Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a cleaning system for a UV disinfection module. In general, the UV disinfection module may have a pair of headers with a multiplicity of UV lamps extending therebetween. The cleaning system may include a cleaning plate having a multiplicity of openings therein, the openings arranged to substantially coincide with positions of the lamps to permit movement of the plate between the headers; a split wiper assembly including a plurality of wiper portions, each wiper portion mounted in a housing, the split wiper assembly connected to the cleaning plate and substantially encircling each opening, sized such that each split wiper assembly has an inner diameter less than the exterior diameter of a corresponding lamp; and a movement device operatively connected to move the plate between the headers.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is generally directed to a cleaning system for ultraviolet (UV) disinfection modules. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a split wiper or brush, with associated housing, that permits cleaning systems to be quickly and efficiently replaced or adapted to specific treatment conditions. 
         [0002]    Utilization of UV for disinfection of potable and wastewater increases on an ongoing basis. A number of UV disinfection systems are commercially available and utilized for a wide variety of wastewater and potable disinfection process. 
         [0003]    In general, UV light is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that has many uses. For example, UV light can be used in a purification or disinfection system to kill bacteria and break down chemicals in a fluid, such as water or air. UV light can also be used to cause chemical reactions in order to break down certain chemicals and make certain chemical compounds. 
         [0004]    In order to harness this ability of UV light, a UV reactor may be utilized. In general, a UV reactor may comprise one or more UV lights, often made from a straight hollow tube of UV transparent material, such as quartz. This tube is filled with a gas such that when an electric current passes through the gas, ultraviolet light is produced. Such UV lamps are often placed in a secondary jacket of UV transparent material, again, such as quartz. The jacket may keep water or wastewater away from the lamp. The lamp and jacket may be referred to as a reactor tube. 
         [0005]    One or more reactor tubes may be placed in a disinfection module so that the water or wastewater flows through and/or around the reactor tubes. However, it has been an ongoing problem in the field of UV disinfection that, over the course of time, the quartz jackets surrounding the individual UV lamps tend to foul due to the slow build-up or accumulation of deposited material on the quartz jackets. Such materials include particulates, fats, oils, greases and the like that are typical of foreign matter contained with the water being disinfected. A number of systems and processes have been developed to remove such accumulations and/or deposits. Such systems include various reciprocating wiper systems which tend to have one problem or another in effectively and economically achieving the task of cleaning quartz jackets for an extended period of time. 
         [0006]    As fouling and scale accumulate on the outer jackets, it increasingly blocks the UV light, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the disinfection module. However, oftentimes, due to the arrangement of multiple reactor tubes, the task of cleaning the jackets is difficult without partially dismantling the disinfection module. This issue has been addressed in the art in various ways, for example by U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,917, owned by Infilco Degremont, Inc., and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0007]    Broadly speaking, U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,917 teaches utilizing a cleaning plate with a multiplicity of holes, and associated wipers. The cleaning plate traverses between two headers along the path of the reactor tubes, and with the reactor tubes traveling through the holes and associated wipers on the cleaning plate. However, issues with the gradual decreasing effectiveness of the wipers or brushes that encircle the reactor tubes may be present. In addition, depending on specific water and/or wastewater conditions, the type of cleaning implement (e.g., a solid wiper or a brush) may vary. 
         [0008]    Changing the wipers or brushes may be a time and manpower intensive task, as a header may need to be removed to slide the cleaning plate and wipers off of the multiplicity of lamps, replace the wipers, and slide the entire unit back on. Such time and manpower requirements reduce the ability to quickly and efficiently change the cleaning implement if the water and/or wastewater conditions change. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a cleaning system for a UV disinfection module that can quickly and efficiently be changed in order to allow for quick and efficient routine maintenance or adaptation to existing or changing water or wastewater conditions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Aspects of some embodiments of the present invention may include a cleaning system for a UV disinfection module having a pair of headers with a multiplicity of UV lamps extending therebetween comprising: a cleaning plate having a multiplicity of openings therein, the openings arranged to substantially coincide with positions of the lamps to permit movement of the plate between the headers; a split wiper assembly comprising a plurality of wiper portions, each wiper portion mounted in a housing, the split wiper assembly connected to the cleaning plate and substantially encircling each opening, sized such that each split wiper assembly has an inner diameter less than the exterior diameter of a corresponding lamp; and a movement device operatively connected to move the plate between the headers. 
         [0011]    Aspects of some embodiments of the present invention may include a cleaning system for a UV disinfection module having a pair of headers with a multiplicity of UV lamps extending therebetween comprising: a cleaning plate having a multiplicity of openings therein, the openings arranged to substantially coincide with positions of the lamps to permit movement of the plate between the headers; a split wiper assembly comprising a plurality of wiper portions that overlap each other in order to fully encircle each opening, each wiper portion mounted in a housing the split wiper assembly connected to the cleaning plate and substantially encircling each opening, sized such that each split wiper assembly has an inner diameter less than the exterior diameter of a corresponding lamp; the split wiper assembly being held in position by one or more mounting plates comprising a first surface and a second surface and wherein the first surface is in contact with the split wiper assembly and the second surface is in contact with the cleaning plate, thereby sandwiching the split wiper assembly between the first surface and the cleaning plate; and a movement device operatively connected to move the plate between the headers. 
         [0012]    Still other aspects of some embodiments of the present invention may include a cleaning system for a UV disinfection module having a pair of headers with a multiplicity of UV lamps extending therebetween comprising: a cleaning plate having a multiplicity of openings therein, the openings arranged to substantially coincide with positions of the lamps to permit movement of the plate between the headers; a split wiper assembly comprising a plurality of wiper portions that overlap each other in order to fully encircle each opening, each wiper portion mounted in a housing the split wiper assembly connected to the cleaning plate and substantially encircling each opening, sized such that each split wiper assembly has an inner diameter less than the exterior diameter of a corresponding lamp; the split wiper assembly being held in position by one or more mounting plates comprising a first surface and a second surface and wherein the first surface is in contact with the split wiper assembly and the second surface is in contact with the cleaning plate, thereby sandwiching the split wiper assembly between the first surface and the cleaning plate; and a rotatable screw operatively connected to move the cleaning plate between the headers. 
         [0013]    Note that other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0014]    The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements. The accompanying figures depict certain illustrative embodiments and may aid in understanding the following detailed description. Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments depicted are to be understood as exemplary and in no way limiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The detailed description will make reference to the following figures, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a UV disinfection module, as known in the prior art. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary cleaning plate, used to clean the reactor tubes in a UV disinfection module, as known in the prior art. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates a split wiper design, including the split housing, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates a split wiper and a split brush design, including associated split housings, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates a reactor tube with a split wiper assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  illustrates a reactor tube with a split wiper and a split brush assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross section of a split wiper assembly, showing the attachment of the assembly to the cleaning plate, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  depicts a cleaning plate mounted in a UV disinfection module, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying figures. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Moreover, as used herein, the singular may be interpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an ultraviolet disinfection module  10 , as may be known in the prior art will be discussed. UV disinfection module  10  may comprise, among other components, one or more UV lamps  110  that may extend between two headers  150 ,  160 . The lamps  110  may be positioned within a transparent jacket  120 , which may be made from UV transparent or resistant materials, such as but not limited to quartz. 
         [0026]    In operation, water or wastewater (or any fluid to be treated, including air or other gases) may travel through the UV lamps  110 . For example, the water or wastewater may travel in a direction parallel to that of the cleaning plate  130  and therefore pass around and/or between the one or more UV lamps  110 . As the water or wastewater passes around and/or between the one or more UV lamps  110 , the UV light emitted by the lamps  110  may disinfect or otherwise treat the water or wastewater. 
