GB1095048A - Fluid sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

1,095,048. Irradiation equipment; U.V. sterilization. ENGELHARD HANOVIA OF CANADA Ltd., [trading as ENGELHARD HANOVIA LAMPS]. Sept. 8, 1965 [Sept. 15, 1964], No. 37681/64. Heading H5R. A sterilizing apparatus as shown in the Figure comprises a vessel 1 having at least one inlet 10 and at least one outlet 11 but being otherwise a sealed vessel in which there is centrally mounted a source of ultra-violet radiation 3 extending along the vessel, said source 3 being surrounded by a cylindrical tube 2 the walls of which transmit ultra-violet radiation of a wavelength suitable for sterilizing and which together with vessel 1 forms an annulus 5 through which fluid to be sterilized may be passed from inlet 10 through pipes 4, 4a, 4b made of material which readily transmits sterilizing ultra-violet radiation to outlets 11, the disposition of the outlets being such that they are subject to direct radiation from source 3. Pipes 4, 4a and 4b are preferably made of the same material as tube 2, e.g. quartz glass. Baffles 6 may be provided to prevent any direct passage of the fluid from inlet to outlet, and the flow of fluid may be controlled by valve 7 mounted in the inlet or the valve may be mounted in the outlet. The valve or valves are preferably constructed of ultra-violet transmitting material. The vessel 1 is preferably provided with a cover or covers 8 and 9 made of materials which do not transmit any ultra-violet wavelengths which may injure any person standing near. However, it is preferred that the components of the apparatus transmit visible light so that its operation may be observed. Surfaces inside the vessel 1 except for the surface of cylinder 2 may be made of a material which reflect an appreciable portion of the ultra-violet radiation falling on it. Means may be incorporated in the apparatus for measuring or indicating the intensity of the ultra-violet radiation, such means being adapted to operate the valves and prevent the flow of fluid or to give warning if the intensity falls below a certain minimum value. Preferably, the apparatus includes means permitting dismantling of the sealed vessel and the removal of the radiation source for the purpose of cleaning, and if desired heat-exchange tubes may be immersed in the fluid in the sealed vessel or fastened to the side of the vessel.