HK1063459A - Continuous water cycle water treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Water treatment device for continuously circulating treatment water

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for producing water suitable for human consumption from water contaminated with microorganisms, chemicals, heavy metals, minerals.

Background

There is a worldwide need to produce water suitable for human consumption from water contaminated with microorganisms, chemicals, heavy metals, minerals. Many solutions have therefore been proposed to purify contaminated water.

The most common system for purifying contaminated water, which is widely used in homes, is a water purifier in which contaminated water passes through a filter, which is composed of a porous media filter, activated carbon, and ion exchange resin, into a water purifying vessel in the water purifier. Such a system can reduce the levels of chlorine, lead and pesticides. However, this device has several disadvantages. A first disadvantage of such water purification systems is that the components of the filter form a breeding ground for microorganisms, thus multiplying the risk of very low levels of microorganisms. Another disadvantage of such water purification systems is that the lifetime of the filter is not measured, and therefore the use of the filter by the user may exceed its lifetime. A further disadvantage of such water purification systems is that the water extracted from lakes or rivers is often contaminated with oil or dyes which are not easily removed and which tend to adhere to the filter, affecting its useful life and effectiveness. Other filters contain iodine preparations to minimize microbial hazards, but these materials often produce off-flavors and many of them are potential carcinogens.

Another common system for purifying contaminated water is a system that utilizes ultraviolet sterilization in series with a porous media and a carbon filter. Such a system can reduce chlorine, lead and pesticide levels and have some bactericidal capabilities. However, this device also has a number of disadvantages. The disadvantage of this water purification system is that the sterilization function of the uv light is greatly reduced due to the turbidity or color development of the water, which causes the filter to be contaminated by microorganisms that easily live and multiply in the filter, thus multiplying the possible hazards of microorganisms.

Summary of The Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a reliable domestic water treatment apparatus using a multi-pass filtering method for treating domestic drinking water and domestic waste water while performing ozone sterilization.

The water treatment device may be a desktop device which provides water at any time as required by the user (i.e. the device is designed to be mounted on a counter in a kitchen or the like), an under counter device which treats all or part of the water fed to the sink (i.e. the device is designed to be mounted under a counter adjacent to a sink in a kitchen or the like), or may be a treatment device for the entire dwelling (i.e. it may be located immediately downstream of the water inlet of the dwelling so that it can treat all of the water for the dwelling). The counter top water treatment device is preferably self-contained (i.e., the device is not attached to a counter or household plumbing). When treated water is needed, water is manually injected into the device. However such devices may be connected to domestic water supply pipes. The under counter device and the entire residential device may be connected to a plumbing system of the home.

The water treatment process treats water by a continuous filtration method while sterilizing the water with ozone, so that contaminants can be removed by a physical filtration method while treating the water with ozone. This produces a best synergistic effect which results in a significant reduction in the time required to treat an equivalent amount of water.

According to one aspect, the water passes through the filter until the ozone contact vessel is full. Filtration is performed continuously while water is being sterilized with ozone. The contacting vessel may be a processing vessel (e.g., a bucket or a water bottle), or a flow reactor (e.g., a longitudinally extending contacting vessel).

According to another aspect, the benchtop water treatment device employs multiple passes of filtration during ozone disinfection and uses check valves to control dispensing operations. Preferably, a pressure switch is used to monitor the life of the filter.

According to another aspect, a benchtop water treatment apparatus performs multiple passes of filtration while ozone disinfection and treats a pre-filter with unreacted ozone during treatment operations.

According to another aspect, a counter top water treatment device has a water container that is movable so that water can be dispensed by causing water to flow out of a water dispensing tube. The water container has a float valve which closes the exhaust outlet/prefilter water inlet when water is dispensed to prevent water from flowing out of the prefilter. A ball valve is preferably used to seal the dispensing opening during processing.

According to another aspect, a counter water treatment apparatus or a water treatment apparatus for a whole house can perform multi-pass filtration simultaneously with ozone treatment, and has a water storage container capable of storing treated water. The air bleed operation may be used to flow, for example, treated water through a gas/water separator to remove entrained ozone from the water before the water is dispensed to a water storage tank. The solenoid valve may isolate the processing vessel from the ozone source during the venting process.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a water treatment apparatus includes:

(a) a water treatment reactor comprising a quantity of water to be treated, the water treatment reactor comprising a water tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet and outlet ends being in fluid communication during a water treatment operation, thereby forming a water flow path;

(b) a treatment filter disposed in the water flow path;

(c) a water pump that pumps water through the water flow path during the treatment operation;

(d) a source of ozone in fluid communication with at least one of the water flow paths so that ozone can be added to the apparatus during treatment operations.

In one embodiment, the quantity of water passes through the treatment filter several times during the treatment operation, preferably once to ten times, more preferably twice to eight times during the treatment operation, and most preferably four to six times during the treatment operation.

In another embodiment, the water flow path includes a water tube and a water storage reservoir, with the inlet and outlet ends of the water tube being in fluid communication with the water storage reservoir, respectively. The water reservoir is preferably removably attached to the device.

In another embodiment, the ozone source comprises an ozone generator in fluid communication with the water reservoir, whereby the water reservoir also functions as a water treatment reservoir.

In another embodiment, the ozone source comprises an ozone generator in fluid communication with the water tube.

In another embodiment, the water flow path includes a water tube and a water storage reservoir, an inlet end and an outlet end of the water tube being in fluid communication with the water storage reservoir, respectively, the ozone generator being in fluid communication with the water tube at a location between downstream of the treatment filter and upstream of the water storage reservoir.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a treated water outlet and a gas/liquid separator upstream of the treated water outlet.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a pre-treatment filter and an exhaust collector in communication with the water being treated, the exhaust comprising ozone, the apparatus further comprising a pipe connecting the exhaust collector and the pre-treatment filter in fluid communication during at least a portion of the treatment operation.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a pressure-actuated valve configured to selectively connect a dispensing tube in fluid communication with the water line and a flow stop valve downstream of the dispensing tube.

In another embodiment, the water storage container has a water inlet and an associated water inlet valve, and the apparatus includes a sensor for detecting the water level and for closing the water inlet valve in response to the water storage container containing a sufficient amount of water. The sensor preferably comprises a float switch. The sensor also senses the water level at which water is removed from the reservoir and opens the water inlet valve to refill the reservoir. The sensor preferably includes two floating switches.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a treated water passage and a routing valve for selectively directing water to at least one of the water line and the treated water passage. Preferably, the water pump is used to dispense treated water during dispensing by energizing the water pump and connecting the water line to the treated water passage with the routing valve.

In another embodiment, the water tubes are in fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ends to form a continuous fluid reactor. The retention time of water in the water treatment pipe is preferably 30-120 s.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a water inlet located upstream of the treatment filter. The water inlet is preferably located downstream of the ozone source so that the water is filtered prior to ozone disinfection.

In another embodiment, the water storage container further comprises a water inlet and a mechanical valve that automatically closes the water inlet during a treatment operation.

In another embodiment, the water storage container further comprises a water outlet and a mechanical valve for automatically closing the water outlet during a treatment operation and for automatically opening the water outlet when water exits the water storage container water outlet.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a household water treatment apparatus, the water treatment reactor being in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water to a household, the apparatus including a holding tank selectively connectable to the water treatment reactor and to a source of household water, the holding tank containing a sensor that signals a controller when treated water needs to be added to the holding tank. The sensor preferably comprises a pressure sensor.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention which has been briefly described above will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodiments of the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the water treatment apparatus of the present invention which can be used as an in-counter water treatment apparatus or a treatment apparatus for a whole house;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention that may be used as an in-counter treatment device or a treatment device for an entire home;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention that may be used as an in-counter treatment device or a treatment device for an entire home;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a counter top water treatment device;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the desktop water treatment device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the water treatment device of FIG. 4 with the water treatment vessel removed;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention which may be used as an in-counter water treatment device or as a water treatment device for a whole house;

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of the desktop water treatment device of FIGS. 4-6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the desktop water treatment device of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows another in-line type treatment apparatus or a whole house type treatment apparatus according to the present invention

Examples are given.

Detailed description of the invention

The water treatment apparatus shown in fig. 1 includes a treatment vessel or container 10, a filter 46, and a microcontroller 21. The operating components of the water treatment device can be contained in a housing of any shape as desired.

Water may flow to treatment vessel 10 through water inlet 54. The water inlet 54 may take water from any particular water source, such as a municipal water source, well water, etc., and may be connected in fluid communication to a pressurized water source. The water inlet 54 is therefore preferably used in an in-counter water treatment unit or a whole house water treatment unit. An optional water pump may be provided to deliver water to the treatment vessel 10 if desired.

The water may optionally be passed through a primary prefilter (e.g., screen 6) to remove coarse particulate matter that may be present in the influent water. The water flows through pipe 7 to a valve such as a solenoid valve 8. The microcontroller 21 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 8 via a cable 27. When the solenoid valve is opened, water flows into the treatment vessel 10 through the pipe 9 by the water pressure of the supplied water. When the water treatment vessel 10 contains a sufficient amount of water, the microcontroller 21 sends a signal to the valve 8 causing the valve 8 to close and isolate the vessel 10 from the water inlet 54. The water level in the process vessel 10 may be measured using any such means known in the art. As shown in fig. 1, an upper float switch 28 may be provided. When the water reaches a predetermined level, the float switch 28 signals the microcontroller 21 via cable 34, which then signals the valve 8 via cable 27 to close the valve 8.

As shown in fig. 1, the processing vessel 10 has a headspace 32. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the processing vessel 10 need not have the substantial head space shown in fig. 1, nor does it actually require any head space. The headspace 32 serves to collect the exhaust gases from the water treatment prior to exiting the treatment vessel 10. If sufficient space is not provided, it is preferred that the exhaust gas be separated from the water by another means so that the water does not flow out of the treatment vessel 10. For this purpose, a water/liquid separator, for example, may be arranged at the outlet of the container 10.

The treatment of the water 16 in the container 10 starts immediately after the valve 8 is closed. Alternatively, this processing operation may be deferred until start button 22 is depressed, sending a signal to microcontroller 21 via cable 23. At the start of the treatment operation, the microcontroller 21 sends a signal to the air pump 1 via cable 30, to the ozone generator 13 via cable 31 and to the water pump 43 via cable 56. When the air pump 1 is started, it causes air to enter the air dryer 11 via pipe 2 and to enter the ozone generator 13 via pipe 12. In the ozone generator 13, at least a part of oxygen in the air passing through the tube 12 is converted into ozone. The ozone-enriched gas is sent via pipe 14 to a bubbler 15, which bubbler 15 is housed in the treatment vessel 10. The bubbler 15 may be any type of bubbler known in the art. Ozone-enriched air is present in the bubbler 15 in the form of bubbles 17. The bubbles 17 pass through the water 16 and into the head space 32. As the bubbles pass through the water 16, a portion of the ozone reacts with contaminants in the water 16.

Pump 43 pumps the water being treated, preferably together with ozone, through pipe 42 and pipe 44 to valve 41. As shown in fig. 1, the valve is a three-way valve, and the pipe 44 may be selectively connected to the water outlet 40, the clean water outlet 3, or the pipe 53. It should be understood that two or three separate valves may be used instead of a three-way valve.

Valve 41 allows tube 44 to be selectively connected to tube 53 during processing operations. The water pump 43 thus allows water to flow through the pipe 53, the filter 46, and the pipe 45 to the treatment vessel 10. Water thus flows continuously through the filter 46 during treatment.

The filter 46 is preferably a carbon block filter but may also be a carbon particle water filter. In addition, the filter 46 may have other additives known in the filtration art. It should also be appreciated that the water outlet pipe 42 and the water return pipe 45 may be disposed at any location of the treatment vessel 10. The water outlet pipe 42 is preferably arranged at the bottom of the vessel 10, as shown in the embodiment of fig. 6, so that any sediment in the water treatment vessel 10 can be removed.

The treatment operation is designed such that the water 16 passes through the filter 46 at least twice, preferably several times, in a single treatment cycle. The entire volume of water in the treatment vessel 10 may be passed through the filter 46, preferably once to ten times, more preferably twice to eight times, and most preferably four to six times. Multiple passes of water through filter 46 help ensure that all portions of water 16 pass through filter 46 at least several times. The treatment time is preferably from 1 minute to 12 minutes, more preferably from 2 to 14 minutes, most preferably from 4 to 6 minutes. The continuous passage of water through the filter 46 removes leachable substances from the water, causing these materials to deposit on the filter 46. The flow of material through the filter 46 will therefore decrease during the life of the filter. For example, when a new filter 46 is used, the flow of water through the filter 46 may reach twice the volume of the container 10 per minute, whereas near the filter lifetime, the flow of water through the filter 46 may only treat half the volume of water in the container 10 per minute.

Because the water is continuously passed through the filter 46, the filter 46 removes contaminants in the water that may react with ozone, thereby facilitating ozone disinfection of the water. The kinetic rate of reaction of ozone with organic and inorganic substances is significantly greater than the kinetic rate of reaction of ozone with microorganisms. Thus, if organic and inorganic materials are present in water with microorganisms, the kinetics of the reaction will cause ozone to preferentially react with the organic and inorganic materials. This dramatically reduces the sterilizing efficiency of the ozone until the organic and inorganic materials are substantially removed from the system, thus removing a significant portion of the organic and inorganic materials during the initial stages of the treatment operation as the water continues to flow through the filter 46, changing the reaction kinetics to favor the reaction of the ozone with the microorganisms.

In removing organic and inorganic materials with the filter 46, it should be appreciated that the filter 46 need not have pores with sizes that are sub-micron. The filter 46 preferably has an aperture size of 0.5 to 30 microns, more preferably 1 to 10 microns, and most preferably 1 to 5 microns. In this low pore size range, some microorganisms will pass through the filter 46 to react with ozone. However, due to this low pore size range, water can still flow through the filter 46 at a comparable rate compared to the amount of water to be treated in a single treatment cycle without requiring too much pressure to be added by the pump 43. The filter 46 preferably comprises carbon, and is preferably a carbon block filter.

Ozone that is not converted to oxygen as it passes through the water being treated collects in the headspace 32. In the embodiment of fig. 1, a portion of the exhaust gas flows through a passage 18 to an ozone sensor 19 and then to an ozone digester 20. Ozone sensor 19 may use any ozone sensor known in the art. The ozone sensor 19 preferably includes an ozone digestion catalyst such as carmulite. The contact between ozone and carbulite, which is a mixture of iron, manganese and tin oxide, will produce an electrical response that is proportional to the concentration of ozone in the exhaust. The ozone sensor thus generates a signal which is transmitted to the microcontroller 21 via the cable 29. The microcontroller 21 detects the signal of the ozone sensor 19 and, upon receiving a predetermined signal, ends the processing operation. For example, microcontroller 21 can be programmed to end the treatment operation upon receiving a signal of a particular intensity from ozone sensor 19. Alternatively, microcontroller 21 may detect a signal from ozone sensor 19 and end the treatment operation when a sufficient amount of ozone passes through ozone sensor 19. Or in addition thereto, microcontroller 21 may include a timer that ends the treatment operation if a predetermined ozone concentration is detected by ozone sensor 19 within a predetermined time. Or in addition thereto, microcontroller 21 may include a timer that ends the treatment operation after ozone sensor 19 detects a predetermined concentration of ozone. It should be appreciated that any ozone sensor known in the art may be utilized. For example, a redox sensor may be used to detect the potential in the processing vessel 10.

If the microcontroller 21 receives a signal that the degree of water treatment in the treatment vessel 10 is insufficient to reach a predetermined sterilization degree, the microcontroller 21 turns off the power supply to the air pump 1 and the ozone generator 13. Microcontroller 21 may also send a signal to valve 41 via cable 33 to place tube 44 in fluid communication with outlet 40. The water outlet is connected to a drain or the like in the home so that water in the system (i.e. the treatment vessel 10 and the pipes 42, 44, 53, 45, filter 46) can drain to a waste. At this point, microcontroller 21 may ignite lamp 37 via cable 38, alerting the user that the water has not been adequately treated. When water is drained from the system, the lower float switch 51 sends a signal to the controller 21 via cable 52, which de-energizes the water pump 43. In another embodiment, it will be seen that the microprocessor 21 can be programmed to cycle the water through a treatment cycle or a number of successive treatment cycles before the water is discharged to the waste via the valve 41 and outlet 40 to determine whether the required degree of treatment can be achieved in a subsequent treatment cycle.

If the microcontroller 21 has determined that a sufficient degree of treatment has been achieved, the pump 43 can be de-energised to keep the water in the system until it is taken. Microcontroller 21 may additionally actuate valve 41 to place conduit 44 in fluid communication with conduit 4. The water pump 43 will cause water to flow from the conduit 4 through the selected post-filter 5 and the clean water outlet 3. The clean water outlet 3 may be an inlet to a water storage tank as part of the system, an inlet to a household sink water supply (if the water treatment device is sized to be placed next to a household sink), or an inlet to a household mains water supply (e.g. located immediately downstream of the household mains water supply inlet), or the clean water outlet may be supplied with water on demand, e.g. the water dispenser 62 shown in figures 4 and 5 may deliver water to a water clean water container.

The processing vessel 10 has a vent digester 39 (e.g., carmulite, carbon, etc.) that is open to the atmosphere. Thus, only a portion of the exhaust gas passes through the passage 18, the ozone sensor 19 and the subsequent digester 20 (which converts the ozone remaining in the gas passing through the ozone sensor 19 into oxygen). It should be appreciated that all exhaust gas may pass through the passage 18. It should also be appreciated that if a redox sensor is provided in the water of the treatment vessel 10, the passageway 18 and ozone sensor 19 are not required and all of the exhaust gas can pass through the ozone digester 39. Microcontroller 21 may be powered through plug 24 and cable 55. The plug 54 also supplies power to the air pump 1, ozone generator 13 and water pump 43. In addition, the water treatment device includes a light 26 connected to the microcontroller 21 by a cable 25, the light 26 illuminating to indicate that the device has been powered.

The device preferably also includes a lamp 35 connected to the microcontroller 21 by a cable 36. The light 35 may provide a first indicator signal to a user indicating that a water treatment operation is being performed (e.g., the light 35 is flashing). The light 35 will provide a second indicator signal (e.g., continuous illumination of the light 35) to the user when water is being dispensed or/and when the treatment operation is completed and water has not been dispensed, the signal indicating that the water treatment operation has been fully completed.

When water is discharged from the container 10, the lower float switch 51 will send a signal to the controller 21 via the cable 52, which will de-energize the water pump 43. At the same time, the microcontroller opens the valve 8, allowing additional water to be treated to flow into the treatment vessel 10. Once the treatment vessel 10 is filled with water, the treatment operation is automatically started.

The skilled person will appreciate that the activation switch 22 may be configured to activate the valve 8 so that the container 10 is only filled when water treatment is required. Alternatively, microcontroller 21 may automatically open valve 8 whenever lower portion float switch 51 indicates that container 10 is empty. A button is used to initiate the treatment operation only when water is needed.

After a predetermined number of processing operations, microcontroller 21 supplies power to lamp 47 via cable 48, indicating that filter 46 is to be replaced. It should be appreciated that microcontroller 21 may cause lamp 47 to provide a first indicator signal (e.g., a lamp intermittent flash) indicating that the filter life has approached the end after a first predetermined number of operating cycles. After a second predetermined number of operating cycles, the light 47 can provide a second indicator signal to the user (e.g., the light is steady on) indicating the end of the filter's useful life.

Microcontroller 21 can be programmed to prevent further water treatment until filter 46 has been replaced. For this purpose, a reset button is provided on the casing constituting the filter 46, which button can be automatically activated when the filter 46 is replaced. Or a reset button 49 connected to the microcontroller 21 via a cable 50 may be provided so that a user can manually press the reset button 49 after replacing the filter 46.

Another embodiment shown in fig. 2 replaces the bubbler 15 with a venturi tube 57. In this embodiment, the ozone enriched air flows through pipe 14 to venturi 57 where ozone is added to the water being treated through pipe 53. The venturi tube 57 is disposed downstream of the filter 46 so that ozone bubbles introduced into the water are not filtered out by the filter 46. In another embodiment, treatment vessel 10 may be replaced by a tubular contact reactor (flow reactor) consisting essentially of one continuous tube of sufficient length to achieve a predetermined residence time for water, for example, 30-120 seconds, preferably 45-190 seconds, and most preferably 60-75 seconds.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the air dryer 11 has been replaced by an oxygen concentrator 58 so that oxygen enriched air can be passed to the ozone generator 13. In another embodiment, it can be seen that an air dryer may be provided in series with oxygen concentrator 58.

The embodiment of fig. 3 employs a bubbler 15 to introduce ozone into the water treatment vessel 10. In the embodiment of fig. 3, valve 59 may be a solenoid valve that selectively connects water flow passage 45 to passage 65, which is in fluid communication with treatment vessel 10, or to passage 60. Thus at the end of the treatment operation, the microcontroller 21 switches off the power supply to the air pump 1 and to the ozone generator 13. At the same time or subsequently, microcontroller 21 will send a signal via cable 66 to valve 59 to place channel 60 in fluid communication with channel 45. The pump 43 will thus cause the treated water to flow through the filter 46 and the passage 45 into the passage 60. The passageway 60 is in fluid communication with a dispenser 62. A post filter or end filter 61 is disposed upstream of the dispenser 62. The final filter may remove any residual impurities or oxidized contaminants remaining in the system.

In fig. 3, a pressure sensor is also disposed on the water flow passage 53 upstream of the filter 46. The pressure sensor 63 detects the water pressure in the water pipe upstream of the filter 46. When the filter 46 is used, the back pressure caused by the filter 46 increases. As the back pressure increases, the flow of water through the filter 46, i.e., through the passage 53, decreases. The microcontroller 21 receives the signal from the pressure sensor 63 via cable 64. The pressure sensor 63 can alert the user via the warning light 47 that the filter life is about to end or has ended. The pressure sensor 63 may therefore replace the processing cycle counter in the microcontroller 21 or may be additionally present on the microcontroller. Alternatively, when a predetermined pressure is reached in passage 53, the signal sent to microprocessor 21 via cable 64 can be used to shut down the water treatment device until the filter has been replaced and the microcontroller reset.

Alternatively, a flow controller may be applied instead of the pressure sensor 63. Because the flow through the passage 53 is proportional to the life of the filter 46, a flow sensor may be used to provide a signal to the microcontroller 21 via cable 64 to indicate that the filter 46 is approaching the end of its useful life or that the filter useful life has ended. Filters are typically calibrated with the amount of water that the filter can filter. The flow sensor may be used to more accurately determine the life of the filter 46 based on the actual excess water flow through the filter 46.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the flow path shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment of fig. 7, the water inlet 54 is in fluid communication with the continuous water treatment loop at a location upstream of the filter 46 and downstream of the location where ozone is introduced into the water to be treated. Thus, the water is filtered by the filter 46 at the initial stage, and then the ozone 17 is added to the water. A check valve 99 is arranged downstream of the pump 43 and upstream of the water inlet pipe 9. The check valve 99 prevents the high pressure water flowing in through the pipe 9 from flowing back to the pump 43.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, another dispensing system is used. According to this embodiment, a spring-loaded check valve 76 is disposed downstream of the water line 75. The valve 73 is an on/off valve, such as a solenoid valve, which is controlled by the microcontroller via a cable 74. When the solenoid valve 73 is open, the spring loaded check valve 76 will isolate the water line 75 from the water channel 77, at which time the water will flow through a continuous loop back into the treatment vessel 10. When the solenoid valve 73 is closed (e.g., at the end of a successful treatment operation), the pump 43 will increase the water pressure in the water line 75 until the water pressure exceeds the pressure of the spring loaded check valve 76, and then the check valve 76 opens. At this point, the pump 43 will cause the water to be dispensed to flow out of the dispensing tube 62 through the water tube 77 and the optional final filter 78.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a desktop water purifier. Water is fed (e.g., injected) into the treatment vessel 10 through the pre-filter 79. The pre-filter 79 may be a carbon particle filter that is removably secured to the top of the treatment vessel 10 by fasteners 80 (see fig. 4 and 5). In this embodiment, exhaust gas in the headspace 32 may be vented from the process vessel 10 through the pre-filter 79. The pre-filter 79 thus also acts as an ozone digester. At the end of the treatment operation, the water can be automatically discharged from the treatment vessel 10 by closing the on/off valve 73, and closing the valve 73 will raise the pressure of the pipe 75 due to the continuous operation of the water pump 43. Water can thus flow through the selected end filter 78 via pipe 77, out the dispensing pipe 62, and into, for example, a clean water container 82 (see fig. 5).

The counter top water treatment device of the embodiment of fig. 8 is designated by reference numeral 67 in fig. 4-6. The water treatment device 67 includes a bottom portion 68 that includes a filter housing 69, an electronics housing 70, and a platform 71 that removably mounts the treatment vessel 10. The processing container preferably has a handle 72 for manipulating the processing container.

When the treatment vessel 10 is placed on the platform 71, the bubbler 15 is aligned with the water flow tube 14. In addition, a water flow tube 42 and a water inlet tube 65 are in fluid communication with the treatment vessel 10. As shown in FIG. 5, a clean water container 82 is removably disposed below the dispensing tube 62 for receiving treated water from the water treatment device 67. When the dispensing button is depressed, water flows into the clean water container 82.

As shown in fig. 8, a microswitch 88 is provided on the bottom housing 68 (i.e., lower platform 71) for detecting when the container is placed and sending a signal to the microcontroller 21 via cable 84. In this way, microcontroller 21 prevents water treatment operations from being initiated if start button 22 is inadvertently depressed while removing treatment vessel 10 from platform 71.

In fig. 9, a treatment vessel 10 is removably attached to a water treatment apparatus such as that shown in fig. 4-6. In this embodiment, the water pump 43 is not used to pump the treated water in the water treatment apparatus to a clean water tank or the like. Instead, the water treatment vessel is provided with a dispensing tube 87 so that water can flow from the water treatment vessel. The dispensing tube 87 contains a ball 86 that is movably mounted in the dispensing tube 87 between a first position (near the top of the process vessel 10) in which exhaust gas is prevented from flowing out of the dispensing tube 87 during a processing operation, and a second position (dispensing position). As water is dispensed, the ball 86 moves to a second position in which it is away from the treatment vessel 10 (i.e., when the vessel 10 is tilted to pour the water from the vessel). In this second position water passes through the dispensing tube 87 and bypasses the ball 86 via the dispensing spout 88.

A ball valve 85 is preferably provided and is in fluid communication with pre-filter 79 so that pre-filter 79 is isolated from the interior of water treatment container 10 when water in treatment container 10 is dispensed through dispensing tube 87. Thus, when the treatment vessel 10 is to be filled, water is injected into the treatment vessel 10 through the pre-filter 79, through the ball valve 85. When water is dispensed, the treatment vessel is tilted to pour the water, whereupon the ball in ball valve 85 moves upward to seal the mouth of pre-filter 79.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an entire residential water treatment apparatus or an in-counter water treatment apparatus. According to this embodiment, a water pump 43 is used to control the flow of water through the device.

In the embodiment of fig. 10, the microcontroller 21 includes a timer that controls processing operations. It should be noted that the water treatment apparatus has an ozone sensor or a redox sensor for controlling the flow of treatment in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. The ozone-enriched gas pipe 14 is equipped with a solenoid valve 97 which can be actuated by the controller 21 via a cable 98 to switch between an open position and a closed position. When the valve 97 is in the open position and the water pump is in the operating position, the venturi 57 draws the ozone-containing gas to the elongated contact reactor 57. When valve 97 is closed, the elongated contact reactor is isolated from the ozone generator.

At the end of a satisfactory treatment operation and when water is needed in the water reservoir 89, the microcontroller 21 closes the valve 97 via the cable 98. This separates the channel 14 from the continuous water circuit. The water pump 43 is then operated to flow the treated water once through the gas-liquid separator 91 to remove the ozone bubbles from the treated water. At the end of this degassing operation, the valve 59 is actuated to place the passage 92 in fluid communication with the elongated contact receptacle 90, and water is then introduced through the passage 92 into the reservoir 89.

When all water has been drawn into the water reservoir 89 by the water pump 43, the lower float switch 51 will drop and send a signal to the microcontroller 21 via the cable 52. The microcontroller 21 opens the valve 8 to allow pressurized water (e.g., municipal water and well water) to enter the system via the water line 9. The water flows through the water filter 46 and the elongated contact vessel 90 into the gas/liquid separator 91. The elongated contact vessel 90 is configured to allow sufficient residence time for the water to reach a predetermined level of treatment before entering the gas/liquid separator 91.

