MX2008005014A - Water purification system - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification. The systems have a preheater (30), a degasser (40), an evaporation chamber (50), a demister (70), and a control system (120), wherein the control system (120) permits operation of the purification system (10) through repeated cycles without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The system is capable of removing, from a contaminated water sample, a plurality of contaminant types including:microbiological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, volatile organics, and non-volatile organics.

Description

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION | 0001] This invention relates to the field of water purification. In particular, some aspects of the invention are related to systems and methods for essentially removing a broad spectrum of water impurities with an automatic process that does not require cleaning or intervention by the user for several months or years, with a relatively high performance of product per unit of water influx.

INTRODUCTION [0002] Water purification technology is rapidly becoming an essential aspect of modern life as conventional water resources are increasingly scarce, municipal potable water distribution systems deteriorate over time , and the increase in water consumption depletes wells and aquifers, causing salt contamination. In addition, the greatest contamination of aquifer resources is occurring through several activities that include, for example, intensive agriculture, gasoline additives, and heavy toxic metals. This is leading to higher and objectionable levels of germs, bacteria, salts, MTBE, chlorates, perchlorates, arsenic, mercury, and even chemical substances to disinfect drinking water, in water systems. [0003] Conventional technologies, such as reverse osmosis (Oi), filtration, and chemical treatment are rarely able to remove the diverse range of aqueous contaminants. Furthermore, even when such technologies exist commercially, they often require multiple stages of treatment or the combination of several technologies to achieve acceptable water qualities. Less conventional technologies, as well as irradiation by ultraviolet light (UV) or ozone treatment, are usually effective against viruses and bacteria, but rarely remove other contaminants such as gases in solution, salts, hydrocarbons, and insoluble solids. In addition, distillation technologies, while effective in removing certain impurities, are often unable to remove all types of contaminants. | 0004 | Consequently, sophisticated distillation systems that are continuous, self-cleaning, and that recover most of the water influx appear to be the best long-term option for solving growing pollution problems and water shortages.

COMPENDIUM [0005] The invention provides a better water purification system. The water purification system can include a water inlet, a pre-heater, a degasser, an evaporation chamber, a micro-droplet eliminator, a product condenser, a contaminated water outlet, a clean water outlet, and a control system. The control system allows the operation of the purification system for many cycles without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The system is able to remove a plurality of contaminated water contamination types, including micro-biological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, volatile and non-volatile organic, such that the water purified by the system has contamination levels under those indicated in tables 1,2, and 3 when the water influx has pollution levels 25 times higher than those indicated in tables 1, 2, and 3. In certain reductions to the practice of the system, the volume of water produced may be between 20% and 95% of the incoming water volume. The system does not require cleaning during chicken less two months, six months, one year of use, or more time. [0006] The system may also include an input switch to control the inflow of water. The switch may include a mechanism which may be, for example, a solenoid, a valve, an opening, or similar mechanisms. The input switch can be controlled by the control system. The system may also include a flow closure control. The flow closure control can be, for example, a manual control, a flood control, a control based on the capacity of the pond, a control related to the evaporation chamber, or other similar controls. The control system can control the inflow on the basis of a back-feeding system related to the evaporation chamber, or a flotation valve inside the pond. The control system can control the inflow based on the back-feeding of the purification system. The back-feeding mechanism can be based, for example, on the amount of water inside the product pond, on the flow of purified water, on the product flow time, on time when there is no product flow, on the amount of water inside the evaporation chamber, in the detection of water leaks, in the pressure inside the evaporation chamber, in the water quality in the product (measured by the total amount of solids in solution), in the pressure difference inside the evaporation chamber, in the water overflow system inside the evaporation chamber, or in similar devices. The system may also include a flow control. The flow control may include a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator can maintain the water pressure between 0 kPa and 250 kPa. (Or at 36 psi). The flow control can maintain the water flow between 10 and 75 ml / min. The system may include a device that catches and prevents the passage of sediment. [0007] The system may also have a pre-heater tube that passes through the evaporation chamber. Water leaving the pre-heater tube can have a temperature of the order of at least 96 ° C. The pre-heater tube allows residence times inside the pre-heater tube in the order of at least 15 seconds. The pre-heater tube may include a spiral shape. The tube spiral can have a net horizontal flow, and the water inside the tube can pass repeatedly through a horizontal plane. The pre-heater tube can exchange heat with a steam condenser. A part of the pre-heater tube can be coaxial with a part of the steam condenser. The steam condenser can carry contaminated steam. [0008] The degasser can have a vertical orientation, with an upper and a lower portion. Hot water comes out of the degasser through the bottom of the degasser. Water vapor enters the degasser from the evaporation chamber through the bottom of the degasser, and exits the degasser at the top of the degasser. The degasser may include an internal matrix that facilitates mixing between steam and water. The matrix may include substantially spherical particles. However, the matrix can also include non-spherical particles. The matrix may include particles of a size that allow uniform packaging within the degasser. The matrix may also include particles of different size, and such particles may be arranged within the degasser as a function of a size gradient.

[0009] In the system, water leaves the degasser substantially free of organic substances and volatile gases. The evaporation chamber may include at least one upper segment and one lower segment, and the horizontal section of the upper segment may have an area greater than the horizontal section of the lower segment. The comrade evaporation may include a juncture between the upper segment and the lower segment. The joint can be substantially horizontal. The evaporation chamber may also include a drain, which may be located above or below the joint. The evaporation chamber may also include a self-cleaning means which may consist of a plurality of particles, a drain with an opening whose size does not pemiitate the passage of such particles through the drain, and whose shape is not complementary to the shape of the particles. The evaporation chamber may include a self-cleaning medium that interferes with the accumulation of precipitates in at least an approximate area to the hot surface of the evaporation chamber. The medium can include a plurality of particles. The particles can be substantially spherical. The particles may also include a characteristic that allows the continuous agitation of such particles by boiling the water in the evaporation chamber. Such a feature may be, for example, density, size, morphology, number of particles, and the like. The particles may have a selected hardness, such that the hardness allows abrasion of the evaporation chamber by such particles without causing erosion of the same or of the particles. In addition, the composition of the particles can be ceramic, metallic, vitrea, or rocky. The particles may have densities greater than 1.0 and less than 8.0 g / cm3, and preferably, between 2.0 and 5.0. Compound evaporation may also include a heating element adjacent to the bottom of the evaporation chamber. The heating element may be located outside the evaporation chamber, adjacent to the bottom of the evaporation chamber, and the heating element may be sealed together with the evaporation chamber. The heating element can also be located inside the evaporation chamber, adjacent to the bottom of the evaporation chamber. [0010] The micro-droplet eliminator can be located near the upper surface of the evaporation chamber. The steam coming from the evaporation chamber can enter the micro-droplet eliminator under pressure. The micro-droplet eliminator can have a pressure difference, and that pressure differential can not be less than 125 up to about 2500 Pa. The micro-droplet eliminator is adapted to separate clean vapor from contaminated steam by means of the action cyclonic The ratio of clean steam to contaminated steam can be greater than 10: 1. The control system can adjust a parameter to control the quality of the steam. The quality of the steam may include, for example, the purity of the clean steam, the ratio of clean steam to contaminated steam, and similar parameters. The control parameter may include at least one parameter such as the recess position of the clean steam outlet, the pressure differential through the micro-droplet eliminator, the flow resistance of the steam inlet, the flow resistance of steam output, and similar parameters. The system may also include a cooler for the product condenser, and the cooler may include a fan. The product condenser may include a spiral shape. The water product can leave the condenser through an outlet. The system may also include a waste condenser. Water waste can leave the waste condenser through an outlet.

[0011] The system may also include a storage pond. The storage pond may include at least one control mechanism. The control mechanism can, for example, include a flotation device, a conductivity meter, or similar elements. The control system may also include a delay mechanism such that after starting a cycle, no steam can be directed towards the product outlet for a selected period of time. The delay time can be at least 10 to 30 minutes. The control system may include a residence time within the evaporation chamber of at least 10 minutes. Alternatively, the control system may include an average residence time within the evaporation chamber of at least 45 minutes. The control system can also include a rapid drainage mechanism, such that the water inside the evaporation chamber drains into the waste outlet quickly, thus allowing the removal of impurities and accumulated precipitates in the evaporation chamber. [0012] The evaporation chamber can be configured in such a way that after draining a residual volume of water remains inside the lower part of the evaporation chamber. The residual water in the system can provide the initial steam during the beginning of the next cycle of purification. The invention also includes a water purification method. Such a method includes the steps of: providing an inlet water source including at least one contaminant with an initial concentration; passing the incoming water through a pre-heater capable of increasing the temperature of the inlet water above 90 ° C; removing from the inlet water essentially all the organic, volatile, and gas substances by means of the countercurrent flow of the water against an opposite flow of gas in a degasser; keep the water in an evaporation chamber for an average residence time between 10 and 90 minutes, under conditions that allow the formation of steam; discharge the vapor from the evaporation chamber through the cyclonic micro-droplet eliminator; Separate clean steam from contaminated steam in the micro-droplet eliminator, with clean steam yields of at least 4 times more than the waste performance; Condense the clean steam in purified water containing a second concentration of at least one contaminant, where the concentration is lower than the initial concentration. In this method, at least one contaminant includes, for example, a micro-organism, a radioactive substance, a salt, or an organic substance. The second concentration may be, for example, no greater than that indicated in Tables 1, 2, or 3; The initial concentration can be at least 10 times the second concentration. However, the initial concentration can be at least 25 times higher than the second concentration. The gas can be, for example, steam, air, nitrogen, or similar gases. The steps of the process in the method of the invention can be repeated automatically for periods of at least three months without cleaning or maintenance required. However, the steps of the process can also be repeated automatically for periods of at least one year without requiring cleaning or maintenance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0013] FIG 1 is a front view of the reduction in practice of a water purification system. [0014] FIG 2 is a sectional view of the water purification system. [0015 | FIG 3 is a diagram showing the detail of the pre-heater. [0016 | F1G 4 is a diagram showing the detail of the degasser. [0017 | FIG 5 is a diagram showing the detail of the evaporation chamber. [0018] FIG 6 is a diagram showing the detail of the onic micro-droplet eliminator. | 0019] F1G 7 is a diagram of the control circuit of the water purification system. [0020] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a section of an example of a degassing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0021] This section describes embodiments of the invention, in some cases as an illustration and in others as a reference to one or the other figure. However, any description contained herein is illustrative only, and is not indicative of the full range of the invention. [0022] Modalities of the invention include systems, methods, and apparatus for water purification. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a wide range of water purification that is completely automatic and does not require cleaning or intervention by the user for very long periods of time. For example, the systems described here can operate without user control and without intervention for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or for 12 months, or more. In preferential modalities, the system can operate automatically by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 12, 13, 14, or 15 years, or more. [0023 | Modes of the invention provide a water purification system that includes at least one water inlet, a foot-heater, a degasser, an evaporation chamber, a micro-droplet eliminator, a product condenser, a waste outlet , a product outlet, and a control system where the product consists of water that comes out essentially pure, and where the product of water that is produced is at least of the order of 10, 15, or 20% of the volume of water of entrance, and where the control system allows the operation of the purification system for many es without requiring the intervention of the user. In preferential modalities, the volume of the water product consists of at least about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99%, or more, of the volume of the incoming water. Consequently, the system provides great benefits in conditions when obtaining incoming water or disposing of waste water is inconvenient or expensive. The system is significantly more efficient than many other systems in terms of water production per unit of input or waste water. [0024] In different embodiments, water that is substantially pure is one that meets any of the following conditions: water whose purity with respect to any contaminant is at least 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 500, 750, 1000, or more times pure than the water input. In other embodiments, substantially pure water is one that has been purified at one of the above levels with respect to a plurality of contaminants that are present in the inlet water. That is to say, in these modalities, the purity of the water or its quality is a function of the concentration of a group of one or more pollutants, and substantially pure water is that which shows to have a relation with respect to the concentration of the water entering the water. 25 times less or even less. [0025 | In other embodiments, the purity of the water can be measured by its electrical conductivity, where ultra-pure water has a conductivity that is typically less than about 1 μSiemens, and distilled water has a conductivity of the order of 5. In such embodiments, the Water conductivity in the product is generally between 1 and 7, typically between 2 and 6, and preferably between 2 and 5, 2 and 4, or 2 and 3. Conductivity is a measure of the total amount of solids in solution, which is a good indicator of the purity of water with respect to salts, ions, minerals , or other substances in solution. [0026] Alternatively, the purity of the water can be measured with reference to several standards, such as the standards promulgated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. (EPA), which are presented in Table 1 and Table 2, as well as other standards shown in Table 2. Preferred embodiments of the invention may reduce one or more contaminants of the group indicated in Table 1, where the final product of the Water has levels of such contaminants below the level specified in the "MCL" column (Maximum Concentration Level), where the incoming water has levels of such contaminants that are 25 times higher than those specified under the MCL. Also, in some embodiments and for some contaminants, the system of the invention can reduce contaminants up to MCL levels when the inlet water has 30-, 40-, 50-, 60-, 70-, 80-, 90-, 100- , 150-, 250-, 500-, or 1000- times higher level of contamination than the water in the product. [0027] Although the ability of any system that reduces contaminants from a water input is a function of the total level of impurities in the inlet water, the systems of the invention are capable of reducing a plurality of various contaminants of different types from any water source, producing water that is comparable to distilled water and that, in some cases, is comparable to ultra-pure water. We note that the column labeled "Contaminated Water" in Table 1 contains concentration levels of pollutants that are used in EPA standards. Preferential embodiments of the invention can typically reduce much higher levels of contaminants than those indicated in the column. However, the levels corresponding to the values of the column "Contaminated Water" fall well within the treatment capabilities of the invention.

