Abstract:
A transmission meter ( 1 ) and a method for measuring the transmittance of a fluid, the meter ( 1 ) comprises an analysis chamber for passage of the fluid therethrough, means for receiving an electromagnetic source ( 9 ) within said chamber and three sensors (D 1 , D 2  and D 3 ) each configured to measure the output from said source ( 9 ), wherein each of the three sensors (D 1 , D 2  and D 3 ) are located at different distances from the source ( 9 ). The transmission meter may be used in a disinfection system either to measure the transmittance of the untreated water or to measure the transmittance of the water as it is purified.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of transmission meters and methods for measuring the transmittance of fluids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transmission meter and method for measuring the transmittance of a fluid, such as water, in a sterilisation or disinfection apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection equipment works by irradiating the fluid to be purified, with radiation having wavelengths predominantly in the range from 240 to 280 nm. Such UV disinfection equipment has many uses such as treating the domestic and public water supplies, water supplies for the process industry, sewage effluent, and any applications where the presence of pathogens may be injurious to health. Therefore, satisfactory disinfection must be achieved in order to safeguard the health of the public. 
     To achieve satisfactory disinfection of the liquid, it is important to know the rate of fluid flow, the UV intensity within the disinfection chamber and the fluid transmittance at the wavelength of the UV radiation. Knowing the above will allow the performance of the disinfection equipment to be continuously monitored, and, if necessary, corrective action can be taken if the levels fall below predefined limits. 
     The flow rate can be easily measured by well known techniques. The UV intensity within the disinfection or purification chamber can also be measured by placing a UV sensor in the chamber. The transmittance of a fluid is generally measured by placing a radiation source in the fluid to be measured and measuring the intensity of the detected radiation at a point distant from the source. The transmittance can be easily calculated if the power of the source, the distance of the detector from the source is known and that there is no other obstruction between the source and the detector. 
     The problem arises when the sensor is required to monitor the transmittance of a continuously or intermittently flowing fluid over a long time, for example, a few days, weeks, months, even years. A single UV sensor will be able to sense a decrease in the intensity of the light from the UV source over time. However, it will not be able to establish if this is due to the output of the source decreasing over time or, the transmittance of the fluid itself changing. Another factor which will affect the measured intensity is so-called photochemical fouling which occurs due to the fluid depositing particles, especially iron and manganese compounds, on the source and optic surfaces of the sensor. 
     Previous attempts to address the above problems have included a meter with a detector which is moveable between two positions as described in NL1003961 and a meter with two fixed detectors at different distances from the source as described in JP 10057. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a transmission meter for measuring the transmittance of a fluid, the meter comprising: 
     a chamber for the flow of fluid therethrough and adapted to receive 
     an electromagnetic source within said chamber; and 
     three sensors each configured to measure the output from said source, 
     wherein each of the three sensors are located at different distances from the source. 
     The three sensors allow detection of the intensity of the emitted radiation at three different points. The intensity detected at each of the sensors will be dependent on the irradiance of the source, the transmittance of the fluid, the distance of the source from the sensor and the extent of deposition on the optic surfaces of the apparatus. As the distance of each of the sensors from the source is known, it is possible to establish the transmittance of the fluid. More than three sensors could be used if required. 
     Preferably, the sensors all measure the irradiance from the same part of the source. This eliminates errors due to the irradiance of the source varying across its output surface and variations in photochemical fouling of the source. To obtain accurate readings, it is preferable if the sensors are at significantly different distances from the source. For example, preferably, the distances of the two sensors which are furthest from the source are substantially integral multiples of the distance of the closest sensor to the source. 
     As previously mentioned, the meter is primarily intended for use in a disinfection apparatus. Therefore, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a disinfection apparatus comprising a transmission meter and a purification chamber, said purification chamber being capable of receiving an electromagnetic source for purifying fluid passing through said purification chamber, said meter comprising an analysis chamber for passage of the fluid therethrough, means for receiving an electromagnetic source within said analysis chamber and three sensors each configured to measure the output from said source within the analysis chamber, wherein each of the three sensors are located at different distances from the source. 
     Preferably, the transmission meter is located upstream from the purification chamber. Thus, it is used to measure the transmittance of the fluid prior to treatment. This can be achieved by directing a fraction of the fluid in the inlet pipe to the purification chamber into the transmission meter. 