The water reservoir 89 is equipped with a pressure sensor 95 which sends a signal to the microcontroller 21 via a cable 96. The reservoir 89 is also provided with a water outlet 94 which can provide water to a domestic water supply which can be the mains water supply for domestic water supply or a water supply for a sink (if the water treatment device is an in-counter device). When the water reservoir 89 is empty, the pressure in the sensor 95 will decrease and the microprocessor 89 is notified to: the reservoir 89 requires the addition of water. Microcontroller 21 then sends a signal to valve 59 so that elongated contact receptacle 90 is placed in fluid communication with channel 92 (if the continuous water loop includes treated water). It will thus be seen that a water treatment apparatus may be utilised in a domestic environment (i.e. a residential environment), for example a residential, village or mobile home environment, and may be utilised to treat water delivered to a source of re-usable water at home via a municipal water supply line. The water treatment device may also be used to treat water that an individual obtains from a water well, or any other source of water that an individual opens up for their residence, village, mobile home, etc.

It should be understood that various modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the invention is intended to include such alternative modifications.

Claims (29)

1. A water treatment device comprising:

a) a water treatment reactor comprising a quantity of water to be treated, the water treatment reactor comprising a water tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet and outlet ends being in fluid communication during a water treatment operation, thereby constituting a flow path for the water;

b) a treatment filter disposed on the water flow path;

c) a water pump operable to cause water to flow through the water flow path during a treatment operation;

d) a source of ozone in fluid communication with at least one of the water flow paths such that ozone can be introduced into the apparatus during a treatment operation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the volume of water flows through the treatment filter from one to ten times during the treatment operation.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the volume of water flows through the treatment filter two to eight times during the treatment operation.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the quantity of water flows through the treatment filter four to six times during the treatment operation.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water flow path comprises a water pipe and a water storage reservoir, the water pipe having an inlet end and an outlet end in fluid communication with the water storage reservoir, respectively.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the ozone source comprises an ozone generator in fluid communication with a water reservoir, whereby the water reservoir also functions as a water treatment reservoir.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ozone source comprises an ozone generator in fluid communication with the water tube.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the water flow path includes a water pipe and a water storage reservoir, an inlet end and an outlet end of the water pipe being in fluid communication with the water storage reservoir, respectively, the ozone generator being in fluid communication with the water pipe at a location downstream of the treatment filter and upstream of the water storage reservoir.

9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the water reservoir is removably attached to the apparatus.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a treated water outlet and a gas/liquid separator disposed upstream of the treated water outlet.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pre-treatment filter and an exhaust collector in communication with the water being treated, the exhaust comprising ozone, and a pipe fluidly communicating the exhaust collector and the pre-treatment filter during at least a portion of the treatment cycle.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pressure-actuated valve for selectively fluidly communicating the dispensing tube with the water line and a flow stop valve disposed downstream of the dispensing tube.

13. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the water storage container has a water inlet and an associated water inlet valve, the apparatus including a sensor for sensing the water level and for closing the water inlet valve when the water storage container contains a volume of water during the treatment operation.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sensor comprises a float switch.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the sensor further senses the water level as it exits the reservoir and opens the water inlet valve to refill the reservoir.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the sensor comprises two floating switches.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the treatment filter has a pore size of 0.5 to 30 μm.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the treatment filter has a pore size of 1-10 μm.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a treated water passage and a routing valve for selectively passing water to one of the water line and the treated water passage.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein during the dispensing mode, power is applied to the pump and the routing valve connects the water line to the treated water passage whereby treated water can be dispensed by the pump.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inlet end and the outlet end of the water tube are in direct fluid communication to form a continuous flow reactor.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the water retention time in the water treatment tube is 30-120 s.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a water inlet disposed upstream of the treatment filter.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the water inlet is disposed downstream of the ozone source such that the water to be treated is filtered and then ozone sterilized.

25. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the water storage reservoir further comprises a water inlet and a mechanical valve that automatically closes the water inlet during a treatment operation.

26. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the water reservoir further comprises a water outlet and a mechanical valve for automatically closing the water outlet during a treatment operation and automatically opening the water outlet when water exits the water reservoir water outlet.

27. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises a counter top water treatment apparatus.

An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a domestic water treatment apparatus, the water treatment reactor being in fluid communication with a source of pressurised water leading to the home, the apparatus comprising a water reservoir selectively connectable to the water treatment reactor and to a water supply line leading to the home, the water reservoir containing a sensor which signals the controller when water needs to be added to the reservoir.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor.