broken during servicing of radiation source  105 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , there is illustrated a small modification of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Specifically, in  FIG. 10 , the connection of positioning rod  145  to end base element  140  is accomplished by use of a pivot pin  170  which is independent of positioning rod  145 . Specifically, pivot pin  170  traverses through ears  150  and an aperture (not shown) in distal portion  175  of positioning rod  145 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , there is illustrated a modified form of end base element  140  which utilizes a so-called ball joint connected to positioning rod  145 . Thus, end base element  140  comprises a ball portion  142  which is received in a complementary shaped base  147  on positioning rod  145 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , it can be seen that positioning rod  145  comprises a pair of looms  170 , 175 . As illustrated, electrical leads  130  are fed through loom  170  while electrical leads  160  are fed through loom  175 . Looms  170 , 175  may be configured and oriented with respect to one another, for example to keep the electrical leads out of the field of view of optical radiation sensor (not shown) if present in the system. 
     A second pair of looms  170   a , 175   a  are provided near the proximal portion of positioning rod  145  to receive electrical leads  130  and  160 , respectively. As shown, electrical leads  130  and  160  are received in an electrical connector  180  which is conventional. The use of a conventional connector  180  allows for illumination of the need to use expensive molded-type connectors, for example, as shown in the Maarschalkerweerd Patents discussed above. 
     Positioning rod  145  further comprises a radiation block  185  which has a slot  190  for receiving electrical leads  130  and  160 . Radiation block  185  serves to block radiation emanating upward and posing a potential occupation health risk to operators of the fluid treatment system. 
     The proximal portion of positioning rod  145  comprises a handle  195  in the form of a cross piece connection to positioning rod  145 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , there is illustrated a cartridge element  200  which is of similar construction to the radiation source cartridge described in illustrated in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/193,686 [Penhale et al.] filed Dec. 16, 2008. 
     Cartridge element  200  illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18  includes a pair of support elements  205 , 210  which receive handle  195  of positioning rod  145 . Preferably, handle  195  and support elements  205 , 210  are indexed or keyed so that handle  195  is engaged with support elements  205 , 210  in a singular correct position. This facilitates ensuring that electrical leads  130  and  160  do not obscure any optical radiation sensors that may be used in the fluid treatment system. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 17 , it can be seen that electrical connector  180  is connected to a complementary connector on cartridge element  200  (the electrical connections are omitted from  FIG. 18  for clarity). 
     The connection of the protective sleeve (not shown) in which radiation source  105  is disposed to cartridge element  200  is conventional—see, for example, the teachings of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/193,686 [Penhale et al.], filed Dec. 16, 2008. 
     When it is desired to service radiation source  105 , electrical connector  180  is disengaged and handle  195  is lifted from support elements  205 , 210  thereby lifting radiation source  105  out of the protective sleeve (not shown). As end base element  140  emanates from cartridge element  200 , the pivoting movement of positioning rod  145  with respect to radiation source  105  allows simpler withdrawal of radiation source  105  from the protective sleeve. This avoids conferring a bending moment to radiation source  105  and/or the protective sleeve (not shown), thereby obviating or mitigating breakage of these components. Of particular note, the protective sleeve may be left in place while radiation source  105  is being serviced. 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , there is illustrated a radiation source module  250  comprising a number (6 are shown in the exemplary embodiment) of radiation source assemblies  100 —in this case, a protective sleeve  102  is shown for each radiation source assembly  100 . The specific details for connection of cartridge element  200  to the other elements of radiation source module  250  and the incorporation of radiation source module  250  in a fluid treatment system may be found in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/193,686 [Penhale et al.], filed Dec. 16, 2008 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/202,576 [Penhale et al.], filed Mar. 13, 2009. 
     While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. 
     All publications, patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.