TABLE 1 Water Metals Units MCL Protocol Contaminated Aluminum Ppm 0.2 0.6 Antimony Ppm 0.006 0.1 Arsenic Ppm 0.01 0.1 Beryllium Ppm 0.004 0.1 Boron Ppb 20 Chromium Ppm 0.1 0.1 Copper Ppm 1.3 1.3 Iron Ppm 0.3 8 Lead Ppm 0.015 0.1 Manganese Ppm 0.05 1 Mercury Ppm 0.002 0.1 Molybdenum Ppm 0.01 Nickel Ppm 0.02 Silver Ppm 0.1 0.2 Talium Ppm 0.002 0.01 Vanadium Ppm 0.1 Zinc Ppm 5 5 Subtotal of group 36.84 Water Inorganic Salts Units Contained MCL Protocol Bromide Ppm 0.5 Chloride Ppm 250 350 Cyanide Ppm 0.2 0.4 Fluoride Ppm 4 8 Nitrate, as NO3 Ppm 10 90 Nitrite, such as N2 Ppm 1 2 Sulphate Ppm 250 350 Subtotal of group 800.9 Fourth Group: 2 Very volatile compounds (VOCs) + 2 non-volatile Heptachlor Ppm EPA525.2 0.0004 0.04 Tetrachlorethylene-PCE Ppm EPA524.2 0.00006 0.02 Epichlorohydrin Ppm 0.07 0.2 Pentachlorophenol Ppm EPA515.4 0.001 0.1 Subtotal of group 0.36 Fifth Group: Very Volatile Water Compounds (VOCs) + 2 non-volatile Units MCL Protocol Contaminated Carbon tetrachloride Ppm EPA524.2 0.005 0.01 m, p-Xylenes Ppm EPA524.2 10 20 Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate Ppm EPA525.2 0.4 0.8 Acetic acid Trichlore Ppm SM6251B 0.06 0.12 Subtotal of group 21.29 Sixth Group: 3 Very Volatile Water Compounds (VOCs) + 3 non-volatile Units MCL Protocol Contaminated 1,1-Dichloroethylene Ppm 0.007 0.15 Ethylene Benzene Ppm EP524.2 0.7 1.5 Aldrin Ppm EPA505 0.005 0.1 Dalapon (2,2, docloropropionic acid) Ppm EPA515.4 0.2 0.4 Carbofuran (Furadan) Ppm EPA531.2 0.04 0.1 2,4,5-TP (silvex) Ppm EPA515.4 0.05 0.1 Subtotal of group 2.35 Seventh Group: 3 Very Volatile Water Compounds (VOCs) + 3 non-volatile Units MCL Protocol Contaminated Trichlorethylene-TCE Ppm EPA524.2 0.005 0.1 Toluene Ppm EPA524.2 1 2 1, 2,4 Trichlorobenzene Ppm EPA524.2 0.07 0.15 2,4-D Ppm EPA515.4 0.07 0.15 EPA. Alachlor (Alanex) Ppm 525.2 0.002 0.1 Simazine Ppm EPA525.2 0.004 0.1 Subtotal of group 2.6 Eighth Group: 3 Very Volatile Water Compounds (VOCs) + 3 non-volatile Units MCL Protocol Contaminated Vinyl Chloride (Chloroethene) Ppm EPA524.2 0.002 0.1 L, 2-Dichlorobenzene (1.2B DCB) PPM EPA524.2 0.6 1 Chlorobenzene Ppm EPA524.2 0.1 0.2 EPA Atrazine Ppm 525.2 0.003 0.1 Endothal Ppm EPA548.1 0.01 0.2 Oxamyl (Vydate) Ppm EPA531.2 0.2 0.4 Subtotal of group 2 Ninth Group: 3 Very Volatile Water Compounds (VOCs) + 3 Non-Volatile Units MCL Protocol Contaminated Styrene Ppm EPA524.2 0.1 1 Benzene Ppm EPA524.2 0.005 0.2 EPA Methoxychlor Ppm 525.2 / 505 0.04 0.1 Glyphosate Ppm EPA547 0.7 1.5 Pichloram Ppm EPA515.4 0.5 1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene (1., 3 BCD) Ppm EPA524.2 0.15 Group sub-total 3.95 Tenth Group: 3 Very Volatile Water Compounds (VOCs) + 3 non-volatile Units MCL Protocol Contaminated 1,2-dichloropropane (DCP) Ppm EPA524.2 0.005 0.1 Chloroform Ppm EPA524.2 80 0.1 Bromomethane methyl bromide) Ppm EPA524.2 0.1 PCB1242 Arochlor Ppb EPA 505 0.5 1 Chlordane Ppm EPA 0.002 0.2 525.2 / 505 MEK-Methyl-ethyl ketone (2-butanone) Ppb EPA524.2 0.2 Subtotal of the group Group Eleventh: 4 Volatile Compounds (VOCs) + 5 Water Non-volatile PCB Units MCL Protocol Contaminated 2,4-DDE (dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene) Ppm EPA525.2 0.1 Bromodichloromethane Ppb EPA524.2 80 0.1 l, l, l-Trichloroethane (TCA) Ppm EPA524.2 0.2 0.4 Bromoform Ppm EPA524.2 80 0.1 PCB 1221 Arochlor Ppm EPA 505 0.5 0.05 PCB1260 Arochlor Ppm EPA 505 0.5 0.05 PCB 1232 Arochlor Ppm EPA 505 0.5 0.05 PCB 1254 Arochlor Ppm EPA 505 0.5 0.05 PCB1016 Arochlor Ppm EPA 505 0.5 0.05 Group sub-total 0.95 Group Twelfth: 5 Volatile compounds (VOCs) + 5 Water Non-volatile PCBs Units Protocol MCL Contaminated Dichloromethane (DCM) methylene chloride Ppm EPA524.2 0.005 0.1 1,2-dichloroethane Ppm 0.005 0.1 Lindane (gamma BHC) Ppm EPA525.2 0.0002 0.05 EPA Benzo (a) pyrene Ppm 525.2 0.0002 0.05 EPA Endrin Ppm 525.2 / 505 0.002 0.05 1, 1,2-Trichloroethane (TCA) Ppm EPA524.2 0.005 0.05 MTBE Ppm EPA524.2 0.05 Ethylene dibromide - EDB Ppm EPA504.1 0.00005 0.05 EPA Dinoseb Ppm 515.4 0.007 0.05 Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) Ppm EPA525.2 0.006 0.05 Subtotal of group 0.5 Thirteenth Group: Water Balance 6 Volatile Compounds Units MCL Protocol Contaminated Chloromethane (methylene chioride) Ppm EPA524.2 0.1 Toxaphene Ppm EPA 505 0.003 0.1 trans- 1,2-dichloroethylene Ppm EPA524.2 0.1 0.2 Dibromochloromethane Ppm EPA524.2 80 0.05 cis-l, 2-dichloroethylene Ppm EPA524.2 0.07 0.05 EPA 1, 2-Dibromo-3-chloro propane Ppm 504.1 0.0002 0.05 Subtotal of group 0.55 [0028 | The determination of the purity of the water, or the efficiency of the purification can be based on the ability of a system to eliminate a wide range of contaminants. In the case of biological contaminants, the objective is to eliminate substantially all living contaminants. Table 2 presents several additional contaminants that are common in water inputs, and analytical protocols to measure the levels of such contaminants. The protocols in Tables 1 and 2 are available to the public using the hypertext transfer protocol at www. epa gov / safewater / mcl. html #mcls for various contaminants .; Methods for the analysis of organic compounds in drinking water are found in EPA / 600 / 4-88-039, December 1988, Revised July 1991. Analysis methods 547, 550 and 550.1 are described in the document Methods for the Analysis of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water, Supplement I, of EPA 600-4-90-020, July 1990. The methods of analysis 548.1, 549.1, 552.1 and 555 are found in Methods for the Analysis of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water, Supplement II, of EPA / 600 / R-92-129, August 1992. The methods of analysis 502.2, 504.1, 505, 506, 507, 508, 508.1, 515.2, 524.2 525.2, 531.1, 551.1 and 552.2 are in Methods for the Analysis of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water, Supplement III, EPA 600 / R-95-131, August 1995. The method of analysis 1613 entitled "Dioxins and Cures of Tetra-a OctaClorinados by Isotope "- Dilution HRGC / HRMS", is found in EP A / 821- B-94-005, October 1994. Each of these documents is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TABLE 2 1 Metals & Inorganic Protocol Asbestos EPA 100.2 Free Cyanide SM 4500CN-F Metals - Al, Sb, Be, B, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Ag, TI, V, EPA 200.7 / 200.8 Zn Anions NO3-N, NO2-N, Cl, SO4, EPA 300.0A Total Nitrate / Nitrite Bromide EPA 300.0 / 300.1 EPA 180.1 Turbidity 2 Volatile Organic Organics - VOASDWA list + EPA 524.2 Nitrozobenzene EDB & DBCP EPA 504.1 Semivolatile Organics - ML525 list + EPTC EPA 525.2 Pesticides and EPA PCBs 505 Herbicides - Regulated Compounds / not - EPA 515.4 regulated Carbamates EPA 531.2 Glyphosate EPA 547 Diquat EPA 549.2 Dioxin EPA 1613b 1,4-Dioxane EPA 8270m NDMA - 2 ppt MRL EPA 1625 Radiological Alpha & Beta EPA 900.0 Radio 226 EPA 903.1 Uranium EPA 200.8 Disinfection by-products THMs / HANs / HKs EPA 551.1 HAAs EPA 625 IB Aldehydes SM 6252m Chloral Hydrate EPA 551.1 Chloraminas SM 4500 Cyanogen Chloride EPA 524.2m Table 3 - Examples of contaminants to verify the Metals & Inorganic MCLG1 Asbestos < 7 MFL¿ Free cyanide < 0.2 ppm Metals - Al, Sb, Be, B, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Ag, TI, V, 0.0005 ppm Zn Anions - NO3-N, NO2-N, Cl, SO4, < 1 ppm Total Nitrate / Nitrite Turbidity < 0.3 NTU Volatile Organic Organics - VOASDWA list + Nitrobenzene EDB & DBCP 0 ppm Organic Semivolatiles - ML525 list + EPTC O.001 ppm Pesticides and PCBs < 0.2 ppb Herbicides - Regulated Compounds / No- O.007 ppm Regulated Glyphosate < 0.7 ppm Diquat O.02 ppm Dioxin O pp Radiological Alpha & Beta < 5 pCi / 13 Radio 226 0 pCi / 13 Uranium < 3 ppb 4 Disinfection Sub-Products Chloramines 4 ppm Cyanogen Chloride 0.1 ppm Micro-Biological Cryptosporidium O4 Giardia lamblia O4 Total coli formes O4 1 MCLG = suggested maximum concentration limit 2 MFL = millions of fibers per liter 3 pCi / l = peak Curies per liter 4 Substantially no detectable biological contaminants

