Patent Description:
It is well-known technology to use electrochemical devices in a dentist practice, such as dental chairs, for disinfection of water used by the dentist. In <CIT> such maintenance apparatus is disclosed. Dentists use a variety of tools whilst performing procedures, including surgery, on patients' teeth and related facial structures. Such tools are, by their nature, expensive, so they are re-used numerous times with the dentist carrying out a cleansing operation between each procedure. Furthermore, during such dental procedures it is often necessary to provide cleaning liquid, in the form of tap water, distilled water or a water-based solution, to remove blood and other matter during those procedures, to wash patients' teeth and also in order to keep the relevant tools clean. Such fluid is usually supplied via a Dental Unit Water Line (DUWL). However, the quality of the fluid supplied is very much dependent upon the quality of the maintenance of the tools and the associated equipment, as well as the water line itself, and this varies considerably from dentist to dentist. Furthermore, the quality of the fluid entering the unit, usually from the public water system, affects the cleanliness of the fluid supplied. Many of the tools that are used are small, with narrow passageways passing there through. Also, public water supplies by definition can contain a notable number of bacteria and other organic contaminants such as algae, and the bacteria and other organic contaminants in the water have the opportunity to multiply to unacceptable levels when the water stands still in the DUWL either between patients, overnight, during weekends or vacation. Further, the bacteria can use normal constituents of water such as calcium deposits to build biofilm, which is difficult to combat once formed. Given all of this, the applicants have found that, even with optimum maintenance and rigorous checking and cleansing of the tools and their associated cleansing system and water lines, it is possible for contamination to build up and the fluid supplied to a patient via such tools to be contaminated. According to legislation in many countries the levels of bacteria in the water going into a patient's mouth may not exceed the level specified as drinking water quality. Another problem in the DUWL that needs to be addressed is that of mineral ions in the water lines. These converts to compounds such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate and are deposited on the walls of the DUWL. Deposits in tubes, valves, passageways and expensive instruments making up the DUWL are a problem.

Similar problems with contaminations in other small water systems will be known to the skilled person, and it is obvious that while only mentioning DUWLs in the above, any small water system will benefit from the present invention. As a system for DUWLs must be constructed to medical device standards due to current regulations, water for dialysis machines, cooling water for medical devices, and other such systems are very much applications for the present invention. Similarly, disinfected water for washing patients in an operating theater could also very well be provided using the present invention.

A method for disinfection of water in a water line is known from <CIT> and <CIT>. Relevant prior art is also exemplified by <CIT>, which discloses the use of a disinfection device for electrochemical treatment of fresh water, the device comprises an inner chamber housing one or more pairs of parallel and symmetrically arranged perforated electrode plates made of conductive material, and comprises means for polarity reversal, a calcite- removing filter, means of regulating and measuring the water flow and controls for electrical current.

<CIT> published on <NUM>. <NUM> claims the priority date of <NUM>. <NUM> and forms state of the art pursuant to Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC and discloses methods for sanitizing pool/spa water with a sanitation system by converting salt within the water to free chlorine via electrolysis.

The invention is as defined in the independent claim.

The present invention relates to a method for disinfection of water in a water line according to claim <NUM>, comprising.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention the water in the water line before entering the water softener has a hardness of at least <NUM> dH. Such as at least <NUM> dH, typically at least <NUM> dH, such as at least <NUM> dH, or even at least <NUM> dH.

In the method of the present invention the disinfection device comprises the flow signal unit, and electrical current is dosed according to a user setting, such as time controlled, and based on data from the flow signal unit.

In a still further embodiment of the method of the present invention the disinfection device comprises the current measurement device, and electrical current is dosed based on monitoring of charge, current and/or changes in conductivity of the water.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description, and claims.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the device of the method of the present invention, which may be a portable stand-alone device and incorporate all of the units and section illustrated.

There are many advantages of the present invention in a broad context as well as further even more advantages aspects of the embodiments.

In connection with dental use of water from an in-line water supply, the use of an apparatus for disinfection of the water in a water line such as a DUWL, is necessary.

