Patent Publication Number: US-2016221852-A1

Title: Water Treatment System

Description:
The current application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/300,468 filed Jun. 10, 2014. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to water treatment systems. More specifically to a multistage water treatment system that utilizes multiple modalities to eradicate biological contaminants from a water source 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Removal of contaminants from a water supply is a pervasive and continuous requirement. In industrial and municipal applications processes, it is necessary to treat large volumes of water. For industrial applications, Oil and gas companies, require large volumes of water that are pretreated with Biocides to reduce and or eliminate unwanted organisms. Unwanted organism such as bacteria can change the quantity of unwanted chemical compounds within a body of water which can result in unwanted wear to industrial machinery as well as unwanted reactions with during refining processes. In municipal applications, such as water treatment plant, water biocides are used to treat water in order to make it safe for human consumption. Untreated water may contain dangerous levels of organic matter than can make people sick or kill those with compromised immune systems. There are currently several contaminant removal systems in existence that include, filtration systems, coagulation systems, chemical treatment systems, aeration systems, electrolysis systems, and ultraviolet treatment systems, as well as combinations thereof, but many of these systems are not portable. 
     It is therefore the object of the present invention, to provide a portable water treatment system that functions as an in-line pass thru system that may be directly attached to the suction or discharge side of water pumps. The water treatment system provides multiple treatment modalities to eradicate biological contaminants from a water source for use in industrial or municipal applications. The water treatment system draws water from bodies containing contaminants such as frac water tanks, brackish well basins, retention ponds, water filtration reaction tanks, and dissolved air tanks. The water treatment system uses multiple modalities ensure a wide spectrum biocidal effect. The combination of treatments used by the water treatment system can be specifically determined based on known contaminant constituents within the body of water to more effectively eliminated the unwanted contaminants. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view displaying the water treatment system configured as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view displaying the interior compartments of the water treatment system as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an expanded view displaying the alignment of the irradiation stage, the electrolysis stage, and the chemical injection stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view displaying the alignment of the interior compartments of the irradiation stage, the electrolysis stage, and the chemical injection stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view displaying the interior portion of the irradiation stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a lateral elevational view displaying the internal positioning of the UV irradiation unit within the irradiation stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view displaying the internal positioning of the UV irradiation unit within the irradiation stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view displaying the interior portion of the electrolysis stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a lateral elevational view displaying the internal positioning of the electrolysis unit within the electrolysis stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is perspective view displaying the internal positioning of the electrolysis unit within the electrolysis stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view displaying the internal positioning of the at least one chemical injection unit within the chemical injection stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a lateral elevational view displaying the internal positioning of the at least one chemical injection unit within the chemical injection stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view displaying the internal positioning of the at least one chemical injection unit within the chemical injection stage as per the current embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4 , the present invention is a pass through multistage water treatment system  100  that attaches to the inlet pipe or the exhaust pipe of a water pump. The water treatment system  100  provides multiple treatment modalities to eradicate biological contaminants from a water source for use in industrial or municipal applications. In the current embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment system  100  comprises an irradiation state, an electrolysis stage  300 , and a chemical injection stage  400 . Each stage of the water treatment system  100  provides a different treatment modality that in combination function complimentarily to one another improving the biocidal performance of the water treatment system  100 . The irradiation stage  200  emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation onto the passing water flow exposing unwanted organisms to the biocidal effects of the UV wavelengths. The electrolysis stage  300  generates, chlorine gas, a biocidally active agent, in the passing water flow through electrolysis. The chemical injection stage  400  introduces chemical agents into the passing water flow that can function as biocidally active agents and/or enhance the effectiveness of the irradiation stage  200  and the electrolysis stage  300 . 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the water treatment system  100  is in-line pass thru system that may be directly attached to the suction or discharge side of water pumps that draw from water bodies containing contaminants such as frac water tanks, brackish well basins, retention ponds, water filtration reaction tanks, and dissolved air tanks. 