[0029] In certain preferred embodiments, the input switch is a solenoid that is activated (i.e., open) when a signal is received indicating that the system is capable of receiving additional input water for the purification process. Such a back-feed signal to receive more water can come from several points within the system including, for example, the water level inside the evaporation chamber, the water level inside the storage pond, the water temperature heated to the degasser, the temperature or the volume of steam leaving the evaporation chamber, or similar parameters. Likewise, for those familiar with the art, there are several alternatives for the solenoid-type switch, such as a valve, an opening, a mechanism consisting of a peristaltic compression and sealing tube, a piezoelectric switch, and similar mechanisms. [0030] In relation to flow control, the flow controller can optionally moderate the flow of water entering the system by varying the pressure, and such pressure variation can be controlled by signals that detect a higher water demand, or Similar. This variable flow control, in contrast to binary flow controls, can lead to higher efficiencies within the system. [0031] Other controls and feedback signals may provide additional benefits in the automation of the system including, for example, detecting water quality at any point in the system, detecting the volume of water or steam at any point in the system , detecting leaks or temperatures that indicate a bad function of the system, or other benefits. Such controls or combinations thereof also constitute modalities of the system. These include, for example, controls for detecting leaks or floods, the capacity of the pond, the capacity of the evaporation chamber, or the like. In several modalities, the feedback signals may be qualitative and / or quantitative. These may include, for example, the amount of water in the water tank, the flow of water through the outlet of the product, the time when the water flows, the time when the water does not flow, the amount of water in the evaporation chamber, the detection of a leak, the pressure in the evaporation chamber, the water quality in the product (for example, as a measure of total solids in solution), the pressure differential through the evaporation chamber or through other points in the system, the water flow of the overflow system, or similar variables. | 0032] Once the electricity is connected and the system is on, the system is configured to operate with automatic and total control for the entire life of the system. The system includes several back-feeding mechanisms to prevent flooding and control water flow, pressure, production, and cleaning cycles, so that under normal conditions no intervention by the user is required. Such controls include a floating level detector within the evaporation chamber, a floating side switch, a time meter, a fan switch, and a power meter. [0033] The controls for shutting down the system include a manual control, a flood control that can be a float or a moisture detector at the base of the system adjacent to the storage pond, a control based on the capacity of the system, and a control based on the capacity of the evaporation chamber. In addition to those controls that provide for the closing or entry of input water in binary form, or other parameters, the system also contemplates variable controls, such as, for example, controls based on pressure or flow volume, pressure controls, or similar controls. In preferred embodiments, a pressure controller can maintain the water inlet pressure between 0 and 250 kPa, for example. In other embodiments, the pressure may be 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, or 500 kPa, or even greater. The pressure control, optionally with the control of other parameters, can attenuate the volume and speed of the water flow in the system. For example, the control depressions combination with the dimensions of the system can provide water flows between 5 and 1000 ml / min, or higher. Although the system described here primarily refers to small water production systems, the system can be designed for any volume of water production. As a result, there is no upper limit associated with the water flow. Modalities of flow include, however, ranges from 10 to 500 ml / min, 20 to 400 ml / min, 30 to 300 ml / min, 40 to 200 ml / min, 50 to 150 ml / min, 60 to 125 ml / min, 70 to 100 ml / min, 80 to 90 ml / min, and similar ranges. 100341 The system may also include a sediment trap capable of removing sediments from the water input, to avoid plugging the system with such sediments. Various types of devices for trapping sediments are known within the art that can be adopted for use in the system of the invention. Also, the device to trap sediment can be self-cleaning to avoid user intervention and the need for cleaning. For example, rotary screens can be used to trap sediments, where the rotation of a screen occurs with the pressure differential of the sieve already covered, so that when a screen is saturated with sediment, it is replaced by a clean one. In some embodiments, a sieve that has been capped can be changed in such a way that the water flow changes direction, thus removing the sediment and sending it to a waste drain. Thus, the system described here contemplates the use of devices that trap the sediment both self-cleaning and conventional. [0035] The preheating function of the water purification system is preferably done with a tube. However, such a function can be achieved in many different ways, provided that the result is water whose temperature on reaching the degasser is close to 90 ° C or more. As a consequence, the pre-heating function can be achieved in different ways including, for example, cylindrical tubes, spirals, flat plates, branched networks, perforated structures and any type with designs that allow surface ratios at high internal volumes, coaxial lumens with lumens of smaller or larger diameter that allow the exchange of heat through such lumens, or similar systems. [0036] In preferential modalities, the pre-heating tube passes adjacent to or inside the evaporation chamber, and is configured in such a way that the flow of the incoming water through the pre-heating tube provides residence times inside. or near the evaporation chamber that are sufficient to raise the water temperature in the pre-heating tube to about 90 ° C or more. Depending on the size of the system and its processing capacity, the pre-heating function can be improved with the use of materials and configurations that facilitate heat exchange. Alternatively, durability, cost of materials, ease of maintenance, or considerations of available space, or other considerations in other embodiments may affect the design options in this aspect of the invention. [0037] In preferential modalities, the pre-heating function is a stainless steel tube which possesses the beneficial properties of durability despite its relatively low conductivity. In such modalities, the stainless steel tube has a thickness as well as a diameter and other properties such as to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange between the water inside the tube and the heat source. In particular preferred embodiments, the pre-heating tube is a spiral tube that passes through the evaporation chamber. Preferably, the orientation of the tube is horizontal: the water that enters and leaves the tube is at the same height inside the evaporation chamber, and the water that passes through the tube rises and falls inside the tube, which favors mixing between water and bubbles, thus avoiding the coalescence of bubbles. The coalescence of bubbles in large bubbles may interfere with the normal flow of water in the preheater and the degasser, and / or may interfere with the normal operation of the degasser. However, in certain embodiments the operation of the degasser is sufficiently robust to tolerate a sufficient volume of steam within the water inlet, and in those cases, the design of the pre-heater does not require concern for coalescence. [0038] In some embodiments, the operation of the system benefits when operating under non-standard environmental conditions, such as at a certain height above sea level. At high altitudes, the boiling point of water is less than 100 ° C, so that with normal rates of heating of the evaporation chamber, higher volumes of steam are generated, which leads to a higher production of the system. In such embodiments it is evident that the preheating temperatures are also affected. Given a lower temperature in the evaporation chamber, the preheating up to a certain temperature can be achieved by means of a longer residence time in the pre-heater tube, for example by making the tube configuration larger in volume with the same flow, or by means of a lower flow with the same volume. However, given the generation of more vapor in the evaporation chamber, it is not recommended to adjust the flow of the pre-heater tube downwards to achieve a longer residence time and a higher pre-heating temperature.