     In many instances, there will be more than one purification chamber. The plurality of purification chambers will preferably be provided in a parallel arrangement as opposed to a series arrangement. 
     The data collected by the three sensors in the analysis chamber can be analysed remote from the meter. For example, the sensors could each have means to transmit the data from the meter to a remote analyser, or, the meter could be provided with data storage means for periodic collection by a computer via a hardwire or wireless link or even manually by an operator. 
     Alternatively, the meter may comprise analysis means to compare the output of the three sensors. The analysis means could output an electrical signal which is related to the transmittance of the fluid. This electrical signal could either be analogue or digital in character. 
     Preferably, the meter or the disinfection system comprises a controller into which the output from the analysis means is fed. The controller may be used to control the meter to perform calibration or self cleaning functions. Alternatively, the controller may be used to adjust the parameters of the purification chamber to maintain treatment levels within acceptable limits. Typically, there is a predefined minimum level for the treatment level of the chamber. 
     For example, the controller could be used to increase the power supplied to the radiation source or sources within the purification chamber. In the case where there are many purification chambers provided in parallel, the controller can be used to bring on line or switch fluid away from one or more of the chambers i.e. it can be used to control the number of chambers in use at any one time. 
     The knowledge of the transmittance of the fluid allows the level of treatment required by the fluid to be accurately computed. 
     To perform the cleaning and/or calibration functions, the meter preferably further comprises valve means configured to switch the supply of fluid into the chamber between at least two different sources. The two sources are preferably a source containing the fluid which is to be measured and a source containing de-ionised water which has virtually 100% transmission at UV wavelengths. UV wavelengths are typically between 200 nm and 400 nm, and more specifically from 240 nm to 280 nm. 
     More preferably, the meter further comprises at least one valve which is capable of switching between three sources. The sources are preferably, the fluid which is to be treated, a de-ionised water source and a source of weak acid. The weak acid supply is used to clean the chamber. The weak acid may be a dilute phosphoric acid, for example, a solution containing about 5% phosphoric acid by volume, or it could be another acid for example hydrochloric acid at a similar strength. The valve means could also be configured to switch the supply between just untreated fluid and weak acid. 
     Preferably, the source chosen by the valve means is controlled by the control means. 
     Providing the transmission meter with an inlet which can be switched between two or more supplies allows the transmission meter to be cleaned, calibrated etc without the need to disassemble the system. Therefore, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a meter for measuring a fluid, the meter comprising a chamber for the passage of fluid therethrough, at least one sensor for detecting a parameter within the chamber and means for switching the type of fluid which flows through the chamber dependent on the parameter detected by at least one sensor. 
     The sensed parameter can be the fluid transmittance, the irradiation from a radiation source located within the chamber etc. The different types of fluid may be chosen from the fluid which is to be measured in the chamber, a reference fluid, (for example, pure water), which can be used to calibrate the system or a cleaning fluid (for example, an acid). The meter can be used to measure any property of the fluid, for example, the transmittance, flow rate etc. 
     Preferably, the purification chamber also comprises cleaning means for cleaning the chamber. These cleaning means may be provided by a mechanical system which operates on a fixed time cycle. These cleaning means may be controlled by software which is used to detect when the UV level within the chamber falls below a certain limit. These cleaning means may also be controlled by the control means. 
     Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a flow meter such that the rate of fluid flow through the purification chamber and the transmission meter can be monitored. 
     Above, the disinfection apparatus has been described as having two chambers, an analysis chamber and a purification chamber. However, the analysis of the transmittance of the fluid under treatment could be performed within the purification chamber. 
     Therefore, in a fourth aspect the present invention provides a disinfection apparatus comprising a purification chamber adapted to receive an electromagnetic source for purifying liquid passed through said purification chamber, the apparatus further comprising three sensors each configured to measure the output from said source, wherein each of the three sensors are located at different distances from the source. 
     Typically, the purification chamber will have a plurality of sources. Preferably, to obtain consistent results, the three sensors will measure the output from the same electromagnetic source. Even more preferably, from the same part of the source. 
     In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for measuring the transmittance of a fluid, the method comprising the steps of: 
     passing the fluid between an electromagnetic source and three sensors configured to measure the output from said source, wherein each of the sensors are located at different distances from said source; and 
     measuring the output of the source using each of the three sensors. 
