IES990302A2 - A device for use in microbiological decontamination of water - Google Patents

Abstract

The device can be provided in a variety of ways for use in a liquid treatment system such as a domestic water system for killing microorganisms such as bacteria. The device has a filter, which incorporates a number of ceramic chips coated in silver defining a silver carrier for reacting with and eliminating the microorganisms. Dangerous bacteria are rendered harmless by a relatively simple chemical reaction with the silver as the liquid passes through the filter. The silever carrier can also be delivered as an additive; or on an internal liquid contacting surface of a pipe or container.

Description

A DEVICE FOR USE IN MICROBIOLOGICAL DECONTAMINATION OF WATER The present invention relates to a device for use in treatment systems and in particular for use in decontamination of water. is -K Ή (ΰ A variety of treatment systems are known for the removal of microorganisms and θρ articulate matter from water. These contaminants can enter the supply when a pipe is pened during maintenance or may develop if the water is stationary in a system for an extended period. The latter being particularly problematic if the water has been heated, for e sample, in an immersion heater prior to the inactive period, as bacteria can then develop r luch more quickly. Irrespective of how the contamination entered the system it is essential <5t iat it is removed before consumption as E. coli generally and in extreme cases legionella, ZaJ-e fatal if ingested by humans.

I reviously known solutions require either that the system be completely drained and c isinfected prior to use or the application of complex chemical filters. Obviously, neither dl of these solutions are practical for domestic situations as they are difficult to use and expensive.

There is therefore a need for a device, which will overcome the aforementioned problems.

Accordingly, there is provided a device for use in a liquid treatment system for removing microorganisms or particulate matter from the liquid, the device having a filter upstream of a dispensing tap wherein the filter incorporates a silver carrier for reacting with and eliminating the microorganisms or particulate matter. In this way, water or any similar liquid passing through the filter will have dangerous bacteria rendered harmless by a relatively simple chemical reaction with the silver. As there are no harmful by-products of the reaction the water can then be consumed without risk of infection.

Preferably, the silver carrier is removable. Thus, when no silver is left for reaction with the liquid it can easily be replaced.

IE990302 In one arrangement, the carrier is provided by ceramic chips having an exterior surface thereof coated with silver.

In another arrangement, the carrier is provided by a plastics material coated with silver.

In a still further arrangement the filter is provided as a section of pipe having an interior surface coated in silver. In this way water passing through the pipe is exposed to a large reaction area. The film, which results from reactions with the silver, may be removed using a chemical additive during cleaning or cleaned manually. The pipe may also optionally include mixing baffles for ensuring that all of the liquid is exposed to the silver.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an additive for a liquid formed for removing microorganisms such as bacteria from the liquid, the additive including an active silver ingredient to react with and kill the bacteria.

Preferably, the additive is provided by silver-coated beads or as a sachet of powder.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a coating for a liquid container, the coating having an active silver ingredient to react with and kill bacteria in a liquid.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to a number of embodiments. A device in accordance with the invention can be provided in a variety of ways for use in a liquid treatment system such as a domestic water system. The device is formed for killing microorganisms such as bacteria, which can develop in the system if left inactive for an extended period. This development is hastened where the water has been heated prior to the period of inactivity. The device has a filter, which incorporates a number of ceramic chips coated in silver defining a silver carrier for reacting with and eliminating the microorganisms. The filter is mounted in a housing upstream of a tap in such a way as to be easily replaced when spent. Dangerous bacteria are rendered harmless IE990302 by a relatively simple chemical reaction with the silver as the liquid passes through the filter. In another embodiment of the invention the carrier is defined by pieces of irregularly shaped plastics chips material coated with silver which reduces the cost and weight of the filter.

The invention may also be realised with a section of pipe having an interior surface coated in silver. As water passes through the pipe the bacteria react with the silver to render them harmless. The film, which results from these reactions, may be removed using a chemical additive during cleaning or cleaned manually by inserting an abrasive pipe cleaner. The pipe is fitted with mixing baffles arranged around the interior of the pipe to ensure that all of the liquid passing through the pipe is exposed to the silver.

Another method of realising the current invention is by providing an additive for a water system. The additive is formed for removing microorganisms by including an active silver component, which reacts with and kills the bacteria. The additive may optionally be delivered as silver-coated beads or as a sachet of powder.

In another embodiment the invention provide a coating and method for coating a liquid container such that the coating has an active silver ingredient to react with and kill bacteria in a liquid.

It will be understood that the invention may be combined with a variety of additional filters to treat specific contaminants and that it may be used with any suitable contaminated liquid.

It will also be understood that the silver may be delivered to the treatment system in any suitable manner whether using a carrier material or not. It will be understood that the silver may be provided in any of its forms as an oxidising agent. It will also be understood that any stable oxidising metal such as copper or gold may replace the silver.

IE990302 It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details as herein described, which are given by way of example only, and that various alterations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. A device for use in a liquid treatment system to remove microorganisms or particulate matter from the liquid, the device having a filter upstream of a dispensing tap, the filter incorporating a removable silver carrier for reacting with and eliminating the microorganisms or particulate matter.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the carrier is provided by a plurality of ceramic chips, each chip having an exterior surface thereof coated with silver.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the carrier is provided by a plastics material coated with silver, the plastics material optionally being formed as a section of pipe having an interior surface coated in silver and optionally incorporating mixing baffles for ensuring that all of the liquid passing through the pipe is exposed to the silver,

4. An additive for removing microorganisms such as bacteria from a liquid, the additive including an active silver ingredient to react with and kill the bacteria, the additive being optionally provided by; silver-coated beads; a sachet of powder; or a coating for a liquid container.

5. A device or additive substantially as hereinbefore described.