This is because a greater generation of steam implies a greater demand for water input. [0039] In embodiments where the pre-heater tube is coaxial with another tube, heat exchange can occur between the high temperature portion of the system and the low temperature of the water input. Such heat exchange is determined by the coaxial structure that can be significantly affected by factors such as the thickness and composition of the tube wall material, or by similar factors. In preferential modalities, steam condensation is achieved by exchanging heat with the incoming water, allowing the transfer of excess heat from contaminated steam or clean steam to the incoming water, thus aiding pre-heating and in some cases allowing shorter residence times within the evaporation chamber, and / or greater water flow in the system. In addition, an additional benefit of such heat exchange is greater energy efficiency and lower heat emission to the environment. As alternatives to a coaxial exchange system can be considered those conventional heat exchange systems, such as, for example, adjacent flat plates; any configuration that includes the transfer of heat from high temperature points to low temperatures to achieve heat exchange are included as embodiments of the invention. [0040] A key factor in the performance of the degasser is the mass transfer ratio: the mass of the water moving under a vertical degasser compared to the mass of steam traveling up. Actually, the function of degassing can be achieved with several configurations that allow the countercurrent of water with gas. In some modalities, gas is vapor; in others, the gas can be air, nitrogen, or similar gases. The speed and activity of mixing water with steam are affected by the size, shape, and packing of material within the degasser, and also by the volume of holes between the particles within the degasser. In preferential modalities, the particles inside the degasser are packed in spiral form. The performance of the degasser is affected by the speed and volume of water and steam moving within the degasser; these two variables are controlled by factors such as the size of the orifice through which the steam enters, the size of the orifice through which the steam exits, the flow of water, and similar factors. Williams, Robert "The Geometrical Foundation of Natural Structure: A Source Book of Design, New York: Dover, 1979, provides useful information on the operation and design of degassers, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Being able to control the flow of water, being able to avoid large vapor bubbles in the pre-heater tube, and similar factors are ways to improve the efficiency and function of the degasser.When these parameters are not within an acceptable range, the degasser can flooding of water, or the excessive speed (jetting) of the steam impedes the flow of water, there is flooding inside the degasser when the excess water forms a plug, and "jetting" when the excess steam pushes the water out of the water. degassing, and any of these phenomena interfere with the performance of the degasser, therefore, it is desirable to operate avoiding either the flood or the "jetting" phenomenon, obtaining a good balance between the water flow and steam efflux. In the degasser example of this invention, it is particularly important that such a degasser is not designed to remove only one contaminant, like most conventional degasters. The degasser removes a variety of contaminants very effectively.

Typically, when the incoming water has contaminants with concentrations in the order of 1 ppm, for example, the process achieves reductions of up to 50, 40, 10, 5, 2, or even 1 ppb. [0042] The evaporation chamber can have essentially any size and configuration, depending on the production volume of the system and other factors that affect the design of the system. For example, the evaporation chamber may have a volume capacity of about one gallon, or 2-10 gallons, 11-100 gallons, 101 -1000 gallons, or more. Because the system of the invention can have any size, the size of the evaporation chamber is variable and can be selected as required. Also, the configuration of the evaporation chamber can be variable as desired. For example, the evaporation chamber can be cylindrical, spherical, rectangular, or in any other way. 10043] In preferential modalities, the lower part of the evaporation chamber has a horizontal section smaller than the upper part. On this minor section, there is a drain hole such that after draining the evaporation chamber there is residual water in the lower section. The lower portion of the evaporation chamber may also contain a cleaning medium such that after draining all the cleaning medium and some water remain in the lower portion of the chamber. The benefit of this design is that after quickly draining the evaporation chamber, heat can be applied to the evaporation chamber, allowing the generation of rapid steam before the arrival of the incoming water to the evaporation chamber. This initial generation of steam allows steam to flow to the degasser to achieve stable conditions when a new production cycle begins, which improves the dewatering performance of the incoming water. Likewise, the presence of residual water in the evaporation chamber prevents the heating of the chamber in dry, which could damage the durability and stability of the chamber and the cleaning medium. [0044 | In some embodiments, the evaporation chamber is drained by gravity, in others by a pumping action. It is desirable that the drainage of the evaporation chamber be rapid to prevent sedimentation of salts, sediments, and other particles. Rapid drainage is preferably of the order of 30 seconds, although slower drainage also achieves substantially the same benefits of preventing sedimentation. [0045 | The cleaning medium can be selected from several alternatives. Such alternatives include glass or ceramic spheres, stones, or synthetic structures of any variety of shape, or similar materials. In any case, the properties of the cleaning medium will be selected in such a way that the agitation by the boiling water will displace individual particles of the cleaning medium, but such displacement will be neutralized by the physical properties of the medium, causing the fall of each particle to the bottom of the evaporation chamber, thus releasing any deposit of calcareous inlays due to the impact. For example, a high density cleaning medium with a small surface in relation to the volume can operate in a comparable way to another medium with a lower density but a greater surface area in relation to the volume. In each case, those familiar with the art will be able to select the combination of morphology and composition to achieve the desired results. In certain modalities, an alternative procedure to self-cleaning can be used, such as the application of ultrasound.

[0046] Another consideration in the selection of the cleaning medium is the hardness thereof. In general, the hardness of the medium should be comparable to the hardness of the material of the evaporation chamber. This allows the continuous use of the self-cleaning medium without causing erosion of the walls or the bottom of the evaporation chamber. In some embodiments where the heating element is internal to the evaporation chamber, the hardness and other properties of the self-cleaning medium can be selected to prevent erosion or damage to the heating element or the evaporation chamber. [0047] Due to the self-cleaning function of the medium and the structure of the evaporation chamber, the embodiments of the system of the invention do not require cleaning during the useful life of the system. In some modalities, cleaning is not required for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 months. In other modalities, cleaning is not required for 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, or 36 months. In other modalities, cleaning is not required for 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 years, or more. ] 0048] The heating element can be located inside the evaporation chamber, below the evaporation chamber, or it can be integral with the evaporation chamber. For example, the heating element can be located preferentially immediately below the evaporation chamber, sealing it thereto by means of welding. The way of sealing the heater to the evaporation chamber can affect the agitation of the cleaning medium, the cleaning, and the efficiency of the system. "Brazing", which is similar to a weld, is a process that forms an alloy of different metals, allowing close contact and good heat transfer from the heater to the evaporation chamber. In preferred embodiments, the heating element and the bottom of the evaporation chamber form a horizontal plane, which is beneficial for heat transfer and self-cleaning function. (0049) The residence time of the water within the evaporation chamber may vary within a range, depending on the nature of the water input and the desirable performance of the system.This range is determined by several factors, including the possible presence of water. Biological contaminants in the inlet water The effective removal of biological contaminants may require a variable time at high temperatures within the evaporation chamber Some biological contaminants are more susceptible than others at high temperatures. A residence of less than 10 minutes is sufficient to kill a large part of the biological contaminants In other cases, longer residence times are desirable to completely eliminate a larger spectrum of biological contaminants The upper range of residence time in the evaporation chamber is dictated for efficiency considerations related to the pace of generation ion of product compared to the energy requirements to maintain a certain volume of boiling water. Consequently, the residence time in the evaporation chamber can be as short as the minimum time to boil water and generate steam, or it can be the time to remove biological contaminants, such as 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 minutes or similar times. In addition, longer residence times, such as 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 minutes, or more, may be selected in certain modalities. [0050] The vapor that leaves the evaporation chamber is generally free of particles, sediments, and other contaminants. However, boiling can cause the transport of certain contaminants with steam, such as, for example, in the form of micro-drops that form at the interface of water and gas in the form of a mist. The clean steam can be separated from such a micro-droplet mist by means of a micro-droplet eliminator. Various types of micro-droplet scavengers are known within the art, including those that employ sieves, mechanical barriers or similar artifacts, which use mobility differences to separate the micro-drops from the vapor. Preferential micro-droplet eliminators are those that employ cyclonic action based on differences in density. Cyclones are based on high speed radial movement, which exerts a centrifugal force on the gas or fluid components. Conventional cyclones have a conical section that in certain cases helps create an angular acceleration. However, in the preferred embodiments, the micro-droplet eliminator has no conical section, but is essentially flat. The key parameters in the efficiency control of a cyclone separator are the size of the steam inlet orifice, the size of the two outlet orifices, both of the clean vapor and of the vapor contaminated with micro-drops, and the pressure differential between the entrance and the two exits. [0051] The micro-droplet eliminator is located above the evaporation chamber, allowing steam to enter from the evaporation chamber through an orifice. The steam entering the micro-droplet eliminator has an initial velocity that is primarily a function of the pressure difference between the evaporation chamber and the droplet eliminator, and the orifice configuration. Typically, the pressure difference through the micro-droplet eliminator is about 0.5 to 10 inches of water. - around 125 to 2500 Pa. The entrance hole is designed so that it does not produce greater resistance to the flow of steam inside the cyclone. The vapor is subsequently accelerated by passing through an acceleration orifice which is, for example, smaller than the inlet orifice. At high speeds, the vapor that is relatively much less dense than the micro-droplets, migrates towards the center of the cyclone, while the micro-droplets migrate towards the periphery. An outlet orifice located at the center of the cyclone provides the outlet for clean steam, while a micro-droplet outlet located at the periphery of the cyclone allows the efflux of such contaminants. A clean steam outlet hole is located in the center of the micro-droplet eliminator (cyclone), and another hole for the exit of the vapor contaminated with micro-droplets is located near the periphery of the cyclone. The clean steam passes from the micro-droplet eliminator to a condenser, while the contaminated steam is sent to the waste outlet. In typical operations, the ratio of clean steam to contaminated steam is at least 2: 1; commonly 3: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, or 6: 1; preferably of 7: 1, 8: 1, 9: 1, or 10: 1, and more preferably greater than 10: 1. The selectivity of the micro-droplet eliminator can be adjusted based on several factors, such as the position and size of the clean steam outlet, the pressure difference through the micro-droplet eliminator, the shape and shape of the scavenger of micro-drops, and similar factors. Further information on the design of the micro-droplet eliminator is found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/697107 entitled, "IMPROVED CYCLONE DEMISTER", July 6, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. totality by reference. The micro droplet eliminators described here are extraordinarily efficient for removing contaminants in the sub-micron range. By contrast, other micro-droplet eliminators, such as those based on screens or barriers, are less effective at removing contaminants with sub-micron sizes. [0052] Both clean steam and contaminated steam are typically condensed within the system. The excess heat can be extracted by means of a heat extractor, a fan, a heat exchanger, or a heat transfer tube ("heatpipe"). A discussion on "heatpipes" to transfer heat from the steam to the water input is found in the United States provisional patent application No: / entitled "ENERGY-EFFICIENT" DISTILLATION SYSTEM, "(entered as No. SYLVAN.010A) of October 14, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety as a reference. | The vapor that condenses as purified water is sent to a product outlet, by example, or to a storage pond Storage ponds may have any composition that will resist corrosion and oxidation Preferred compositions for storage ponds include stainless steel, plastics including polypropylene, or similar materials. The storage pond includes controls to prevent overflow, or detect the water level, such controls can attenuate the flow of water input and / or other system functions such that water production responds to water demand. of water entering the storage pond is extremely clean and essentially sterile, it may be desirable to provide an optional sterilization the pond, in case external contaminants enter the pond and contaminate its cleaning. [0054] There may be several back-feeding controls inside the storage pond. In preferential modalities, these controls may include a floating switch that controls the flow of the water input, and an electrical conductivity meter that detects the amount of solids in solution in the water of the product. In a typical operation, solids in solution will have very low levels. However, if there were any contamination in the pond, for example from rodents or insects, the resulting contamination would increase the conductivity of the water. The conductivity meter can detect such an increase in conductivity and indicate that it is advisable to start a steam sterilization cycle inside the pond. The control system can have the ability to empty the storage pond, sending steam continuously to the pond to clean and sterilize it, and then re-start a purification cycle. These operations can be controlled manually or automatically in various embodiments of the invention. [0055] The water from the storage tank can be delivered to a point of consumption, such as a tap, and such delivery can be carried out by gravity and / or by means of a pump. In preferential modalities, the pump is of the type that reacts to the demand and that maintains a constant pressure at the point of consumption, so that the flow of water is delivered in a consistent and substantial manner. The water delivery pump can be controlled by a level sensor in the pond to prevent the pump from running without water if the pond level falls below a critical point.

