Patent Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling water impurity level and temperature uniformity within large water-containing reservoirs including a pump located in the body of water, the pump ejecting a jet of water therefrom and ingesting water at a point remote from said ejecting and an eductor positioned in the jet of water for pulling in low pressure water and flowing a stream of water therefrom providing mixing and circulation of water within the reservoir to remove temperature gradients. Water purity is controlled by a controller.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/951,183, filed Sep. 13, 2001, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/287,997, filed May 1, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to large water-containing reservoirs and more specifically, it relates to managing a large body of water in a reservoir to ensure high quality water for dispensing to municipalities and the like.  
           [0003]    Large water reservoirs have the problem that water at or near the surface can become warmer during the summer, particularly in warm climates. Make-up water usually is colder and, while it may reduce the temperature, is not very effective and instead make-up water can short-circuit the retained water in the reservoir. This has the problem that it leads to poor mixing and temperature gradients accompanied by ineffective mixing of disinfectant chemicals added to the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir retains poor quality water. Accordingly, it will be seen that there is great need for a system which effectively disinfects and maintains uniformity in temperature.  
           [0004]    Different systems have been proposed for treating and managing water systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,224 discloses a water quality management system for managing the water quality in a water supply network having water pipe lines running from the purification plant to consumers&#39; faucets to maintain the water quality at the consumers at the terminals of the network at an appropriate level. The water quality monitors for measuring the quality of water in the pipe lines are installed in the small-pipe water distribution network branching from the water distribution main pipe network and running toward the consumers. The water distribution facility for improving the water quality is installed at the base point of the small-pipe water distribution network. The water quality in the small-pipe water distribution network is managed based on the signals from the water quality monitors.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,724,474 and 3,897,798 disclose that the halogen level in a water treatment system is monitored and controlled by a method which includes continuous sensing of the halogen level in a flow of the water under treatment, detecting insufficient halogen levels, adding halogen in response to detection of insufficient halogen levels, and terminating the addition of halogen upon detection of a second halogen level which is above that of the first mentioned level. Apparatus for carrying out this method includes a pair of electrodes disclosed in a stream of the fluid undergoing treatment, a charge storage device connected across the electrodes, means for pulsing electrodes and charged storage device, means for detecting the decay of stored charge as a function of the halogen level of the fluid and means for controlling the addition of halogen in accordance with desired halogen levels.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,786 discloses a control apparatus for water treatment systems which embodies a float switch actuably responsive to a predetermined drop in stored water level causing the pumping of treatment solution to a predetermined rate of flow controlled by a flow orifice for a predetermined period of time when called for by a thus energized clock totalizer embodying cam mechanism therein and a sensitive switch responsive thereto for controlling the flow of treatment solution to the water reservoir proportional to the delivery of make up water controlled by the float switch.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,444 discloses a method of manufacturing a water treatment system for providing a flow of treated water having a pre-established quality, for example, a maximum TDS and permitted pH range, from a flow of reclaimed water having a quality poorer than the pre-established quality of the treated water and a flow of treatment water. The system includes a mixing reservoir; first and second fluid conduits connected to the mixing reservoir for flowing the reclaimed water and the treatment water into the reservoir; and a third fluid conduit connected to the mixing reservoir for discharging a flow of treated water from the mixing reservoir, and sensors connected for sensing the flow rates and qualities of the reclaimed water and treatment water flowed into the mixing reservoir and of the treated water discharged from the mixing reservoir. Signals, e.g., electrical signals, associated with the sensors indicate the sensed water flow rates and qualities, and controls responsive to the signals regulate the flows of reclaimed water and treatment water into the mixing reservoir through the controlled flow valves in the first and second conduits so as to cause the quality of the treated water discharged from the mixing reservoir through said third fluid conduit to be at least about as good as the pre-established treated water quality.  
           [0008]    In spite of these disclosures, there is still a great need for an improved method and system for managing or controlling a large body of water contained in a reservoir to ensure uniformity of temperature within the reservoir and to ensure high quality of water for dispensing therefrom.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    It is an object of the invention to provide an improved water reservoir system.  
           [0010]    It is another object of the invention to provide an improved treatment system for a body of water contained in a reservoir.  
           [0011]    Yet, it is another object of the invention to remove temperature stratification or gradients and provide for temperature uniformity in large water-containing reservoir.  
           [0012]    Still, it is another object of the invention to provide for continuous chlorine or chlorine-related analysis of water and automatically and continuously control dosage of chemicals added to the water to maintain high quality municipal usable water.  
           [0013]    These and other objects will become apparent from a reading of the specification and claims and an inspection of the drawings appended hereto.  
           [0014]    In accordance with these objects, there is provided a method for controlling water impurity level and temperature uniformity within large water-containing reservoirs, the method having the ability to deliver chemically-treated water from said reservoir to the end user. The method comprises providing a reservoir having a body of water therein and locating a recirculating pump in the body of water, the pump ejecting a jet of water there from and ingesting water at a point remote or away from said ejecting. An eductor is placed in the jet of water, pulling in low pressure water to the eductor and flowing a stream of water therefrom, providing mixing and circulation of water within the reservoir and removing temperature gradient in the body of water. One of ammonia and a hypochlorite is added to the body of water on a continuous basis, the ammonia or hypochlorite is added to the stream of water flowing from the eductor to ensure against concentration gradients. Simultaneously with the mixing, a test stream of water is removed from the reservoir on a continuous basis. The level of at least one of chlorine and chloroamine in the test stream is determined to provide a chlorine or chloroamine measurement related signal which is relayed to a controller. In the controller, the signal is compared to a set point indicative of the level of chlorine or chloroamine desired in the water in the reservoir to provide a comparison. In response to the comparison, the amount of ammonia or hypochlorite being added to the reservoir is maintained, increased or decreased to provide the quality of water desired in the reservoir.  
           [0015]    Additionally, there is provided a system for managing water purity level and water temperature uniformity within large water-containing reservoirs, the system having the ability to provide chemically-treated water having uniform temperature for end users. The system is comprised of a recirculating pump for locating in a body of water in a reservoir, the pump designed to produce a jet of water therefrom in the body and to ingest water from the body at a point remote from the ejecting. An eductor is positioned in the jet of water, the eductor designed to draw low pressure water surrounding the eductor and to discharge a stream of water therefrom to provide further mixing and circulation of water within the reservoir and to remove or destroy temperature gradients in the body of water while maintaining uniform disinfectant levels. Means are provided for adding at least one of ammonia and hypochlorite or other chemicals to the body of water on a continuous basis, the means designed to add one of the ammonia and hypochlorite, for example, to the stream of water discharging from the eductor. Further, means are provided for removing a test stream of water from the reservoir on a continuous basis, the means designed to remove the test stream remote from the water discharging from the eductor. An analyzer is used for determining the level of at least one of chlorine and chloroamine or other chemical in the test stream to provide a chlorine or chloroamine or chemical related signal. A controller is designed to receive the signal and to compare the signal to a set point indicative of the level of chlorine, chloroamine, or other chemical, desired in the reservoir water to provide a comparison, and in response to the comparison, the controller is designed to maintain, increase, or decrease the amount of ammonia or hypochlorite added to the body of water in the reservoir to provide high quality water for the end users. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating steps in accordance with the invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a recirculating pump in accordance with the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0018]    Referring now to FIG. 1, there is schematically illustrated a method and apparatus for maintaining a body of water  2  substantially free of temperature gradients and also for maintaining the body of water under high quality conditions suitable for the end users. Thus, there is illustrated body of water  2  contained in reservoir  4 . Water is dispensed from reservoir  4  along line  6  and added to reservoir  4  along line  8 . Preferably, water is dispensed from bottom  10  to further utilize pressure from head of water in reservoir  4 . Water may be introduced at any location but is typically introduced on the side. It should be noted that large reservoirs have the problem that water in the reservoirs becomes warm, particularly in hot climates. Make-up water introduced to the reservoir usually is colder and while it may reduce the temperature of the retained water, it is not very effective and instead make-up water tends to short-circuit the retained water. This can result in the retained water becoming stagnant and generally unsuitable for use. Thus, in accordance with the invention there is provided a recirculating pump  12  submerged in body  2  of water in the reservoir. While pump  12  is preferably positioned upright or substantially vertically as shown in FIG. 1, other orientation can be used effectively to stir or mix the water contained in the reservoir. In operation, pump  12  ingests water at lower portion or bottom  16  from adjacent the reservoir bottom  10  as illustrated by water flow arrows  14  and discharges a jet  18  of water. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, an eductor or ejector  20  is provided and located or positioned to utilize jet  18  of water emanating from pump  12  to further increase mixing within body  2  of water contained in the reservoir. After the water has passed through eductor  20 , it disperses in body  2 , as illustrated by arrows  22 .  