     The present invention will now be described with reference to the following preferred non-limiting embodiments. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a transmission meter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the transmission meter of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 shows a water disinfection system incorporating the embodiment of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the present invention where the transmission meter is in-situ in a purification chamber; 
     FIG. 5 shows an example of a sensor which may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 6 shows a valve arrangement in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The transmission meter of FIG. 1 has a cylindrical chamber  1  through which the fluid to be treated is passed. The fluid will typically be water, but other fluids could be used. The fluid can flow through the chamber  1  either continuously or intermittently. The chamber  1  has an inlet pipe  3  and an outlet pipe  5  to allow the flow of fluid through the chamber  1 . The outlet pipe  5  is situated on the upper side of the chamber  1  as this avoids problems due to trapped air. The chamber  1  is made from a corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel and is designed to withstand the maximum pressure to which the meter will be connected. The diameter of the chamber will typically be about 0.2 m. 
     An elongate fused silica sleeve  9  is located within the chamber  1 . The sleeve  9  is orientated parallel to the central symmetry axis of the cylindrical chamber, and to one side of the central axis. 
     The meter will ideally operate without maintenance for a period of about 12 months. Therefore, a suitable source which can operate under these conditions should be chosen. 
     The UV source used in most laboratory spectrophotometers is a Deuterium lamp which has a stable continuous output between 200 nm and 400 nm. These lamps tend to be expensive and have a short operating time of between 1000 to 2000 hours. The preferred source is a low pressure mercury discharge lamp. These emit a spectral line at 253.7 nm. These are low cost lamps with a long operating life. However, their output changes with temperature and time. 
     A UV source  7 , which will typically be an 8-watt Sankyo Denki UV lamp, is located within the sleeve  9  to form a sleeve and source assembly  8 . The lamp irradiates at 253.7 nm. The sleeve and source assembly  8  is inserted into chamber  1  via port  11  which is located on the outlet side  5  side of the chamber  11 . The lamp  7  and sleeve  9  may be separated from each other. However, typically, the lamp and sleeve are a single assembly. 
     Three sensors, D 1 , D 2  and D 3  are located in a plane perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the chamber  1  and about the circumference of chamber  1 . As the source  7  is placed off-centre in the chamber  1 , each of the sensors is disposed at a different distance from the source  7 . 
     Ideally, the transmittance of the fluid should be measured across the germicidal range which is from 240 nm to 280 nm. However, it is generally accepted that a measurement at 254 nm (which is consistent with the preferred UV source) is adequate. 
     FIG. 2 shows a section through the cylindrical chamber  1 , taken through the plane of the sensors D 1 , D 2  and D 3 . Sensor D 1  is closest to the source  7  and is at distance “a” away from the circumference of the sleeve  9 . Sensor D 2  is slightly further away from the source than sensor D 1  and is at distance “b” from the sleeve  9 . Sensor D 3  is at distance “c” from the sleeve and is the furthest sensor from the source  7 . The radius of the sleeve  9  is “r”. 
     The distances a, b and c are determined by the exact position of the sensors on the circumference of the chamber and the position of the source  9  in the chamber. The source  9  and sensors D 1 , D 2  and D 3  will be arranged to allow a significant difference between distances a, b and c. Typically, b and c will be n multiples of a, where n is an integer of 2 or more. In a chamber with a diameter of about 0.2 m, a will be about 0.04 m, b will be about 0.08 m and c will be about 0.12 m. 
     The optimum lengths of distances a, b and c will depend, to a certain extent, on the transmissitivity of the fluid to be measured. In water of a reasonably high quantity, the smallest path length will be about 4 cm. In poor quality fluids, the smallest path length should ideally be about 1 cm. For example, for a fluid with a low transmissitivity, a, b and c will typically be 1 cm, 2 cm and 3 cm. This would require a chamber diameter of about 5 cm. 