         [0027]    In addition, the UV disinfection module  10  may comprise a cleaning plate  130 . A movement device  140 —for example, a threaded rod or screw, a hydraulic piston, an electric or fluid motor, magnetic, a chain drive or other rotary device, etc. may also be present. The movement device  140  may be disposed such that it can effectuate movement of the cleaning plate  130  from one header  150  to the other header  160 . Note that the cleaning plate  150  may or may not contact each header  150 ,  160 , but rather may travel substantially between the two. 
         [0028]    The Cleaning plate  130  may include a number of holes or orifices aligned with the UV lamps  110  and jackets  120 , such that as the cleaning plate  130  travels between the headers  150 ,  160 , the UV lamps  110  and jackets  120  pass through the holes or orifices. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a cleaning plate  20  as may be generally known in the prior art is depicted. Cleaning plate  20  may comprise a plate surface with one or more holes or orifices  210  therein. As noted above with regard to  FIG. 1 , these holes or orifices  210  may be positioned to align with the UV lamps and jackets utilized by the UV disinfection module. In addition, the cleaning plate  20  may comprise a cleaning apparatus  220  that encircles or surrounds each hole or orifice  210 . The cleaning apparatus  220  may comprise a wiper, a brush, a squeegee, or any other type of cleaning device. The cleaning apparatus  220  may remove build-up and scale present on the lamps and/or jackets through either mechanical contact (e.g., scrubbing, rubbing, or scraping, etc.), or by other means as may be known in the art. In order to provide effective cleaning, the cleaning apparatus  220  generally encircles or surrounds each hole or orifice  210  so that each portion of the UV lamp or jacket is cleaned. In addition, the cleaning apparatus  220  may be sized such that the mechanical interaction between the cleaning apparatus  220  and the UV lamp or jacket is proper to ensure proper cleaning For example, if the cleaning apparatus  220  is a rubber wiper, the rubber wiper  220  will be sized such that as the cleaning plate  20  passes between each header (as discussed above), the rubber wiper  220  will be in sufficient contact with the UV lamp or jacket to effectuate cleaning If the cleaning apparatus  220  is a bristle brush, for example, the sizing of the cleaning apparatus  220  around the hole or orifice  210  may vary. 
         [0030]    As noted above, such prior art systems have several drawbacks and disadvantages. For example, it can be very difficult and time consuming to replace the cleaning apparatus  220 . Cleaning apparatus  220  may be replaced after wear and erosion of the cleaning apparatus  220  reduces its effectiveness, or may be replaced in order to adapt the cleaning apparatus  220  to the specific conditions of the water or wastewater the UV disinfection unit is treating. For example, the characteristics of some water or wastewater may result in scale accumulating on the UV lamps and jackets, which may require a stiff rubber wiper for removal. The characteristics of other water or wastewater treated may result in a layer of sludge or film accumulating on the UV lamps and jackets, which may require a bristle brush for removal. 
         [0031]    Therefore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a cleaning device that is split into at least two (2) components will now be discussed. With reference to  FIG. 3  a split wiper assembly  30  is illustrated. Note that while a split wiper is discussed, the same discussion below may apply to any type of cleaning apparatus—for example a split brush, squeegee, etc. Split wiper assembly  30  may comprise at least two (2) wiper portions  310 ,  320  with associated housings  330 ,  340 . Each wiper portion may surround a portion of the UV lamp or jacket such that when assembled the split wiper assembly  30  may surround the entirety of the circumference of the UV lamp or jacket. Note that while two (2) portions are illustrated, it is contemplated that the present invention may be adapted to support any number of portions. 
         [0032]    It may be important to maintain uniform friction around the circumference of the UV lamp or jacket. If the friction is greater on one side than the other, the resulting moment may cause the cleaning plate to become askew, which may jam the cleaning plate on the UV lamps or jackets between the headers. In order to maintain such uniform friction, and in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the split wiper portions  310 ,  320  may each surround more than  180  degrees, thereby providing overlap of coverage. In addition, in order to provide uniform friction—and uniform coverage—the split wiper portions  310 ,  320  may be inserted into split housing components  330 ,  340 . 
