WATER CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS

• US 3,653,182 A
• Filed: 01/21/1970
• Issued: 04/04/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Louis S. Welch
• Original Assignee: Louis S. Welch
• Inventors: Welch, Louis S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Friedman, Reuben
• Assistant Examiner(s): Burks, R. W.
• Application Number:
  US05/004,720
• Time in Patent Office: 804 Days
• Field of Search: 55/42,44,53,196,200,201 261/115,134
• US Class Current: 95/263
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/2132 using nozzles
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/234 Surface aerating
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/23413 using nozzles for projecting the liquid into the gas atmosphere
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/2368 Mixing receptacles, e.g. tanks, vessels or reactors, being completely closed, e.g. hermetically closed
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/25 Mixing by jets impinging against collision plates
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/645 Devices for iron precipitation and treatment by air

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein air and water are simultaneously introduced under high pressure, concurrently upwardly, within a confined zone. Air is introduced from a point immediately below the water inlet point and travels upwardly at high velocity. Water is introduced thereabove in a manner to form extremely finely divided particles moving upwardly as a swirling mass. Because of the velocity of water and air introduction, the water droplets are driven with high impact against the upper surface of the confined zone and thereafter proceed downwardly. The impact of the water droplets against the upper surface causes them to be reshaped and broken apart, thereby providing still greater overall water-air exposure. By reason of the constant flow of high velocity air, the particles are maintained in suspension for a long period of time. Both air and water preferably are heated, especially in use under cold climatic conditions. As a result of the described mode of treatment, a high degree of water purification in various respects is accomplished. During the water and air intermingling, the water treating zone is vented for release of impurity-laden air. The particular apparatus disclosed is especially adapted for water storage, including automatic water shutoff and flow responsive to periodic water use, as may be especially desirable in home installations.

Claims

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the water is delivered from a plurality of orifices and substantially the entirety of the water is projected upwardly at an angle substantially above the horizontal plane from which it is introduced.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the water is projected upwardly as a swirlinG mist.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the water is propelled upwardly into impact with the upper surface of the confined zone.

5. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the water is propelled upwardly into impact with the upper surface of the confined zone.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the air is introduced at an elevated temperature.

7. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the air is introduced at an elevated temperature.

8. The method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the air is introduced at an elevated temperature.

9. Water treating apparatus comprising a tank constituting a lower storage zone and an upper treating zone;

means for delivering water upwardly under high pressure and in a finely dispersed mist-like state into the treating zone;

means for delivering air under high pressure from a point immediately below the point of water introduction upwardly into the treating zone into said water mist; and

means for controlling the input of air and water to said zone according to a predetermined need, the said water and air delivering means directing their respective inputs upwardly at angles not less than about 45*, and being disposed generally coaxially, whereby the thrust of air and water becomes additive and has the effect of maintaining individual water mist particles above the point of air input, and thus under exposure to incoming fresh air, for an extended period of time, while also tending to repeatedly disrupt said individual particles by repeated contact with the incoming fresh air.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said water and air introduction means are positioned at a point near the top of the said tank and said means effects impact of said water against the top surface of said tank.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said water delivery means effects projection of the said water as a finely divided, swirling mist.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said tank is provided with a venting means which opens and closes according to water level in the tank;

and said tank is provided with water outlet means and a pressure responsive switch directly controlling a pump and an air compressor whereby they are energized and de-energized according to a predetermined range of pressure established for said tank.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said water delivery means is positioned substantially axially.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said water delivery means includes a plurality of orifices.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said water is delivered from a plurality of orifices located in said treating zone and each of said orifices is provided with air introduction means located substantially immediately therebelow.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said water is delivered from a plurality of orifices located in said treating zone and each of said orifices is provided with air introduction means located substantially immediately therebelow.