ENVIRONMENTAL SANITIZER AND ODOR REMOVER FOR PURIFICATION OF FOODS, SURFACES, AIR AND WATER WITH DISPOSABLE OZONE GENERATION ELECTRODE, PRESSURE/FLOW ADAPTABLE VENTURI INJECTOR AND AQUEOUS PHASE FILTER DEVICE

• US 20090202396A1
• Filed: 04/21/2009
• Published: 08/13/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Badger-Veripure, LLC
• Original Assignee: Longmark Industries, LLC
• Inventors: Long, Ronald Bruce
• Granted Patent: US 8,377,385 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/113
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/183 Ozone dissolved in a liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/20 Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/202 Ozone
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/11 Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/212 Use of ozone, e.g. generated by UV radiation or electrical discharge
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/01 Deodorant compositions compositions released by contact with a liquid A61L9/05
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/015 using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone A61L9/20 takes precedence ; evaporation in general B01B1/005
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/12 Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/48 Mixing water in water-taps with other ingredients, e.g. air, detergents or disinfectants
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/23 by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/232 using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/2326 adding the flowing main component by suction means, e.g. using an ejector
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/2376 characterised by the gas being introduced
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/237613 Ozone
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/708 Filtering materials
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/312 with Venturi elements; Details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/31242 the main flow being injected in the central area of the venturi, creating an aspiration in the circumferential part of the conduit B01F25/31243 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/31251 Throats
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 13/11 by electric discharge
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2201/14 Concentric/tubular dischargers
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2201/22 : Constructional details of the electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2201/30 : Dielectrics used in the electrical dischargers
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2201/32 : Constructional details of the dielectrics
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2201/62 : Air
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2201/70 : Cooling of the discharger; Means for making cooling unnecessary
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/283 : using coal, charred products, or inorganic mixtures containing them
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/4672 : by electrooxydation
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/78 : with ozone C02F1/4672 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/782 : Ozone generators
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/784 : Diffusers or nozzles for ozonation
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2303/02 : Odour removal or prevention of malodour
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2303/04 : Disinfection

Abstract

A dielectric assembly for generating ozone includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode in operational proximity to the positive electrode, a dielectric in operational proximity to the positive and negative electrodes for generating the ozone, and a knob adapted to extend outside of a housing into which the dielectric assembly is to be placed. A system is also provided for sanitizing and deodorizing water, food, surfaces and air including a microbiological reduction filter device having an input connected to a water supply, a venturi injector disposed within a housing and connected to an output of the microbiological reduction filter device which generates ozone and mixes the generated ozone with the water, and an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes, a dielectric for generating the ozone, and a knob extending outside of the housing. The dielectric in a first embodiment and the entire dielectric assembly in a second embodiment can be removed from the housing and replaced in its entirety by the knob.

Claims

1. A dielectric assembly for generating ozone comprising:

a positive electrode;

a negative electrode in operational proximity to the positive electrode;

a dielectric in operational proximity to the positive and negative electrodes for generating the ozone; and

a knob adapted to extend outside of a housing into which the dielectric assembly is to be placed, wherein the assembly can be removed from the housing by using the knob to remove the assembly from the housing and insert a replacement assembly in its place.

2. The dielectric assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an o-ring which, when the knob is inserted into place in the housing, forms a seal to prevent leakage of ozone and locks the dielectric assembly in operational position.

3. The dielectric assembly according to claim 1, wherein the negative electrode comprises a hollow tube, the dielectric comprises a hollow tube formed of a high temperature resistant material sized to fit inside the negative electrode, the positive electrode comprises a hollow tube sized to fit inside the dielectric, and the assembly further comprises an electrical connector having one end connected to a power supply and a second end which has an outside diameter closely approximating an inside diameter of the dielectric allowing a tight frictional communication between the connector and the positive electrode and to align the dielectric substantially in a center of the negative electrode.

4. The dielectric assembly according to claim 1, wherein

the dielectric assembly is a single, unitary element;

the dielectric is formed of a dielectric glass plate; and

the negative and positive electrodes are connected to alternate sides of the flat dielectric plate with a dielectric gap therebetween to permit an airflow to pass between the positive and negative electrodes and the dielectric.

5. A system for sanitizing and deodorizing water, food, surfaces and air comprising:

a microbiological reduction filter device having an input connected to a water supply disposed outside of a housing and having at least one filter to output filtered water to be transported into the housing;

the dielectric assembly according to claim 1 inserted into the housing;

a venturi injector disposed within the housing and connected to an output of the microbiological reduction filter device which inputs the generated ozone and mixes the generated ozone with the filtered water, and outputs the filtered, ozonated water.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the housing comprises:

an air intake manifold comprising an air receiving chamber which houses one end of the negative electrode, and two pressurized air intake ports disposed opposing one another in direct communication with the receiving chamber, a first one of the air intake ports connected to an air pump; and

an ozone distribution manifold comprising an ozone intake port which houses a second end of the negative electrode.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, the negative electrode comprises a hollow tube, the dielectric comprises a hollow tube formed of a high temperature resistant material sized to fit inside the negative electrode, the positive electrode comprises a hollow tube sized to fit inside the dielectric, and the assembly further comprises an electrical connector having one end connected to a power supply and a second end which has an outside diameter closely approximating an inside diameter of the dielectric allowing a tight frictional communication between the connector and the positive electrode and to align the dielectric substantially in a center of the negative electrode.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the dielectric assembly comprises a single, unitary element comprising an anode and a cathode, each connected to alternate sides of a flat dielectric glass plate with a dielectric gap therebetween to permit an airflow to pass between the anode and the cathode and the dielectric.

17. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling fin mounted longitudinally along the negative electrode, the cooling fin comprising first and second halves, mounted and connected to one another along a center portion thereof shaped to accept an outside diameter of the negative electrode, and bent outwardly from each other on both sides of the center portion.

9. A venturi injector for mixing a gas with water comprising a T-shaped pipe that comprises:

a water entry port at a first distal end of the venturi injector into which an end of a water input tube is inserted, the water entry port comprising a stepped aperture having at least three steps, each having successively narrow diameters moving downstream along the water flow through the central tube;

a water exit port at a second distal end of the venturi injector opposed to said water entry port, wherein water flows between the water entry port and the water exit port through a central tube; and

a gas entry port disposed perpendicular to the water flow, and connected to a gas transport tube wherein the water flows through the central tube between the water intake port and the water exit port thereby providing a motive force creating suction at the gas intake port, which draws in ozone gas through the gas intake port and dissolves it in the water flow.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the venturi motive throat insert can have different diameters, and flow strength and internal pressure of the water flowing through the venturi injector can be varied by using a venturi motive throat insert having a desired internal diameter.

11. A venturi injector for mixing a gas with water comprising a T-shaped pipe that comprises:

a water entry port at a first distal end of the venturi injector into which an end of a water input tube is inserted;

a water exit port at a second distal end of the venturi injector opposed to said water entry port, wherein water flows between the water entry port and the water exit port through a central tube, the water exit port comprising a stepped aperture having at least three steps, each having successively wider diameters moving downstream along the water flow through the central tube; and

a gas entry port disposed perpendicular to the water flow, and connected to a gas transport tube wherein the water flows through the central tube between the water intake port and the water exit port thereby providing a motive force creating suction at the gas intake port, which draws in ozone gas through the gas intake port and dissolves it in the water flow.

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a collet locking system connecting a water exit tube disposed outside of the venturi injector and connected to the water exit port.

13. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a collet locking system connecting a water input tube to the water entry port.

14. A venturi injector for mixing a gas with water comprising a T-shaped pipe that comprises:

a water entry port at a first distal end of the venturi injector into which an end of a water input tube is inserted;

a water exit port at a second distal end of the venturi injector opposed to said water entry port, wherein water flows between the water entry port and the water exit port through a central tube; and

a gas entry port disposed perpendicular to the water flow, and connected to a gas transport tube wherein the water flows through the central tube between the water intake port and the water exit port thereby providing a motive force creating suction at the gas intake port, which draws in ozone gas through the gas intake port and dissolves it in the water flow, the gas intake port comprising a stepped aperture having at least three steps, each having successively narrower diameters moving downstream along a gas flow through the central tube.

15. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a collet locking system connecting the gas transport tube to the gas intake port.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the stepped aperture of the gas intake port has four steps and further comprising a check valve pressed into one of the four steps of the gas intake port in communication with an open space to permit forward motion of the check valve and prevent water from entering the gas transport tube when suction is created through venturi action, the open space being disposed between the one of the four steps and the central tube, wherein the check valve is held in place by an end of the gas transport tube.

18. A system for at least one of sanitizing and deodorizing, comprising:

an input configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply;

a dielectric assembly comprising a dielectric for generating ozone; and

a venturi injector in fluid communication with the input and being configured to mix the generated ozone with liquid as it flows through the venturi injector and to output ozonated liquid.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the venturi injector comprises:

a liquid entry port at a first distal end of the venturi injector into which an end of a liquid input tube is inserted;

a liquid exit port at a second distal end of the venturi injector opposed to said liquid entry port, a central tube through which liquid flows between the liquid entry port and the liquid exit port; and

a gas entry port in fluid communication with the liquid flow, wherein the liquid flows through the central tube between the liquid intake port and the liquid exit port thereby providing a motive force creating suction at the gas intake port, which draws in ozone gas through the gas entry port and dissolves it in the liquid flow.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the liquid entry port comprises a stepped aperture having at least three steps, each having successively narrower diameters moving downstream along the liquid flow through the central tube.

21. The system according to claim 20, further comprising a removable venturi motive throat insert having a top ring end having an outside diameter substantially identical to a diameter of a liquid input tube and a bottom end having an outside diameter sized to fit into the central tube, the venturi motive throat insert being seated on a base of a third one of the steps where it is pressed in place functionally by the liquid input tube.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the venturi motive throat insert can have different diameters, and flow strength and internal pressure of the liquid flowing through the venturi injector can be varied by using a venturi motive throat insert having a desired internal diameter.

23. The system according to claim 19, further comprising a check valve connected to the gas entry port to prevent liquid from entering a gas transport tube.

24. The system according to claim 18, further comprising a housing, wherein the dielectric assembly and the venturi injector are located at least partially within the housing.

25. The system according to claim 18, further comprising a filter device in fluid communication with the input for filtering liquid provided through the input.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the filter device comprises:

a first filter sump having an input in fluid communication with the liquid supply and an output;

a pre-filtration cartridge disposed within the first filter sump through which the liquid from the liquid supply passes for removing from the liquid particulate material larger than a predetermined size;

a second filter sump having an input in fluid communication with the output of the first filter sump and an output;

a filter cartridge disposed within the second filter sump through which the liquid passes for removing impurities from the liquid.

27. The system according to claim 18, further comprising:

a housing;

wherein the dielectric assembly is located at least partially within the housing and the dielectric assembly is configured to be removable as a whole from the housing by engaging a member on an exterior of the housing and without accessing an interior of the housing.

28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the dielectric assembly further comprises a negative electrode and a positive electrode.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the negative electrode comprises a hollow tube, the dielectric comprises a hollow tube formed of a high temperature resistant material sized to fit inside the negative electrode,

wherein the positive electrode comprises a hollow tube sized to fit inside the dielectric, and the dielectric assembly further comprises an electrical connector having one end connected to a power supply and a second end which has an outside diameter closely approximating an inside diameter of the dielectric allowing a tight frictional communication between the connector and the positive electrode and to align the dielectric substantially in a center of the negative electrode.

30. The system according to claim 18, further comprising:

a housing; and

a direct current power system for providing power to the dielectric assembly.

31. The system according to claim 18, further comprising:

a filter device connected to the liquid supply;

an injector disposed within the housing and configured to receive liquid from the liquid supply and the ozone from the dielectric assembly,

wherein the system is configured to operate in an aqueous ozonation phase mode in which the filter device supplies the liquid to the injector, the dielectric assembly supplies the ozone to the injector, and the injector mixes the generated ozone with the liquid to output the ozonated liquid;

wherein the system is configured to operate in a gaseous phase mode in which the dielectric assembly supplies the ozone to the injector to output the ozone;

wherein the system is configured to operate in an aqueous non-ozonation phase mode in which the filter device supplies the liquid to the injector to output filtered liquid; and

a control configured to permit selective operation of the system in one of the three modes.