         [0033]    The split housing components  330 ,  340  may be designed such that the housing components  330 ,  340  may fit together into a single assembly  30 . For example, a first housing component  330  may comprise an extruded portion  331  that may align with the opening in the second housing component  340 . Similarly, the second housing component  340  may comprise an extruded portion that may align with the opening in the first housing component  330 . In order to provide a secure attachment, it is contemplated that the housing portions  330 ,  340  may be keyed to mate with each other. For example, the first housing portion  330  may comprise an opening  332  sized and located such that, upon assembly, a raised portion  341  of the second housing component may fit within the opening. 
         [0034]    A side view of the assembled split wiper assembly  350  illustrates how the two wiper and housing portions interlock together. Top view of the assembly  360  illustrates the same. Note how the raised portion from one of the housing components  362  mates with the housing  361  of the other portion. With reference to cross-section A-A—depicted in assembly  370 —the overlapping portions of the wipers  310  and  320  can be seen. 
         [0035]    In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, it is also contemplated that the split wiper portions  310 ,  320  may comprise a lip or ridge  311 ,  321  on the wiper portion that may align with a recess (for example, recess  343  in the second housing portion) in the housing portions  330 ,  340 . Such design may provide for additional securement of the split wiper portions. 
         [0036]    Moreover, the recess  343  that receives the wiper portion may have an inside diameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the wiper portion. Accordingly, even as the wipers wear and tear, friction force between the wiper assembly and the UV lamps or jackets may be maintained—or at least maintained above a minimum value, thereby increasing the useful lifetime of the wiper. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , some embodiments of the present invention may be utilized for both wiping rubber components and wiping brush components. Wiping brush assembly  40  may comprise at least two wiping brush portions  410  and associated housing  420 . Wiping rubber assembly  41  may comprise at least two wiping rubber portions  411  and associated housings  421 . 
         [0038]    Note that  FIG. 4  illustrates a slightly different housing design which comprises an post-type protrusion  423 ,  425  in each housing portion that inserts into opening  422 ,  424  in the opposite housing. Again, having the housings keyed together may provide for additional security and support of the cleaning portions. 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , the interaction between a split assembly and the UV lamp or jacket will now be discussed. As noted above, the cleaning apparatus may contact the UV lamp or a jacket. Generally speaking, a jacket is utilized (in order to protect the UV lamp, as well as provide an easier means for changing UV lamps without disassembling the entire module). Accordingly, the discussion below discusses the cleaning apparatus contacting a jacket. Note however, that the same arrangement can be used with the cleaning apparatus contacting the lamp directly. 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  depicts jackets  510 , surrounded by a split wiper assembly  520 . As shown in both cross section B-B and the isometric view, the split wiper assembly  520  may comprise two wiper portions and associated housings  521 ,  522 . The wiper portions and associated housings  521 ,  522  may be assembled around the jacket  510  (that is, with the jacket in place), or may be assembled and the jacket then introduced between the portions, by for example, moving the cleaning plate along the length of the jacket. 
         [0041]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , the detail view shows two wiper portions  523  and  526 , each surrounding just over  180  degrees of the jacket. Each wiper portion is supported by a housing—wiper portion  523  is supported by housing  524 ; wiper portion  526  is supported by housing  527 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  illustrates, that in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a split wiping brush or wiping rubber may be used. Jacket  610  may be surrounded by a wiping brush assembly  630 , comprising at least two wiping brush portions with associated housing  631 ,  632 . Jacket  610  may also be surrounded by a wiping rubber assembly  620 , comprising at least two wiping rubber portions with associated housings  621 ,  622 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate various arrangements in which the split wiper assemblies may be attached to the cleaning plate, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 7A , a cleaning plate  710  may have a split wiper assembly  720  attached using a “Z” shaped plate  730 . The “Z” shaped plate may comprise a first surface  731  and a second surface  732 , connected by a third plate surface which may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second surfaces  731 ,  732  or may connect at an angle, similar to the letter “Z”. The first surface  731  may contact the split wiper assembly  720 , while the second surface  732  may be attached to the cleaning plate  710 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7A  (which is a non-limiting example), a bolt  750  may be used to connect the “Z” shaped plate  730  to the cleaning plate  710 . Accordingly, when the “Z” shaped plate  730  is connected to the cleaning plate  710 , the split wiper assembly  720  is sandwiched between, thereby securing the split wiper assembly. 
         [0044]    It is contemplated that various other methodologies, systems, and approaches may be used to attach the split wiper assemblies to the cleaning plate. With reference to  FIG. 7B , an “L” shaped plate  740  may also be used. The “L” shaped plate  740  may be used to sandwich, and therefore secure, a split wiper assembly  720  to the cleaning plate  710 . The “L” shaped plate  740  may comprise a first plate surface  741  and a second plate surface  742 . The first plate surface  741  may contact the split wiper assembly, while an edge of the second plate surface  742  may contact the cleaning plate  710 . The “L” shaped plate  740  may be secured to the cleaning plate  710  by the use, for example, of a bolt  750  which may connect the first plate surface  741  to the cleaning plate  710 . 
         [0045]    Note that various other attachment methodologies are contemplated, including but not limited to the use of an interference fit, alternative mechanical connections (e.g. screws, rivets, pins, snap rings etc.), tensile connection (e.g. clamp, spring, bungee, etc.), and/or any other type of connection or attachment. 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , an overall UV disinfection module  80  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. The UV disinfection module  80  may comprise a cleaning plate  810  with a plurality of holes or orifices aligned with a plurality of UV lamps or jackets  820 . The cleaning plate  810  may further comprise, at each hole or orifice, a split wiper assembly  830  (which in turn, as discussed above, may comprise at least two wiper portions and associated housings). Split wiper assemblies  830  may be attached or secured to the cleaning plate  810  by way of attachment plate  840 . Attachment plate  840 , illustrated in an “L” shaped embodiment, may be in turn attached or secured to the cleaning plate via attachment screws  841 . The entire cleaning plate and split wiper assemblies may be moved along the UV lamps or jackets  810  through a movement device  850 . As shown, movement device  850  may be a threaded rod that interacts with a nut assembly  851  such that rotating the threaded rod  850  causes the nut assembly—and accordingly the cleaning plate  810 —to move laterally along the UV lamps or jackets. However, as noted above, the movement device  850  may comprise for example, a threaded rod or screw, a hydraulic piston, an electric or fluid motor, magnetic, a chain drive or other rotary device, etc. may also be present. The movement device  850  may be disposed such that it can effectuate movement of the cleaning plate  130  along UV lamps or jackets  810  from one header to another. 
         [0047]    Note that while the cleaning plate is discussed as moving along the UV lamps or jackets between two headers, it is contemplated that the cleaning plate may be moved beyond the effective portion of the UV lamps such that the cleaning plate may be stored out of the UV light in order to prevent damage or degradation of the wipers or brushes. 
         [0048]    Moreover, it is contemplated by the present invention that various devices may be included in the housing and wiper portions to ensure certain, specific, or constant pressure between the wiper portions and the UV lamps or jackets. For example, it is contemplated that a spring may be included in the housing, such that the spring may exert pressure on the wiper portion against the UV lamp or jacket. Accordingly, as the wiper portion wears, minimum friction forces may be maintained. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that after assembly of the wiper portions, a spring, band, bungee, or other type device—for example with elastic properties—may be included around the assembly to exert force on the wiper portions against the UV lamps or jackets. Such device may, for example, pull or push the wiper portions towards the center of the UV lamp or jacket. 
         [0049]    It will be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein are exemplary only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matter described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense, and that the scope of the invention will be solely determined by the appended claims.