Patent Publication Number: US-2022212914-A1

Title: Method of Installation of a Vacuumed Controlled Level Sensing Liquid Dispensing System and Use Thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation application claiming priority to and the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/445,451, filed Aug. 19, 2021, entitled “Vacuumed Controlled Level Sensing Liquid Dispensing System,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/299,111, filed Mar. 11, 2019, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial no. 62/641,398, filed Mar. 11, 2018, entitled “Vacuumed Controlled Level Sensing Liquid Dispensing Device,” all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to liquid dispensing devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for the continuous dispensing of liquid disinfectant whereby such dispensing is controlled by vacuum. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There exists in the art devices for dispensing a disinfectant to disinfect fluid or liquid prior to utilization of the disinfected liquid. For example, there are devices for use in connection with septic systems that dispense chlorine into a tank for disinfecting the accumulated liquid prior to dispersion of the disinfected liquid to a sprinkler or drain field. These kinds of systems may either use solid (e.g., tablets) or liquid disinfectants. The disinfectant is further generally drawn or pulled into the liquid to be disinfected using a venturi through a phenomenon known as the venturi effect. The disinfectant used is generally chlorine. 
     However, there may be certain environments or regulations that do not allow certain types of disinfectants to be used or where a disinfectant other than chlorine is desired. In additional, there may be several components that comprise the disinfecting dispensing equipment which translates to multiple potential areas of failure. This would, in turn, require additional maintenance and increased costs to maintain the equipment. Having more replacement components translates to having to accommodate additional replacement parts in inventory. 
     Current wastewater treatment systems also impact the environment as the amount of disinfectant used often exceeds the amount needed to effectively treat wastewater. For example, current disinfecting systems using a venturi may release up to 15 drops of liquid (which is equal to 1 mL) in 1 gallon of treated wastewater. In other words, it takes 15 drops of liquid bleach to treat 1 gallon of wastewater. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a stand-alone dispensing device that has a free flow gravity feed design that is environmentally friendly, low cost, easily installable on to any aerobic system and contains no moving parts. There is a further need for such device to be vacuum controlled such that the device dispenses disinfectant to a liquid continuously and in real time. There is also a further need for a dispensing device that is capable of dispensing a variety of types of disinfectants in accordance with applicable environmental, regulatory and/or consumer constraints. The present invention addresses these and other shortcomings of the currently existing disinfecting systems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a closed system for dispensing a liquid disinfectant into a tank containing liquid (effluent) without using a venturi to dispense the disinfectant. Rather, the dispensing of the disinfectant is controlled via a vacuum. The present invention further provides for a gravity flow device that applies disinfectant to a holding tank as the water level rises, thus, giving the ultimate amount of contact time for the disinfectant to work. The disinfectant is introduced to effluent water in a holding/pump tank as the effluent enters the holding/pump tank. The longer the contact time the disinfectant has to interact with pathogens, the better the disinfectant disinfects and treats the effluent water. In short, the present invention provides for maximum contact time for minimal pathogen survival. 
     The inventor conducted a series of experiments demonstrating the underlying principles supporting the present invention and observed that 1″ Hg was sufficient in any size pipe to raise water within such pipe approximately 14″ in the pipe. In these experiments, the invention used six different sized pipes—also described as “sensing pipes”—having diameter sizes of 1¼″, 1″, ¾″, ½″, ⅜″ and ¼″. Each was tied together via tubing to a header having a ball valve. The water was dyed to demonstrate visually the effect the vacuum had on the water within the sensing pipe. The header was connected via tubing to a vacuum gauge which was approximately at 0.0″ Hg. This then was connected via tubing to a venturi. 
     When the venturi was turned on (which created a vacuum within the system), the water within each of the sensing pipes rose simultaneously and notably at the same rate with the same amount of vacuum being applied to each sensing pipe of differing diameters. After turning off the venturi, and thus ceasing the application of vacuum, the vacuum sensor measured approximately 1″ Hg of vacuum. The ball valve on the header was shut off thus, maintaining the vacuum within the sensing pipe. 
     What was observed was that the distance the dyed water rose in each of the sensing pipes of different diameters was about 14 inches above the surface of the water. In other words, the column of water within each of the sensing pipes was approximately 14″-15″ inches from the water surface. This length of water column within the sensing pipe and above the water surface was maintained consistently so long as the vacuum was maintained. Once the system lost vacuum, the water column began to fall down towards the surface of the water. 
