Methods and apparatus for the application of combined fields to disinfect fluids
First Claim
1. A method for disinfecting a contaminated fluid that is substantially opaque comprisingpassing the fluid through a magnetic field at a velocity of greater than about 1 meter per second andirradiating the fluid with a disinfecting amount of ultraviolet radiation without shaping said fluid into a thin film of less than 5 mm.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention relates to apparatus and methods for the treatment of fluids with magnetic fields and, in particular, to the disinfection of contaminated fluids by treating the fluids with a high-gauss magnet followed by ultraviolet radiation. Fluids can accumulate organic and non-organic contaminants from multiple and diverse sources. Magnetic treatment enhances the ability to separate hydrophobic contaminants from the fluid and the ability of that fluid to be disinfected. A wide variety of fluids can be treated with these methods including water to be made potable, industrial water and other fluids such as coolants and lubricants, oils, petrochemicals such as fuels, and beverages. Further, fluid can be exposed to UV radiation at a flow rate sufficient to prevent occlusion of UV-transmissible surfaces in the disinfection system by contaminants in the fluid or by removing a set amount of those contaminants. Using these methods, microorganism levels can be substantially decreased with a reduced need for biocides or other anti-bacterial or anti-fungal agents. These methods are highly effective at removing contaminants and extending the useful life of fluids such as coolants and reducing or eliminating the risks posed to workers by heavily contaminated or biocide-treated coolants.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A method for disinfecting a contaminated fluid that is substantially opaque comprising
passing the fluid through a magnetic field at a velocity of greater than about 1 meter per second and irradiating the fluid with a disinfecting amount of ultraviolet radiation without shaping said fluid into a thin film of less than 5 mm.
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20. A method for disinfecting a fluid that is substantially opaque comprising
passing oxygenated fluid containing molecular iron through a magnetic field at a velocity of greater than about 1 meter per second wherein said magnetic field is sufficient to form a disinfecting amount of ferrates.
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26. A method for treating a fluid that is substantially opaque comprised of
passing the fluid through a magnetic field and an ultraviolet disinfection system, without shaping said fluid into a thin film of less than 5 mm, at a velocity of greater than about 1 meter per second.
- 35. A method for disinfecting a contaminated ultraviolet opaque fluid comprising passing the contaminated fluid through a magnetic field and heating the contaminated fluid to a pasteurizing or sterilizing temperature for a period of time.
Specification