Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEM FOR CREATING AN OXIDATION REDUCTION POTENTIAL (ORP) IN
WATER WITH PIPE ASSEMBLY FOR IN-LINE MIXING
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems for creating an oxidation
reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control, and more
particularly, to
a system that employs a pipe assembly for in-line mixing of water and ozone
solution.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Water intended for potable use (e.g., drinking water), may contain
disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, which can originate from the source
of
the water, from resistance to water treatment techniques, from improper or
ineffectual water treatment techniques, or so forth. Pathogens include various
types
of bacteria, viruses, protozoan parasites, and other organisms. To protect
drinking
water from disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, water suppliers often add
a
disinfectant, such as chlorine, to the water. However, disinfection practices
can be
ineffectual because certain microbial pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, are
highly resistant to traditional disinfection practices. Also, disinfectants
themselves
can react with naturally-occurring materials in the water to form byproducts,
such
as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which may pose health risks.
[0003] A major challenge for water suppliers is how to control and limit the
risks
from pathogens and disinfection byproducts. It is important to provide
protection
from pathogens while simultaneously minimizing health risks to the population
from
disinfection byproducts. Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) can be used for
water
system monitoring to reflect the antimicrobial potential of the water, without
regard
to the water quality, with the benefit of a single-value measure of the
disinfection
potential, showing the activity of the disinfectant rather than the applied
dose.
[0004] There are a number of systems that generate ORP in water by injecting
ozone into the water to create an ozone and water solution. However, high
pressure
water applications present challenges, often requiring the use of an
intermediate
tank that must be filled prior to use (much like a water heater). To overcome
such
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challenges, there is a need for improvements in the mixing and distribution of
water
and ozone solution.
SUMMARY
[0005] Aspects of this disclosure are directed to a system for creating an
oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water using one or more pipe assemblies
for
in-line mixing of water and ozone solution. In embodiments, the system
includes an
ozone supply unit and a pipe assembly.
[0006] The ozone supply unit includes a supply unit enclosure having one or
more air intake ports and one or more ozone output ports. A plurality of ozone
generators are disposed within the supply unit enclosure. The plurality of
ozone
generators are fluidically coupled to the one or more air intake ports and the
one or
more ozone output ports of the supply unit enclosure. One or more controllers
are
also disposed within the supply unit enclosure. The one or more controllers
are
communicatively coupled to the plurality of ozone generators.
[0007] A flow switch may be included within and/or communicatively coupled to
the ozone supply unit. The flow switch is configured to transmit one or more
control
signals to the one or more controllers in response to sensing a flow of water,
where
the one or more controllers are configured to cause the plurality of ozone
generators
to generate ozone in response to the one or more control signals. In some
embodiments, the flow switch is coupled to or integrated within a flow path of
the
pipe assembly.
[0008] The pipe assembly includes a first flow path for water to flow through.
The
first flow path includes one or more ozone intake ports that are fluidically
coupled
to the one or more ozone output ports of the supply unit enclosure. The pipe
assembly further includes a second flow path fluidically coupled in parallel
with the
first flow path. The second flow path includes a control valve that
selectively permits
a portion of the water to flow through the second flow path to produce a
negative
pressure in the first flow path so that ozone is drawn into the first flow
path through
the one or more ozone intake ports and mixed into the water flowing through
the
first flow path.
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[0009] The supply unit enclosure and the pipe assembly may be fluidically
coupled, e.g., by one or more tubes for transferring ozone from the supply
unit
enclosure to the pipe assembly. In embodiments, the supply unit enclosure and
the
pipe assembly are independently locatable, separate structures.
[0010] This Summary is provided solely as an introduction to subject matter
that
is fully described in the Detailed Description and Drawings. The Summary
should
not be considered to describe essential features nor be used to determine the
scope
of the Claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing
Summary
and the following Detailed Description are example and explanatory only and
are
not necessarily restrictive of the subject matter claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying
figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the
description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. Various
embodiments or examples ("examples") of the present disclosure are disclosed
in
the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings
are not necessarily to scale. In general, operations of disclosed processes
may be
performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in the claims.
[0012] FIG. 1A is a front view of a system for creating an oxidation reduction
potential (ORP) in water, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a rear view of the system for creating an oxidation
reduction
potential (ORP) in water, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an open ozone supply unit of the system
for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water, in accordance
with one
or more embodiments of this disclosure.
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[0015] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a pipe assembly of the system for
creating
an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water, in accordance with one or
more
embodiments of this disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3B is a zoomed-in partial side view of the system for creating an
oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of this disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3C is a zoomed-in partial front view of the system for creating an
oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of this disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a zoomed-in partial front view of the system for creating an
oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water, wherein a pressure gauge is
coupled
to an ozone intake port of the pipe assembly to calibrate/set a suction force
(i.e.,
negative pressure) in a first flow path of the pipe assembly by adjusting a
control
valve that selectively permits water to flow through a second flow path that
is in
parallel with the first flow path, in accordance with one or more embodiments
of this
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5A is a front view of a multi-unit system for creating an
oxidation
reduction potential (ORP) in water, in accordance with one or more embodiments
of this disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 5B is a rear view of the multi-unit system for creating an
oxidation
reduction potential (ORP) in water, in accordance with one or more embodiments
of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed,
which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to systems for creating an
oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water using one or more pipe assembly
for
in-line mixing of water and ozone solution. In residential or commercial
applications,
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the system may be configured to supply ozonated water to one or more taps that
receive water from a main water source (e.g., the main water line). In this
regard,
the system can be employed as a whole home or building water cleansing,
disinfecting, and/or softening solution. Alternatively, the system may be used
for a
particular zone of a residential or commercial building. In some cases, a
plurality of
systems can be used to ozonate water in a plurality of zones within a
residential or
commercial building. The system can also be used for cleansing and/or
degreasing
hard surfaces such as plastic, glass, ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, or
the like.