     Assuming that the UV power which is outputted by the source is “P”, the length of the UV source is “L”, the transmittance of the fluid under test is “T % per meter” and that the attenuation due to deposition on optical surfaces is “K”, the following simplified relations can be derived for the intensity of light H measured at sensors D 1 , D 2  and D 3           Intensity                 at                 D1     =       H   1     =       P     2                 π                 L        (     a   +   r     )         ·   K   ·     T   a                   Intensity                 at                 D2     =       H   2     =       P     2                 π                 L        (     b   +   r     )         ·   K   ·     T   b                   Intensity                 at                 D3     =       H   3     =       P     2                 π                 L        (     c   +   r     )         ·   K   ·     T   c                                
     By dividing the above 3 equations, it is possible to eliminate the non-linear term “K”:            H   2       H   1       =         (     a   +   r     )       (     b   +   r     )       ·     T     (     b   -   a     )                     H   3       H   1       =         (     a   +   r     )       (     c   +   r     )       ·     T     (     c   -   a     )                     H   3       H   2       =         (     b   +   r     )       (     c   +   r     )       ·     T     (     c   -   b     )                                
     a, b and c are easily measurable. For this example, it will be assumed that b=2 a  and c=3 a . In this situation, the following equations are derived:          T     (   a   )       =           H   2       H   1       ·       (       2      a     +   r     )       (     a   +   r     )         =         H   2       H   1       ·     k   1                   T     (   a   )       =             H   3       H   1       ·       (       3      a     +   r     )       (     a   +   r     )           =           H   3       H   1         ·     k   2                   T     (   a   )       =           H   3       H   2       ·       (       3      a     +   r     )       (     a   +   r     )         =         H   3       H   2       ·     k   3                                
     where k 1 , k 2  and k 3  are dimensionless constants. 
     From these calculations, it is seen that the transmittance of the fluid can be derived from three separate calculations using the intensity measurements H 1 , H 2 , H 3 . 
     It is also evident that the three distances a, b, c should ideally be significantly different to enable the effects of attenuation due to deposition on the optical surfaces and variation of UV source output to be eliminated. 
     The above analysis has been simplified to illustrate how the transmittance of the fluid can be derived. In practice, the above equations for H 1 , H 2 , H 3  may contain a more complex algorithm, however any errors due to simplification are of second order and can be easily corrected in the remote analyser. 
     In practice, the transmission meter of FIG. 1 will be primarily used in combination with a water disinfection system such as that shown in FIG.  3 . The meter will be placed upstream of the purification chamber, such that the transmittance of the water to be treated is measured. 
     The system comprises a purification chamber  21  which has an inlet pipe  23  and an outlet pipe  25  for ensuring the flow of water through the purification chamber  21 . The inlet pipe  23  carries untreated water into the purification chamber  21 . The purification chamber  21  comprises at least one UV light source similar to that described in relation to FIG.  1 . The UV light source is used to purify the water. As a high power is required to disinfect the large volume of water in the chamber  21 , there will often be a plurality of UV light sources in each purification chamber  21 . Typically, the purification chamber  21  will be cylindrical with a diameter from 0.2 m to 0.5 m and a length from 1 m to 1.5 m. 
     The purification chamber will also have at least one UV sensor  37  (which is similar to sensors D 1 , D 2  and D 3 ). This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.  5 . The UV sensor  37  is used to measure the germicidal UV intensity within the purification chamber  21 . Typically, a UV sensor will be provided for each UV source. 
     A flow meter  33  is provided on inlet pipe  23 . The inlet  23  has a branch  29  located upstream from the flow meter  33  which takes untreated water to valve  31 . Providing that valve  31  is set to an appropriate setting, the water from branch pipe  29  flows into transmission meter  1  for measurement. 
     Water which has passed through transmission meter  1  is taken back into the inlet pipe  23  by pipe  34 . Pipe  34  joins the inlet pipe  23  upstream from the purification chamber  1 , but downstream from flow meter  33 . 
     The disinfection apparatus comprises a control means provided by a processor  27 . The processor is used to process data from the transmission meter  1 , the purification chamber  21  and also data from flow meter  33 . The processor  27  may take the output directly from sensors D 1 , D 2  and D 3  (as shown in the Figure). Alternatively, the output from sensors D 1 , D 2  and D 3  may be analysed prior to entering to processor  27  so that processor  27  receives a signal from the transmission meter  1  which is related to the transmittance of the fluid to be treated. 
     The processor  27  takes the output from the UV sensor  37  in the purification chamber  21  via input channel A and it takes the output from the flow meter  33  via input channel B. Using the data from these inputs and the data from the transmission meter  1 , the processor can fully monitor the disinfection system. Further, the processor can be used to control various parts of the system depending on the data received. 
     In order to ensure that the correct treatment levels for the water are used, the processor  27  can increase the power supplied to the UV source within purification chamber  21 . Often, a plurality of purification chambers  21  are provided in parallel. The inlet to each purification chamber has a value. The processor  27  controls these valves such that the number of purification chambers in use at any one time can be automatically controlled dependent on the inputs received by processor  27 . 
     In FIG. 3 the flow of untreated water into the transmission meter  1  is controlled via valve  31 . Valve  31  is connected to untreated water pipe  29 , it is also connected to de-ionised water supply  35 , such that the flow of fluid into the transmission meter  1  can be switched between untreated water and de-ionised water. De-ionised water has a transmittance of close to 100%. Therefore, switching the fluid supply to de-ionised water will allow the processor to send a command to re-calibrate the sensors of the transmission meter. 
     In FIG. 3, the processor  27  only has an output to valve  31 . However, processor  27  can also be used to control a cleaning operation of the meter  1 . This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.  6 . Further, the processor  27  could also be used to control the purification chamber itself For example, it could be used to instruct a cleaning operation of the chamber, or it could be used to reduce the flow of untreated water into the chamber  21  if the power of the UV sources are stating to decrease etc. 
     The processor can also be used to turn off the source of electromagnetic irradiation inside the meter  1 , in order to set a zero reference for the three sensors D 1 , D 2  and D 3 . 
     In the arrangement of FIG. 3, the meter is separate from the purification chamber  21 . In FIG. 4, the transmission meter  1  is provided in-situ in the purification chamber  21 . Sensors S 1 , S 2  and S 3  are located around the circumference of the purification chamber  21  and at different distances from source  41 . The same calculation can thus be carried out by taking the readings from sensors S 1 , S 2  and S 3  as explained in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic of a preferred sensor assembly which can be used for sensors D 1  to D 3  or sensor  37  on the purification chamber. The sensor has a main body  151  and a connecting collar  153 . The connecting collar  153  is used to connect the sensor to the side of chamber  1  or purification chamber  21 . 
     UV light from the source inside the chamber  1 , 21  is detected by fused silicon probe  155  which is located within connection collar  153 . The output from the fused silicon probe  155  is passed through an attenuation filter  157  and onto first mirror  159  which is located with the body  151  of the sensor. First mirror  159  has a coating which allows the mirror to only reflect light within a certain wavelength range. The reflected light is then passed through a second attenuating filter  161 . 
     The light which passes through filter  161  is reflected off second mirror  163  which is also configured only to reflect light within a certain wavelength range. Typically, the wavelength range for both of the first and second mirrors will be from 240 to 280 nm. The light is then reflected onto photo-diode  165  which outputs an electric signal dependent on the intensity of radiation incident on the photo-diode. The electric signal is then fed into signal box  167  for amplification and conditioning of the signal. The electrical signal is then fed out of main body  151 . The signal may be analogue or digital. 
     As has previously been mentioned, the processor  27  can be used to control the cleaning of the transmission meter  1 . A possible arrangement for achieving this is shown in FIG.  6 . To avoid unnecessary repetition, like numerals from FIG. 3 will be used to denote like features in FIG.  6 . 
     Untreated water is fed through branch pipe  29  to valve  31 . If valve  31  is open to line  29  then untreated water will be fed into the transmission meter  1  as described with reference to FIG.  3 . If valve  31  is not open to line  29  but is instead open to line  51 , secondary valve  53  which is located on line  51  determines the type of fluid which will flow into the transmission meter  1 . Secondary valve  53  can either allow dilute acid to pass from line  55  through pump  57  into valve  53  and hence into the transmission meter  1  via valve  31  and line  51 . Or, valve  31  may allow de-ionised water from line  59  through pump  61  to pass into the transmission meter  1 . The dilute acid can be used to clean the system as it will dissolve much of the scale which will accumulate within the transmission meter. The water can then be used to re-calibrate the system as previously described. 
     Once the water has passed through the transmission meter  1 , it is fed into outlet valve  63 . Outlet valve  63  will either let the fluid be passed back into line  34  and hence into inlet pipe  23 . Alternatively, valve  63  can direct water or dilute acid down line  65  into the drain. If the transmission meter  1  is being washed with acid, obviously, it is desirable if the valve  63  directs the acid into the drain.