     In an alternative embodiment, if a T was placed inline and connected to a vacuum switch (e.g., low level), the gauge was normally a closed switch with 0.38″ to 1″ Hg. As long as the system was under vacuum, the system pulled the switch open. However, a low level functioning alarm was also tied in to indicate when the level was low. When vacuum was lost, the alarm went off 
     While this demonstration was prepared using a venturi to create the vacuum, the present invention operates absent a venturi. 
     An object of the present invention is to control the dispensing of a liquid disinfectant without a venturi. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide for a disinfection device for secondary treated effluent. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide for a disinfection device that may be used with 6-10% sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) as the liquid disinfectant. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide for a disinfection device that may be used with various kinds of disinfectants as the liquid disinfectant. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide the maximum amount of contact time between the liquid disinfectant and the liquid to be treated. 
     To contrast the prior art to the present invention, reference is now made to  FIG. 1  which depicts graphical representation  10  illustrating the relationship between the amount of liquid in the tank and the level of residual chlorine as a function of time for front side dosing using a venturi front of pump cycle. Front side dosing means all dose is provided as the pump starts. Left axis  12  represents the quantity of liquid (gal.). Right axis  14  represents the current level of residual chlorine (mg/L). Bottom axis  16  represents time (24 hours). Metered flow is a slow steady addition of chlorine drops when the pump starts and continues to run. However, once the initial dosage is provided, minimal, if any, disinfecting occurs until the pump cycle resumes. In contrast, the present invention, without the use of a venturi, controls the dosage of disinfectant into the tank of effluent to be treated to disinfect continuously and in real time. 
     Utilizing gravity and vacuum controlled dispensing of disinfectant rather than a venturi to control the dispensing or dosing of the disinfectant, the present invention thus dispenses disinfectant continuously in real time. This may be demonstrated quantitatively. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , graphical representation  18  illustrates the relationship between the amount of liquid in the tank and the level of residual chlorine as a function of time. Left axis  20  represents the quantity of liquid (gal.). Right axis  22  represents the current level of residual chlorine (mg/L). Bottom axis  24  represents time (24 hours). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , an almost linear and proportional relationship between the amount of chlorine and water exists as a function of time. At the start of the pump cycle (12 am) the quantity of water in the pump tank is 0.0 gal. and the residual chlorine is near 2.0. Then at 3:00 am, there is an increase of water to about 10 gal. At that time the residual chlorine is at about 1.5. At 6 am, the water level increases to about 50 gal. and the residual chlorine is about 1.0. The residual chlorine level decreases until about 7 am then begins to increase in concentration. At about 9 am the residual chlorine level is about 0.75 whereas the water level has increased to about 100 gal. This proportional increase of both the water level and residual chlorine concentration level continues until about 12 am where the water quickly decreases from about 250 gal. to about 50 gal. while the residual chlorine plateaus at about 2.0. This would then coincide to the residual chlorine level described at the beginning of the pump cycle. The water level also continues to decrease after the pump cycle back down to 0.0 gal. before the next pump cycle begins. As the water level in the tank increases (from between 6 am to 12 am), there appears to be a somewhat linear relationship with the chlorine level which also increases proportionately during this same time period. 
     Stated differently, at the start of a pump cycle, the water level in the pump/holding tank is high enough, as all of the daily water usage is satisfied by a level float, probably until midday. However, the water held in the tank is monitored by a timer and is not generally satisfied by midnight (timer setting). When both the float level and the timer settings coincide, the pump cycle begins. 
     Some jurisdictions, e.g., Texas, require spray discharge/pump cycle to occur between 12 am-5 am. It is important to note that there is always about 100-150 gallons or more in the tank all the time at “0” (See  FIG. 2 ) because the pump intake is about 12″ off the bottom of the tank. There is always about 16-18″ of water in a tank because of the location of the pump intake. The graph starts at 0 which corresponds to daily water usage. Water level/usage decreases overnight due to inactivity, e.g., everyone is sleeping. In the morning the water level and water usage increases, then becomes stagnant and maybe increases during the lunch hour and continues to increase when everyone is at home in the evening using water before bedtime. 
     When stagnant water flows, chlorine residuals decline due to the nature of agressive/nonstable sodium hypochlorite (bleach). When flows are present, chlorine residuals are proportionally linear. See  FIG. 2 . 
     Over the course of several experiments, the inventor discovered that an increase in the inner diameter of the sensing tube translated into an observed increase in the resulting chlorine concentration in the pump tank with no losses of chlorine. For example, with a 500 gal pump tank, using a concentration of sodium hypochlorite of 6.25%, a sensing tube of 0.5 inches in diameter and having the following parameters: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Pump Tank Wet Well Height 
                 55 
                 inches 
               