The system can also be used for cleansing and/or degreasing equipment such as
food service equipment which may include, but are not limited to, ovens,
ranges,
fryers, grills, steam cookers, oven stacks, refrigerators, coolers, holding
cabinets,
cold food tables, worktables, ice machines, faucets, beverage dispensing
equipment, beer dispensers, shelving food displays, dish washing equipment,
and
grease traps. The system can also be used for cleansing and/or degreasing HVAC
or plumbing systems such as roof top units, air scrubbers, humidifiers, water
heaters, pumps, or the like.
[0023] An ORP value can be used for water system monitoring to reflect the
antimicrobial potential of a given sample of water. ORP is measured in
millivolts
(mV), with typically no correction for solution temperature, where a positive
voltage
shows a solution attracting electrons (e.g., an oxidizing agent). For
instance,
chlorinated water will show a positive ORP value whereas sodium sulfite (a
reducing
agent) loses electrons and will show a negative ORP value. Similar to pH, ORP
is
not a measurement of concentration directly, but rather of activity level. In
a solution
of only one active component, ORP indicates concentration. The World Health
Organization (WHO) adopted an ORP standard for drinking water disinfection of
650 millivolts. That is, the WHO stated that when the oxidation-reduction
potential
in a body of water measures 650 (about 2/3 of a volt), the sanitizer in the
water is
active enough to destroy harmful organisms almost instantaneously. For
example,
E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Staph pathogens have survival times of
under 30
seconds when the ORP is above 650 mV, compared against >300 seconds when
it is below 485 mV.
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[0024] An example ORP sensor uses a small platinum surface to accumulate
charge without reacting chemically. That charge is measured relative to the
solution, so the solution "ground" voltage comes from the reference junction.
For
example, an ORP probe can be considered a millivolt meter, measuring the
voltage
across a circuit formed by a reference electrode constructed of silver wire
(in effect,
the negative pole of the circuit), and a measuring electrode constructed of a
platinum band (the positive pole), with the water in-between.
[0025] Increasingly, microbial issues are commanding the attention of water
treatment operators, regulators, media, and consumers. There are many
treatment
options to eliminate pathogenic microbes from drinking water. One such option
includes ozone (03), an oxidizing agent approved for drinking water treatment
by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For instance, ozone is one of the
strongest disinfectants approved for potable water treatment capable of
inactivating
bacteria, viruses, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.
[0026] The disclosed system may be configured to output water having an ORP
of about 600 mV to about 1000 mV, with particular embodiments being configured
to output water having an ORP of about 700 mV to about 900 mV to provide
pathogenic control. Additionally, the system may be configured to reduce the
surface tension of the water being used to cleanse and/or degrease hard
surfaces
and equipment by creating a water and ozone solution wherein the surface
tension
of the water is reduced from about 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees
Centigrade to about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees Centigrade to
greatly improve the cleansing and/or degreasing qualities thereof.
[0027] In embodiments, the system employs a pipe assembly for in-line mixing
of water and ozone solution. Through the use of a pipe assembly that is
structurally
separate from an ozone supply unit, the system is able to handle high pressure
water flow through the pipe assembly without fear of a leak causing damage to
electronic components associated with the ozone supply unit (e.g., ozone
generators, controllers, relays, etc.). Furthermore, the pipe assembly may be
linearly disposed within the water supply framework of a
residential/commercial
building for improved throughput with a reduced footprint.
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[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a system 100 for creating an ORP in water,
in
accordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure. The system 100
includes an ozone supply unit 200 configured to output ozone for creating an
ORP
in water and a pipe assembly 300 for in-line mixing of the ozone into the
water in
order to output a water and ozone solution. Although the system 100 is
discussed
with regard to applications that employ water to generate a water and ozone
solution, it is contemplated that the system 100 may be configured to generate
other
types of ozonated fluid solutions for the purposes of cleansing, degreasing,
decontaminating, and/or fluid treatment.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1A, the ozone supply unit 200 may include a supply
unit
enclosure 202. In embodiments, the supply unit enclosure 202 and the pipe
assembly 300 are independently locatable, separate structures. While the
supply
unit enclosure 202 and pipe assembly 300 are separate and capable of being
disposed at a distance from one another, the supply unit enclosure 202 and the
pipe assembly 300 are still fluidically coupled by one or more tubes 114
(e.g.,
flexible tubing, pipes, etc.) for transferring ozone from the ozone supply
unit 200 to
the pipe assembly 300. As shown in FIG. 3C, the ozone supply unit 200 and the
pipe assembly 300 may also be communicatively coupled by one or more
connectors 116 (e.g., wires, cables, optical fibers, etc.) for transmitting
signals
between the ozone supply unit 200 and the pipe assembly 300. In other
embodiments, the ozone supply unit 200 and the pipe assembly 300 may include
wireless communication interfaces (e.g., wireless receivers, transmitters,
and/or
transceivers) for sending signals from one device to the other.
[0030] The supply unit enclosure 202 may have a securable lid/cover 204 that
can enclose (e.g., when secured/closed) and provide access to (e.g., when
removed/opened) the components housed in an interior portion of the supply
unit
enclosure 202. As shown in FIG. 1A, the securable lid/cover 204 may be secured
to the supply unit enclosure 202 by a hinge on one side and a latch or
fastener on
an opposing side. In other embodiments, the securable lid/cover 204 may be a
sliding cover or may be secured to the supply unit enclosure 202 by one or
more
fasteners (e.g., screws to mate with bores in the supply unit enclosure 202,
latches,
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interference fit fasteners, clipping fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or the
like). The
supply unit enclosure 202 may further include coupling portions to couple with
a
power source, a switch to engage or disengage power to the ozone supply unit
200/system 100, an indicator (e.g., a light source), any combination thereof,
and so
forth.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates the ozone supply unit 200 with the lid/cover 204
removed
from the supply unit enclosure 202, in accordance with one or more embodiments
of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the supply unit enclosure 202 includes
one
or more air intake ports 216 and one or more ozone output ports 220. The ozone
supply unit 200 includes a plurality of ozone generators 206 (e.g., two or
more
generators 206) disposed within the supply unit enclosure 202. The ozone
generators 206 are fluidically coupled to the one or more air intake ports 216
and
the one or more ozone output ports 220 of the supply unit enclosure 202. One
or
more controllers 208 are also disposed within the supply unit enclosure 202.
The
one or more controllers 208 are communicatively coupled to the ozone
generators
206.
[0032] In embodiments, each of the ozone generators 206 may include a corona
discharge tube configured to use oxygen supplied via the one or more air
intake
ports 216 to generate ozone, such as through splitting of oxygen molecules in
the
air through electrical discharge caused by supplying power to a dielectric
material
within the corona discharge tube. For example, each ozone generator 206 may
include an input port that is fluidically coupled to an air intake port 216
and
configured to convert oxygen from incoming air into ozone. The ozone
generators
206 may be powered by a power source 212 (e.g., a 120V/240V power supply
unit).
A power signal from power source 212 may be transformed via a transformer
suitable for applying the voltage to the dielectric within the corona
discharge tube
of the ozone generator 206. For example, a transformer may be coupled to or
integrated within a controller 208 for each ozone generator 206 or one
controller
208 that controls a plurality of ozone generators 206. In some embodiments,
each
controller 208 includes a logic circuit (e.g., processor) that is programmed
to
selectively activate or deactivate one or more connected ozone generators 206.
In
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other embodiments, each controller 208 is a transformer that passively
activates
one or more connected ozone generators 206 when power is supplied to the
controller 208 and deactivates the one or more connected ozone generators 206
when the controller 208 is disconnected from power. The ozone supply unit 200
may include a relay 210 (e.g., a switchboard with analog or digital logic
circuits) that
controls distribution of power and/or communication signals withing the ozone
supply unit 200. For example, the relay 210 may be connected to power source
212, power switch 106, an indicator, one or more controllers 208 and/or ozone
generators 206, and any sensors/switches (e.g., flow switch 322) of the
system.
[0033] In some embodiments, the ozone generators 206 may be operated at 110
volts/60 Hz and have an operating frequency of about 450 KHz and 550 KHz, with
a power rating of less than about 15 watts, and with a unit performance for
electrical
consumption of about 32 watts. For example, the ozone generators 206 may have
an operating frequency of about 480 KHz. Further, the ozone generators 206 can
be provided according to ISO 9001 CE standards.
[0034] Each of the ozone generators 206 may be configured to produce from
about 800 mg ozone per hour to about 1200 mg ozone per hour, although other
ranges may be appropriate depending on the application. In some embodiments,
each of the ozone generators 206 produces about 1000 mg ozone per hour. The
ozone generators 206 may include other methods and systems for generating
ozone, including but not limited to, electrochemical cells configured to
generate
ozone from water by placing an anode and a cathode in contact with opposite
sides
of a proton exchange membrane (PEM), and supplying power to the cell, whereby
water flowing over the surface of the anode breaks down into hydrogen atoms
and
oxygen atoms that assemble to form 03 (ozone).
[0035] In embodiments, each ozone supply unit 200 may further include an air
dryer 214 (or filter), which may be externally coupled to the supply unit
enclosure
202. The air dryer 214 is configured to remove moisture from air before the
air is
supplied to the ozone generators 206 through the one or more air intake ports
216.
The air dryer 214 may be configured to dry the air to a minus dew point by
removing
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water vapor or moisture therefrom, where the water could inhibit the
production of
ozone by the ozone generators 206.
[0036] In some embodiments, the air dryer 214 includes or is coupled to an air
compressor. The pressure provided by the compressor can vary depending on the
water pressure supplied to the system 100, where the pressure applied by the
compressor can be balanced based on the flow rate of air received by the ozone
generators 206 via the one or more air intake ports 216 and the water pressure
supplied to the system 100 to obtain a particular ORP of the water. For
example,
the compressor may be configured to compress the filtered air at least about
15
KPa (e.g., more particularly at a pressure of 18 KPa or about 2.6 psi) to
provide a
gas throughput in each ozone generator 206 of about 8 SCFH (standard cubic
feet
per hour), where the water pressure in each fluid path is about 25 psi to 100
psi
(e.g., a reasonable rating for many residential and commercial facilities), to
provide
an ORP in the water at the water output port of at least about 600 mV (e.g.,
about
600 mV to about 1000 mV, more particularly about 700 to 900 mV). At these
pressures, each ozone generators 206 has a residence time of the gas of about
three seconds. The pressure applied by the compressor can affect the rate at
which
the gas flows through an ozone generator 206, which can affect contact time of
the
air with the components of the ozone generator 206, which can also affect mass
gas transfer rates within the ozone generator 206.
[0037] In embodiments, the ozone supply unit 200 includes a plurality of ozone
generators 206. For example, in an embodiment illustrated FIG. 2, the ozone
supply
unit 200 includes two ozone generators 206. Each ozone generator 206 may be
coupled to a respective air intake port 216 and ozone output port 220.
However, in
some embodiments, two or more ozone generators 206 may be fluidically
connected in parallel between an air intake port 216 and an ozone output port
220.
For example, splitters/combiners can be used to fluidically couple each
pair/set of
ozone generators 206 in parallel. The ozone supply unit 200 may
additionally/alternatively include two or more ozone generators 206 connected
in
series with one other. Such configurations provide one or more backup ozone
generators 206 in case of malfunction or inoperability of one or more of the
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ozone generators 206. On average, each ozone generator 206 may have an
operating life of about 10,000 working hours.
[0038] In some embodiments, the supply unit enclosure 202 also includes a vent
218 (e.g., an exhaust vent) to bring cool air into the supply unit enclosure
202 and/or
remove hot air from the supply unit enclosure 202. The vent 218 may be
equipped
with a fan to further facilitate airflow.
[0039] Although FIG. 2 illustrates one ozone supply unit 200, it is understood
that
any other ozone supply units 200 in the system 100 may be identically or
similarly
structured. In this regard, any components or configurations described with
regard
to the ozone supply unit 200 in FIG. 2 are applicable to all of the ozone
supply units
200 in the system 100.
[0040] FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrates the pipe assembly 300, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A, the pipe
assembly 300 includes a first flow path 302 for water to flow through. The
first flow
path 302 may include one or more pipe segments and/or fittings that define a
first
fluid pathway between a water input port 310 and a water output port 312 of
the
pipe assembly 300. The first flow path 302 includes one or more ozone intake
ports
316 that are fluidically coupled to the one or more ozone output ports 220 of
the
supply unit enclosure 202. In embodiments, one or more ozone intake ports 316
of
the pipe assembly 300 are fluid ically coupled to the one or more ozone output
ports
220 of the ozone supply unit 200 by one or more tubes 114 (e.g., flexible
tubing,
pipes, etc.) for transferring ozone from the ozone supply unit 200 to the pipe
assembly 300. As shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the system 100 may
further include a solenoid valve 134 configured to purge residual ozone from
the
one or more tubes 114 in between uses (e.g., when the system 100 starts up,
shuts
down, or transitions between active/inactive modes). For example, the solenoid
valve 134 may be configured to receive a control signal from the relay 210 to
indicate startup, shutdown, and/or ozone generator activity/inactivity,
wherein the
control signal triggers the solenoid valve to purge any leftover ozone from
the one
or more tubes 114. This avoids excessive ozone in the tubes 114 when the ozone
generators 206 are activated as the presence of too much ozone in the tubes
114
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may cause an unsafe condition, such as a fire/explosion, component damage, or
ozone leak.
[0041] The pipe assembly 300 further includes a second flow path 304
fluidically
coupled in parallel with the first flow path 302. For example, the second flow
path
304 includes one or more pipe segments and/or fittings that define a second
fluid
pathway in parallel with the first fluid pathway (first flow path 302) between
the water
input port 310 and the water output port 312 of the pipe assembly 300. The
second
flow path 304 may form a D or P shaped branch out of the first flow path 302.
This
structural arrangement may help maintain more water flow through the first
flow
path 302 than the second flow path 304.
[0042] The second flow path 304 includes a control valve 306 that is
configured
to selectively permit (or restrict) water flow through the second flow path
304. When
the control valve 306 is opened to permit a portion of the water to flow
through the
second flow path 304, the fluid action produces a negative pressure in the
first flow
path 302. The negative pressure then causes ozone from the ozone supply unit
200
to be drawn into the first flow path 302 through the one or more ozone intake
ports
316 and mixed into the water flowing through the first flow path 302. In some
embodiments, the control valve 306 is adjustable to vary the negative pressure
produced in the first flow path 302 in order to control an ozone concentration
of the
water and ozone solution output by the system. For example, the control valve
306
may be adjustable to control the flow rate of water through the second flow
path
304 in order to increase/decrease suction through the one or more ozone intake
ports 316. In some embodiments, the level of suction (and hence the ozone
concentration of the resulting aqueous ozone solution) can be increased by
increasing the flow rate of water through the second flow path 304; and
similarly,
the level of suction (and hence the ozone concentration of the resulting
aqueous
ozone solution) may be reduced by decreasing the flow rate of water through
the
second flow path 304. Some configurations may be reversed such that the level
of
suction (and hence the ozone concentration of the resulting aqueous ozone
solution) can be increased by decreasing the flow rate of water through the
second
flow path 304, and the level of suction (and hence the ozone concentration of
the
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resulting aqueous ozone solution) may be reduced by increasing the flow rate
of
water through the second flow path 304.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, to calibrate/set the suction force of the one or
more
ozone intake ports 316, a pressure gauge 400 can be coupled to an ozone intake
port 316 of the pipe assembly 300 (e.g., directly or by one or more tubes
402). The
suction force (i.e., negative pressure) in the first flow path 302 of the pipe
assembly
300 can be set/calibrated by adjusting the control valve 306 that selectively
permits
water to flow through the second flow path 304 until the negative pressure
reaches
a selected value or is within an appropriate range to achieve the required
suction
force for the ozone concentration and flow rate requirements of the system.
[0044] In embodiments, the first flow path 302 includes fluid mixer 314 that
is
coupled to or integrated within the first flow path 302. For example, the
fluid mixer
314 may be removably coupled between two pipe fittings 318 to allow for easy
removal or replacement of the fluid mixer 314 if needed. The fluid mixer 314
may
be configured to introduce/inject ozone generated by the ozone generators 206
into
the water flowing through the first flow path 302. For example, the fluid
mixer 314
may include and/or may be fluidically coupled to the ozone intake port 316 and
configured to inject at least a portion of the ozone received via the ozone
intake port
316 into the water flowing through the first flow path 302.
[0045] The fluid mixer 314 may be a multi-port coupler including a water
inlet, a
water outlet, and an ozone input port (e.g., ozone intake port 316). The multi-
port
coupler may simply be pipe/tube fittings with an ozone input port (e.g., ozone
intake
port 316) formed therein, 3-way pipe/tube fittings, or the like.
[0046] In some embodiments, the multi-port coupler includes a venturi. A
venturi
can include an injector venturi design (e.g., a "T" design), where the venturi
is
coupled between the water inlet and the water outlet, and where ozone is
introduced
to the venturi through another port (i.e., the ozone input port) positioned
perpendicular to the flow path of the water (from the water inlet to the water
outlet).
During operation, ozone generated by the ozone generators 206 is drawn into
the
venturi and mixed with the water stream flowing from the water inlet to the
water
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outlet. A pressure differential between the water inlet and the water outlet
may serve
to facilitate drawing the ozone into the venturi and to facilitate mixing of
the ozone
and the water. In some embodiments, a pressure differential greater than 20
psi
inlet over outlet (e.g., at least a 20 psi difference between the water inlet
and the
water outlet, with pressure higher at the water inlet) is provided to generate
negative
suction in the venturi to thereby draw in the generated ozone, while assuring
the
energy for water flow and pressure for operation of the venturi.
[0047] In order to further increase effectiveness of the mixing process
delivered
by the venturi, the water and ozone solution may pass through an in-line mixer
coupled between the venturi and the water outlet. In this regard, the fluid
mixer 314
may include a combination of a venture and an in-line mixer, or another type
of
multi-port coupler with an in-line mixer. The in-line mixer can facilitate
further
breaking or mixing of ozone bubbles already introduced to the water to
generate a
mixture (or solution) of water and substantially uniform-sized ozone bubbles.
The
small uniform-size ozone bubbles can adhere to each other to lower the surface
tension of the water and ozone solution. For example, water can have a surface
tension of about 72 Millinewtons, whereas the solution of water and
substantially
uniform-sized ozone bubbles can have a surface tension of about 48-58
Millinewtons. In embodiments, the in-line mixer has an internal diameter that
equals
an internal diameter of the output port of the venturi to which the in-line
mixer is
coupled. The same internal diameter can provide an uninterrupted transition of
the
fluid flowing from the venturi to the in-line mixer, such as to maintain a
vortex action
or mixing action of the water and the ozone bubbles. The in-line mixer also
provides
increased contact time between the water and ozone bubbles and can facilitate
preparation of uniform ozone bubble size. In some embodiments, the in-line
mixer
has a length of about two inches downstream from the venturi, which can allow
sufficient time for the velocity of the vortex action caused by the pressure
differential
of the venturi to crush the gaseous bubbles entrained in the solution into
uniformed
size bubbles. The in-line mixer can also reintroduce undissolved gas back into
the
solution resulting in increased efficiency as well as reduced off-gas at the
point of
application. The in-line mixer can include multiple chambers through which the
water and ozone solution flows. The size of the chambers can be determined
based
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on the water flow (e.g., throughput), gas mixing, and desired time exposure.
In some
embodiments, operation of the system 100 produces a water stream at the water
output port having a molar concentration of ozone of at least 20%, or more
particularly at least 25%, far surpassing previous systems that have mass gas
transfer rates of less than 10%.
[0048] The ozone supply unit 200 is communicatively coupled to a flow switch
322 configured to detect water flow through the system 100. As shown in FIGS.
3A
through 3C, the flow switch 322 may be integrated within or coupled to the
pipe
assembly 300. For example, the flow switch 322 may be fluidically coupled to a
third
flow path 320 that is in parallel with the first and second flow paths 302 and
304 of
the pipe assembly 300. In other embodiments, the flow switch 322 may be
disposed
within the supply unit enclosure 202 or coupled to any other the fluid path
for water
flow through the system 100 (e.g., water input line 126, water output line
128, flow
path 302, flow path 304, etc.).
[0049] The flow switch 322 can be configured to provide electric signals
indicative
of water flow through the system 100 (e.g., by sensing flow through flow path
320,
or another fluid pathway in alternative embodiments). For example, the flow
switch
322 may be a mechanical flow switch/sensor, electromagnetic flow
switch/sensor,
pressure-based flow switch/sensor, optical flow switch/sensor, or the like,
configured to provide an electric signal indicative of a flow of fluid (e.g.,
water)
through the system 100. In some embodiments, the flow switch 322 may be a
solenoid-based flow switch/sensor, such as to avoid significant restriction of
flow
through the system 100.
[0050] In embodiments, the flow switch 322 is configured to transmit one or
more
control signals to the one or more controllers 208 in response to sensing a
flow of
water through the system 100 (e.g., by sensing flow through flow path 320, or
another fluid pathway in alternative embodiments). In response to receiving
the one
or more control signals, the one or more controllers 208 are configured to
cause the
ozone generators 206 to generate ozone. In some embodiments, the controllers
208 are transformers that become activated by control signals (e.g.,
status/power
signals) transmitted by the flow switch 322 in response to sensing a flow of
water
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through the fluid paths. In other embodiments, the controllers 208 may further
include microprocessors, microcontrollers, or other programmable logic
devices. In
such embodiments, the one or more controllers 208 may be configured (e.g.,
programmed) to activate the transformers and/or ozone generators 206 in
response
to the control signals (e.g., status signals) and possibly based on other
sensor
signals being monitored by the one or more controllers 208.
[0051] The flow switch 322 may be communicatively coupled to the one or more
controllers 208 by one or more connectors 116 (e.g., wires, cables, optical
fibers,
etc.) for transmitting signals between the flow switch 322 and the one or more
controllers 208 For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the one or more connectors
116
may be coupled to a relay 210 the ozone supply unit enclosure 202. In other
embodiments, the ozone supply unit 200 may include a wireless communication
interface (e.g., wireless receivers, transmitters, and/or transceivers) for
receiving
signals from the flow switch 322.
[0052] As discussed above, the ozone supply unit 200 may include a relay 210
that distributes the incoming signals to the one or more controllers 208. In
embodiments, the flow switch 322 is communicatively coupled to the relay 210
by
the one or more connectors 116. The relay 210 may be configured to transmit
the
control signals from the flow switch 322 to the controllers 208, whereby the
controllers 208 are programmed to activate the ozone generators 206 in
response
to receiving one or more control signals indicating a flow of water through
the
system. Alternatively, the relay 210 itself may be configured to connect the
controllers/transformers 208 to power (or to directly power the ozone
generators
206 if no controllers/transformers 208 are present) in response to receiving
one or
more control signals indicating a flow of water through the system 100. In
further
embodiments, the ozone supply unit 200 may include a wireless communication
interface (e.g., wireless receivers, transmitters, and/or transceivers) for
receiving
signals from the flow switch 322. For example, the flow switch 322 and one or
more
of the controllers 208 and/or relay 210 may include wireless communication
interfaces for sending/receiving wireless communication/control signals.
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[0053] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes multiple flow switches
322 to provide redundancy and/or status indications for monitored fluid paths
in
order to detect faults (e.g., a faulty sensor, a clogged or disconnected fluid
path, or
the like). In some embodiments, the ozone generators 206 may be shut off when
a
fault is detected.
[0054] Although FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrates pipe assembly 300, it is
understood that any other pipe assembly 300 in the system 100 may be
identically
or similarly structured. In this regard, any components or configurations
described
with regard to the pipe assembly 300 in FIGS. 3A through 3C are applicable to
all
of the pipe assemblies 300 in the system 100.
