Abstract:
It is often desirable to operate ultraviolet (UV) water treatment systems at high fluid velocities; such as, when low UV doses are required, the UV transmittance of the water being treated is high, or when a high intensity radiation source is used. The operation of an open channel UV fluid treatment system at high fluid velocity causes a disproportionate amount of water to pass through the relatively low intensity region above the top lamp. This results in non-uniform UV dose delivery and poor reactor performance. In one embodiment of the invention, by elevating the inlet to the irradiation zone of the fluid treatment system with respect to the outlet, the amount of water that passes above the top lamp can be minimized, improving overall system performance. The means of elevation can consist of a step or slope in the channel, or a combination of both. Depending on the magnitude of elevation, an increase in maximum velocity of approximately two times can be obtained. In practice, a means must be provided to prevent damage to the radiation sources of the elevated banks that become exposed during periods of low flow. This can consist of either a mechanism for switching off the affected lamp when low water level or high temperature is detected, or a means of lamp cooling.
Abstract:
A fluid mixing device comprising at least one mixing element specifically oriented with respect to the direction of fluid flow through the device. This novel orientation of the mixing element results in improved fluid mixing.
Abstract:
A cleaning apparatus for a radiation source assembly (120) in a fluid treatment system is described. The cleaning system comprises: a cleaning sleeve (145) comprising a cleaning ring (150) for engagement with a portion of the exterior of the radiation source assembly (120); a slidable member (155) magnetically coupled to the cleaning sleeve, the slidable member being disposed on and slidable with respect to a rodless cylinder (140); and motive means to translate the slidable member along the rodless cylinder whereby the cleaning whereby the cleaning sleeve is translated over the exterior of the radiation source assembly. A radiation source module (100) comprising the cleaning apparatus is also disclosed. The radiation source module is particularly useful for ultraviolet radiation of wastewater while having the advantages of in situ cleaning of the radiation source as when it becomes fouled.
Abstract:
A cleaning apparatus for a radiation source assembly (220) in a fluid treatment system is described. The cleaning apparatus comprises: a carriage (245) movable with respect to an exterior of the radiation source assembly (220); at least one cleaning sleeve (248, 249) in sliding engagement with the exterior of the radiation source assembly, the at least one cleaning sleeve being moveable with respect to the carriage; and drive means coupled to the carriage to translate the carriage whereby the at least one cleaning sleeve is translated over the exterior of the radiation source assembly. A radiation source module (200) comprising the cleaning apparatus is also disclosed. The radiation source module is particularly useful for ultraviolet radiation of wastewater while having the advantages of in situ cleaning of the radiation source when it becomes fouled. Radiation source replacement is also facilitated.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for a radiation source assembly in a fluid treatment system. The invention is characterized in that the cleaning apparatus comprises: a cleaning sleeve engaging a portion of the exterior of a radiation source in the radiation source assembly and movable between: (i) a retracted position wherein a portion of the radiation source is exposed to a flow of fluid to be treated, and (ii) an extended position wherein the portion of the radiation source is completely or partially covered by the cleaning sleeve, the cleaning sleeve further comprising a chamber in contact with the portion of the radiation source, the chamber adapted for receiving a cleaning solution suitable to remove undesired materials from the portion of the radiation source.
Abstract:
A method of cleaning fouling materials from a radiation module, the method comprising the steps of: (i) immersing at least a portion of the radiation module in a fluid; and (ii) subjecting the radiation module to vibration at a frequency sufficient to substantially inhibit fouling materials adhering to the at least one radiation source. A radiation module for use in a fluid treatment system comprising: a support member for mounting the module in the fluid treatment system; at least one radiation assembly extending from the support member; and vibration generation means associated with the at least one radiation assembly. The radiation module is self-cleaning and can take the form of a radiation module or a radiation sensor module. Incorporation of the radiation source module in a fluid treatment system is also described.
Abstract:
A fluid treatment device comprising a housing for receiving a flow of fluid, the housing comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid treatment zone disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and at least one radiation source module disposed in the fluid treatment zone, the at least one radiation source module comprising a radiation source sealably connected to a leg, the leg sealably mounted to the housing, the radiation source being disposed substantially parallel to the flow of fluid. A method of treating a fluid in a housing comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid treatment zone disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the fluid treatment zone having at least one radiation source disposed therein is also described. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a flow of the fluid to the fluid inlet; (ii) feeding the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid treatment zone in a manner substantially parallel to the at least one radiation source; (iii) irradiating the flow of fluid in the fluid treatment zone; and (iv) feeding the flow of fluid to the fluid outlet. During the method, the flow of fluid through the fluid inlet, the fluid outlet and the fluid treatment zone is substantially collinear. The fluid treatment device and method are ideally suited (but not limited) to inactivate microorganisms present in water.
Abstract:
A fluid purification device including an inverted U-shape frame whose legs (7, 16) support a plurality of lamp assemblies each including an ultraviolet lamp (14) received in a protective sleeve (15). One of the legs (17) is hollow and receives lead wire(s) (11) connected to the lamps through openings (35) spaced along the leg (7). The protective sleeve (15) at one of their ends are resiliently mounted to the hollow leg (17) at the openings (35), and seals (9) are provided to prevent fluid from entering into the hollow leg (7) and the protective sleeve (15). The other ends (15a) of the protective sleeves (15) are closed and held in receptacles in the other frame leg (16) which is formed by two plates (16a, 16b) fixed to each other. "O" rings (17) provided along the other leg (16) receive the protective sleeves (15) to provide flexible seats. An electrical ballast (2) controlling amperage and/or voltage at the lamps (14) is incorporated in the frame.
Abstract:
A novel ultraviolet fluid purification or sterilization device (1) is disclosed. Lamp sections (2) each composed of opposed pairs of fluid impermeable light unit receiving sockets (7) and lamp units (3) therebetween each consisting of an inner, elongate, cylindrical ultraviolet ray emitting lamp (4) and an outer, coaxial and substantially co-extensive cylindrical sleeve (5), are arranged in parallel rows. Due to its immersion capability, the array of rows of lamps can be fluid immersed in either an open or closed system. Moreover, lamp withdrawal fluid impermeable closure means (21,22,23) is provided on at least one of each pair of sockets (7) to facilitate lamp withdrawal in the event of burnout. Each row of lamps (4) can also be modularized to facilitate easy removal of a malfunctioning row of lamps without having to shut down or remove the entire device from its fluid environment.