         [0019]    Eductor  20  provides additional mixing by using jet  18  of water discharged from pump  12  which is at a higher pressure than water surrounding the jet. That is, the jet of water from pump  12  acts as the pumping fluid in the eductor. As the jet of water passes through a venturi in the eductor, it develops a suction which causes some of the surrounding water to be taken into the eductor and entrained with jet  18 , causing further or additional mixing in the reservoir.  
         [0020]    In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, pump  12  and eductor or mixer  20  can be conveniently retrofitted to existing reservoirs. That is, pump  12  and eductor  20  maybe suspended on shut member  24  which can be easily inserted through an existing opening (not shown) in top  26 .  
         [0021]    In another aspect of the invention, the chemistry of the water in reservoir  4  is maintained by continuous sampling of the water and adjusting the amount of chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine-containing materials such as chlorine gas, chlorite, chlorine dioxide and hypochlorite added thereto. That is, in accordance with the invention, a small stream of water is removed from tank  4  on a continuous basis along line  28  to water analyzer  30  where the amount of free chlorine and total chlorine are measured. These measurements may be used to generate chlorine or chloroamine-related measurement signals which are electrically communicated along line  32  to a controller  34  such as programmable logic controller (PLC). The programmable logic controller is set up to compare the chlorine or chloroamine-related measurement signals with a set point, and the programmable logic controller then determines whether the amount of chlorine in the water should be maintained, or should be adjusted upwardly or downwardly.  
         [0022]    In the present invention, the amount of chlorine and chloroamine in the water is preferably controlled by addition of chlorine or chlorine-containing compound such as hypochlorite and ammonia added. Typically, free chlorine and chloramines are maintained in the range of 0.01 to 10 ppm in the reservoir. From FIG. 1, it will be seen that hypochlorite such as sodium hypochlorite is added from a source or supply  40 . Sodium hypochlorite solution is added along line  42  to pump  44  and is directed along line  46  to tank  4 . Preferably, the sodium hypochlorite is added after eductor  20  for purposes of more efficient mixing with the water from eductor  20  and distribution throughout body  2  of water.  
         [0023]    If the determination is made by programmable logic controller  34  that the level of chloroamines are high compared to chlorine in the water, this indicates that sodium hypochlorite is required to be added. Thus, programmable logic controller  34  sends a signal along line  38  to pump  44  to increase the amount of sodium hypochlorite solution being added to tank  4 . It will be appreciated that programmable logic controller  34  can be programmed to calculate the amount of sodium hypochlorite to be introduced to the reservoir for correction purposes. Further, if sodium hypochlorite is already being added, programmable logic controller  34  can be programmed to calculate the additional amount of sodium hypochlorite to be introduced to the water in the reservoir.  