[0055] Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the system 100 may further include
one or more oxygen concentrators 102 configured to supply oxygen-enriched air
to
the one or more air intake ports 216 of the ozone supply unit 200. In
embodiments,
the oxygen concentrator 102 is configured to direct the oxygen-enriched air
through
the air dryer 214. The oxygen concentrator 102 may also remove moisture from
the
air. In this regard, the incoming air may undergo two drying stages. The
oxygen
concentrator 102 may be fluidically coupled to the ozone supply unit 200
(e.g., to
the air dryer 214 and/or air intake port 216) by one or more tubes 104 (e.g.,
flexible
tubing, pipes, etc.) for transferring oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen
concentrator 102 to the ozone supply unit 200.
[0056] In embodiments, the system 100 may further include one or more ORP
monitors 108 configured to detect an ORP of the water flowing through the
plurality
of fluid paths. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the system 100 may include
an
ORP sensor 130 for detecting an ORP of the water and ozone solution being
dispensed from an outlet 132 of the system 100. The system 100 may include a
transportable support frame 112 configured to support various components of
the
system 100 (e.g., the ozone concentrator 102, ozone supply unit 200, pipe
assembly 300, and various electronics and fluid paths). For example, the ozone
supply unit 200 and the pipe assembly 300 may be mounted to the transportable
support frame 112 by fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, hooks, straps, etc.),
brackets
308, or the like. The transportable support frame 112 may be a wheeled frame
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capable of transporting the system 100 from one place to another. For example,
the
transportable support frame 112 may be supported by a plurality of wheels,
casters,
or the like. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a main power switch
106 configured to connect or disconnect power to all of the system components.
The main power switch 106 may be mounted to the transportable support frame
112. As shown in FIG. 1A, a front side of the transportable support frame 112
may
also include one or more holsters 110 configured to hold the one or more ORP
monitors 108. Referring now to FIG. 1B, a backside of the transportable
support
frame 112 may support fluid paths for connecting the system 100 to an input
(e.g.,
a water source) and an output (e.g., equipment). For example, an input path
may
include, but is not limited to, an inlet 118, one or more pressure regulators
120, a
pressure gauge 122, a flow rate indicator 124, and one or more input lines 126
for
directing the water into the pipe assembly 300. In embodiments, the input path
may
further include a sediment filter 123 configured to remove solids from the
input
water. In some embodiments, the sediment filter 123 may be configured to
dispose
of the solids through a waste tube 125. An output path may include, but is not
limited
to, one or more output lines 128 for directing water and ozone solution out of
pipe
assembly 300, one or more ORP sensors 130, and outlet 132.
[0057] The ozone supply unit 200 may be configured to supply ozone to the pipe
assembly 300 at a rate of about 5 liters/min. In turn, the system 100 may be
configured to dispense water and ozone solution at a rate of about 5 gal/min
and
can treat water having inlet pressures of between 50 psi and 100 psi to
provide
water having an ORP of between 600 mV and 1000 mV to provide pathogenic
control without introduction of harsh treatment chemicals, such as chlorine.
After
operation of the system 100, the output water and ozone solution can provide
removal of organic and inorganic compounds, can provide removal of micro-
pollutants (e.g., pesticides), can provide enhancement of the
flocculation/coagulation decantation process, can provide enhanced
disinfection
while reducing disinfection by-products, can provide odor and taste
elimination of
the treated water, and so forth. The solubility of ozone in water is quite
good, about
to 15 times greater than for oxygen under normal drinking water treatment
conditions. About 0.1 to 0.6 liters of ozone will dissolve in one liter of
water. The
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size of the ozone gas bubble in the system 100 can influence gas transfer
characteristics. In some embodiments, the fluid mixer 314 generate an ozone
bubble size of about 2 to about 3 microns. For instance, micro-bubbles can be
produced fluid mixer 314 and/or sheared into uniformed micro-size bubbles as
the
solution passes through flow path 302.
[0058] Corona discharge ozone can be used virtually anywhere, such as with
portable versions of the system 100. Since ozone is made on site, as needed
and
where needed, there is no need to ship, store, handle or dispose of it, nor
any
containers associated with shipping, storing, handling, and disposing a
treatment
chemical, as is the situation with most chemicals utilized in water treatment.
[0059] The system 100 may be configured to provide indications pertaining to
the
operation status of the system 100, such as to ensure proper operation, or to
provide an indication regarding a need for adjustment, servicing, or
maintenance.
For example, the flow switch 322 may be configured to send the signal to at
least
one indicator that provides a visual, tactile, or audible indication that the
fluid (e.g.,
water) is flowing through the fluid paths in the pipe assembly 300. In some
embodiments, the indicator is a light source (e.g., an LED) configured to
illuminate
upon receiving a signal from the flow switch 322. The indicator may also be
coupled
to a sensor (e.g., a relay) configured to measure that a voltage is applied to
an
ozone generator 206. When a proper voltage is applied to the ozone generator
206,
the sensor can send a signal to the indicator. In some embodiments, the
indicator
will provide a visual, tactile, or audible indication when each sensor and the
flow
switch 322 provide their respective signals to the indicator. For example, the
system
100 can include a relay 210 coupled to the power source 212 and the flow
switch
322. The relay 210 may be configured to send an activation signal to the
indicator
when the power source 212 is providing power to the ozone generators 206 and
when the flow switch 322 provide signals regarding fluid flow through the
system
100. In such a configuration, the indicator can verify that the system 100 is
operating
under design conditions (e.g., having an active flow of water, and having a
sufficient
power supply to the ozone generators 206).
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[0060] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include an in-line ORP meter
(e.g., ORP sensor 130 and monitor 108) positioned to measure the ORP of the
water and ozone solution, such as adjacent a water output port, coupled within
a
distribution line, or the like. The in-line ORP meter can be coupled with the
relay
210, such that the in-line ORP meter provides a signal to the relay 210 upon
detection of a desired ORP or range of ORPs (e.g., in the range of 600 to 1000
mV,
or other predetermined range). The relay 210 can then provide an activation
signal
to an indicator upon proper functioning of the system 100 (e.g., when the
power
source 212 is providing power to the ozone generators 206, when the flow
switch
322 provide signals regarding fluid flow through the system 100, and when the
in-
line ORP meter detects a desired ORP of the water and ozone solution generated
by the system 100). When the indicator is not activated, this can provide an
indication that a component or components of the system 100 may need
adjustment, servicing, or maintenance. Alternatively, the system 100 can be
configured to activate an indicator upon failure of one or more of the
components
of the system 100 (e.g., no power supplied to the ozone generators 206, no
flow of
water detected by the flow switch 322, or an out-of-range ORP detected by the
in-
line ORP meter).
[0061] By providing an ORP of between 600 mV and 1000 mV with the system,
the output water and ozone solution can be utilized to destroy various
pathogens,
including, but not limited to, algae (e.g., blue-green), bacteria (e.g.,
Aeromonas &
Actinomycetes, Bacillus, Campylobacters, Clostridium botulinum, Escherichia
coli
(E. coli), Flavobacterium, Helicobacter (pylori), Heterotrophic Bacteria,
Legionella
pneumophila, Micrococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Salmonella, Shigella shigellosis (dysentery), Staphylococcus sp,
albus,
aureus, Streptococcus, Vibrio: alginolyticus, anguillarium, parahemolyticus,
Yersinia enterocolitica), fungi, molds, yeasts, mold spores, nematodes,
protozoa
(e.g., Acanthamoeba & Naegleria, Amoeboe Trophozoites, Cryptosporidium,
Cyclospora, Entamobea (histolytica), Giardia lamblia, Giardia muris,
Microsporidium, N. gruberi), trematodes, viruses (e.g., Adenovirus,
Astrovirus,
Cailcivirus, Echovirus, Encephalomyocarditis, Enterovirus, coxsachie,
poliovirus,
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Hepatitis A, B and C, Myxovirus influenza, Norwalk, Picobirnavirus, Reovirus,
Rotavirus).
[0062] The water in the water and ozone solution may have a surface tension of
about 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 C as it enters the system. The system
100
may be configured to reduce the surface tension of the water in the water and
ozone
solution to about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 C. The reduced surface
tension of the water enables the water and ozone solution being sprayed onto
the
hard surfaces and equipment to remove grease more effectively from hard
surfaces
and equipment since ozonated fluid is more capable of loosening and
disintegrating
any biofilm on the hard surfaces or equipment. The reduced surface tension of
the
water in the water and ozone solution better enables the cleansing of the hard
surfaces and equipment since it more easily penetrates foreign material on the
hard
surfaces and equipment.
[0063] In some implementations, the system 100 may be used for water
treatment or decontamination as described below.
[0064] Microbiological organisms/species can reside in water sources,
including
water intended for drinking recreation. Among the microbiological threats is
the
protozoan parasite¨cryptosporidium (crypto). Crypto can be a particular
challenge
for the water treatment industry, however, ozone can eliminate it. Ozone,
molecularly known as 03, is a sanitizer and is relentless in its attack of
organic
microbes (bacteria, viruses, cysts, etc.). Through a process known as lysing,
ozone
breaks down cell walls or membranes, where it can then destroy the nucleus of
the
microbe. In addition to sanitation, ozone can provide for the oxidizing of
inorganic
material that could be present in water, such as metals (e.g., iron and
manganese).
Although there are a few stronger oxidizers, ozone is the strongest that is
readily
available for commercial or residential use. For example, ozone is about 1.5
times
stronger than chlorine, and can provide a faster oxidizing action.
Furthermore,
because of this higher oxidation strength, ozone does not build up a tolerance
to
microbes unlike other sanitizers, such as chlorine. Within the microbial world
protozoa, such as crypto, are some of the most resistant to all types of
disinfectants.
One reason for this resistance is due to its hard outer protective shell,
which must
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be broken through prior to the microbe being inactivated. Crypto can cause a
variety
of ailments, including abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever, and nausea that
can
last as long as a month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Disinfectants used to ward off cryptosporidium for water
treatment applications can include chlorine (liquid state), chloramines,
chlorine-
dioxide (gaseous state), and ozone. However, their ability to perform this
inactivation duty should not be regarded equal, as each sanitizer requires a
specific
level of concentration and contact time to take effect, as described by the
following.
[0065] To better determine the specific amount of the disinfectant required to
inactivate or destroy a microbe, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
determined Ct Values. These Ct Values are the product of the disinfectant's
concentration (C, expressed in mg/L) and the contact time (t, expressed in
minutes).
These Ct Values are calculated specifically to the percentage of microbial
kill or
better known as the log reduction, e.g., 1-Log=90.0 percent, 2-Log=99.0
percent or
3-Log=99.9 percent inactivation of the particular microbe. According to the
EPA,
chlorine dioxide would require a Ct of 226, which would correlate to 226 mg/L,
at
one minute of contact time, at 25 C. to achieve a 3-Log reduction or 99.9
percent
inactivation. Although, ozone would only require a Ct of 7.4, correlating to
7.4 mg/L,
to achieve the same 99.9 percent inactivation with the same parameters as
chlorine
dioxide. Ct is a product of concentration and time, and as such, both can be
manipulated, as long as the given Ct Value is obtained for the desired log
reduction
(e.g., Ozone Ct of 7.4 can be achieved with a concentration 3.7 mg/L for two
minutes of time).
[0066] Cryptosporidium outbreaks in public drinking waters and recreational
swimming pools are becoming more and more of an evident issue. Unfortunately,
forms of chlorine sanitation are not often the best solution, especially for
high
organic and inorganic contaminant levels, as they will create chlorine
oxidation by-
products, such as trihalomethanes (THM) and chloramine derivatives. These by-
products are the typical cause of (what most associate as being over
chlorinated)
the chlorine smell in drinking or pool waters, and are the cause of itchy,
smelly skin
and burning eyes in pool water. Although with a properly sized system, ozone
can
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be used as the primary sanitizing and oxidizing agent, oxidizing the
contaminants
completely. Using ozone in this manner would then allow chlorine to be used as
the
secondary residual sanitizer to satisfy regulatory requirements, without the
production of chloramines and chlorine's side effects.
[0067] Further, ozone can be used to remove iron and manganese from water,
forming a precipitate that can be filtered:
2 Fe2+ +03 + 5H20 ¨> 2Fe(OH)3(s) + 02 + 4H+
2 Mn2+ + 203 + 4H20 ¨> 2MN(OH)2(s) + 202 + 4H+
[0068] Ozone will also reduce dissolved hydrogen sulfide in water to sulfurous
acid:
3 03 + H2S ¨> 3H2S03 + 302
[0069] The reactions involved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide can be
especially important in the use of ozone-based well water treatment. Further,
ozone
will also detoxify cyanides by converting the cyanides to cyanates (on the
order of
1,000 times less toxic):
CN- + 03 ¨> CNO- + 02
[0070] Ozone will also completely decompose urea, where recent outbreaks of
E-coli in lettuce have been impacted by urea:
(NH2)2C0 +03 ¨> N2 + CO2 + 2H20
[0071] Ozonated fluids produced by the ozonated fluid dispensing system 100
were analyzed. During the production of the ozonated fluid, oxygen is drawn in
through an ambient air dryer with the drying capacity to supply sufficient
oxygen at
a minus dew point to the generating system, the generating system accumulates
excess volume of high-quality gas, which is stalled or held in the chambers,
thereby
supplying a consistent maximum volume of gas resulting in an ample supply of
gas
to the injecting system, thereby assuring zero cavitation at the point of gas-
liquid
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interface. The pressure differential created by the fluid mixing paths reduces
the
size of the bubbles to a uniformed size bubbles with a spherical geometry that
are
entrained in the water, thereby lowering the surface tension of the processed
fluid.
This process makes the fluid act like a surfactant and reduces the surface
tension
from 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 C to a tested surface tension of 48-58
Millinewtons equal to 140 F or 60 C hot water. At liquid-gas interfaces,
surface
tension results from the greater attraction of liquid molecules to each other
due to
cohesion than to the molecules in the gas due to adhesion. The net effect is
an
inward force at its surface that causes the liquid to behave as if its surface
were
covered with a stretched elastic membrane. Thus, the surface becomes under
tension from the imbalanced forces, which is probably where the term "surface
tension" came from. Because of the relatively high attraction of water
molecules for
each other through a web of hydrogen bonds, water has a higher surface tension
(72.8 Millinewtons per meter at 20 C.) compared to that of most other liquids.
Surface tension is an important factor in the phenomenon of capillary action.
[0072] In embodiments, the ozonated fluid dispensing system 100 can be
employed within any residential or commercial structure to supply water and
ozone
solution for cleansing, disinfecting, degreasing, and/or water treatment
(e.g., water
filtering, disinfecting, and/or softening). For example, the system 100 may be
configured to receive water from a water source (e.g., a conventional water
main/supply line, or the like) through inlet 118, mix the water with ozone,
and
dispense water and ozone solution through outlet 132. The system 100 may be
used for a single application or a plurality of different applications. In
residential or
commercial applications, the system 100 may be configured to supply ozonated
water to one or more taps that receive water from a main water source (e.g.,
the
main water line). In this regard, the system 100 can be employed as a whole
home
or building water cleansing, disinfecting, degreasing, and/or water treatment
solution. Alternatively, the system 100 may be used for a particular zone of a
residential or commercial building. In some cases, a plurality of systems 100
can
be used to ozonate water in a plurality of zones within a residential or
commercial
building.
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[0073] The system 100 can also be used for a variety of applications
including,
but not limited to: cleansing and/or degreasing hard surfaces such as plastic,
glass,
ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, or the like; cleansing and/or degreasing
equipment such as food service equipment such as ovens, ranges, fryers,
grills,
steam cookers, oven stacks, refrigerators, coolers, holding cabinets, cold
food
tables, worktables, ice machines, faucets, beverage dispensing equipment, beer
dispensers, shelving food displays, dish washing equipment, grease traps, or
the
like; and/or cleansing and/or degreasing HVAC or plumbing systems such as roof
top units, air scrubbers, humidifiers, water heaters, water softeners, pumps,
or the
like. Other examples of equipment that can be coupled to the system 100 may
include, but are not limited to, washdown stations (e.g., as described in U.S.
Pat.
No. 10,232,070), wall washing systems (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No.
10,232,071), vegetable and fruit washers (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No.
10,238,125), potato washers (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,231,466),
carcass/subprimal cleaning systems (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent No.
10,834,929), wastewater treatment systems, and laundry washing machines (e.g.,
as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,233,583 and 10,233,584). In an example
implementation, the system 100 can be used to supply water and ozone solution
to
a selected piece of equipment or a combination of equipment via multiple taps.
[0074] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a multi-unit embodiment of the system 100.
In
multi-unit embodiments, the system 100 may include a plurality of ozone supply
units 200 and a plurality of pipe assemblies 300 mounted to the transportable
support frame 112. Each ozone supply unit 200 may be coupled to respective
pipe
assembly 300 in the same manner as described above with the embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 4. In some embodiments, the system 100 may
include duplicates of all or most of the components (e.g., components 102
through
134) for each ozone supply unit 200 and pipe assembly 300 set. For example, in
FIGS. 5A and 5B, the system 100 includes duplicates of all components except
for
a shared power switch 106. Alternatively, two or more ozone supply unit 200
and
pipe assembly 300 sets may share some auxiliary components. For example, in
alternative embodiments (not shown), the system 100 may have a single input
path
(components 118 through 126) and/or a single output path (components 128
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through 132) shared by two or more ozone supply unit 200 and pipe assembly 300
sets. Such configurations may require one or more splitters/combiners coupled
to
the water input port 310 and/or water output port 312 of the pipe assembly
300.
[0075] Although the invention has been described with reference to
embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, equivalents or substitutions
may
be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in
the
claims. Components illustrated and described herein are examples of devices
and
components that may be used to implement embodiments of the present invention
and may be replaced with other devices and components without departing from
the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any dimensions, degrees, and/or
numerical ranges provided herein are to be understood as non-limiting examples
unless otherwise specified in the claims.
26