The disinfection device of the method for disinfection of water in a water line of the present invention has several advantages in that e.g. calcium carbonate on the cathodes in the electrochemical chamber due to water hardness can be removed. The precipitation from the cathodes in the electrochemical chamber, leads to calcium plugs in for instance valves and/or filters downstream of the water line, and such can also be avoided or at least reduced considerable over the prior art solutions. Water hardness is different all over the world and problems tend to arise when the hardness is above <NUM> dH and in particular becomes very problematic when water hardness is above <NUM>-<NUM> dH. Water hardness can be reduced by a softener, and in particular a water softener with disposable cartridges, is suitable for dental chairs. Removing or reducing water hardness using larger stationary facilities is also possible but such facilities needs salt to be supplied regularly. Any such water softener can be delivered with a bypass which makes it possible to increase softening of the water hardness with <NUM>% or more. Such cartridges have reduced capacity and larger facilities demand room, technical maintenance and supply of salt. In connection with a DUWL dental chair the use of disposable cartridges for water softening is more user friendly and compliant, but such cartridge has to be exchanged from time to time, and some water softener cartridges have a capacity of less than <NUM> liters at <NUM> dH, at a modest but realistic consumption of <NUM> liter/day, which means that the cartridge has to be changed every <NUM> days. Due to space capacity, there is no room for a larger cartridge or a stationary water softener facility in a dental practice.

In a still further embodiment of method of the present invention the disinfection device comprises the current measurement device, and electrical current is dosed based on monitoring of charge, current and/or changes in conductivity of the water.

Typically, the water to be disinfected comprises some amount of chloride, in the form of chloride ions, and preferably the water to be disinfected contain at least <NUM> ppm, such as at least <NUM> ppm, such as at least <NUM> ppm, e.g. at least <NUM> ppm of chloride ions. Typically, the water to be disinfected contain from <NUM> ppm to <NUM> ppm of chloride ions.

The term "a water line" as used herein means any line, such as plastic or metal tubes, that are suitable for transporting water, such as a DUWL for use in connection with the daily operation of a dental chair at a dental practice.

The term "a control unit" as used herein means a device or apparatus, or set of devices, that controls, manage, command, direct and/or regulates the behavior of one or more selected from the group consisting of the pumping means, the electrochemical chamber, the flow signal unit, and the current supply.

The term "pumping means" as used herein means a pump or a means of transporting water from the bypass and water softener to the electrochemical chamber, and further to the sterile filter unit, such means may be by gravity, such as, for instance, if the water line is located above the bypass and water softener and the electrochemical chamber, when the device is in operation and receives water from the water line.

The term "an electrochemical chamber for electrolysis of water" as used herein means that the chamber has one or more pairs of electrodes, such as one or more pairs of electrode plates.

The electrode is a pair of parallel and symmetrically arranged electrode plates, such as perforated electrode plates, made of a conductive material, such as expanded metal, and having a suitable distance for providing electrolysis. An example of such an electrode is disclosed in <CIT>. The conductive material is without limitation selected from a metal such as copper, aluminium, titanium, doped diamond, tin, silver, nickel, platinum, iron, lead, and oxides thereof, and alloys thereof. Typically, the electrode plates are made of titanium covered with ruthenium/iridium oxide. To each electrode, such as electrode plate, an electrode connector is attached or integrated, which connector is used to apply current to the electrode plate.

The term "a polarity reversing unit" as used herein means a unit that can reverse the poles so that the cathode and anode switch places when desired, for instances on a timely basis, when current is applied to the electrodes, such as a Double-Pole-Double-Throw relay, a series of Sigle-Pole-Single-Throw-relays, a H-bridge made from schwitcing relays or solidstate relays or other means of reversing the direction of the potential.

The term "a current measurement device" as used herein means a device for monitoring charge or current anywhere in the disinfection device, such as a hall sensor or the measurement of a voltage drop over a known resistor.

The term "a flow signal unit" as used herein means an instrument, such as a flow meter, used to measure linear, nonlinear, mass or volumetric flow rate of a liquid or a gas. Examples of flow meters suitable for use in the device of the present invention are selected from an impeller type, a mass flow meter, a magnetic type, a different gear type sensor, a coriolis type sensor.

The term "a sterile filter unit" as used herein means a filter that effectively removes microorganisms, such as a membrane filter with a with pore size <NUM>. Examples are Ceramic membranes, Hollow fiber PES filters, Teflon type membrane filters.

The term "a connecting means" as used herein means a liquid and air tight connection between two units, such as the water softener and the electrochemical chamber, which is adapted for transportation of the water, such as tubes, pipes or the like made of plastic, metal or the like.

The term "a bypass" as used herein means a device configured to let water flow through the bypass or be diverted through a water softener, and the bypass may be integrated in the head of the water softener or the cartridge of the water softener. The bypass ratio is typically from <NUM>-<NUM> %volume.

The term "a water softener" as used herein means a unit that removes calcium, magnesium and other metal cations from the water. Typically, the water softener is selected from an ion exchange unit. Other water softeners are selected from the group consisting of a cartridge type that is disposable, such as an ion exchanger unit available from companies <NUM> or BWT.

The term "a user interface" as used herein means a computer, an ipad, a smart phone, a notebook, and a mac, incl monitor, as well as any other apparatus that makes it possible for a user to follow the process parameters of the device when in operation. The user interface is preferably an integrated part of the device of the present invention, but may also be remote.

The present inventors have provided a device for killing bacteria described in <CIT>, containing a pair of parallel and symmetrically arranged perforated electrode plates, which electrodes are also suitable for use in the present invention. Thus, in a further embodiment the electrode comprises a pair of parallel and symmetrically arranged perforated electrode plates having a suitable distance, wherein each pair is optionally fitted with a fuse, wherein a suitable current density is applied, and wherein the plates are made of a conductive material and are arranged in a perpendicular plane. Typically, the pair of parallel and symmetrically arranged perforated electrode plates has/have a distance selected from <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> and combinations thereof. The electrodes are arranged in pairs that may have the same distance between the plates or may have different distance between the plates, if more than one pair of electrodes is present. Typically, from <NUM> to <NUM> pairs of parallel and symmetrically arranged perforated electrode plates are present, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM> pairs of parallel and symmetrically arranged perforated electrode plates.

When a pair of parallel and symmetrically arranged electrode plates, such as perforated plates, is used, such pair of parallel and symmetrically arranged electrode plates is optionally arranged such that in a perpendicular plane view <NUM>-<NUM>%, such as <NUM> - <NUM>%, of the area of passage is inserted by the electrodes. The lower percentage below <NUM>% is less advantageous, but if only two electrodes are present, more economical and practical.

Typically, the current density is above <NUM> mA/ cm<NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM> mA/ cm<NUM>.

An experiment was carried out and during operation the present invention demonstrated, with a current density of <NUM> mA/ cm<NUM> and a total current of 4A, pulsed in pulses of <NUM>-<NUM> every <NUM> of water, an ability to produce <NUM>-10ppm of chlorine measured in tap water with conductivities ranging from <NUM>/cm to <NUM>/cm, and a chloride content of <NUM>-200ppm, at a flow of <NUM>/min.

The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the appended drawing illustrating typical embodiments of the invention. This drawing is by no means limiting the scope of the present invention and is only intended to guide the skilled person for better understanding of the present invention.

<FIG> illustrates a typical embodiment of the device of the present invention. Water from a water line (<NUM>), such as a DUWL, is connected to the disinfection device (<NUM>) and after treatment in the device, exit (<NUM>) the device, and is optionally in fluid connection with the water line to provide disinfected water to the end user, such as a dentist. The disinfection device (<NUM>) comprises an electrochemical chamber (<NUM>) for electrolysis of water entering the chamber (<NUM>) from the water line (<NUM>). The electrochemical chamber (<NUM>) has two electrode connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured for applying current to the electrodes (not shown), when current is applied to the electrode connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>). The water from the water line (<NUM>) runs to a water softener (<NUM>) with a bypass (<NUM>) adapted to receive the water from the water line before entering the electrochemical chamber (<NUM>). The bypass (<NUM>) is optionally integrated in the water softener (<NUM>), adapted to receive the water from the water line (<NUM>) before entering the water softener (<NUM>). Furthermore, a polarity reversing unit (<NUM>) is configured for reversing the polarity of the electrode connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>) when current is applied to the electrode connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>). The water flows from the bypass (<NUM>) and water softener (<NUM>) to the electrochemical device (<NUM>) and in the water line (<NUM>, <NUM>) a flow signal unit (<NUM>) for measuring the volume velocity of the water (<NUM>) entering the electrochemical device (<NUM>), and capable of providing volume velocity data to the control unit (<NUM>) is provided. Furthermore, a pumping means (<NUM>), such as a pump, located in the water line (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the bypass (<NUM>) and the electrode chamber (<NUM>), is provided and adapted to move the water from the bypass (<NUM>) and water softener (<NUM>) to the electrode chamber (<NUM>) and further to a sterile filter unit (<NUM>) and exit (<NUM>) the filter unit. When the water (<NUM>) leaves the electrochemical chamber (<NUM>) it flows to the sterile filter unit (<NUM>). The disinfected water and filtered water exit (<NUM>) the sterile filter unit (<NUM>). In order to transport the water through the device (<NUM>) several connecting means (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) provides fluid communication so that water can flow from the bypass (<NUM>) and water softener (<NUM>) to the electrochemical chamber (<NUM>) and from the electrochemical chamber to the sterile filter unit (<NUM>), and can exit (<NUM>) optionally back into the DUWL (not shown). A control unit (<NUM>) is provided adapted to communicate with the electrochemical chamber (<NUM>), the flow signal unit (<NUM>) and the polarity reversing unit (<NUM>). Moreover, the control unit (<NUM>) is adapted to communicate with a user interface (<NUM>).

All headings and sub-headings are used herein for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a short method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless other-wise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Unless otherwise stated, all exact values provided herein are representative of corresponding approximate values (e.g., all exact exemplary values provided with respect to a particular factor or measurement can be considered to also provide a corresponding approximate measurement, modified by "about", where appropriate).

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless other-wise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents as used in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to insert both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Thus, "a" and "an" and "the" may mean at least one, or one or more.

The term "and/or" as used herein is intended to means both alternatives as well as each of the alternatives individually. For instance, expression "the municipal water and/or saline water from the container" means "the municipal water and saline water from the container; the municipal water; or the saline water from the container", all three alternatives are subject to individual embodiments.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any element is essential to the practice of the invention unless as much is explicitly stated.

The citation of patent documents herein is done for convenience only and does not reflect any view of the validity, patentability and/or enforceability of such patent documents.

Claim 1:
A method for disinfection of water in a water line comprising
a) connecting a disinfection device to the water line and applying current to the device, wherein the device is adapted to receive water from the water line and for the disinfected water to exit (<NUM>) the device, the disinfection device comprising
i) an electrochemical chamber (<NUM>) for electrolysis of water entering the chamber from the water line (<NUM>), wherein the chamber (<NUM>) has one or more pairs of electrodes made of a conductive material selected from copper, aluminium, titanium, doped diamond, tin, silver, nickel, platinum, iron, lead, and oxides thereof, and alloys thereof,
ii) an electrode connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured for applying current to the electrodes, when current is applied to the electrode connectors,
iii) a polarity reversing unit (<NUM>) configured for reversing the polarity of the electrode connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>) when current is applied to the electrode connectors,
iv) a sterile filter unit (<NUM>) adapted to receive the water (<NUM>) from the electrochemical chamber, and for the filtered water to exit (<NUM>) the sterile filter unit as disinfected water,
v) a connecting means (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for transporting the water in the water line (<NUM>) from the electrochemical chamber to the sterile filter unit,
vi) a control unit (<NUM>) adapted to communicate with one or more selected from the group consisting of the electrochemical chamber (<NUM>), and the polarity reversing unit (<NUM>), and
vii) a flow signal unit (<NUM>) for measuring a volume velocity of the water entering the electrochemical device, and capable of providing volume velocity data to the control unit;
b) using the polarity reversing unit to control the reversal of the polarity of the electrode connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>),
c) dosing electrical current according to a user setting, and based on data from the flow signal unit, and
d) leading water from the water line to the disinfection device, and out of the device thereby providing the disinfected water.