               
                   
                 Pump Tank Total Volume 
                 771 
                 gallons 
               
               
                   
                 Unit Volume 
                 14.02 
                 gal/inch 
               
               
                   
                 Sensing Tube Diameter 
                 0.5 
                 inches 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium Hypochlorite Concentrations 
                 6.25% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The following resulted: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 1.61 
                 1.61 
                 0.0004 
                 24 
                 55.7 
                 2.1 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When the sensing tube diameter was increased to 0.75 inches, and maintaining the remaining parameters, the results were as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 3.62 
                 3.62 
                 0.0010 
                 54 
                 125.2 
                 4.7 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Increasing the sensing tube diameter to 1.00 (all other parameters unchanged), gave the following: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 6.43 
                 6.43 
                 0.0017 
                 96 
                 222.6 
                 8.4 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The inventor performed a similar experiment increasing the sodium hypochlorite concentration to 8.00% but all other parameters remaining unchanged: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Pump Tank Wet Well Height 
                 55 
                 inches 
               
               
                   
                 Pump Tank Total Volume 
                 771 
                 gallons 
               
               
                   
                 Unit Volume 
                 14.02 
                 gal/inch 
               
               
                   
                 Sensing Tube Diameter 
                 0.5 
                 inches 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium Hypochlorite Concentrations 
                 8.00% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The following resulted: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 1.61 
                 1.61 
                 0.0004 
                 24 
                 71.2 
                 2.7 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When the sensing tube diameter was increased to 0.75 inches, and maintaining the remaining parameters, the results were as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank w/ 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 3.62 
                 3.62 
                 0.0010 
                 54 
                 160.3 
                 6.0 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Increasing the sensing tube diameter to 1.00 (all other parameters unchanged), gave the following: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank w/ 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 6.43 
                 6.43 
                 0.0017 
                 96 
                 285.0 
                 10.7 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The inventor performed a similar experiment increasing the sodium hypochlorite concentration to 10% but all other parameters remaining unchanged: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Pump Tank Wet Well Height 
                 55 
                 inches 
               
               
                 Pump Tank Total Volume 
                 771 
                 gallons 
               
               
                 Unit Volume 
                 14.02 
                 gal/inch 
               
               
                 Sensing Tube Diameter 
                 0.5 
                 inches 
               
               
                 Sodium Hypochlorite Concentrations 
                 10% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The following resulted: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank w/ 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 1.61 
                 1.61 
                 0.0004 
                 24 
                 89.1 
                 3.4 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When the sensing tube diameter was increased to 0.75 inches, and maintaining the remaining parameters, the results were as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 3.62 
                 3.62 
                 0.0010 
                 54 
                 200.4 
                 7.6 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Increasing the sensing tube diameter to 1.00 (all other parameters unchanged), gave the following: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 6.43 
                 6.43 
                 0.0017 
                 96 
                 356.2 
                 13.4 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Increasing the pump tank size produced similar results. For example, with a 1000 gal pump tank, using a sensing tube of 0.5 inches in diameter, and having the following parameters: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Pump Tank Wet Well Height 
                 56 
                 inches 
               
               
                   
                 Pump Tank Total Volume 
                 1220 
                 gallons 
               
               
                   
                 Unit Volume 
                 21.79 
                 gal/inch 
               
               
                   
                 Sensing Tube Diameter 
                 0.5 
                 inches 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium Hypochlorite Concentrations 
                 6.25% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The following resulted: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 41.23 
                 1.61 
                 1.61 
                 0.0004 
                 24 
                 55.7 
                 1.4 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When the sensing tube diameter was increased to 0.75 inches, and maintaining the remaining parameters, the results were as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 41.23 
                 3.62 
                 3.62 
                 0.0010 
                 54 
                 125.2 
                 3.0 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Increasing the sensing tube diameter to 1.00 (all other parameters unchanged), gave the following: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 41.23 
                 6.43 
                 6.43 
                 0.0017 
                 96 
                 222.6 
                 5.4 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Increasing the pump tank size produced similar results. For example, with a 1000 gal pump tank, using a sensing tube of 0.5 inches in diameter, and having the following parameters: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Pump Tank Wet Well Height 
                 56 
                 inches 
               
               
                   
                 Pump Tank Total Volume 
                 1220 
                 gallons 
               
               
                   
                 Unit Volume 
                 21.79 
                 gal/inch 
               
               
                   
                 Sensing Tube Diameter 
                 0.5 
                 inches 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium Hypochlorite Concentrations 
                 6.25% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The following resulted: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 41.23 
                 1.61 
                 1.61 
                 0.0004 
                 24 
                 55.7 
                 1.4 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When the sensing tube diameter was increased to 0.75 inches, and maintaining the remaining parameters, the results were as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 3.62 
                 3.62 
                 0.0010 
                 54 
                 125.2 
                 4.7 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Increasing the sensing tube diameter to 1.00 (all other parameters unchanged), gave the following: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 15 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resulting Chlorine  
               
               
                 Change in 
                   
                 Sensing Tube 
                 Equivalent 
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Mass  
                 Concentration in 
               
               
                 Pump Tank 
                 Equivalent 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
                 Equivalent 
                 Chlorine 
                 Pump Tank with 
               
               
                 Height (in.) 
                 Volume (L) 
                 Change (mL) 
                 Bleach (mL) 
                 Bleach (gal.) 
                 Volume (drops) 
                 Dosed (mg) 
                 no losses (mg/L) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.5 
                 26.53 
                 6.43 
                 6.43 
                 0.0017 
                 96 
                 222.6 
                 8.4 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As demonstrated above, these calculations demonstrate that varying the diameter of the different sensing tubes directly affects the chlorine dose. 
     The dispensing system of the present invention adjusts the amount of chlorine that drips into the pump tank by controlling the amount of air allowed into the disinfectant dispensing reservoir via the sensing pipe. A different size will give a different result. The flexible tubing from the top of the sensing pipe connects directly into the liquid dispensing reservoir, preferably at the highest point as it is a “vent,” but only in the sense that the reservoir only receives air from the sensing pipe, not atmosphere, as the present invention is a closed system. 
     As the water column rises, this allows air to enter into the reservoir and by entering into the reservoir, the vacuum within the plastic tubing is lessened which allows the dispensing tube to dispense fluid, e.g., disinfectant, such as chlorine. 
     The present invention demonstrates that 1″ Hg lifts approximately 14″ of water column. The column of air above the water column controls the feed rate (chlorine dosage) of the liquid dispensing reservoir. Reducing the diameter of column of air (by reducing the inner diameter of the sensing pipe) reduces the amount of air fed into the air locked liquid dispensing reservoir. 
     The present invention substantially reduced the amount of disinfectant required to treat wastewater over current disinfecting systems. The present invention reduces the amount of liquid chlorine used by about half. With the present invention, it now only takes 7 drops of bleach per gallon to effectively treat wastewater. This is tantamount to about 16,000 gallons of water treated with about 2 gallons of disinfectant, e.g., bleach. This is quite an unexpected result. The inventor is not aware of any other device or system that can effectively treat this much wastewater with such a minimal amount of liquid chlorine. The benefits of reducing the amount of disinfectant to effectively treat wastewater include a more environmentally friendly treatment system and a reduction on cost for consumables and operating costs. 
     An advantage of the present invention is the free flow gravity feed design that is easily installable on to any aerobic system and contains no moving parts. An additional advantage is that the present invention is vacuum controlled such that the device dispenses disinfectant to a liquid continuously and in real time. Still another advantage is that the present invention is capable of dispensing a variety of types of disinfectants in accordance with applicable environmental, regulatory and/or consumer constraints while reducing the number of components and consumables which translates into substantial cost savings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  depicts a graphical representation of the typical monitoring results of an existing dispensing device that utilizes a venturi. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a graphical representation of the typical monitoring results of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective front view of a disinfectant dispensing reservoir of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the disinfectant dispensing reservoir of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a back view of the disinfectant dispensing reservoir of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a right side cross section view of the disinfectant dispensing reservoir of an embodiment of the present invention taking across section lines  5 B with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts an exploded view of the disinfectant dispensing reservoir and housing of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial sectional view of the disinfectant dispensing reservoir within the housing, with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a front view of the disinfectant dispensing system of the present invention showing the liquid within the sensing pipe at the same level as the liquid within a tank. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the liquid beginning to rise within the sensing pipe. 
         FIG. 10  shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the water within the sensing pipe at an upper level. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the water within the sensing pipe at an upper level and the inlet water entering the tank. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the water within the sensing pipe at an upper level and the inlet water entering the tank while the water within the tank continues to rise and the disinfectant from the liquid reservoir continuing to drip into the tank. 
         FIG. 13  shows a close up view of the disinfectant from the disinfectant dispensing reservoir dripping into the tank. 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the water within the sensing pipe at an upper level, the inlet water no longer entering the tank and the height (or length) of the water within the sensing pipe at a constant height (or length) above the surface of the tank water. 
         FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of the present invention having alarms. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the liquid disinfectant dispensing reservoir of the present invention is shown. The reservoir has a tapered base  28 . Neck portion  30  extends centrally from top surface  46  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . End  32  of neck portion  30  opposite base  28  is tapered and threaded. Threaded portion  34  protrudes from end  32  of neck portion  30 . Aperture  36  within threaded portion  34  provides pathway for liquid disinfectant to enter within liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . 
     Aperture  42  on flat portion  40  allows a fitting, such as a barbed fitting, to be secured therein. Aperture  42  and fitting (not shown) may have complimentary threaded portions that engage there between. Alternatively, the fitting may be secured within aperture  42  using a sealant, such as a waterproof sealant. The sealant is not exposed to disinfectant, e.g., chlorine, at any time. The fitting facilitates and allows for connection to the tubing that will (at the other end of the tubing) connect to the sensing pipe (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ), as will be described in further detail below. The present invention uses a barbed fitting, though other kinds of fittings, connectors or couplings may be used and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , releasably attached cap  38  having internal threads (not shown) is matable with the threaded end  34  of neck portion  30  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . The interior threading of screw cap  38  allows for mating with and threading to protruded threaded portion  34 . Screw cap  38  may have ridges  48  or be knurled to facilitate and aid a user to screw the screw cap  38  on and off more easily from protruded threaded portion  34 . Screw cap  38  may be made of polyethylene and may also contain a gasket (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a top view of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  is shown. Partial groove  44  is located on top surface  46  directly in front of aperture  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a side view and cross sectional view of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  is shown. Base  28  tapers toward top surface  46 . Cap  38  releasably attaches to threaded portion  34  of neck portion  30 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . The cross sectional view in  FIG. 5B  illustrates internal threads  50  of cap  38  engaged with external threads of threaded portion  34 . The volume within liquid dispensing reservoir  26  fills with and holds liquid disinfectant. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5B , aperture  27  is centrally located on bottom  29  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . Aperture  27  facilitates the dispensing of liquid (i.e., disinfectant) from liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . The size of the aperture on the bottom of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  may vary in size proportionally with the thickness of the material used for liquid dispensing reservoir 26. The thicker the material, the larger the aperture. In the present invention, aperture  27  is ⅛″ in diameter though other aperture sizes, ranging from about 1/16″ and larger, may be used and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention. 
     Dimensions for liquid dispensing reservoir  26  include base  28  having a height of 4 inches and a 5 degree taper toward neck portion  30  of the reservoir. Neck portion  30  has a length of 4.50 inches, a 0.25″ radius across the middle portion of neck portion  30  and a 0.5″ radius at end  32  adjacent to threaded portion  34  of neck portion  30 . Offset center of opening  36  is 0.25″ from the center of neck portion  30 . Flat area  40  on the opposite side of neck portion  30  is 0.75″ from centerpoint and forms an approx. 3″×3″ flat square area and may be for placement of embossed labeling, logo, data plate or other similar marking. The length of the reservoir from base  28  to threaded portion  34  of neck portion  30  is 8.50 inches. While the present invention has these dimensions, other dimensions may also be used and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention. 
     The reservoir is constructed from durable polyethylene material which can withstand the corrosive nature of sodium hypochlorite (i.e., household bleach). The cap is a 63 mm polyethylene screw cap with gasket. While the present invention uses polyethylene, any similarly resistant material may also be used and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, during fabrication of liquid dispensing reservoir  26 , a ⅛″ National Pipe Thread Taper (NPT) pipe plug is inserted in the mold (at the highest point of flat portion  40  of the fill neck portion  30 ) for liquid dispensing reservoir  26  prior to molding. This plug is a removable/reusable piece that will create the threads needed for the threaded barb elbow or fitting that attaches and connects to tubing for transfer of liquid from liquid dispensing reservoir  26  to another component (sensing pipe), as will be described below. Tubing used in the present invention may be vinyl tubing, though other comparably resistant and flexible material may be used and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention. Liquid dispensing reservoir 26 may be manufactured via rotational molding. However, given cost considerations, it may be preferably manufactured using extrusion blow molding. 
     The liquid dispensing reservoir of the present invention may be incorporated into the dispensing system of the present invention. The dispensing system of the present invention is generally underground. However, the upper portion of the dispensing system is above ground and may be accessed by a user. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an exploded view of the upper portion of the present invention is shown. This upper portion comprises an access riser, a secondary safety lid, the liquid dispensing reservoir, a lid and a cap. The liquid reservoir and secondary safety lid rest substantially within the volume defined by the riser and lid. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , riser  58  is placed on a base (not shown) which will rest on a water tank. Riser  58  has a plurality of tabs  60  (only one complete and one partial of which are shown here) extending centrally inward to opening  66 . Each tab  60  contains screw holes  64  (only one of which is shown here) therein. A plurality of screw holes  62  are also spaced equidistantly around the circumference of riser  58 . 
     Secondary safety lid  68  having surface  70 , aperture  72  in the center thereof and contains a plurality of recessed portions  74  within which includes screw holes  76  (only one of which is shown here). Secondary safety lid  68  rests on plurality of tabs  60  of riser  58  with screw holes  76  of secondary safety lid  68  in alignment with screw holes  64  of riser  58 . Fasteners (not shown), such as screws, traverse the plurality of screw holes 76 of secondary safety lid 68 and the plurality of screw holes  64  on the plurality of tabs  60  of riser  58  to fasten secondary safety lid  68  to riser  58 . 
     Liquid dispensing reservoir  26  sits on surface  70  of secondary safety lid  68 . Tubing  54  is connected at one end to fitting  52  (e.g., barbed fitting) secured within aperture  42 . Tubing continues across surface  46  along partial groove  44  to where tubing  54  may connect to another component (sensing pipe). Band  56  secures tubing  54  as tubing  54  comes down from fitting  52  to minimize and/or eliminate movement which may cause tubing  54  to be unattached to fitting  52 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Lid  78  has aperture  82  in the center and a plurality of screw holes  80  spaced equidistantly around the circumference of lid  78 . Cap  84  includes an extending portion  88  held therein by adjusting pin  86  on cap  84 . Extending portion  88  is hollow to accommodate cap  38  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  therein. Lid  78  rests on top of riser  58  with the plurality of screw holes  80  of lid  78  in alignment with plurality of screw holes  62  of riser  58 . Fasteners (not shown), such as screws, traverse the plurality of screw holes  80  of lid  78  and the plurality of screw holes  62  of riser  58  to fasten lid  78  to riser  58 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the various components of the upper portion of the dispensing system in  FIG. 6  all resting on base  94 . Similar to flat area  40 , area  90  and top surface  92  may also be used for placement of embossed labeling, logo, data plate or other similar marking. 
     In one embodiment, liquid dispensing reservoir  26  may have handles (not shown) about the center of neck portion  30  to aid the user in lifting liquid dispensing reservoir  26  out during maintenance, repair or replacement of the reservoir. 
     The liquid dispensing reservoir may be used in conjunction with the liquid dispensing system of the present invention. Now referring to  FIG. 8 , dispensing system  96  of the present invention is shown within a pump tank  98 . The upper portion of the dispensing system (previously described in reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) is attached to the top of tank  98 . The present invention further comprises sensing pipe  100  connected at the top end to tubing  54  via connector  102 . The opposite end of sensing pipe  100  is submerged under the liquid  108  within tank  98  and has open end  104 . Brace  126  supports the vertical orientation of sensing pipe  100  within tank  98 . Discharge pump  110  is submerged in liquid  108  within tank on one end and on the other end connects to discharge pipe  112 . Braces  122  and  124  supports the vertical orientation of discharge pump  110  within tank  98 . 
     An inlet line  109  allows for the entrance of liquid, e.g., untreated effluent. The present invention may also include fluid level indicator  114 , such as a floating water level. Wiring  118  and  116  connect to and provide power to discharge pump  110  and fluid level indicator  114 . Ties  128  may be used to secure wiring  118  and  116  (to, for example, discharge pump  110 ). Valve  120 , rotatable about an opened position and a closed position, is located within discharge pipe  112 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , riser rests on base  94  on top of tank  98 . Riser  58  has a volume within capable of accommodating liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . Aperture  27  on bottom  29  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  is aligned with aperture  72  of secondary safety lid  68  and opening  66  of riser  58  to allow disinfectant from liquid dispensing reservoir  26  to drip into tank  98 . Riser  58  is commercially available under the trademark TufTite® and has dimensions of 24″ in diameter and 12″ tall, though other dimensions may also be used and still remain within the contemplation of this present invention. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 8 , tubing  54  is connected to liquid dispensing reservoir  26  on one end and connected to sensing pipe  100  on the other end. The tubing may be ¼″ vinyl tubing, though other comparable size tubing may be used and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention. 
     A single sensing pipe or tube  100  extends into the surface of the liquid  108  in tank  98  at one end and has an opening  104  therein. The other end of sensing tube  100  extends upwards towards riser  58 . Sensing pipe  100  may be flexible or rigid, transparent or opaque. Sensing pipe  100  may be connected to additional tubing, e.g., vinyl tubing, to facilitate fluid communication with the liquid dispensing reservoir. It is to be understood that air may be considered a fluid in the present invention. 
     Inlet line  109  allows fluid, e.g., non-disinfected fluid such as liquid waste effluent, to enter into and fill tank  98 . Discharge line or pipe  112  is used to discharge disinfected fluid from effluent pump  110  in tank  98  and communicated to a sprinkler or drain field. Discharge pump  110  is used to pump out the disinfected fluid through discharge line or pipe  112 . A fluid level indicator  114 , such as a floating water level, is used to determine the fluid level  108  within tank  98 , as shown in  FIG. 8  (see also, e.g.,  FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 14 ). The liquid disinfectant used to disinfect the non-disinfected fluid, such as liquid waste effluent entering the tank, may be liquid chlorine (i.e., bleach), hydrogen peroxide, EDTA, or other liquid with similar disinfecting properties. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-11 , the present invention in use is described. Referring to  FIG. 8 , prior to use, liquid  108  within sensing pipe  100  is at the same level  106  as the liquid contents within pump tank  98 . Cap  84  of lid  78  is removed. Cap  38  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ) of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  is then removed and liquid dispensing reservoir  26  is filled up with the appropriate liquid disinfectant. This would be approximately  3  gallons of a liquid, though containers of other sizes may be also be used for the liquid dispensing reservoir and still remain within the contemplation of this present invention. As liquid dispensing reservoir  26  is being filled up, small amounts of liquid escapes from aperture  27  on bottom  29  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  and fall into pump tank  98 . 
     The liquid dispensing reservoir of the present invention is a 3.5 gal tank. This size is optimal for most residential applications as the reservoir may be retrofitted snuggly within the risers already in the tanks of many consumers. However, residential users have a variety of sized tanks in use. The present invention may also accommodate those varied sized tanks by having the reservoir tank compatible for use in other sizes, including up to a 20 gallon tank, and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention. 
     Cap  38  is replaced back onto liquid dispensing reservoir  26  once the liquid contents are placed into liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . Small amounts of liquid continue to fall into pump tank  98  from aperture  27  on bottom  29  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  until the dispensing system of the present invention, which includes liquid dispensing reservoir  26 , tubing  54  and submerged sensing pipe  100 , reaches equilibrium in terms of pressure. However, replacing the lid creates a closed system and causes a vacuum to be created within sensing pipe  100 . As the small amounts of liquid continue to fall into pump tank  98  from aperture  27  on bottom  29  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26 , the vacuum created within the system causes (by pulling or suction) liquid from pump tank  98  to be drawn and rise within sensing pipe  100 , causing a rise in liquid within sensing pipe  100 . See  FIG. 9 . 
     The liquid will continue to be drawn up to sensing pipe  100  until the level of liquid within sensing pipe  100  reaches an upper level, such upper level ranging from a few inches above the surface of the fluid  108  in the tank to approximately 12-14 inches or more. See, e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 11 . However, the sensing pipe fluid level can only rise to no more than the reservoir height. Such upper level reached coincides with the equalization of pressure in the system. Once the pressure in the system is equalized, no further liquid will fall into pump tank  98  from aperture  27  on bottom  29  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . 
     The only time equalization must occur is when cap  38  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  is removed for refilling. This occurs when liquid dispensing reservoir  26  has probably been out of liquid (e.g., bleach) for a while. 
     Equilibrium may also be reached with the level of liquid within sensing pipe  100  at approximately 6.5 inches. See  FIG. 10  (showing an upper level  132  of approximately 6.5″ above the surface of fluid  108  in tank  98 ). This equates to approximately ½inch of vacuum. 
     Once equilibrium is reached and the level of liquid within sensing pipe  100  stops rising, the fill hose  109  is turned on. See  FIG. 11 . 
     As the fill hose  109  fills pump tank  98  with liquid  136 , liquid  108  in pump tank  98  rises. As liquid  108  in pump tank  98  rises, column of liquid  134  within sensing pipe  100  also rises an equal distance, maintaining the same distance above the level of liquid  108  in pump tank  98  as when equilibrium was reached. In the example provided, this would be approximately 6.5 inches. Compare  FIG. 9  with  FIG. 10  (each depicting same level of column of liquid within sensing pipe at different levels of liquid within the pump tank). The system is still locked, but the volume of air above the water column within sensing pipe  100  controls the vacuum lock. 
     As the liquid level within sensing pipe  100  rises, fluid/dosing leaks out of the bottom of the liquid reservoir. It is the volume of air above the water column within sensing pipe  98  that is in fluid connection with the liquid dispensing reservoir  26  that “pushes” further dosing to occur via aperture  27  at bottom  29  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . See, e.g.,  FIGS. 12 and 13  (depicting the rising column of water within the sensing pipe and the dosing shown as drops that take place). 
     Turning off fill hose  109  prevents further outside liquid to being introduced into pump tank  98 . Also, as liquid no longer is rising within tank  98 , the column of liquid within sensing pipe  100  also does not rise, but remains the same distance above the level of the liquid in pump tank  98  as when fill hose  109  was on, e.g., 6.5 inches. See  FIG. 14 . 
     The column of liquid within sensing pipe  100  remains the same distance above the level of the liquid in pump tank  98  throughout the process of filling and emptying pump tank  98  with liquid (with the level of liquid within the tank rising and falling), thereby controlling the dosing rate and amount of dosing that occurs. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , once the liquid  108  in pump tank  98  has been disinfected, a pathway from tank  98  to an area remote from the tank is opened. Discharge pump  110  within tank  98  is then turned on via a switch or other similar means to pump out the now disinfected liquid via the outlet hose  112  to a sprinkler system or drain field. This is accomplished by turning ball valve  120  into an open position to open the pathway of the liquid within pump tank  98  into outlet hose  112  and out to the sprinkler or drain field, as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     As the level of the liquid within the pump tank falls, so too does the level of the column of liquid within sensing pipe  100  which maintains the same distance above the level of the liquid in pump tank  98 . 
       FIGS. 8-14  illustrate the functionality and progression of the dispensing system of the present invention, beginning with the liquid within sensing pipe  100  at the same level as the liquid level in tank  98  and gradually increasing to an upper level, reaching equilibrium and causing pressure to build within liquid dispensing reservoir  26 . Thereafter, effluent  136  is introduced into tank  98 . Dispensing of disinfectant occurs from aperture  27  on bottom  29  of liquid dispensing reservoir  26  forced out by pressure. 
       FIG. 15  depicts the integration of the present invention in an alternative embodiment  200  with liquid dispensing reservoir  204  having discharge pump  222 , inlet pipe  232  and outlet or discharge pipe  224 . Liquid dispensing reservoir  204  is shown within a partial cross section of riser  206  such that only a side view of the neck and bottom portion of the liquid dispensing reservoir is exposed. Riser  206  sits on tank  202 . 
     Liquid dispensing reservoir  204  is in fluid communication via tubing  210  with sensing pipe  212  extending into liquid effluent  228  in tank  202 . Visual alarm  240  and audible alarm  242  are integrated within an alarm assembly  238  with this embodiment of the present invention. Effluent  230  flows into and fills tank  202  from inlet pipe  232 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 15 , a “T” barbed fitting  218  is located inline of tubing  210  between reservoir  204  and sensing pipe  212 . Fluid or lack of fluid, e.g., air, is communicated to alarm assembly  238  via tubing  220 . Alarm assembly  238  may measure pressure, such that if a predetermined range is not maintained, such outside parameter may cause visual alarm  240  or audible alarm  242  or both to activate and alert the user. 
     The dispensing system of the present invention should generally be installed by a professional licensed by the appropriate licensing body or by a trained installer. To install, the user locates the aerobic system holding/pump tank and removes the access lid mounting screws and then removes the access lid. The user then installs the vertical sensing pipe into the holding/pump tank, ensuring that the sensing pipe is resting on the bottom of the holding/pump tank. The user then cuts the sensing pipe off below the top of the holding/pump tank lid, and secures the sensing pipe such that the sensing pipe remains in a vertical position in the holding/pump tank. 
     Using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cleaner and PVC glue, the user then attaches the barb fitting adapter (supplied on the end of the vinyl tubing of the liquid dispensing reservoir) to the sensing pipe. The user then places the liquid dispensing reservoir inside the holding tank access riser. The liquid dispensing reservoir rests on the secondary safety lid inside the holding tank access riser. If the holding/pump tank access riser does not have a secondary safety lid, the user replaces the holding/pump tank access riser with a new access riser that accommodates the secondary safety lid to code. 
     Next, the user drills a 4.25 inch hole in the center of the holding/pump tank access lid. The hole allows the fill lid to be accessed without having to reopen the holding/pump tank lid. Next, the user then re-installs the holding/pump tank access lid and replaces the mounting and safety screws. 