Exemplary Water Purification System [0056] The following discussion refers to structural aspects of an exemplary water purification system, according to embodiments of the invention. The numeral references refer to Figures 1 to 6. [0057] The purification system 10 includes an inlet 20 that is connected to a water inlet tube 22, through which water passes from the inlet orifice. 20 to an input switch 24. The input switch 24 can be controlled by one or more back-feed sources from the control system. In the system shown, the switch 24 is a solenoid that can be open or closed depending on a feedback signal received from the control system 120, and which is based primarily on a water level signal in the chamber 50. The inlet switch 24 includes a sediment trap 25 to prevent clogging of system 10 with sediment. Adjacent to the input switch 24 there is a flow regulator 26. The flow regulator 26 controls the flow by means of the water pressure, generally maintaining a pressure between 0 and 250 kPa. [0058] The water leaving the flow regulator 26, it enters a preheating tube 28, which delivers the water to a pre-heater 30. Optionally, a pre-filtering device can be placed in one or more places between the water inlet 20, the switch 24, the water inlet pipe 22, flow regulator 26, and inlet preheating tube 28. Water entering pre-heater 30 at inlet 32, passes through spiral tube 34, and leaves the pre-heater. -heater at the outlet 36. The spiral tube 34 is oriented in such a way that the flow of water through the tube 34 is substantially horizontal, while the current flow of the water within the tube 34 includes the multiple passage through a horizontal plane with upward and downward flow of such plane, as well as horizontal flow at the top and bottom of the spiral tube 34. We believe that the passage of hot water through the tube oriented in this way allows pre-heating as well as the desirable mix to avoid the formation of b too big steam or gas bubbles. In preferred embodiments, the preheater is located within the evaporation chamber 50, and preferably near the portion of the evaporation chamber that is in contact with the heating element 56. | 0059 | The water leaving the pre-heater 30 at the outlet 36, enters the pre-heating tube 38 and, passing there, reaches the degasser 40. After leaving the preheater 30, the water is at least about 96 ° C, preferably about 97, 98, or 99 ° C, or more. Preferably, the degasser 30 has a substantially vertical orientation. By vertical it is understood in preferential modalities between 0 to 5 degrees of divergence of the absolute vertical direction. In other modalities, substantially vertical may refer to divergences of 5 to 20 degrees from the vertical. In other modalities, substantially vertical can mean divergences between 20 and 45 degrees. The configuration of the degasser 40 is generally cylindrical, preferably with greater height than diameter. Consequently, the hot water enters the degasser 40 in the part adjacent to the degassing lid 42 and exits the degasser 40 in the part adjacent to the bottom of the degasser 44, before entering the evaporation chamber 50. Adjacent is understood as is located nearby; thus, for example, a water inlet point "adjacent" to the degassing lid 42 can indicate the entry of water directly into or through the lid 42 or it can indicate the entry of water into a region of the degasser 40 that is it is substantially closer to the lid 42 than to the bottom 44 thereof. [0060] The water path downwardly through the vertically oriented degasser 40 produces an intimate contact between the water and the degassing means 45. In preferred embodiments, the degassing means includes spherical particles. The spherical particles are preferably made of glass. In alternative embodiments, the particles may have different compositions and / or may be non-spherical and / or have irregular fonts. A more detailed discussion of the various improvements and settings of the degasser is presented below, under the section titled WEAPON DEVICE. 0061] The vapor from the evaporation chamber 50 enters the degasser 40 through the bottom of the latter 44 and rises vertically in contact with the medium 45 to exit the degasser through the upper part 42 through the steam outlet 46. The water which flows downwardly through the degasser 40 encounters a counter-current of steam flowing upwardly through the medium 45, which is why it is degassed by detaching from all the gases and the organics. The counter-current of hot water flowing down and steam up through the middle of the degasser 45 is significantly non-linear and facilitates the removal of volatile compounds and substantially other compounds in the form of gas. Unexpectedly, this configuration and function of the degasser 40 advantageously allows the removal of organic contaminants in the water that would be very difficult to remove. For example, the system allows the removal of isopropyl alcohol from water; Isopropyl alcohol is a particularly difficult contaminant to remove for most systems because of its water-like properties. [0062] The steam exiting the degasser 40 via the steam outlet 46 enters a waste condenser 48 where it condenses and flows to the waste outlet. In an alternative example, part or all of the function of the waste condenser 48 is carried out by means of a heat exchanger with any portion of the inlet pipe 22, the feed pipe for the pre-heating 28, or the preheater 30, with the effect of exchanging the heat of the contaminated steam with the incoming water. This heat exchanger has the dual advantage of having excessive heat from system 10, so that such heat is not radiated into the environment of system 10, thus providing an increase in energy efficiency to the water calendar before degassing. The configuration that includes the heat exchanger can include several heat exchange alternatives. In some preferred modalities, the exchange of heat is achieved by means of pipes for waste steam and pre-heating that are coaxial. [0063] The already degassed water is drained by the bottom 44 of the degasser 40 and enters the evaporation chamber 50. The evaporation chamber 50 preferably includes at least two segments: an upper segment 52 and a lower segment 53. These segments they are joined in the joint 54. In preferred embodiments, the evaporation chamber 50 is generally cylindrical, with a diameter of the upper segment 52 greater than that of the lower segment 53. In some embodiments, the joint54 is essentially horizontal, while in others it may be have an orientation at an angle different from horizontal. At the bottom 55 of the lower segment 43, and in close contact with the chamber, there is a heating element 56. Close to the joint 54 there is also a drainage opening 60. [0064] Also inside the evaporation chamber 50, there is a medium cleansing 58. In preferred embodiments, the cleaning means 58 of the evaporation chamber consists of ceramic particles 59, substantially spherical in shape. The particles 59 have a selected size and density to allow such particles 59 to remain near the bottom 55 of the evaporation chamber 50, in spite of the agitation by the boiling water, having properties of size and density such as to agitate the particles 59. Likewise, the particles 59 of the evaporation commitee have a preferred hardness that allows the sustained abrasion of the bottom 55 without degradation that will damage the particles 50 or the bottom of the chamber 55. When it is operating, the action of the boiling water shakes the particles 59, lifting them into the boiling water. When a particle 59 is agitated and raised by boiling, it subsequently falls impacting the bottom of the evaporation chamber. This continuous action of lifting, falling and impact has the effect of scrubbing the bottom 55 of the evaporation chamber 50, and prevents the accumulation of calcareous scale or other deposits. [0065] There is a drain hole 60 for the evaporation chamber which is located at or near the joint 54 of the evaporation chamber. It is preferable to locate the drain 60 of the evaporation chamber at the same level or above the joint 54, so that when the evaporation chamber 50 is drained during the cleaning cycle, the water drains only from the upper segment 52, but does not of the lower segment 53. After the draining cycle, the lower segment 53 still contains the cleaning means 58 and also water from the evaporation chamber. This allows the generation of steam almost immediately after starting another cycle, so that such steam enters and rises through the degasser 40. The configuration of the drain hole 60 is preferably of such dimensions as to allow rapid drainage of the evaporation chamber 50, which prevents the deposition of sediments. In addition, the drain orifice 60 is configured in such a way that it is not complementary to the shape of the cleaning particles 59 of the cleaning means 58 of the evaporation chamber. This non-conformable design prevents the cleaning particles 59 from interacting with the drain hole 60 and interferes with such drainage. [0066] The water flow is selected inside the evaporation chamber 50 in such a way that the water inside the evaporation chamber has an average residence time of about 45 minutes. Such residence time exceeds the commonly accepted boil sterilization time, thus eliminating any biological contaminants in the water. The evaporation chamber50 also includes a cover 61. A steam outlet 62 in the cover 61 of the evaporation chamber allows steam to escape from the evaporation chamber 50 and its entrance into the micro-droplet eliminator 70. The steam that leaves the evaporation chamber and enters the eliminator of micro-drops is essentially free of gases, volatile and organic substances - having already been treated by the degasser 40 - and likewise substantially free of sediments, particles, microbiological, mineral, or similar substances, since such contaminants remain substantially in the water of the evaporation chamber 50, and not in the vapor leaving the evaporation chamber 50. However, such exit vapor may contain small contaminants that are carried by the vapor phase due to the boiling process. Thus, the vapor that leaves the evaporation chamber 50 and enters the micro-droplet eliminator 70 requires the separation of the vapor between the one that is clean and the one containing contaminated micro-droplets. [0067] The micro-droplet eliminator operates under the cyclonic principle. The steam enters the micro-droplet eliminator 70 via the inlet chamber 72. The steam flows from the inlet chamber 72 through the orifice 74, and into the cyclone cavity 75 of the micro-droplet eliminator. The cyclonic cavity 75 is substantially cylindrical and the shape and orientation of the orifice 74 is selected to direct the steam entering the orifice 74 towards the periphery of the cyclonic cavity 75 at high speed, thus creating a cyclonic effect. Steam rotation at high speed around the axis of the cyclonic cavity 75 allows separation based on density differences between clean steam and contaminated steam. The clean steam, being less dense, is directed towards the center of the cyclonic cavity 75 and leaves the cyclonic cavity 75 by the clean vapor outlet 76 of the micro-droplet eliminator. Upon exiting the clean steam outlet 76, the steam flows to the clean steam outlet pipe 78, while the steam contaminated with micro-droplets leaves the cavity 75 through the waste outlet 80 of the micro-eliminator. drops. [0068] Clean steam flows from the cleaned steam outlet tube 78 to a product condenser 90. In preferred embodiments, the product condenser includes a spiral tube with selected dimensions and composition to provide an efficient heat exchange. A fan 94 for the condenser cools the spiral tube of the condenser 90, as well as the spiral tube of the waste condenser 48. The clean condensing vapor constitutes the water of the product, which is sent to a storage tank 100, by means of the product tube 96. A three-way valve 98 is located along the product tube 96. During operation, the three-way valve 98 can direct the product water to the storage tank 100, or to the waste outlet. [0069] In a typical purification cycle, during an initial period of heating and filling the evaporation chamber 50 - before full operation of the degasser and pre-heating of the system - the first minutes of the new cycle are to increase the temperature of the pre-heater 30 and of the degasser 40. Eventually, the system manages to reach temperatures and volumes of steam that allow an effective degassing. Thus, during the initial heating but before achieving effective degassing, the steam leaving the evaporation chamber 50 may be contaminated with residual volatiles and organic volatiles. To prevent the entry of such contaminants into the storage tank 100, the vapor that enters the clean steam tube 78 of the micro-droplet eliminator, and which condenses in the product condenser 90, is diverted by means of the three-way valve. addresses 98 to the waste outlet during the first 20 minutes of the cycle. After 20 minutes of heating, both the pre-heater 30 and the degasser 40 are fully functional, and the steam leaving the micro-droplet eliminator is free of volatile and organic, so that the three-way valve is diverted to allow the collection of water from the product in the storage pond 100. When no water is extracted from the storage pond 100, the system manages to complete a complete cycle in 24 hours, from the ignition of the system until the storage tank is full. If water is drawn from the pond, the system can produce about 2.5 gallons in about 10 hours. Storage tank 100 has a volume of 6 net gallons. Although neither user intervention nor cleaning is required, the system allows the user to select a sterilization cycle for storage tank 100 whenever such cleaning is necessary. [0070] The system further includes a product pump 102 that maintains a constant pressure at the water outlet of the product 104. A front panel 110 includes a light emitting diode (LED) that indicates whether the system is on or off, as well as several optional manual controls if desired.