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4 , the irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  share similarities in their construction that accommodate attachment to an existing water pump system as well as facilitate reconfiguration of the stages to meet the needs of different water conditions. In the current embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  each comprise a first flanged end  110 , a second flanged end  120 , and a lateral wall  130 . The first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  are oppositely positioned terminal structures of each stage that permit a secure and water tight engagement between the stages as well as with the piping of an existing water pump. The first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  are centrally aligned with the lateral wall  130 . The central alignment permits the formation of a conduit through the first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  in order to function as a flow passage for a particular stage of the water treatment system  100 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4 , the irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  are centrally aligned to each other. The central alignment through the stages provides a direct path for water to pass through the water treatment system  100  on its way to or flowing out of an existing water pump. The irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  each comprise an associated flow passage that serves as the fluid conduit through which water passes through. The associated flow passage of the irradiation stage  200 , electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  are operatively aligned to each one another. The operative alignment provides that the water passing through an associated flow passage of the irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , or the chemical injection stage  400  flows into another associated flow passage for additional treatment by the particular stage. The irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  are detachably coupled to one another. The flanged ends of neighboring stages are detachable coupled to one another providing a means to replace, repair, or rearrange the stages as needed. The irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  are sealed to one another. A water tight seal is formed between the coupled flanged ends of neighboring stages in order to prevent water from leaking out of the water treatment system  100  while water is passing through. 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4  and  FIG. 5-7 , the irradiation stage  200  utilizes UV radiation as its water treatment means. In the current embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation stage  200  comprises a first flanged end  110 , a second flanged end  120 , a lateral wall  130 , a first flow passage  210 , and an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation unit  220 . The first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the irradiation stage  200  are oppositely positioned to one another across the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200 . Similar to the other stages, the first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the irradiation stage  200  are centrally aligned with the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200 . The first flow passage  210  is positioned along the central alignment forming a linear path for water to flow through. The first flow passage  210  is surrounded by the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200 . The lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200  functions as a barrier preventing transmission of UV wavelengths outside of the water treatment system  100 . The first flow passage  210  is centrally positioned to the first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the irradiation stage  200 . The central positioning of the first flow passage  210  enables an operative alignment with the associated flow passage of another stage. The UV irradiation unit  220  is positioned between the first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the irradiation stage  200 . The UV irradiation unit  220  traverses into the first flow passage  210  through the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200 . The irradiation unit  220  traverses the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200  proximal to the first flanged end  110  of the irradiation stage  200  and passes into the first flow passage  210  at an angle towards the second flanged end  120  of the irradiation stage  200 . The traversal point of the UV irradiation unit  220  serves as a mounting point, securing the UV irradiation unit  220  to the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200 . The UV irradiation unit  220  is optically disposed within the first flow passage  210 , wherein the UV emitting components of the UV irradiation unit  220  are found positioned within the first flow passage  210 . It should be noted that the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation unit  220  is constructed of an opaque material that functions as a barrier that is resistant to UV wavelengths, reducing transmission of UV radiation outside of the water treatment system  100 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 5-7 , the UV irradiation unit  220  is the functional component of the irradiation stage  200 . The UV irradiation unit  220  is electrically powered and emits UV radiation as the means of treating water passing through the first flow passage  210 . In the current embodiment of the present invention, the UV irradiation unit  220  comprises at least one ultraviolet (UV) bulb  221  and a transparent quartz enclosure  222 . The transparent quartz enclosure  222  is an optical housing that is particularly suited for the transmission of UV wavelengths. The transparent quartz enclosure  222  is angularly positioned to the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200 . The angular position places the transparent quartz enclosure  222  extending from a coincident point with the lateral wall  130  of the irradiation stage  200  near the first flanged end  110  of the irradiation stage  200  and extending centrally towards the second flanged end  120  of the irradiation stage  200 . The angular positioning of the transparent quartz enclosure  222  prolongs exposure of the UV radiation to the flow of water passing through the first flow passage  210 . The transparent quartz enclosure  222  surrounds the at least one UV bulb  221 , protecting it from damaging effects of passing water flowing through the first flow passage  210 . The at least one UV bulb  221  is the UV emitting elements that irradiates the passing water. The at least one UV bulb  221  is electrically powered by an external power source. The at least one UV bulb  221  emits lethal levels of UV radiation killing undesired organism while additionally providing the necessary energy for exciting chlorine ions dissolved within the passing water. Referencing  FIG. 1-7 , it should be noted that the irradiation stage  200  is longer than both the electrolysis stage  300  and the chemical injection stage  400 . The irradiation stage  200  is provided as longer than the other stages in order to prolong the exposure of UV radiation in order to overcome any turbidity in the passing flow of water. In an embodiment of the invention the at least one UV bulb  221  is provided as an array of UV bulbs  221  enhancing the effectiveness of the UV irradiation unit  220 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, UV bulb  221  generates electromagnetic waves in the ultraviolet range between 400 nm nanometers and 10 nm nanometers. Furthermore the transparent quartz enclosure  222  is particularly configured to accommodate the particular wavelength range. 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4  and  FIG. 8-10 , the electrolysis stage  300  creates an electrical potential with an electrolysis unit  320  in order to generate chlorine gas as a biocidal active agent for treating the flow of water passing through the electrolysis stage  300 . In the current embodiment of the present invention, the electrolysis stage  300  comprises a first flanged end  110 , a second flanged end  120 , a lateral wall  130 , a second flow passage  310 , and an electrolysis unit  320 . The first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the electrolysis stage  300  are oppositely positioned to one another across the lateral wall  130  of the electrolysis stage  300 . Similar to the other stages, the first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the electrolysis stage  300  are centrally aligned with the lateral wall  130  of the electrolysis stage  300 . The second flow passage  310  is positioned along the central alignment forming a linear path for water to flow through. The second flow passage  310  is surrounded by the lateral wall  130  of the electrolysis stage  300 . The lateral wall  130  of the electrolysis stage  300  serves as a mounting point for the electrolysis unit  320 . The electrolysis unit  320  is positioned between the first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the electrolysis stage  300  with a bias towards the second flanged end  120  of the electrolysis stage  300 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4  and  FIG. 8-10 , the three ports  330  are visible traversing through the lateral wall  130  of the electrolysis unit  320 . The three ports  330  are provided as electrical connection ports for providing power to the electrolysis unit  320 . It should be noted that in additional configurations of the present invention, the function of the electrical connection ports can be accomplished by alternative connections means. The electrolysis unit  320  traverses across the second flow passage  310 , wherein the electrolysis unit  320  spans the width of the second flow passage  310 . The positioning of the electrolysis unit  320  ensures interaction with the flow of water passing through the second flow passage  310 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 8-10 , the electrolysis unit  320  is the functional component of the electrolysis stage  300  that generates chlorine gas from dissolved chloride ions in the passing flow of water. In the current embodiment of the present invention, the electrolysis unit  320  comprises at least one anode plate  321 , at least one cathode plate  322 , and at least two plate mounts  323 . The at least one anode plate  321  is the anodic electrode in the electrolysis unit  320  where a positive polarity is formed. The at least one cathode plate  322  is the cathodic electrode in the electrolysis unit  320  where a negative polarity is applied. The at least one anode plate  321  is positioned parallel to the at least one cathode plate  322  in order to generate an electrolytic cell when current is applied. The electrolytic cell reduces chloride ion in the passing flow of water generating chlorine gas. The at least one anode plate  321  and the at least one cathode plate  322  are electrically coupled to the at least two plate mounts  323 . The electrical coupling provides the at least one anode plate  321  and the at least one cathode plate  322  with the power needed to generate an electrolytic cell. The at least two plate mounts  323  are oppositely positioned mountings securely emplaced on the lateral wall  130  of the electrolysis stage  300 . The at least two plate mounts  323  ensure a secure placement for the at least one anode plate  321  and the at least one cathode plate  322 , while additionally ensuring the parallel arrangement between the opposing electrodes. The at least one anode plate  321  and the at least one cathode plate  322  traverse across the second flow passage  310  in order to ensure the electrolytic cell they generate interacts with sufficient volume of the flow of water passing through the second flow passage  310 . It should be noted that the electrolytic cell reduces chloride ions forming chlorine gas from dissolved sodium chlorides in the flow of passing water through the second flow passage  310 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, water flows from the irradiation stage  200  into the electrolysis stage  300 . Irradiated water flowing from the irradiation stage  200  into the electrolysis stage  300  contains chloride ions in an excited state. The excited state of the chloride ions is due to the photoelectric effects of UV radiation. The excited state of the chloride ions facilitates reduction into chlorine gas by the electrolytic cell formed by the electrolysis unit  320 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4  