     The user then opens the liquid dispensing reservoir gasketed fill lid and fills the tank with liquid disinfectant, such as 6%-10% sodium hypochlorite (household bleach). Once filled, the gasketed fill lid is replaced ensuring a firm secure seal. If the fill lid is not tightened securely, a vacuum will not form and the liquid dispensing reservoir will empty sodium hypochlorite contents into the holding/pump tank prematurely. 
     In use, the reservoir fill cap (gasketed) is removed from the reservoir. The reservoir fill cap is threaded and is rotated counterclockwise until the reservoir fill cap separates from the corresponding neck portion of the reservoir. The reservoir is then filled with several gallons, e.g., 3 gallons of disinfectant such as bleach or chlorine. The reservoir fill cap is then threaded screwed back on. An aperture is on the bottom side of the liquid dispensing reservoir. Bottom side view of 1/16″ hole in reservoir in riser. As the reservoir drips out chlorine from the small hole in the bottom of the reservoir, it pulls a vacuum on the reservoir. That vacuum is transferred to the sensing pipe via the flexible tubing. When the water column is lifted high enough in the sensing pipe, the reservoir can no longer drip because of the “vacuum lock.” This occurs at about 1″ Hg. However, this can vary. 
     After this balancing process has been achieved, the reservoir and sensing pipe are “locked and loaded” and can stay this way indefinitely, i.e., reservoir is full of chlorine (chemical). There is a small hole in the bottom of the reservoir that will not leak/drip because of the vacuum. Water column in the sensing pipe is higher than the effluent in the tank. 
     Now, when water/effluent is added to the pump tank, the water column in the sensing pipe will stay the same height above the outside effluent level as the pump tank contents rise. Whether it is a half inch or several feet, the sensing pipe water column always stays higher (until reservoir runs out of bleach). So, as the pump tank contents rise, it is the column of air in the sensing pipe that controls the amount of chlorine desired to be released. 
     As the water level in the pump tank drops (i.e., water is pumped out to the sprinklers etc.), the water column in the sensing pipe follows the water level in the pump tank down. As the pump tank and sensing pipe levels follow each other down, atmospheric air enters the small hole in the chlorine storage reservoir. It is actually drawn in to the reservoir because the vacuum has increased above the level needed to achieve the initial vacuum balance. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a vacuum over electric switch (not shown) inline may be installed between the liquid dispensing reservoir  26  and sensing pipe  100 . Once liquid dispensing reservoir  26  is filled and goes under a vacuum, the system will stay under a vacuum until liquid dispensing reservoir  26  runs out of liquid (e.g., bleach) or possibly tubing  54  gets cut or damaged. With the option of an alarm, this electric switch will detect a vacuum loss. This vacuum switch is low cost and does not come into contact with the liquid, e.g., chlorine. In addition, the vacuum switch may be remote mounted far away from the liquid reservoir connected via vacuum tubing, as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     The range of the adjustable vacuum switch is as low as 0.10 inches of Hg. The reservoir and sensing pipe can balance/vacuum lock as low as 0.5 inches of Hg upwards to at least 1 inch Hg. The adjustable vacuum switch may be installed inside the existing aerobic system control panel. There is already a low pressure switch installed for the aerator alarm circuit or assembly  238  consisting of an audible alarm  242  and visual alarm  240 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . The alarm switch of the present invention can parallel that existing circuit in the existing control box  238 , or a separate circuit and/or a separate alarm panel. 
     In an alternative embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 15 , an alarm or plurality of alarms may be incorporated with the present invention. In the past, colored lights (e.g., red, yellow and green) have been used in conjunction with audible alarms to signal aerobic aeration malfunction (yellow), pump tank high water alarms (red) and low chlorine levels (green). Perhaps it may have been time consuming to discuss issues with a customer and ask the customer what color the light was that was being displayed. Currently all alarms are red and known in the industry as “one light control panels”. However, with these one light alarms it has become extremely difficult, if at all possible to ascertain what part of the aerobic system has failed. 
     Aerobic systems require physical service by a qualified technician. For example, each aerobic system in Texas has to be physically serviced once every 4 months. Service companies have 24 hours to respond to trouble calls. Some of the service companies have 4000+ annual maintenance contracts which equates to thousands of phone calls. 
     The present invention further comprises a low cost 120V flasher (e.g., visual alarm). This low level/malfunction alarm allows for rapid diagnosis over the phone when discussing an issue with the end user, e.g., customer. 
     By installing a flasher in line with the low vacuum switch circuit, the chlorinator low level alarm circuit will flash. So the customer, service company, health department, etc . . . will be able to identify the malfunction within a combined alarm system. The electrical components (vac switch/flasher) of the present invention will install inside the existing control panel circuitry easily, as for example, a “plug and play” component. Such method for an alarm circuit has not been utilized in the disinfection industry. 
     Other types of alarms that may be incorporated with the present invention include kind of alarm audible (siren), visual (lights) and also notifications sent to a smart device, such as an iPad, smart phone or the like. 
     The dispensing system of the present invention functions under normal use or intermittent periods of use. If periods of non-use exceed six (6) months, the liquid dispensing reservoir should be drained and refilled with liquid disinfectant, e.g., 6-10% sodium hypochlorite. 
     The present invention has application in water and wastewater treatment systems as well as above-water storage tanks, such as rainwater collection storage tank disinfection systems, and generally for any water level that may fluctuate within a tank. It may utilize any kind of disinfectant, including chemicals such as chlorine, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), peracetic acid or peroxyacetic acid (PAA), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and the like, to accommodate and be commensurate with a variety of regulatory standards. 
     The various embodiments described herein may be used singularly or in conjunction with other similar devices. The present disclosure includes preferred or illustrative embodiments of specifically described apparatuses, assemblies, and systems. Alternative embodiments of such apparatuses, assemblies, and systems can be used in carrying out the invention as described herein. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings.