DISINFECTION OF WATER MAINS USING ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

• US 20150017061A1
• Filed: 07/15/2013
• Published: 01/15/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Water Works Company Incorporated
• Original Assignee: American Water Works Company Incorporated
• Inventors: ROBISON, MARTIN L.
• Granted Patent: US 9,586,837 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/24
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/325 Irradiation devices or lamp constructions
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/008 Mobile apparatus and plants, e.g. mounted on a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/009 Apparatus with independent power supply, e.g. solar cells, windpower or fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/3225 Lamps immersed in an open channel, containing the liquid to be treated
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/3227 Units with two or more lamps
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/326 Lamp control systems
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/008 comprising telecommunication features, e.g. modems or antennas
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2303/04 Disinfection
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2307/14 Treatment of water in water supply networks, e.g. to prevent bacterial growth
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/212 Solar-powered wastewater sewage treatment, e.g. spray evaporation

Abstract

Methods are provided for disinfecting water mains using ultraviolet (UV) light. One or more UV light sources are provided and secured to a movable device that moves axially in a pipe. The frequency and intensity of the UV light is determined based on characteristics of the pipe, such as its material and size. The rate at which the movable device moves through the pipe is also determined so that the interior surface of the pipe is properly disinfected. The movable device is remotely caused to move through the pipe.

Claims

1. A method for disinfecting water mains using ultraviolet (UV) light, the method comprising:

providing one or more UV light sources that are secured to a movable device that is sized to move axially inside of a pipe, wherein a frequency and an intensity of the UV light from the one or more UV light sources is selected based at least on a material and a size of the pipe, and wherein the pipe is to be disinfected prior to transporting a substance from one location to another location; and

remotely causing the movable device to move axially inside of the pipe at a rate that is determined based on one or more characteristics of the pipe, wherein the frequency and the intensity of the UV light and the rate of the movable device through the pipe indicate a dosage of the UV light in relation to the pipe.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising disinfecting the pipe using the UV light.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a length of a pipe for transporting a substance from one location to another location, wherein the pipe is disinfected prior to being used to transport the substance.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the disinfection of the pipe allows for disinfection of harmful pathogenic bacteria.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable device comprises:

a body portion that is mechanically coupled to the one or more UV light sources, and

movement mechanisms that are coupled to the body portion for moving the automated device axially through the pipe.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable device is coupled to a winch by way of a cable so that the winch causes the movable device to move in one or more of a forward direction or a reverse direction through the pipe.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the winch is driven by a motor that allows the movable device to be remotely controlled.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein a wavelength range of the UV is between 10 nm and 400 nm.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein a wavelength range of the UV light is between 100 nm and 280 nm.

10. A remotely controlled device for transporting an ultraviolet (UV) light source through a water main for disinfection of the water main, the remotely controlled device comprising:

a body portion that is mechanically coupled to the UV light source so that the UV light source remains centered within the water main as the remotely controlled device moves axially through the water main, the UV light source outputting omni-directional light such that as the remotely controlled device moves axially through the water main, interior surfaces of the water main are contacted by the UV light, the UV light disinfecting the interior surfaces of the water main as it moves through the water main at a rate determined by one or more characteristics of the water main, wherein a frequency and an intensity of the UV light is selected based at least on a material and a size of the water main; and

a plurality of movement mechanisms that are coupled to the body portion and that have contact with the interior surface of the water main and allow the remotely controlled device to move axially through the water main.

11. The remotely controlled device of claim 10, wherein the UV light source is mechanically coupled to a front portion of the body portion.

12. The remotely controlled device of claim 10, wherein the UV light source is mechanically coupled to a top portion of the body portion.

13. The remotely controlled device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of movement mechanisms are one or more of rollers, wheels, or tracks.

14. The remotely controlled device of claim 10, wherein the omni-directional light allows for all of the interior surfaces by which the UV light source passes to receive substantially an equal dosage of the UV light.

15. The remotely controlled device of claim 10, further comprising:

a tether that is coupled to the body portion for providing one or more of,

(1) physical manipulation of the remotely controlled device,

(2) transmission of control signals to or from the remotely controlled device, or

(3) a video relay from the remotely controlled device.

16. The remotely controlled device of claim 10, further comprising:

a drive that is mechanically coupled to the plurality of movement mechanisms that causes the remotely controlled device to move through the water main.

17. A remotely controlled ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system that is used to disinfect water mains, the system comprising:

a UV light source for disinfecting interior surfaces of the water mains and whose frequency and intensity are selected based at least on a material and a size of the water main; and

a remotely controlled device for transporting the UV light source axially through a water main, the remotely controlled device moving axially through the water main at a rate determined based on the frequency and the intensity of the selected UV light source and on one or more characteristics of the water main, the remotely controlled device including,

(1) a body portion that is mechanically coupled to the UV light source, and

(2) movement mechanisms that are coupled to the body portion for moving the remotely controlled device axially through the water main.

18. The remotely controlled UV disinfection system of claim 17, further comprising a winch for controlling a movement of the remotely controlled device through the water main.

19. The remotely controlled UV disinfection system of claim 18, further comprising:

a tether that is coupled to the body portion for providing one or more of,

(1) physical manipulation of the remotely controlled device,

(2) transmission of control signals to or from the remotely controlled device, or

(3) a video relay from the remotely controlled device.

20. The remotely controlled UV disinfection system of claim 17, wherein the remotely controlled device is wirelessly controlled by way of a radio frequency signal.