and  FIG. 11-13 , the chemical injection stage  400  introduces chemical agents into the passing water flow that can function as oxidizers as well as disinfectants that and/or enhance the effectiveness of the irradiation stage  200  and the electrolysis stage  300 . In the current embodiment of the present invention, the chemical injection stage  400  comprises a first flanged end  110 , a second flanged end  120 , a lateral wall  130 , a third flow passage  410 , and at least one chemical injection unit  420 . The first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the chemical injection stage  400  are oppositely positioned to one another across the lateral wall  130  of the chemical injection stage  400 . Similar to the other stages, the first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the chemical injection stage  400  are centrally aligned with the lateral wall  130  of the chemical injection stage  400 . The third flow passage  410  is positioned along the central alignment forming a linear path for water to flow through. The third flow passage  410  is surrounded by the lateral wall  130  of the chemical injection stage  400 . The at least on chemical injection unit  420  is partially positioned through the lateral wall  130  of the chemical injection stage  400 . The partial positioning provides the at least one chemical injection unit  420  with a secure mounting point to the lateral wall  130  of the chemical injection stage  400 . The at least one chemical injection unit  420  is positioned between the first flanged end  110  and the second flanged end  120  of the chemical injection stage  400  with a bias towards the second flanged end  120  of chemical injection stage  400 . The at least one chemical injection unit  420  is disposed within the third flow passage  410 . The disposed positioning of the at least one chemical injection unit  420  facilitates dispersal of a chemical agent into the flow of water passing through the third flow passage  410 . The at least one chemical injection unit  420  is in fluid communication with the third flow passage  410 , wherein the component positioning of the at least one chemical injection unit  420  provides enables the delivery of a chemical agent through the at least one chemical injection unit  420  and into the third flow passage  410 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 11-13 , the chemical injection unit  420  is the functional component of the chemical injection stage  400 . The at least one chemical injection unit  420  serves as a conduit for introducing chemical agents into the third flow passage  410 . In the current embodiment of the present invention the chemical injection unit  420  comprises an injection port  421 , an injection channel  422 , and at least one ejection port  423 . The injection port  421  is found in fluid communication with the at least one ejection port  423  by way of the injection channel  422 . The injection port  421  is the entrance point where a chemical agent enters the at least one chemical injection unit  420  in order to be introduced into the third flow channel. The injection channel  422  is the conduit that transports the chemical agent from the injection port  421  to the at least one ejection port  423 . The injection channel  422  is disposed into the third flow passage  410  extending from the lateral wall  130  of the chemical injection stage  400 . The at least one ejection port  423  serves as the exit point for a chemical agent that is being introduced into the third flow passage  410 . The at least one ejection port  423  is found in fluid communication with the third flow passage  410 , wherein the at least one ejection port  423  is particularly configured to use the fluid movement of water passing through the third flow passage  410  to facilitate delivery of a chemical agent. It should be noted that the at least one chemical injection unit  420  would likely include a valve mechanism within the injection channel  422  to prevent back flow. Alternatively, a chemical agent could be actively pumped into the third flow passage  410  preventing back flow up through the at least one chemical injection unit  420 . It should be noted that the at least one chemical injection unit  420  is able to inject a plurality of chemical agents regardless of their state of matter. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one chemical injection unit  420  is an ozone injection unit. The ozone injection unit is particularly configured to deliver ozone gas into the third flow passage  410 . Ozone is an extremely effective biocidal agent that has a high oxidation potential permitting it to react with a wider range of biological contaminants when compared to chlorine. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one chemical injection unit  420  is a chlorine dioxide injection unit. The chlorine dioxide unit is particularly configured to deliver chlorine dioxide into the third flow passage  410 . Chlorine dioxide is an extremely effective biocidal agent that maintains long term efficiency at stopping microbial growth in treated water. 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4 , in an embodiment of the present invention, water flows from the electrolysis stage  300  into the chemical injection stage  400 . Electrolytically chlorinated water flowing from the electrolysis stage  300  into the chemical injection stage  400  contains reduced chlorine in gaseous form as a biocidal agent. In the embodiment of the invention where the at least one chemical injection unit  420  is configured as an ozone injection unit, the introduction of ozone cooperatively functions with chlorine to improve the biocidal performance of the water treatment system  100 . In the embodiment of the invention where the at least on chemical injection unit  420  is configured as a chlorine dioxide injection unit, chlorine dioxide cooperatively function with chlorine to improve the long term efficiency of the water treatment system  100 . Chlorine dioxide accomplishes the improvement in efficiency impart through its own biocidal effects as well as by reacting with by-products of electrolytic chlorination. Chlorine dioxide reduces by-products of electrolytic chlorination and forms chlorite ions increasing the presence of chlorine gas within the flow of water. 
     Referencing  FIG. 1-4 , in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  are particularly arranged in order to enhance the functionality of the water treatment system  100 . The second flanged end  120  of the electrolysis stage  300  is coincidentally engaged to the first flanged end  110  of the irradiation stage  200 . The aforementioned engagement provides irradiated water from the irradiation stage  200  containing chloride ions in an excited state to the electrolysis unit  320  in the second flow passage  310 . The exited chloride ions improve the yield of chlorine production through electrolytic chlorination. The second flanged end  120  of the electrolysis stage  300  is coincidentally engaged to the first flanged end  110  of the chemical injection stage  400 . The aforementioned arrangement provides chlorine gas dissolved in the water from the second flow passage  310  for interaction with the at least one chemical injection unit  420 . The at least one chemical injection unit  420  can be configured as an ozone injection unit and/or as a chlorine dioxide injection unit. When the at least one chemical injection unit  420  is configured as an ozone injection unit, ozone is introduced into the third flow passage  410  and mixes with the chlorinated water. The resulting ozone chlorine mixture uses the biocidal properties of each agent constructively to enhance the efficiency of the water treatment system  100 . When the at least one chemical injection unit  420  is configured as a chlorine dioxide injection unit, chlorine dioxide is introduced into the third flow passage  410  and dissolves in the chlorinated water. The resulting mixture of the chlorine dioxide in the chlorinated water serves a dual purpose, firstly as an effective biocidal agent and secondly as stabilizing compound that reduces the reactivity of by-products of electrolytic chlorination. By reacting with by-products of electrolytic chlorination, chlorine dioxide prolongs the presence of chlorine gas in treated water. It should be noted that both configurations of the at least one chemical injection unit  420  may be provided simultaneously resulting in an ozone, chlorine dioxide, and chlorine mixture which significantly enhances the biocidal efficiency of the water treatment system  100 . After water passes through the water treatment system  100 , the treated water would be allowed a contact time to ensure biological containments are neutralized. Contact time can be provided by allowing the treated water to sit within the transfer lines or a holding tanks until sufficient time has passed. 
     The water treatment system  100  comprises an irradiation stage  200 , an electrolysis stage  300 , and a chemical injection stage  400  capable of injecting chlorine dioxide, ozone, or a combination of both as a means of eradicating biological containments. 
     The electrolysis stage  300  comprises an electrolysis unit  320  comprising five anode plates  321  and five cathode plates  322 . The five anode plates  321  and the five cathode plates  322  are arranged in pairs as electrolysis plate sets comprising one anode plate  321  and one cathode plate  322 . Each electrolysis plate set is electrically coupled to the at least two plate mounts  323  inside of the second flow passage  310 . An electrical connection to the anode plate  321  and to the cathode plate  322  is provided through the at least two mounts. The electrical connection provided to the at least two plate mounts  323  is powered by a direct current power source. The at least two plate mounts  323  holding the electrolysis plate sets are constructed of an electrically insulating material. 
     The irradiation stage  200  comprises an UV irradiation unit  220  that extends downwardly within the enclosed space of the irradiation stage  200 . The irradiation unit  220  comprises a UV bulb  221  positioned within a transparent quartz enclosure  222 . The transparent quartz enclosure  222  houses the UV bulb  221  and provided with an impermeable construction. An electrical coupling is provided to power the UV bulb  221  but additionally provides a particular positioning for the transparent quartz enclosure  222  such that the UV bulb  221  and the transparent quartz enclosure  222  extend downwardly thru the first flow passage  210 . An Electrical connection is provided to the electrical coupling in order to power the UV bulb  221  by the direct power source. 
     The lateral walls  130  of the irradiation stage  200 , the electrolysis stage  300 , and the chemical injection stage  400  can be constructed from Chlorinated polyvinyl chlorine (CPVC) that can be provided in either an opaque construction too block ultraviolet rays or a clear construction to allow viewing of the ozone and chlorine dioxide injection stages. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.