Control Circuit | 0071 | . This discussion is given with reference to Figure 7. When the system is turned on, the control circuit determines the level of water in the storage tank by means of a floating sensor inside the pond. If the system determines that there is a need to supply water to the storage pond, it initiates the sequence of the purification process. [0072] During the water purification cycle, the control circuit closes the drain valve of the evaporation chamber, opens the valve of the water inlet, and energizes both the light indicating that the system is on and the element Heater of the evaporation chamber, the count-hours, and the fan. The control circuit also measures the water level in the evaporation chamber by means of a floating sensor, and adjusts the flow of the water input as necessary. The water flow adjustment is controlled by the solenoid switch that receives the feedback signal from the floating sensor inside the evaporation chamber. As a precautionary measure, the control circuit also measures the temperature of the heater of the evaporation chamber and can turn it off if necessary. [0073] After a pre-determined interval, preferably after 20 minutes, during which the system is thermally stabilized, the control system automatically redirects the flow of purified water from the waste outlet to the storage pond. Once the system determines that the storage tank is full, it turns off the sequence of the purification process and initiates the self-cleaning of the system. [0074] The control circuit continuously measures the state of the water inside the storage tank, both with respect to its quantity by means of the floating sensor, and its quality by means of the conductivity meter. If the water quality deteriorates, the control circuit sends a signal that illuminates the caution light. If the amount of water is low, the control circuit automatically begins to purify water to supply the storage pond, as described above. [0075] The control circuit also maintains control of the water supply pump, and disconnects the electricity therefrom if there is an overload or if the level of the storage tank is too low to reliably provide water. Finally, the control circuit also monitors the system for possible leaks by means of a floating sensor located in the lower tray of the system. This sensor is activated when sufficient water accumulates in the tray, in which case the control circuit shuts down the entire system due to such a leak. EXAMPLE 1 Reduction of Volatile and Non-Volatile Organics in the Waster [0076] As proof of the effectiveness of the degasser in the described example of the invention, a test with izo-propyl alcohol was completed in the water input. First the system was allowed to come to equilibrium with the full operation of the degasser: the system was pre-heated so that the pre-heating would work and there would be a stable flow of steam from the evaporation chamber to the degasser. A sample of water input containing 4 ppm of izo-propyl alcohol was introduced into the system, and water samples of the product were measured to detect the quantitative presence of izo-propyl alcohol. A reduction of approximately 100 times was observed: the concentration of alcohol of izo propyl in the product was about 40 ppb.

EXAMPLE 2 Reduction of Biological Contaminants | 0077 | The group of coliform bacteria is relatively easy to grow in the laboratory and, therefore, has been selected as a primary indicator of the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms. Coliform bacteria are not pathogenic, and are only mildly infectious. For this reason, these bacteria are relatively innocuous for laboratory work. If a large number of coliform bacteria are found in the water, there is a high probability that other bacteria or pathogenic organisms may also exist, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. In general, the water supply to the public is subjected to tests demonstrating the absence of coniferous organisms per 100 ml of drinking water. Analyzes approved for colifone bacteria include the membrane filter, multiple tube fermentation, and the MPN and MMO-MUG methods ("Colilert"). The membrane filtration method uses a low porosity filter that retains bacteria. The filter is placed in a "Petri" culture container with food (mEndo) and incubated for 24 hours at 35 degrees C. The bacterial cells that are collected in the filter grow in colonies in the form of domes. The coniform bacteria has a golden-greenish tint, and they are counted under a microscope. Since other bacteria can develop a similar color, confirmation is required using more specific means. Confirmation procedures require between 24 to 48 additional hours. [0078] A sample of water input is cultured to detect the presence of coliform bacteria. A culture sample of 100 ml of water shows the presence of coniform bacteria. The water input is purified with the system described here and another culture sample of 100 ml of the product is extracted. No colonies of bacteria are detected, indicating that the water in the product is free of biological contaminants.

Details of the Desgazador Apparatus and Alternatives | 0079 | Water degassing is usually achieved by heating the water input to increase the vapor pressure of the volatile compounds. The solubility of the gas drops to zero at the boiling point of each compound, causing the gas to escape. For example, many of the volatile substances found in drinking water are chlorinated compounds that normally have very high partial pressures below the boiling point of water. Thus, the content of such substances can be reduced by heating the water to temperatures of the order of 200-210 ° F (93-99 ° C) to effect degassing. However, these substances do not always leave the water in immediate form; therefore, a certain period of time is required to completely remove the gases in solution. [0080] One of the difficulties of prior degassing designs, ie, in water purification systems for residential applications, is that they have little control over the residence time of the hot water inside the degasser. As a consequence, when there are excessive amounts of volatile substances in the incoming water, there may not be enough residence time to effect degassing of all volatile substances. In addition, many degasters operate without pressure controls, which can cause excessive losses of water vapor when the steam is the medium selected for the mass transfer of the volatiles out of the system. | 0081] Another important point in degassing is the design to a greater or lesser extent. Although industrial-sized degasters operate with substantial pressure drops and large volumes of liquids and gases, which are quite effective for mass transfer and, therefore, degassing, small degasters do not lend themselves well to minor operations. scale, and the operation thereof with flows of less than 10 gallons per day is difficult. [0082] What is required is a compact degasser that allows for additional residence times and that is also capable of limiting the amount of steam losses for residential application systems. [0083] In some embodiments, a degasser having concentric layers of particles is described, wherein the inner layer is configured to have small spaces between the particles, and where the outer layers are configured to have larger spaces between the particles. In several embodiments, the particles have ordered or non-ordered structures within the degasser. The particles can be metallic, glass, or plastic. The degasser may have a water inlet at the top. The degasser may have a steam outlet at its top, and may have a water outlet and a steam inlet at its bottom. [0084] In some embodiments, a degassing apparatus containing concentric layers of particles is described, wherein the inner layer is configured to have small spaces between the particles, the middle layer is configured to have medium spaces between the particles, and where the outer layer is configured to have large spaces between the particles. The medium spaces are such that the vapor begins to condense from the gas phase, and the small spaces are such that allow the continuation of this condensation process from the gas phase to the liquid phase. | 0085 | In other embodiments, the degasser has a vapor inlet below and at the periphery of the degasser. The steam inlet allows the hot steam to enter the degasser at the outer periphery from the evaporation chamber, and the outer periphery of the degasser is set. The degasser has a steam outlet at the top, where steam leaves the system. The water inlet is through the top of the degasser. The outlet of purified water is from the bottom of the degasser. For example, the water outlet is located in the center of the bottom of the degasser. The degasser is full of particles. In certain modalities, there are three particle sizes, and. Each particular size is within a concentric zone; thus, in such modalities, there are three concentric zones, each with a particle size. In preferred embodiments, the particles are glass spheres. In other preferred embodiments, there are three sizes and the largest size is in the outer zone and the smallest size in the inner zone of the degasser. In the best mode, the outer zone has 8mm glass spheres, the middle zone has 6mm glass spheres, and a central zone with 4mm glass spheres. In some modalities the glass spheres are sodium-calcareous glass (soda / lime). In those modalities, twenty glass beads of 3 mm in diameter can weigh about 0.7 grams, twenty of 4 mm can weigh about 1.8 grams, twenty of 6 mm can weigh about 5.7 grams, and twenty of 8 mm can weigh close of 14.4 grams. [0086] Some embodiments include a more effective and compact degasser. The degaster preferably employs concentric layers of different porosity in the form of creating an area in the degasser that allows the passage of steam, and another area that promotes the condensation of steam in water. The degasser includes particles within the degasser that increase the specific surface inside it, thereby increasing the residence time of the water being purified. [0087] In certain embodiments, the porosity of the system is controlled by particles of different size. In these embodiments, the particles of the outer layer are larger in order to facilitate the passage of the hot steam from the evaporation chamber inside and through the degasser. This steam that comes from the evaporation chamber also acts as a thermal insulator, thus maintaining the temperature of the center of the degasser near the boiling point of the water. Within the outer layer of larger particles, there is a layer of medium-sized particles. This medium-sized layer provides the necessary permeability and adequate residence time to allow the highest percentage of evaporation for voiding of volatile substances. The medium-sized layer has particles of such porosity that it promotes the condensation of vapor in water, due to the smaller space between the particles. The inner layer contains smaller particles, so that the pores are mostly filled with condensed water of the steam, which flows by gravity inside the evaporation chamber. [0088] The Figure. 8 illustrates the concept of a typical degasser 210. In a preferred embodiment, the water input, or other liquid for degassing, flows from the top of the degasser through the inlet orifice 220. The inlet water is preferably warm or hot. . Water can flow freely inside the degasser, which is filled with a series of particles. Such particles are preferably glass spheres. The water that enters the degassing is progressively heated by steam coming from an evaporation chamber. The particles inside the outer zone of the degasser 230 are larger than those of the intermediate zone 240, and these are also larger than those of the inner zone. 250. The increase in the area of the surface of the spheres towards the center of the degasser allows the greater degassing of volatile substances from the water. Larger particles create a zone 230 through which hot steam can flow quickly and efficiently, while medium and small particles define zones 240 and 250, where the steam can condense and exit the degasser into a chamber. evaporation, which is located under the degasser. As can be appreciated by those familiar with the art, zones 230, 240, and 250 can refer either to the particles themselves, or to the areas of different porosity described in this modality, which result from the spaces created between the particles. [0089] Steam 270 entering the degasser has the main function of adding heat to the system. The gases that leave the system, they do it through the exit hole 280 that is preferably located on the top of the degasser. Because the section of the degasser that condenses most of the steam in water is that with the least space between the particles, and such section is in the center of the degasser, this configuration allows the steam to circulate and heat the outer section of the degasser, allowing the condensation of the steam in the central section and its drainage in the next section. As those familiar with art will appreciate, the position of the particles and the areas they define can be altered. For example, in certain modalities, small particles can be located in the periphery of the degasser, medium-sized particles in the periphery, and large particles in the center. In addition, the medium-sized ones can be in the center or in the periphery. In these modalities, the position of the steam inlet and outlet, as well as the position of the degassed water outlet, must be re-located in an appropriate manner. However, the preferred embodiment is that shown in Figure 8 | 0090] The degasser is preferably located near the evaporation chamber. The degasser is preferably located above the evaporation chamber. This allows steam from the evaporation chamber to rise directly from the chamber into the degasser. This also allows the direct drainage of water already degassed inside the evaporation chamber. As will be appreciated by those familiar with the art, no effective separation is required between the evaporation chamber and the degasser. In one embodiment, the only thing that separates the degasser from the evaporation chamber is a screen that holds the particles. | 0091] The particles can have any shape, such as, for example, spherical, semi-spherical, amorphous, rectangular, oblong, square, rounded, polyhedral, irregular (like stones, for example), or otherwise. The surface of the particles may vary as desired, as for example, it may be solid, porous, semi-porous, coated, or structured to provide long residence times, or other surfaces. Preferably, the particles are spherical and non-porous. Those familiar with art will appreciate that particles of different sizes will have different pore sizes (interstitial spaces). For example, large glass spheres will have larger pores than smaller ones. The space between the particles depends on the size of the particles, the shape, and other factors. As a general rule, larger spherical particles give rise to mixtures of greater porosity. That is, there will be relatively large spaces between the particles. Also, smaller particles lead to smaller interstitial spaces, and give rise to conditions where the condensation of steam in water is more likely. | 092 | The particles can be of any suitable material. Modalities of material may include but are not limited to metals, glass, composite materials, ceramics, plastics, stones, cellulosic materials, fibers, and others. A mixture of materials can also be used if desirable. Those familiar with the art will be able to determine a suitable material for each purpose. Preferably, the material is glass. The material that is selected should be able to last at high temperature without breaking or suffering damage, and without leaching toxic materials into the water. If desired, the particles of different size can be of different materials. For example, the outer particles can be metallic, those of the plastic medium resistant to high temperatures, and those of the glass center. Any material that is selected should be resistant to breakage, corrosion, or any damage by high temperature. [0093] Someone familiar with the art will appreciate that the particles can be selected of any size. For example, the particles of the outer zone can have diameters from about 5 mm to about 25 mm, or larger diameters. Media particles can have diameters from about 1 mm, or less, to about 15 mm, or more. Center particles can have diameters from less than 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, or more In general, the diameters can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 30 mm. [0094] In preferred embodiments, the concentric particles are made of glass and have sizes in the outer zone of 8 mm, in the middle zone of 6 mm, and in the center of 4 mm. The relationship between the diameter of the exterior and interior particles may vary as desired by that relative with the art. The ratio of the particles from the outside to the inside can be, for example, from 1: 1 to 1,000: 1 [0095] Preferably, the order of the particles is in concentric zones, with small sizes towards the center and larger sizes towards the periphery and closer to the wall of the degasser. As those familiar with art appreciate, circles do not have to be precise, nor do they necessarily have to be concentric. For example, although non-concentric circles do not provide all the benefits of the modality described, other modalities that have high areas porosity and steaming towards areas of lower porosity can work well and provide many of the benefits of the invention. In some embodiments, the zones containing different particle sizes can be maintained in discrete groups by means of sieves. In preferred embodiments, the particles of different size are kept separated in different groups by the shape of the package, where the mixing of the small particles with the large ones is prevented by the presence of those of medium size. [0096] If desired, multiple zones can be used. For example, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more zones can be used. In a preferred embodiment, three zones are used, each with different sizes. In some embodiments, instead of altering the size of the particles, other properties, such as surface properties, are altered. In addition, if desired, a mixture of different sizes of particular can be used, where smaller ones are allowed to progressively fill the central area of the degasser. In some embodiments, the particle layers are homogeneous throughout an area. In other modalities, the zones are heterogeneous and may contain particles of different shapes and / or materials such as glass wool, etc. The heterogeneity of the particles may include not only the size, but also the composition, surface characteristics, density, specific heat, wettability (e.g., hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces), hardness, ductility, or characteristic fillers. Preferably, as mentioned above, the heterogeneity in any of its forms must be concentric within the degasser, although other non-concentric configurations are also included in other embodiments of the invention. [0097] The walls of the degassing apparatus and the inlet and outlet holes can be of any suitable material. Suitable materials include, for example, metals (aluminum), glass, composite materials, temperature-resistant polypropylene, or similar materials. Where possible, the material should withstand prolonged high temperature use without breakage, degradation, or leaching of toxic substances into the water. [0098] In some embodiments, the degasser is used to provide adequate residence times, especially if the water contains excessive amounts of volatile substances. Thus, the degasser can be used to produce healthier or less toxic water for many other uses. [0099] Examples of volatile contaminants that can be eliminated or reduced by the method of the present invention include but are not limited to tertiary butyl ether and methyl, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene, ortho-dichlorobenzene, para-dichlorobenzene, 1,1-dichloroethylene, cis-l, 2-dichloroethylene trans-l, 2-dichloroethylene, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2- dichloropropane, ethylbenzene, styrene, tetrachlorethylene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichlorethylene, toluene, vinyl chloride, xylenes, natural gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and hydrogen, other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as phoponic acid, ethyl hydrazine, methyl methacrylate, ethyl / butyl amine, butanol, propanol, acetaldehyde, acetonitrile, butyl amine, ethyl amine, ethanol, methanol, acetone, aryl amine, aryl alcohol, methyl acetate, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, and the like. [0100] In other embodiments of the invention, the exterior part of the degasser also provides effective thermal insulation for the interior volume of the degasser, thus maintaining the temperature of the water input near the boiling point. In some modalities, the selection of particles is done so that they have the ability to retain heat. This serves to save energy and makes the degassing system more efficient. [0101] In some embodiments, the design of the degasser provides a well-defined route for hauling the degassed water into the evaporation chamber, and at the same time avoiding excessive steam consumption. This is because the steam heats the periphery of the degasser and because it enters the degasser in one area and can condense in another, allowing the passage of degassed water out of the system. By avoiding excessive steam consumption, the precipitation of salts in the degassing particles is also avoided. [0102] In some embodiments, the degasser may be more compact than in other embodiments, because they can be used in particular with larger specific surfaces. In those cases, the height of the degasser can be minimized, making it more compact. [0103] In certain embodiments, the degasser is more efficient than other degasters in reducing impurities. For example, in certain embodiments, the degasser in Figure 8 can remove 40 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine at flows of up to 30 ml / minute. In some embodiments, the degasser can remove up to 2 ppm of ammonia from water at flows of up to 20 ml / minute. In some modalities, it can also remove common gases, such as air up to the solubility limit and flows of up to 30 ml / minute.

WASTE MECHANISMS EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of Degassing Apparatus [0104] A one inch (1") diameter by 12 inches (12") stainless steel cylinder, provided with openings for water and gas as shown in Figure 8 (in alternative modalities, with dimensions of 1"in diameter by 8" in height, 1.5"in diameter by 8" in height, or 3.5"in diameter by 12" in height). The degassing unit is located above an evaporation chamber. The cylinder is then filled with clean glass spheres as described below. The peripheral zone is filled with spheres of about 8 mm in diameter. The region of the middle of the cylinder is filled with spheres of about 6 mm in diameter. The region of the center of the cylinder ends filling with spheres of about 4 mm in diameter. A stainless steel lid is placed on top of the cylinder. The evaporation chamber heats and steam is allowed to pass through the degasser. Once the degasser is hot, the water to be treated preheats and is added above the degasser. The water that comes out of the degasser will have a reduced amount of dissolved volatile compounds. When the temperature of the device is stabilized, the degasser removes almost completely gases in solution from the water with the following concentrations: 40 ppm of chlorine, 2 ppm ammonia, and most of the natural gases in the air that are dissolved up to the solubility limit. EXAMPLE 4 Use of the Waste Water Purifying Apparatus [0105] The degassing apparatus of Example 3 is built on top of a 2 gallon evaporation chamber. The water to be purified is pumped through the degasser through a pre-heated water inlet orifice at a flow of between 5 ml / minute to 50 ml / minute. (In other modalities, up to several liters / minute can be used). The water that enters the degasser is pre-heated to a temperature of about 200 ° F. The water enters the degasser essentially at the boiling temperature of the water. When large volumes of water are being treated, the temperature at the top of the degasser may drop a few degrees (up to about 98 ° C). Approximately 10 to 20% of the water that is being treated is used as steam for the operation of the degasser, and half of this is re-condensed in the degasser (although the use of steam can be reduced to less than 1% > of the volume of water treated). The purified water descends inside the degasser, cooling is allowed, and samples are obtained to measure the level of contaminants. Using this method, the volatile contaminants are reduced and the water is purified. [0106] The degassing unit can be operated continuously as long as there is a need to dewater. The drainage speed depends on the packing and size of the glass spheres, and varies from around a second to a few minutes. f0107 | In some embodiments described herein, the water purification system can be combined with other systems and devices to provide greater benefits. For example, the system may be used in combination with the devices and methods described in United States provisional patent applications No: 60/676870 entitled "SOLAR ALIGNMENT DEVJCE", May 2, 2005; No: 60/697104 entitled "VISUAL WATER FLOW INDICATOR" of July 6, 2005; No: 60/697106 entitled "APPARATUS FOR RESTORING THE MINERAL CONTENT OF DR1NKING WATER" of July 6, 2005; No: 60/697107 entitled "IMPROVED CYCLONE DEMISTER" of July 6, 2005; and PCT applications No: US2004 / 039993, of December 1, 2004; PCT No: US2004 / 039991, of December 1, 2004; and the provisional patent application of the United States No: 60 / 526,580, of December 2, 2003; each of these applications is incorporated in its entirety by reference. [0108] A person familiar with the art will appreciate that these methods and devices are and can be adapted to achieve the aforementioned objectives and benefits, as well as other objectives and benefits. The methods, methods, and devices described herein are representative of the preferred embodiments are examples, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Those who are familiar with art will be able to conceive some modifications and other applications, which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. [0109] It will be apparent to those familiar with the art that variations, substitutions, modifications that may be made to the invention described herein remain within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0110] Those who are familiar with the art will recognize that some aspects and modalities of the invention can be practiced individually or in combination with others. Therefore, the combination of different modalities falls within the scope of the invention described herein. [0111] The patents and publications described herein are incorporated by reference as if each were specifically incorporated. [0112] The invention described herein is illustrative and may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, or limitations that are not specified herein. The terms used and the expressions used have been used as terms of description and not limitation, and there is no intention that such use excludes terms, expressions, or equivalent faculties. It is recognized that there are several possible modifications within the scope of the invention described herein. It should also be understood that although the present invention has been described in terms of preferred modalities and options, other modifications and variations of the concepts described herein are possible and may be applied by those familiar with the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to fall. within the scope of this invention, as has been described herein.

Claims (82)

1. CLAIMS 1. A water purification system consisting of an inlet, a pre-heater, a degasser, an evaporation chamber, a micro-droplet eliminator, a product condenser, a waste outlet, a product outlet, and a control system, where the control system allows the operation of the purification system for several cycles without requiring the intervention of the user or cleaning, and where the system is able to remove from a sample of contaminated water a plurality of types of contaminants, including: micro-biological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, volatile organic, and non-volatile organic; such that the purified water in the system has contaminant levels below those shown in Table 1, when the water input has levels up to 25 times higher than the levels shown in Table 1.
2. 2. The system of the claim 1, where the volume of water produced is between 20% and 95% of the volume of water treated.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system does not require cleaning for at least about two months of use.
4. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system does not require cleaning for at least one year of use.
5. The system of claim 1, containing an inlet switch for controlling the flow of water through the water inlet.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the switch is a mechanism selected from the group of: a solenoid, a valve, and an opening.
7. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the input switch is controlled by the control system.
8. The system of claim 1, containing a shutdown control.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the shutdown control. it is selected from the group consisting of: a manual control, a flood control, a control based on the capacity of the pond, and a control based on the capacity of the evaporation chamber.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the control system controls the inflow based on the backfeed of at least: a float sensor of the evaporation chamber, a float sensor of the storage pond, or a flood detector.
11. The system of claim 4, wherein the control system controls the switch based on the back-feeding of the purification system.
12. The system of claim 5, wherein the feedback signal is based on at least one characteristic selected from the group of: amount of water in the product pond, water flow through the product outlet, flow time , non-flow time, amount of water in the evaporation chamber, detection of water leaks, pressure in the evaporation chamber, quality of the water product (amount of solids in solution), pressure difference in the evaporation chamber , and movement of water in the overflow control of the evaporation chamber.
13. The system of claim 1, containing a flow controller
14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the flow control consists of a pressure regulator.
15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the pressure regulator maintains the water pressure between about 0 kPa and 250 kPa. (0 to 36 psi).
16. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the flow controller maintains the water flow between 10 and 75 ml / minute.
17. 17. The system of claim 1, containing a sediment filter.
18. 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the pre-heater tube passes the evaporation chamber 19.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the water exiting the preheater tube has a temperature of at least about 96 ° C. .
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the pre-heater tube allows residence times of the water in the pre-heater tube for at least about 15 seconds.
21. 21. The system of claim 1, where the pre-heater tube is a spiral tube.
22. The system of claim 15, wherein the spiral tube has a horizontal net flow, and where the water flowing in the tube repeatedly passes through a horizontal plane.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein the pre-heater tube consists of a heat exchanger with a steam condenser.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein at least a portion of the preheater tube is coaxial with a portion of a steam condenser.
25. 25. The system of claim 23, wherein the vapor condenser contains contaminated vapor
26. 26. The system of claim 1, wherein the degasser has a substantially vertical orientation, with terminations above and below.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein foot-heated water from the preheater tube enters the degasser from the upper end 28.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the hot water exits the degasser at its lower end 29.
29. The system Claim 26, wherein vapor from the evaporation chamber enters the degasser at its lower end.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein the vapor exits the degasser at its upper end
31. 31. The system of claim 1. wherein the degasser consists of a matrix adapted to facilitate the mixing of steam and water.
32. 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the matrix consists of substantially spherical particles.
33. 33. The system of claim 31, wherein the matrix consists of non-spherical particles
34. 34. The system of claim 31, wherein the matrix consists of particles with a size such as to allow uniform packing within the degasser.
35. 35. The system of claim 31, wherein the matrix consists of particles of different size, and where the particles are arranged within the degasser in a size gradient.
36. 36. The system of claim 1, wherein the water exiting the degasser is substantially free of organic volatiles and gases.
37. 37. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaporation chamber consists of at least one upper segment and one lower segment, and wherein the horizontal section of the upper segment has an area greater than the horizontal section of the lower segment, and wherein the chamber of Evaporation has a juncture between the upper and lower segments.
38. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the joint is substantially horizontal.
39. 39. The system of claim 37, wherein the evaporation chamber has a drain hole, and where the drain is located at or above the joint.
40. 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the evaporation chamber has a cleaning means consisting of a self-cleaning means composed of a plurality of particles, of a drain with a hole, and whose orifice has a size that does not allow the passage of particles through the drain, and whose shape is not complementary to the shape of the particles.
41. 41. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaporation chamber has a self-cleaning medium that interferes with the accumulation of precipitates in at least an area close to the hot area of the evaporation chamber.
42. 42. The system of claim 41, wherein the medium consists of a plurality of particles.
43. 43. The system of claim 42, wherein the particles are substantially spherical.
44. 44. The system of claim 42, wherein the particles have characteristics that allow them to continue agitation by boiling the water in the evaporation chamber.
45. 45. The system of claim 44, wherein the selection characteristic of the group consists of density, size, morphology, number of particles, and composition.
46. 46. The system of claim 42, wherein the particles have a selected hardness, where such hardness allows the scrubbing of the evaporation chamber without causing substantial erosion of the particles or the evaporation chamber.
47. 47. The system of claim 42, wherein the particles are ceramic, metal, glass, or stone.
48. 48. The system of claim 42, wherein the particles have a density greater than 1.0 and less than 8.0
49. 49. The system of claim 48, wherein the particles have a density between about 2.0 and about 5.0
50. 50. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaporation chamber has a heating element adjacent to the bottom of the evaporation chamber.
51. 51. The system of claim 50, wherein the heating element is located outside the evaporation chamber and adjacent to it, and where the heating element is welded to the evaporation chamber.
52. 52. The system of claim 50, wherein the heating element is located within and adjacent to the evaporation chamber
53. 53. The system of claim 1, wherein the micro-droplet eliminator is located near the upper surface. of the evaporation chamber
54. 54. The system of claim 1, wherein the vapor from the evaporation chamber enters the micro-droplet eliminator under pressure.
55. 55. The system of claim 1, wherein the micro-droplet eliminator has a pressure differential of not less than 125 to 2500 Pa.
56. 56. The system of claim 1, wherein the micro-droplet eliminator is adapted to separate clean steam. of steam contaminated by cyclonic action 57.
57. The system of claim 56, wherein the ratio of clean steam to contaminated steam is about 10: 1.
58. The system of claim 56, wherein the control system adjusts a parameter to control the quality of the steam.
59. 59. The system of claim 58, wherein the quality of the vapor consists of at least one quality selected from the group that includes: clean steam purity, ratio of clean steam to contaminated steam, and total volume of clean steam.
60. 60. The system of claim 58, wherein the parameter consists of at least one parameter selected from the group which includes: the location of the steam outlet, the pressure difference in the micro-droplet eliminator, the flow resistance of the the steam inlet, and the resistance to the flow of the steam outlet.
61. 61. The system of claim 1, consisting of a product condenser cooler.
62. 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the cooler consists of a fan.
63. 63. The system of claim 1, wherein the product condenser consists of a spiral tube.
64. 64. The system of claim 1, wherein the product water exits the condenser through a product outlet.
65. 65. The system of claim 1, consisting of a waste condenser.
66. 66. The system of claim 65, wherein the waste water exits the waste condenser by means of an outlet.
67. 67. The system of claim 1, consisting of a product storage tank.
68. 68. The system of claim 67, wherein the storage pond has at least one control mechanism.
69. 69. The system of claim 68, wherein the control mechanism consists of at least one mechanism selected from the group including: a float sensor, a conductivity meter, and a flood sensor.
70. 70. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system includes a delay mechanism such that at the start of a cycle no steam enters the product outlet during the delay period.
71. 71. The system of claim 70, wherein the delay period is at least between about 10 to about 30 minutes.
72. 72. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system provides an average residence time in the evaporation chamber of at least 10 minutes.
73. 73. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system provides an average residence time in the evaporation chamber of at least 45 minutes.
74. 74. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system causes rapid drainage of the evaporation chamber toward the waste outlet, allowing the removal of impurities and precipitates accumulated in the evaporation chamber.
75. 75. The system of claim 74, wherein the drainage of the evaporation chamber allows to maintain a residual volume of water in the lower portion of the evaporation chamber.
76. 76. The system of claim 75, wherein the waste water allows the generation of initial steam for the degasser during the next purification cycle.
77. 77. A method of water purification, which consists in: providing an input of water containing at least one contaminant with an initial concentration; passing the water input through a pre-heater under conditions capable of raising the temperature of the water input above 90 ° C; remove essentially all organic, volatile, and gases from the water input by means of a gas backflow in a degasser; keep the water in an evaporation chamber for an average residence time of between 10 to 90 minutes under conditions that allow the formation of steam .; discharging the steam from the evaporation chamber to a cyclone micro-droplet eliminator; separating clean steam from contaminated steam in the micro-droplet eliminator in such a way as to obtain a clean steam yield of at least 4 times that of contaminated steam; Condense the clean steam to obtain purified water, containing a lower concentration of the contaminant than the original concentration.
78. 78. The method of claim 77, wherein the initial contaminant consists of a contaminant of the group that includes: microorganisms, radiological, salts, and organic; and where the concentration of the product is not greater than the concentrations indicated in Table 3, and where the initial concentration is at least 10 times higher than the concentration of the product.
79. 79. The method of claim 77, wherein the initial concentration is at least 25 times greater than the concentration of the product.
80. 80. The method of claim 77, wherein the gas is selected from the group including: steam, air, and nitrogen.
81. 81. The method of claim 77, wherein the steps of the process are automatically repeated for at least three months, without requiring cleaning or maintenance.
82. 82. The method of claim 77, wherein the steps of the process are automatically repeated for at least one year, without requiring cleaning or maintenance.