         [0024]    If the determination is made by analyzer  30  and programmable logic controller  34  that the level of chlorine is high compared to chloroamines, this indicates that ammonia is low in water  2  and that ammonia is required to be added. Or, if the determination is made that the correct amount of ammonia is being added, the amount of sodium hypochlorite may be reduced and accordingly programmable logic controller sends the required signal to reduce the amount of sodium hypochlorite being added. If the determination is made that the amount of ammonia being added is too low, programmable logic controller  34  sends a signal along line  36  to pump  48  to increase the amount of ammonia to be added. Accordingly, ammonia is added from ammonia storage tank  50  along line  52  and then along line  54  to water  2  in water tank  4 . Preferably, the tk ammonia is added after the water is discharged from eductor or mixer  20  to facilitate mixing in the water. As noted earlier with respect to sodium hypochlorite, programmable logic controller  34  can be programmed to calculate the additional amount of ammonia to be introduced to the reservoir for correction purposes.  
         [0025]    If the correct amount of sodium hypochlorite is being added, and the ammonia is high, then programmable logic controller  34  can signal the adjustment to pump  48  to reduce the amount of ammonia being added in order to have the required balance of chlorine and chloroamine in the water being treated. It will be appreciated that the impurities in make-up water being added to reservoir  4  can change from time to time depending on the seasons, and the current system automatically adjusts for changes in composition of impurities in make-up or feed water.  
         [0026]    It should be noted that ammonia and hypochlorite react in the water as follows: 
           NH   4   +   +OCI   −   →NH 2 Cl+H   2 O 
         [0027]    The chloroamine has a longer half life than that of chlorine and thus is preferred for the present invention.  
         [0028]    It should be appreciated that programmable logic controller  34  continuously monitors the level of chlorine and chloroamine in the water in reservoir  4  using analyzer  30 . Then, programmable logic controller  34  calculates whether or not the correct amount of ammonia and hypochlorite is being added based in the amount present in the sample water. Continuously monitoring the water by analyzer  30  provides programmable logic controller  34  with information respecting the water in tank  4  and permits detenmination by controller  34  whether the amount of either ammonia or hypochlorite being added is required to be increased or decreased or to remain the same.  
         [0029]    In operation, programmable logic controller  34  makes the comparison, using stored values in memory or logic table or any suitable control algorithm, and decides whether each of ammonia or hypochlorite or both need to increased or decreased and in response thereto sends the appropriate signal to the pumps  48  and/or  44  to increase or decrease or maintain the amounts of chemicals being forwarded to water in tank  4 . Implementation of the changes can be handled by any controller set up to analyze the data from the analyzer and forward the appropriate signals to pumps  44  and  48 . Thus, the controller can be a PID or similar controller or programmable logic controller can be used.  
         [0030]    While reference is made herein to sodium hypochlorite, it will be appreciated that any hypochlorite such as potassium or calcium hypochlorite can be used. The preferred hypochlorite is sodium hypochlorite. Preferably, the sodium hypochlorite is provided in a water solution containing 0.01 to 15 wt. % sodium hypochlorite, with a typical solution containing about 0.8 wt. % sodium hypochloiite. The sodium hypochlorite can be supplied in bulk and mixed to provide the desired concentration or the sodium hypochlorite can be generated on site as needed by generator  70  and supplied to tank or supply  40 . That is, programmable logic controller  34  can be set to monitor the level of sodium hypochlorite in tank  40 . When programmable logic controller  34  detects that level  41  has reached a predetermined level, it sends a signal along line  71  to sodium hypochlorite generator  70  to supply sodium hypochlorite solution to tank- 40  along line  56  until level  41  reaches a predetermined level wherein programmable logic controller  34  sends another signal switching off generator  70 .  
         [0031]    An important part of the subject invention includes recirculating pump  12  used in combination with eductor  20 . This combination has the effect of providing more efficient mixing in large reservoirs. That is, the use of eductor  20  improves mixing by moving or utilizing 3 to 5 more volumes of water in the reservoir. Thus, this has the advantage of providing for superior mixing of disinfectants or chemicals and in addition provides for more uniformity of temperature within reservoir  4  and avoidance of stagnation.  
         [0032]    A recirculating pump suitable for use in tank  4  is shown in FIG. 2. While eductor  20  is illustrated in FIG. 1, suitable eductors are available from Pardee Engineering, Miami, Fla. As noted, eductor  20  is positioned to receive the high pressure jet of water  18  from pump  12  which operates to pull in surrounding low pressure water, greatly increasing the amount or volume of water circulated within reservoir  4 .  
         [0033]    Further, while any method of supplying hypochlorite to tank  40  may be used, a preferred method is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/948,810, filed Sep. 7, 2001, entitled “Method and System for Generating Hypochlorite” which is incorporated herein by reference as if specifically set forth. In this method for producing sodium hypochlorite, a brine solution is provided for electrolyzing in a first electrolyzer cell and chilled water is added to the brine solution to provide a chilled brine solution which is then added to the electrolyzer cell and subjected for electrolyzing to produce a first hypochlorite and brine solution which has an increase in temperature. To the hypochlorite and brine solution from the first cell is added additional chilled water to lower the temperature of first hypochlorite and brine solution which is added to a second electrolyzing cell and subjected to electrolyzing thereby increasing the amount of sodium hypochlorite in the solution. This provides a second solution of sodium hypochlorite and brine solution. To the second solution of sodium hypochlorite and brine is added chilled water which is then added to a third electrolyzer cell and electrolyzed to further provide sodium hypochlorite in the brine solution. This process is repeated one or more times until the hypochlorite and brine solution passes through all the cells in the electrolyzer assembly. The chilled water added may first be subjected to water softening to remove hardness from the water. The brine water comprises 20 wt. % to saturation with salt and the brine and chilled water solution in the first cell comprises sodium chloride in a range of 20 to 200 g/l, preferably 100 to 200 g/l. All ranges provided herein include all of the numbers and all fractions of a number within the range as if specifically set forth herein.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a recirculating pump  12  mounted on strut  24  in accordance with the invention. That is, pump  12  is fastened to strut  24 . Pump  12  has a perforated water intake  80  and a nozzle exit  82 . Water sample line  28  (FIG. 1) may be connected to coupling  84  for purposes of continuously removing a water sample which is forwarded or directed to chemical analyzer  30  (FIG. 1). The water jet emanating from nozzle exit  82  is used to power eductor  20 . Holes or apertures  86  may be used to locate chemical dosing lines  54  and  46  which can be located before or after eductor  20 . For most applications, a 1 HP stainless steel submersible pump is suitable. An eductor useful with a 1 HP pump should provide about five times the flow or about 50 gpm. Further, typically the pump is mounted in a generally vertical direction approximately within about 10 feet above the bottom of the tank. Typically a flow rate of about 3 gph should be directed to the analyzer.  
         [0035]    As noted, ammonia is supplied from ammonia storage tank  50  on demand as controlled by programmable logic controller  34 . Any source of ammonia can be employed. Typically, in the present invention, a preferred ammonia containment system is designed to hold aqueous ammonia at atmospheric pressure without the necessity of a pressurized system tankage. This is accomplished by providing a double contained insulated polyethylene storage vessel and refrigeration system whereby ammonia is maintained below 60° F. regardless of external ambient temperature. Ammonia is delivered by bulk delivery to external connections, avoiding operator exposure. In the event of refrigeration failure, ammonia solution rate of vapor discharge is limited to energy penetrating the insulated container which greatly reduces any discharges or leaks. As a precautionary measure, redundant refrigeration can be provided.  
         [0036]    The subject invention provides for consistent homogeneous water quality within the reservoir, allowing for a buffering capacity of the stored reservoir water. This buffering capacity allows for waters of deficient quality to be blended into these reservoirs without chemical treatment because the buffering capacity of the reservoir water will average the resulting mixture within the reservoir to an acceptable level.  
         [0037]    This buffering capacity of the stored reservoir water also eliminates the need for critical pipeline flow measurements, in particular, the problem of “ebbing” flows on common inlet/outlet pipelines is solved.  
         [0038]    Having described the presently preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5