SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTAMINANT DETECTION WITHIN A FLUID, ULTRAVIOLET TREATMENT AND STATUS NOTIFICATION

• US 20060207431A1
• Filed: 03/25/2004
• Published: 09/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SALtech Corporation
• Original Assignee: Baca A. Michael, Donald W. Wichers, Luis M. Ortiz, Thomas A. Crow
• Inventors: Ortiz, Luis M., Wichers, Donald W., Baca, A. Michael, Crow, Thomas A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,160,370 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 96/224
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 1/0076 Sterilising operating fluids or fluid supply elements such as supply lines, filters sterilisation of liquid substances in general A61L2/18
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0011 using physical methods
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/24 Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/20 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/006 Water distributors either inside a treatment tank or directing the water to several treatment tanks; Water treatment plants incorporating these distributors, with or without chemical or biological tanks for settling tanks B01D21/24
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/325 Irradiation devices or lamp constructions
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/009 Apparatus with independent power supply, e.g. solar cells, windpower, fuel cells for electrolysis apparatus C02F2201/46165
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/3224 Units using UV-light guiding optical fibers
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/3226 Units using UV-light emitting lasers
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/3228 Units having reflectors, e.g. coatings, baffles, plates, mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/326 Lamp control systems
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/40 Liquid flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/212 Solar-powered wastewater sewage treatment, e.g. spray evaporation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02W 10/37 using solar energy

Abstract

A fluid-borne (e.g., water, air) biological and chemical hazard detection and treatment system can include sensors (e.g., flow rate, contaminant detectors), treatment using ultraviolet laser-emitted light, can be microprocessor controlled and can communicate and be controlled over data networks. Treatment and detection systems can be deployed at various stages along a fluid distribution system, allowing for protection coverage and redundancy. During treatment, fluid enters into and/or passes through a “treatment area” wherein the fluid is subjected to light emanating from a laser at wavelengths within the ultraviolet range. DNA for microorganisms contained within fluid (including blood) are reactive to laser light as they pass through treatment areas and are rendered un-infective. Treatment systems can be staged in close proximity, providing more than one treatment area and associated light sources to a fluid stream. Such staging can provide for concentrated redundancy prior to its delivery to the intended point of use.

Claims

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7. A fluid-borne hazard detection and fluid treatment system, comprising:

at least one detector deployed at nodes along a fluid distribution system for detection biological microorganisms and/or chemicals;

communications system deployed with said detectors at the nodes for reporting detection of the biological microorganisms or the chemical to remote monitoring systems and for receiving treatment commands from said remote monitoring systems; and

treatment areas deployed at said nodes for providing ultraviolet light into fluid containing said biological microorganisms, said treatment areas further comprising a housing having an entry point for receiving fluid into said treatment area and an exit point for allowing treated fluid to continue moving towards its point of use and at least one ultraviolet semiconductor laser light source coupled to the housing, said treatment area for providing ultraviolet light into fluid containing biological microorganisms.

8. The invention of claim 7, further comprising flow sensors deployed at said nodes, wherein said sensors turn on the ultraviolet laser light sources whenever flow through nodes is sensed.

10. The invention of claim 7, further comprising at least one shut-off valve deployed at said nodes, said at least one shut-off valve responsive to at least one of said detectors or said remote monitoring systems by blocking fluid flow through said nodes.

21. The invention of claim 7 wherein said housing is fluidtight and comprised of stainless steel internal surfaces that are highly polished.

23. The invention of claim 7, further comprising a variable wavelength controller can be provided to adjust the wavelength of light produced by the ultraviolet laser light source in response to detection by said at least one detector.

24. The invention of claim 7, further comprising a flow sensor wherein said flow sensor can cause said at least one ultraviolet laser light source to be turned on whenever fluid flow through said treatment area is sensed.

25. The invention of claim 7, further comprising at least one filter deployed near at least one of said entry or exit points.

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