Disinfection of water mains using ultraviolet light
First Claim
Patent Images
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 configured to move axially through a pipe, a size of the movable device being mechanically adjustable with scissor hinges such that the movable device can move axially inside one of a plurality of pipes, each of the plurality of pipes having different diameters, 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.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
-
Citations
17 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 configured to move axially through a pipe, a size of the movable device being mechanically adjustable with scissor hinges such that the movable device can move axially inside one of a plurality of pipes, each of the plurality of pipes having different diameters, 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. 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 configured to move axially through a pipe, the movable device having a mechanically adjustable effective diameter equal to an inner diameter of the pipe, wherein the effective diameter of the movable device is mechanically adjustable with scissor hinges to equal a plurality of inner diameters of pipes, 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.
-
-
3. 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, the movable device having at least three contact members that contact an inner surface of the 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 while the at least three contact members maintain contact with the inner surface 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, wherein a size of the movable device is mechanically adjustable with scissor hinges that allow the at least three contact members to maintain contact with the inner surface of a plurality of different sized pipes. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification