HK1165395B - Fluid treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Fluid treatment device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fluid treatment apparatus suitable for treating a liquid such as water to purify, clean or remove impurities or contaminants from the liquid. The device of the invention is particularly suitable for treating grey water, drinking water, swimming pool water, water from aquatic systems, sewage water and other contaminated water, such as water containing soaps and detergents from vehicle washing devices and water containing dyes and other contaminants or colorants. The invention may also be used to remove salts from saline water in a desalination process to provide potable or fresh water, or to treat other liquids such as blood and fuels. The invention may also be used to treat gases, thereby purifying gases.

Background

Water treatment for purifying liquids (especially water) or removing contaminants from water has become an increasingly significant problem for developing communities that produce incremental quantities of sewage or contaminated water. Contaminated water is produced in the home, business or agriculture. Typically, such water is subjected to a first stage treatment and then simply left in a settling tank where the solids settle out. In the case of water scarcity, it is highly desirable to treat the contaminated water so that it can be reused or recycled. Other water for drinking supplied in a reticulation system is generally not adequately treated to be able to be safely drunk.

Automatic and non-automatic vehicle washing devices use large amounts of water when washing vehicles. Water used in vehicle washing processes can become contaminated with soap and detergent foam used in the washing process, as well as grease, oil, brake pad dust, road dirt, and other contaminants. Furthermore, a large amount of water is used in the washing process, which is obviously undesirable from the viewpoint of water saving. Therefore, in order to conserve water, an effective means is needed to reuse or recycle the water used in vehicle washing devices. However, difficulties are encountered in reusing water from vehicle washing apparatuses because the water used in the washing process contains contaminants.

Similar difficulties as described above are encountered when other liquids and gases need to be purified or decontaminated.

Disclosure of Invention

In a preferred, but not necessarily broadest, aspect, the invention provides a fluid purification or treatment apparatus comprising at least one vertically elongate primary treatment chamber; an inlet for a fluid to be treated at an upper end of the chamber; a chamber outlet at a lower end of the chamber such that fluid flows downwardly through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet; means for introducing a sterilant into the lower end of the chamber so that the sterilant bubbles upwardly through the liquid flowing downwardly through the chamber; means at the upper end of the chamber for removing waste in the liquid conveyed by the bubbles up through the chamber; and means for exposing the gas treated liquid from the chamber to ultraviolet light.

In the description and claims of this document, the term "disinfectant" generally includes gases such as ozone, ozone-enriched air or hydrogen peroxide.

The means for introducing a sterilant into the primary treatment chamber may comprise one or more gas outlets comprising one or more of a gas stone, a gas permeable conduit, a diffuser or an external venturi in communication with the primary treatment chamber and a source of sterilant.

The means at the upper end of the chamber for removing waste may comprise an inverted U-shaped trap and/or a venturi unit.

Suitably, the apparatus comprises a further chamber in communication with the outlet of the primary treatment chamber and the source of ultraviolet light is disposed within the further chamber whereby liquid from the primary treatment chamber contacts ultraviolet light within the further chamber. Suitably, the source of uv light comprises at least one uv lamp or tube extending longitudinally within the further chamber.

Suitably, the further chamber comprises an inlet outlet which is lower than the primary chamber, such that fluid can flow through the device under the influence of gravity.

Preferably, the or each chamber is defined by an elongate upstanding tubular member.

In a preferred form, a series of optionally interconnected primary treatment chambers and further chambers are provided whereby fluid flowing through the apparatus is treated a plurality of times. Suitably, the or each further chamber is connected between the outlet of a primary treatment chamber and the inlet of an adjacent primary treatment chamber. The other chamber may be inclined between adjacent ones of the primary processing chambers.

Preferably, at least some of the primary treatment chambers have successively lower heights from the inlet of the apparatus to the outlet of the apparatus. Preferably at least some of the further chambers have successively lower heights or lengths from the inlet of the device to the outlet of the device.

One or more of the further chambers may be provided without a uv source or with a uv source inactive.

In another form, the primary treatment chambers and the further chambers are arranged in transverse rows, the inlets of the primary treatment chambers being connected to an inlet mixing manifold and the outlets of the primary treatment chambers being connected to an outlet mixing manifold, the outlet mixing manifold being connected to the inlets of the further chambers via transfer channels. The transfer channel may be connected to an inlet mixing manifold connected to the inlet of the further chamber. The transfer passage may connect the primary treatment chamber with the upper end of the further chamber, whereby flow through the primary and further chambers is in the same direction.

The waste removal components of each of the primary processing chambers may be connected to one or more common waste conduits. Furthermore, the lower ends of the chambers may be selectively connected to one or more common drainage conduits or passages, such as by suitable manually or electrically or mechanically operable valves, to allow drainage of the chambers.

In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides a fluid treatment or purification apparatus comprising at least one fluid treatment or purification unit, said unit comprising a pair of primary treatment chambers; an inlet at the upper end of each of said primary treatment chambers for fluid to be cleaned or treated such that fluid flows downwardly through said chambers; means for supplying a sterilant to the primary treatment chamber such that the sterilant bubbles upwardly through fluid flowing downwardly through the primary treatment chamber, thereby effecting ozone separation of the fluid; means at the upper end of the primary chamber for removing waste in the fluid conveyed by bubbles of sterilant passing upwardly through the chamber, the respective lower end of the primary treatment chamber being connected to the lower end of the further chamber so that fluid flows upwardly through the further chamber; means for contacting the liquid in the further chamber directly or indirectly with ultraviolet light; and an outlet for treated liquid at the upper end of the further chamber. Suitably, the outlet for the treated liquid is lower than the inlet, so that fluid flows through the or each liquid treatment unit under gravity.

A plurality of said fluid processing units may be provided wherein the respective inlets of said respective primary processing chambers are connected to each other and to the outlet of the immediately preceding said other chamber. Suitably, the lower ends of the primary and further chambers are in substantially the same horizontal plane, such that the device can stand independently.

The means for removing waste may comprise an inverted U-shaped waste trap member at the upper end of the primary treatment chamber. The waste trap member may be connected to at least one common waste conduit or line. The at least one common waste conduit or line may extend between the primary treatment chambers.

Alternatively, said means for removing waste may comprise a venturi unit at the upper end of each of said primary treatment chambers.

The lower ends of the primary treatment chambers and the further chamber may be connected to one or more common drainage pipes or channels to allow drainage of the chambers.

The further chamber may comprise a transparent inner flow tube and an outer housing surrounding the flow tube, and the at least one uv source is located within the outer housing such that fluid flowing through the tube contacts uv light.

One or more of the primary processing chambers may have a decreasing cross-section from a lower end to an upper end of the primary processing chamber. Thus, the chambers may have a conical or frusto-conical configuration.

In another arrangement, one or more of the primary processing chambers may comprise a plurality of joined or interconnected chamber portions, each of which has a cross-section smaller than that of the immediately underlying chamber portion.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a fluid purification or treatment apparatus comprising at least one pre-oxidation unit comprising at least one vertically elongated primary treatment chamber; an inlet for a fluid to be treated at an upper end of the chamber; a chamber outlet at a lower end of the chamber; means for introducing a disinfectant into the lower end of the chamber; means at the upper end of the chamber for removing waste in the liquid conveyed by bubbles of sterilant passing upwardly through the chamber; and means in the chamber for exposing the fluid to ultraviolet light.

The means for exposing the fluid in the chamber to ultraviolet light may comprise at least one elongate ultraviolet lamp or tube extending longitudinally within the chamber. The or each said chamber may be defined by an elongate upstanding tubular member. The upstanding tubular element may comprise an end cap and the at least one ultraviolet lamp or tube may be mounted on the end cap. Preferably, the at least one ultraviolet lamp is located within a transparent tube mounted to the end cap such that ultraviolet light does not come into direct contact with fluid flowing through the chamber.

The means for introducing a sterilant into the primary treatment chamber may comprise one or more gas outlets comprising one or more of a gas stone, a gas permeable conduit, a diffuser or an external venturi in communication with the primary treatment chamber and a source of sterilant. Means may be provided for selectively controlling the flow of sterilant to the one or more gas outlets.

Suitably, said means at the upper end of said chamber for removing waste comprises one of an inverted U-shaped trap and/or a venturi unit or a combination thereof.

In another aspect, there is provided a fluid purification or treatment apparatus which may comprise at least one pair of pre-oxidation units of the type described above, each unit having a primary treatment chamber, the inlets of the primary treatment chambers being interconnected and the respective lower ends of the primary treatment chambers being connected to the lower end of a further chamber so that fluid flows upwardly through the further chamber; means for contacting the liquid in the further chamber directly or indirectly with ultraviolet light; and an outlet for treated liquid at the upper end of the further chamber.

The fluid purification or treatment apparatus may comprise a plurality of said fluid purification or treatment devices interconnected and the outlet of another chamber of at least one of said devices is connected to the interconnected inlet of a primary treatment chamber of an adjacent said device. The lower ends of the chambers may be in substantially the same horizontal plane and at least some of the chambers have a decreasing height from the inlet to the outlet of the apparatus.

One or more of the further chambers may be provided without a uv source or with a uv source inactive. The means for introducing a sanitizing agent into one or more of the primary treatment chambers comprises means for introducing air into the primary treatment chambers. Further, one or more of the primary treatment chambers may be provided with no disinfectant introducing means or with disinfectant introducing means being inoperative.

In another preferred embodiment, the primary treatment chambers and the further chambers are arranged in two rows or columns, each row or column comprising alternating primary treatment chambers and further chambers and means for interconnecting a primary treatment chamber in one row with an adjacent further chamber in another row.

In another preferred embodiment, the primary treatment chambers and the further chambers are arranged in a transverse row, the inlets of the primary treatment chambers being connected to an inlet mixing manifold and the outlets of the primary treatment chambers being connected to an outlet mixing manifold, which is connected to the inlets of the further chambers via transfer channels. The transfer channel may be connected to an inlet mixing manifold connected to the inlet of the further chamber. In another aspect, at least one pair of primary processing chambers are connected to another chamber, whereby fluid flowing in the primary processing chambers flows through the other chamber.

One or more of the primary processing chambers have a decreasing cross-section from a lower end to an upper end of the primary processing chamber. Optionally, one or more of the primary processing chambers comprises a plurality of interconnected or joined chamber portions, each chamber portion having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the immediately underlying chamber portion.

Means may be provided for ionizing, chloridizing or applying electrical pulses to the fluid flowing through the device.

Where the sterilant comprises ozone or ozone-enriched air, ozone generating means may be provided for supplying ozone or ozone-enriched air to the primary treatment chamber, suitably the ozone generating means comprises one or more elongate upstanding chambers, one or more ultraviolet lamps in the one or more chambers and means for passing air through the chambers, the ultraviolet rays from the lamps having a frequency which converts oxygen in the air into ozone.

Means may be provided for treating waste from the apparatus, the treatment elements comprising a waste chamber having an inlet for receiving waste, a vacuum or suction pump connected to the waste chamber, at least one uv source within the chamber for destroying gas in the waste chamber, and an outlet from the chamber. A fluid trap may be connected to the outlet for preventing gas from passing through the outlet.

In the present document, the terms "pipe" and "tube" comprise any elongated hollow element defining a flow passage of arbitrary cross-section.

Drawings

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings that illustrate various preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the embodiments are described in connection with treating contaminated water using ozone-enriched air as a disinfectant, it will be appreciated that the apparatus may be used to treat other liquids and gases using ozone or other disinfectants. Therefore, it is to be understood that the following description of the preferred embodiments is not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basic liquid treatment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are top, front and side views of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are front, top and end views of the device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are side, top and front views of the device shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are opposite side views of the device shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are opposite side views of the device shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are opposite side views of the device shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device having means for supplying an electrical charge to a process chamber;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 27 and 28 are opposite side views of the device shown in FIG. 26;

FIGS. 29 and 30 are opposite end views of the device shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment apparatus similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 26-30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33 is an end view of the device shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a perspective end view of the device shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the device shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 is a front perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is another front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the treated liquid outlet end of the device shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of the fluid management device shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a side view of the liquid treatment device shown in FIG. 43;

FIGS. 45 and 46 show the inlet and outlet ends of the apparatus shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 43;

FIGS. 48 and 49 are top and bottom views of the device shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment unit of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 51 is a side view of the unit shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a top view of the unit shown in FIG. 50;

FIGS. 53-55 are side, front and top views of a liquid treatment apparatus including a liquid treatment unit of the type shown in FIGS. 50-52;

56-58 are front, perspective, and side views of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 59 is a side perspective view of a pair of devices of the type shown in FIGS. 56-58 in back-to-back relationship;

FIG. 60 shows a liquid treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention from the front and side;

FIG. 61 shows a modified version of a liquid treatment device similar to that shown in FIG. 60;

FIGS. 62 and 63 show side and top views of an alternative embodiment of a liquid treatment device according to the invention;

FIG. 64 is a front view of an alternative liquid treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 65 is a side view of a pre-oxidation unit according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 66 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the unit shown in FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment apparatus having a unit of the type shown in FIGS. 65 and 66;

FIG. 68 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment device including a liquid treatment apparatus of the type shown in FIGS. 67 and 68;

FIG. 70 is a front view of the device shown in FIG. 69;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a portion of a liquid treatment apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 69 but having an ozone generator;

FIGS. 72 and 73 are side and front views of the device shown in FIG. 71;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of an alternative liquid treatment device according to the present invention;

FIG. 75 is an enlarged top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 74;

FIGS. 76, 77 and 78 are top, perspective and front views of another liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 79, FIG. 80 and FIG. 81 are side and opposite end views of another liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 82 and 83 are relative perspective views of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 84 and 85 are perspective and front views of another liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 86 and 87 are relative perspective views of a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 88 is a front view of the device shown in FIG. 86; and

fig. 89 and 90 are perspective and end views of a waste extraction unit for a liquid treatment apparatus of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings and initially to fig. 1 and 2, there is shown a fluid treatment unit 10 embodying the principles of the present invention, which is typically used in an apparatus for treating contaminated liquids (which may be, for example, grey water or water from a vehicle washing facility) or any other fluid. Unit 10 comprises a first upright elongate hollow member 11 and a second elongate member 12 which typically comprise pipes or tubes which are generally parallel to each other and have their lower ends at generally the same horizontal plane, in which case their lower ends are fluidly connected to each other by a pair of elbow members which serve as fluid transfer passages 13.

The first treatment member 11 of the unit 10 has an inlet 14 for the liquid to be treated towards the upper end, and the second or rear member 12 has an outlet 15 for the treated liquid towards the upper end of the member 12 but below the inlet 14.

The upper end of the element 11 is connected via a U-shaped drain elbow 16 through which waste foam generated in the element 11 can pass. The U-shaped trap 16 is connected to a venturi unit 17 having an inlet 18 for air and/or water or other liquid. The outlet of the venturi unit 17 may be connected to a common waste conduit or line 19 (shown in dashed outline). The waste pipe or line 19 may be inclined downwardly to allow the waste pipe 19 to drain under gravity.

At the lower end of the hollow element 11 there is provided a further venturi unit 20 having a fluid inlet 21 and a fluid outlet 22, wherein the inlet 21 is connected to the element 11 and is higher than the outlet 22. The venturi unit 20 further comprises a gas inlet 23 located between the inlet 21 and the outlet 22, which gas inlet is connected to a source of gas to be introduced into the element 11.

Alternatively, as shown in dashed outline in fig. 2, a gas outlet 24 for gas may be provided in the lower part of the element 11, the gas outlet 24 being supplied with gas via a duct 25, the duct 25 extending downwardly along the element 12 from an inlet 26 through the side wall of the element 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 24 may be in the form of an air stone or, alternatively, may be a nozzle through the element 12, a perforated pipe, a diffuser or other form of outlet located within the element 12 or extending to the lower end of the element 12.

The element 12 is closed at its upper end by a removable end cap 27, the removable end cap 27 carrying a clip 28 which can hold an elongate Ultraviolet (UV) tube or lamp 29 located within the element 12 and extending longitudinally of the element 12. Power is supplied to the lamp 29 from the outside of the end cap 27 through a connection cable 31.

In use, liquid to be treated is supplied to the inlet 14, flows into the preceding element 11 of the unit 10, flows downwardly through the element 11, and gas (typically ozone or ozone-enriched air) is supplied to the lower end of the element 12. This may be achieved by means of a venturi unit 20, wherein gas introduced into gas inlet 23 will cause liquid to flow from element 11 into inlet 21. The inwardly flowing liquid mixes with the gas introduced through inlet 23 and returns from outlet 22 to element 11, where the re-introduced liquid carries the ozone.

Alternatively, gas is introduced into outlet 24 through inlet 26 and conduit 25. In each case, the ozone or ozone-enriched air bubbles up and through the liquid as bubbles against the downwardly flowing liquid, and the liquid is thus subjected to the disinfecting action of the ozone.

The gas bubbles rising through the downwardly flowing liquid carry the impurities and contaminants up through the element and when they reach the upper level of the liquid in the element 11, bubbles are generated which carry the impurities and contaminants. The foam passes outwardly through the U-shaped trap 16 by being sucked out of the venturi unit 17 and into the waste line 19. Thus, the element 11 acts as an ozone separator.

The liquid continues to flow from the preceding element 11 through the transfer channel 13 into the lower end of the element 12 and upwards towards the outlet 15. The liquid carrying dissolved ozone contacts the UV rays from the UV lamp, killing pathogens in the liquid as it flows up the first element 11 to the second element 12. The final treated liquid is then discharged through outlet 15. Since the outlet 15 is lower than the inlet 14, the liquid continues to flow through the cell 10 under the force of gravity.

The liquid treatment apparatus may comprise a series of units 10 interconnected to one another, as shown in dashed outline in figure 2, with the outlet 15 of each element 11 being connected to the inlet 14 of each element 11. Furthermore, the elements 11 and 12 have successively increasing heights from the outlet to the inlet and the respective inlets 14 have successively increasing heights, so that a flow under the action of gravity occurs when passing through the device.

In the following, various embodiments of a liquid treatment device with the treatment principle implemented by the unit 10 will be described.

The liquid treatment device 30 shown in figures 3 to 6 comprises a first treatment unit 31 comprising a series of upright elongate hollow elements, typically pipes or tubes 32 which are generally parallel to each other and have their lower ends at substantially the same level, as the element 11 shown in figures 1 and 2. Successive hollow elements 32 have decreasing heights from the inlet end 33 to the outlet end 34 of the unit 31.

A second processing unit 31' having substantially the same structure as the unit 31 is disposed adjacent to and parallel to the unit 31. The first treatment conduit 32' of the series of elements 32 has an inlet 35 for the liquid to be treated directed towards the upper end, while the outlet 36 for the treated liquid is connected to the lower end of the last element 32 "of the series.

The lower end of each hollow element 32 has an outlet 37, the outlet 37 being connected to an inlet 38 adjacent the upper end of each subsequent element 32 of the series by an angled connecting conduit 39 which acts as a transfer passage, so that the liquid being treated flows downwardly through the chamber defined in each element 32 from the upper end towards the lower end of the element 32 and the liquid flows upwardly through the connecting conduit 39, passing sequentially through each element 32 from the first element 32' to the last element 32 ".

As in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the upper end of each member 32 includes a waste outlet for the foam and is connected to a U-shaped connector 40 which acts as a drain trap and connects the upper end of each member 32 to a common waste conduit or line 41 which is located below the upper end of the member 32 and extends generally horizontally to connect to a waste outlet 42. The connector 40 has a transparent portion 40 'or may be connected to the transparent portion 40' to allow for observation of foam collection.

The bottom of each element is also connected to a common waste outlet line 43 by a selectively operable valve 44 which allows selective drainage of each element 32.

At the lower end of each hollow element 32 there is provided an outlet or outlets 45 (see figure 4) for air or gas which is/are supplied with air or gas via a duct 46, the duct 46 extending through the side wall of the element 32 adjacent an upper end 47 of the element. Outlet 45 may be in the form of a nozzle or venturi through element 32, an air stone, a perforated pipe, or other form of outlet located inside element 32 and at the lower end of element 32.

At least some of the connecting ducts 39 are provided with an Ultraviolet (UV) light source in the form of a longitudinally extending Ultraviolet (UV) tube or lamp 48 located within the duct 39. Thus, the conduit 39 containing the tube 48 is the same as the element 12 shown in FIG. 1. Power is supplied to the pipe 48 through the upper end of the connecting duct 39. In the embodiment shown, UV lamps 48 are provided in the last five connecting ducts 39. This arrangement ensures that turbidity in the liquid is removed and made clear by gas or ozone treatment before the liquid is exposed to UV light, which will result in a more efficient UV treatment.

In use, as indicated by the arrows in figure 6, liquid to be treated is supplied to the inlet 35, flows into the first element 32' and then flows downwardly. Ozone-enriched air is supplied to the lower end of the element 32' via the outlet 45 and bubbles up through the liquid against the downward flow of liquid, thus being subjected to the disinfecting action of ozone. The bubbles of gas reaching the upper end of the element 32 create a foam carrying the contaminants in the liquid. The froth moves upwardly and then downwardly through a connector or dump elbow 40 into a waste conduit 41 where the froth is directed to a waste heap through a waste outlet 42. Thus, the element 32 acts as an ozone separator.

The liquid continues to flow upwardly from element 32 'through connecting conduit 39 to the upper end of adjacent element 32 where it flows downwardly as in element 32'. Similarly, ozone-enriched air supplied to the outlet 45 in the adjacent element 32 bubbles through the liquid, again creating a foam at the upper end of the element 32 which enters the connector 40, again being directed to the waste heap. This process is repeated in each conduit 32 as the liquid flows through the device 30 under the force of gravity. In the duct 39 containing the UV lamp 48, the liquid contacts the UV rays to kill pathogens in the liquid. In the embodiment shown, this occurs in the last five connecting ducts 39.

To decompose residual ozone in the flowing liquid, air or oxygen may be introduced into the final element 32 "through outlet 45. Alternatively or in addition, the UV lamp 48 in the final delivery conduit 39 may emit UV light at a wavelength that destroys ozone in the liquid.

The treated liquid is then discharged from the device 30 through the outlet 36. An outlet 36 for treated liquid may be connected back to the inlet 35 for further treatment of the liquid.

Many variations are possible with respect to the operation of the device 30 described above. For example, the concentration of ozone introduced into each element 32 may vary. Preferably, the concentration of ozone introduced into the first two elements 32 is higher than the concentration of ozone introduced into the remaining elements 32.

Each connecting conduit 39 may contain a uv source or only selected conduits 39 may include such sources. Although the UV lamp 48 is shown within the conduit 39, the conduit 39 may alternatively be transparent or include a transparent portion, and one or more ultraviolet lamps may be provided on the exterior of the conduit 39 so that liquid flowing in the conduit 39 may still be exposed to ultraviolet light. The UV lamp 48 may be selected to emit ultraviolet light in a low frequency range, a mid frequency range, or a high frequency range, as desired.

One or more flow regulating valves may also be provided to regulate the flow of liquid through each element 32 or conduit 39 to thereby vary the treatment characteristics.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, each element 32 is successively shorter than the next, so that the overall height of the device 30 gradually decreases from the inlet end 33 to the outlet end 34. However, it is possible that only some of the elements 32 have this relationship.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in fig. 3, all elements 32 are in a line, however, like in the embodiment of the device 50 shown in fig. 7-10, the elements 32 may be arranged in two rows, wherein the height of a first group 51 is gradually reduced and the in-line elements 32 are connected to the elements 32 of an adjacent group 53 by a connecting duct 52, the connecting duct 52 connecting the outlet of the last element 32 of the group 51 to the inlet of the first element 32 of the adjacent group 53. Other components similar to the embodiment shown in figures 3 to 6 have the same reference numerals. It should also be noted in this embodiment that all connecting ducts are provided with UV lamps 48.

The embodiment of the apparatus 54 shown in FIGS. 11-14 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-7, and like parts have like reference numerals. In this case, however, the apparatus 54 comprises side-by-side units 55, each unit comprising seven main treatment elements or chambers 32 for foam separation purposes, four of the six connecting conduits between the chambers 32 containing the UV lamps 48.

The liquid treatment apparatus 55 of the embodiment shown in figures 15 to 17 comprises a first treatment unit 56 comprising a series of upright elongate hollow elements, typically pipes or tubes 57 which are generally parallel to each other and have their lower ends at generally the same level, and in this embodiment their upper ends are also at generally the same level. However, at least some of the hollow elements 57 may have successively lower heights. Adjacent and parallel to the unit 56 there is provided a second treatment unit 56 'of similar construction to that of the treatment unit 56, comprising upright hollow elements comprising a pipe or tube 57' similar to the pipe or tube 57, in which case, however, the lower end of the pipe or tube 57 'is at substantially the same level, with the pipe or tube 57' having a successively lower height.

The first or foremost treatment element 57 of the unit 56 has an inlet 58 for the liquid to be treated directed towards the upper end, while an outlet 59 for the treated liquid is connected to the lower end of the rearmost element 57 of the unit 56. The inlet 60 of unit 56 'is disposed at the upper end of the first or foremost treating element 57' of unit 56 ', while the outlet 61 of unit 56' is disposed at the lower end of the rearmost element 57 'of unit 56'. Between the outlet 59 and the inlet 60, a main delivery duct 62 is connected for delivering liquid from the unit 56 to the unit 56' for disposal.

As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-14, an angled connecting conduit 63 connects the lower end of each hollow element 57 with the upper end of each subsequent element 57, so that the liquid being treated flows downwardly through the chamber defined in each element 57 from the upper end toward the lower end of the element 57 and the liquid flows upwardly through the connecting conduit 63, passing sequentially through each element 57 in the unit 56 from the first element 57 to the last element 57. A similar arrangement is provided in element 57 ', with angled connecting conduits 63' connecting the lower end of element 57 'with the upper end of an adjacent element 57', such that in unit 56 'as well, the liquid being treated flows downwardly from the upper end of element 57' towards the lower end through the chamber defined in each element 57 ', and the liquid flows upwardly through connecting conduits 63' passing sequentially through each element 57 'from the first element 57' to the next element 57 'in unit 56'.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-14, a U-shaped waste connector 64 serves as a drain trap and connects the upper end of each element 57 and 57 ' to a common waste conduit or line 65 and 66, while the bottom of each element 57 and 57 ' is connected to waste outlet lines 67 and 69 by a selectively operable valve 70 which allows selective drainage of each element 57 and 57 '.

Elements 57 and 57 'comprise an ozone separator in which ozone or ozone-enriched air is introduced in the same manner as described in the previous embodiments, bubbling upwardly through the downwardly flowing liquid in elements 57 and 57'. Furthermore, at least some of the connecting ducts 63 and 63 'are provided with UV tubes 71 located within the ducts 63 and 63' and extending longitudinally.

The liquid to be treated enters the inlet 58, flows into the first element 57 of the unit 56, flows downwards, and ozone or ozone-enriched air is supplied to the lower end of the element 57, flows upwards against the downwards flowing liquid, bubbling through the liquid, so that the liquid is subjected to the disinfecting action of the ozone. The gas bubbles reaching the upper end of the element 57 generate bubbles carrying contaminants in the liquid which flow through the connector or trap 64 into the waste conduit 65 where it is directed to a waste heap.

The liquid continues to flow upwardly through the connecting passage 63 from the first element 57 to the upper end of the adjacent element 57 where it flows downwardly as in the first element 57 for ozonation. In the conduit 63 containing the UV lamp 71, the ozone-treated liquid contacts the UV rays to kill pathogens in the liquid.

At the end of unit 56, a main delivery duct 62 directs the treated liquid from outlet 59 to inlet 60 of unit 56 'to flow through the various elements 57' in a similar manner to that described above. However, since each element 57 'has a successively lower height, it is possible to effectively collect foam in a successive subsequent element 57', which foam generally rises to a level below that of a successive preceding element.

To decompose residual ozone in the flowing liquid, air or oxygen may be introduced into the final element through an outlet 59 at the lower end. Alternatively or in addition, the UV lamp in the final delivery channel 63 may emit UV light at a wavelength that destroys ozone in the liquid.

The treated liquid is then discharged from the device 55 through the outlet 61. An outlet 61 for treated liquid may be connected back to the inlet 60 for further treatment of the liquid, as desired.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 15, each element 57 ' is shorter in turn than the next, however, it is possible that only some of the elements 57 ' have this relationship, and in some embodiments, all of the elements 57 ' may have the same height. Similarly, elements 57 may have different configurations, and like elements 57', each element 57 in turn has a reduced height.

The embodiment of the device 72 shown in FIGS. 18-20 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-17, and like parts have like reference numerals. In this case, however, the device 72 has an upright element 57 defining the liquid treatment chamber, which initially has the same height, whereas the last three elements 57 have a reduced height. However, the structure of the device 72 is substantially the same as that shown in FIGS. 15-17.

Also, the embodiment of the apparatus 74 shown in FIGS. 21-23 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-17, and like parts have like reference numerals. In this case, however, the unit 75 has an upright element 57 defining a liquid treatment chamber, which has a successively lower height. However, the structure of the unit 58 is substantially the same as that shown in FIGS. 15 to 17.

In order to enhance the sterilization effect of the liquid treatment device described above, means for introducing an electric charge into the liquid treatment chamber may be provided as in the embodiment of the liquid treatment device 77 shown in fig. 24 and 25 (some of the UV treatment tubes are not shown). The liquid treatment device 77 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-23, however, the device 77 may be any structure including the above-described configuration. In fig. 24 and 25, the same components as in the embodiment shown in fig. 20 to 23 have the same reference numerals.

Towards the upper and lower ends of the liquid treatment chamber defined by the element 12 are provided electrodes 78 and 79 enabling an electrical charge to be applied to the liquid within the chamber, the electrodes 78 and 79 being connected to a suitable power supply. The power source may apply any form of signal to the electrodes to apply an electrical charge to the ozone particles or molecules to assist in destroying bacteria within element 57. The signal applied to electrodes 78 and 79 may be any form of pulsed signal and may be a fixed pulse or may be a pulse of variable waveform with fixed or variable spacing. A signal may be applied to one or both of electrodes 78 and 79, and a similar electrode may be provided in element 57'. In addition, similar electrodes with UV treatment tubes may be provided in the delivery conduits 63 and 63'.

Of course, there are a number of alternative configurations of the processing elements or chambers 57 and 57' other than that shown and described, and electrodes for supplying current to the elements 12 and 14 may be used as desired.

Also, the embodiment of the device 80 shown in FIGS. 26-30 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 15-17, and as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the device 80 has upstanding elements 81 and 82 (identical to elements 57 and 58) defining an ozone separator chamber and successively lower in height. Like parts to those in figures 15 to 17 have like reference numerals. In this case, the upright elements 81 and 82 defining the liquid treatment chamber have a section which decreases progressively from the lower end towards the upper end of the element 81 or 82, so that the elements 81 and 82 are of slightly frustoconical configuration.

Since the elements 81 and 82 have a reduced cross section both externally and internally, the gas bubbles formed by injecting ozone or ozone-enriched air (or other gas) at the lower ends of the elements 81 and 82 via the outlet 83 are compressed as the bubbles rise up the elements 81 and 82, thereby enhancing impurity collection.

Although the elements 81 and 82 have a circular cross-section, they may have other cross-sections. Furthermore, the elements 81 and 82 may have varying heights. For example, the elements 81 and 82 may have a constant height and their upper ends are on the same level, and a device having such a structure of the elements 81 and 82 is particularly suitable for treating a liquid containing a detergent. Similarly, this applies to the devices shown in FIGS. 15-23.

In other embodiments, only some of the elements 81 and 82 may have the same height and their upper ends are on the same horizontal plane, while other elements 81 and 82 may have a reduced height. Alternatively, all elements 81 may have the same height, while elements 82 may gradually decrease or increase in height. The elements 81 and 82 may also have different cross-sections.

The structural elements of elements 81 and 82 defining the ozone separator which decrease in cross-section from the lower end towards the upper end of elements 81 and 82 may be applied to any of the fluid treatment or liquid treatment devices described above or further described below.

The embodiment of the liquid treatment device 84 shown in fig. 31 uses the same principle as the liquid treatment described above in connection with fig. 26-30, wherein the internal cross-section of the ozone separating element 85 decreases gradually from a maximum at the lower end of the element 85 towards the upper end of the element 85, the element 85 having a successively increasing height from the outlet end of the device 84, wherein the outlet 86 is provided at the lower end of the last element 85, the successively increasing height being at a maximum at the foremost end of the device 84, wherein the inlet 87 is provided at the upper end of the foremost element 85.

The upper end of each element 85 includes a waste outlet for the foam, respectively, and is connected via a U-shaped connector 88 to a generally horizontal common waste conduit or line 89 located below the upper end of the elements 85. The conduit 89 is closed at a free end 90 by an end cap or the like. In order to convert the foam collected in the waste pipe 89 into a liquid, another waste pipe 91 is provided below the waste pipe 89. The waste conduit 89 is connected to a waste conduit 91 via respective venturi units 92. Air or liquid (e.g., water) injected into the venturi unit 92 creates a back pressure drawing foam from the waste line 89 and converting the foam to waste liquid exiting the liquid waste line 91.

The waste collection and conversion structures described above may be used in any of the liquid or fluid treatment devices described above or hereinafter.

The liquid treatment apparatus 93 shown in figures 32 to 36 comprises a series of upstanding elements 94 forming an ozone separator, each upstanding element having a stepped configuration and their lower ends being at substantially the same level, in this embodiment their upper ends having successively lower heights.

The first or foremost treatment element 94 of the device 93 has an inlet 95 for the liquid to be treated directed towards the upper end, while an outlet 96 for the treated liquid is connected to the lower end of the rearmost element 94' of the device 93.

The lower end of each hollow element 94 is connected to the upper end of each subsequent element 94 in the series by an upstanding connecting duct 97 serving as a transfer passage so that, as shown by the arrows in figure 33, the liquid being treated flows downwardly from the upper end of the element 94 towards its lower end through a chamber 98 defined in each element 94, the liquid flowing upwardly through the respective connecting duct 97 and passing sequentially through each element 94 from the first element 94 to the last element 94.

Each element 94 includes portions having different cross-sections, with the cross-section being greatest at the lower end of the element 94 and smallest at the upper end of the element 94. In the illustrated embodiment, each element 94 includes three portions 98, 99 and 100, each having a different cross-section, but a constant cross-section throughout the respective length. Thus, portion 98 has a larger cross-section (or diameter) than portion 99, and portion 99 has a larger cross-section (or diameter) than portion 100. The junctions between portions 98 and 99 and between portions 99 and 100 define shoulders or inward steps 101 and 102 in the cross-section of member 94. The shoulders or inward steps 101 and 102 are angled or inclined upwardly at 45 deg. relative to horizontal, however, they may be at any angle relative to the horizontal or longitudinal axis of the element 94.

The upper end 103 of the upper portion 100 of each element 94 is closed and adjacent to its closed end there is a waste outlet 104 for the foam which is connected to a venturi unit 105, each having an inlet 106 for air and/or water or other liquid. The outlet of each venturi unit 105 is connected to one or more downwardly inclined common waste conduits or lines 107. Alternatively, the waste foam may be removed through a U-shaped drain elbow, as shown in FIG. 31.

At least some of the connecting tubes 97 are provided with Ultraviolet (UV) tubes or lamps 108 located within the tubes 97 and extending longitudinally.

The closed upper end 103 of the element 94 may be transparent to enable inspection of the element 94 from above, or may comprise an inspection hatch which is removable, for example by threaded engagement with the portion 100 of the element 94. Inspection ports 108, shown in dashed outline in fig. 32, may also be provided in the shoulders or steps 101 and/or 102. As shown, the outlet of the element 94 may be connected to the conduit 97 by a feed conduit 109 such that the conduit 97 is generally upright or vertical and aligned with the adjacent element 94.

As in the previous embodiment, the liquid to be treated flows down through the element 94, contacting bubbles of ozone or ozone-enriched air supplied to the lower end of the element 94. Since the element 94 has inwardly stepped portions 98, 99 and 100, the gas bubbles are compressed as they rise through the element 94 due to the reduced cross-section of the element 94, thereby improving the efficiency of the treatment of the liquid flowing downwardly through the element 94.

The gas bubbles reaching the upper end of the element 94 generate a froth carrying the contaminants in the liquid which will be drawn out by the venturi unit 105 via the outlet 104 and converted to liquid which is conveyed to the waste line 107.

As shown by the arrows in fig. 33, flow continues through the device 93 and is successively treated with ozone and UV light. As the height of each element 94 decreases successively, the suction pressure generated in the venturi unit 105 can be used to effectively collect or suck through the outlet 104 the foam in the successive following element 94, which foam generally rises to a level below that of the preceding element and is directed as a liquid to the waste line 107. The suction pressure may be generated by introducing air into the venturi unit 105 via the inlet 106 or alternatively by introducing a liquid such as water.

Each connection or delivery conduit 97 may contain a uv source or lamp, or only selected conduits 97 may contain such sources. In the illustrated embodiment, the delivery conduits 97 are located on opposite sides of each element 94, and the elements 94 are in-line. However, the elements 94 may be offset from each other.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 32, each element 94 is successively shorter than the next, however, it may be that only some elements 94 have this relationship, and in some embodiments, all elements 94 may have the same height.

Although the venturi unit is preferably arranged to draw foam from the waste conduit and convert the foam to a liquid, a vacuum pump or similar pump may be used for this purpose.

Ozone or ozone-enriched air may be introduced into the element 94 by any suitable structure, such as by the venturi unit 110 described previously or any other gas inlet.

Another liquid treatment apparatus 111 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 37-41, the apparatus 111 having a first set of vertically elongated hollow members 112 arranged in a transverse row, the members being typically plastic pipes or tubes generally parallel to each other and having upper and lower ends at generally the same horizontal plane. Each element 112 has an upstanding inlet 113 at its upper end and each inlet 113 of these elements is connected to a laterally extending common inlet manifold 114 which includes a series of T-connectors 115 and short pipe connections 116. Extending from each inlet 113 is a generally horizontal inlet duct 117 comprising an inlet for liquid to be treated. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 41, the inlet conduits 117 may be connected directly to each inlet 113 and the manifold 114 is not used.

Each T-connector 115 is connected by a U-shaped waste drain elbow 118 comprising an end-to-end elbow connector to a common laterally extending waste manifold 119 of similar construction to the inlet manifold 116. The height of the waste dump elbow 118 can be varied to vary waste collection. The opposite end of the waste manifold 119 is connected to forward and downward sloping waste pipes 120 on opposite sides of the device 111. The U-shaped waste drain trap 118 may be connected directly to a waste manifold 119 as shown in fig. 37, or connected via a venturi unit 121 as shown in fig. 38, to convert the waste foam to a liquid and to assist in drawing the waste foam from the apparatus. The venturi unit 121 has an inlet 122 for air or gas that drives the venturi unit 121. As shown in fig. 38, a similar venturi unit 121 may also be provided in the waste conduit 120 to assist in the removal of waste liquid from the apparatus 111.

Element 112 has an outlet 123 at its lower end connected to a transversely extending mixing manifold 124 having a similar configuration to manifolds 114 and 119. The opposite end of the mixing manifold 124 is connected via a selectively operable valve 126 (typically a manually operated gate or ball valve) to an opposite drain conduit 125 on the opposite side of the device 111.

The hollow member 112 includes an ozone treatment chamber 127 and includes the above-described components for introducing ozone or ozone-enriched air, such as an internal air stone or an external venturi unit, at its lower end.

The apparatus 111 further comprises a second set of upstanding elongate hollow elements 128 arranged in a transverse row in front of the element 112. likewise, each element 128 is typically a plastics pipe or tube generally parallel to each other with the upper and lower ends at substantially the same horizontal plane and the lower end at substantially the same horizontal plane as the element 112. However, element 128 is shorter in height than element 112.

Each element 128 has an inlet 129 at its lower end, and each inlet 129 of the elements 128 is connected to a laterally extending common inlet mixing manifold 130 having a similar structure to the manifold 124. The manifolds 124 and 130 are connected by a series of connecting tubes 131. The opposite end of the manifold 130 is connected to a drain line 125 via another selectively operable valve 126. Since the connecting duct 131 is arranged between the respective elements 112 and 128, there is one less connecting channel 131 than the inlet duct 117. In the embodiment shown, there are four inlet ducts 117 and three connecting ducts 131. This ensures that the fluids are continuously mixed as they flow through the device 111, as will be further described below.

The element 128 includes a UV treatment chamber 132 with a longitudinally extending Ultraviolet (UV) light source in the form of a UV tube or lamp 133 located within the chamber 132 extending into the chamber 132. The tube or lamp 133 includes a center lamp and another pair of lamps symmetrically disposed at opposite sides of the center lamp 133. The element 128 is provided with a central upwardly extending housing 134 closed by a removable end cap 135. The upper end of the center lamp 133 extends into the housing 134, through the end cap 135, and is sealed by the sealing clip 135'. The other lamps 133 are also similarly sealed.

The element 128 is also provided adjacent its upper end with an outwardly projecting outlet conduit 136 for the treated liquid, the outlet conduit 136 therefore being located lower than the inlet conduit 117.

In use, liquid to be treated is supplied to inlet conduit 117, flows into the respective ozone treatment chamber or separator 112, and flows downwardly in direction a. With the manifold 114 installed, the liquid flowing into each inlet 117 can be mixed with other inlet liquids before flowing into each chamber 127, where the liquid flowing downward is subjected to a disinfecting wiping action of ozone on the liquid. This causes the liquid to be disinfected and separated and contaminant particles, including scum and dirt, to be transported upwardly through the chamber 127. Bacteria and viruses in the liquid will also be removed.

The foamed waste carrying contaminants in the liquid passes upwardly through the U-shaped dump elbow 118 into the waste manifold 119, is conveyed to the drain line 120, and is directed to a waste pile.

Liquid reaching the lower end of chamber 127 flows via outlet 123 into mixing manifold 124 where it mixes with fluid flowing through outlets 123 of other chambers 127. The mixed fluid then passes through connecting tubing 131 into another mixing manifold 130 and UV treatment chamber 132, flowing upwardly as indicated by arrow B, where it contacts high doses of UV light from three UV lamps 133 to kill pathogens in the liquid. Since there are fewer connecting conduits 131 than chambers 127 and 132, the liquid will continue to mix as it flows from inlet conduit 117 into chamber 132. At the upper end of the chamber 132, the treated liquid is discharged through an outlet conduit 136. Furthermore, since the outlet 136 is lower than the inlet 117, the liquid flows through the device 111 under the force of gravity.

The apparatus may include a plurality of gas treatment chambers 127 and UV treatment chambers 132 arranged in the same configuration as described above. Each element 112 and 128 and chamber 127 and 132 have successively lower heights, so that the liquid being treated flows under gravity from the inlet 117 to the final outlet 136'.

To clean the device 111, the valve 126 may be opened to drain fluid from the chambers 127 and 132.

It should be noted that in fig. 38 and 41, the drain conduit 125, the connecting conduit 131, the manifold 124 and the manifold 130 are all substantially on the same horizontal plane, so that the device 111 sits stably on a support surface.

A liquid treatment apparatus 111 of the type described above may have any number of gas treatment chambers and UV treatment chambers.

The embodiment of the liquid treatment apparatus 140 of FIGS. 42-49 is similar to that of FIGS. 37-41, and therefore, like parts of the apparatus 111 have like reference numerals. However, in this embodiment, the number of inlets 117 is reduced and connected to the inlet manifold 114 so that the liquid to be treated is initially mixed before entering the gas treatment chamber 112. In addition, the liquid is flowed through the UV treatment chamber 132 in the same direction as the gas treatment chamber 127. To this end, the connecting duct 131' is angled upwards and connected with the upper end of the chamber 132 via a transverse duct 141 which interconnects adjacent elements 128 adjacent the upper end of the connecting duct. Further, the UV treatment chamber 132 does not include a central UV lamp 133. In contrast, the extension housing 134, without the lamp 133, serves as a foam waste conduit, connected via a U-shaped dump elbow 142 to another waste manifold 143, the opposite end of which is connected to the waste conduit 120.

A similar connection arrangement is provided for each successive set of chambers, with a conduit 131 for connecting the lower end of one set of chambers 127 or 132 to the upper end of the next set of chambers, so that liquid flows in the same direction in each chamber 127 and 132 as indicated by the arrows in figure 44.

Since the flow is in the same direction through the treatment chambers 127 and 132 of the device 140, it is necessary to provide an outlet for the treated liquid at the lower end of the last chamber 132 ', for which purpose the lower outlet end of the chamber 132 ' is connected to an outlet manifold 144, which is connected to the outlet conduit 136 '.

The concentration of ozone introduced into each chamber 127 can vary and, in addition, there is no need to treat the liquid with gas or ozone and UV rays alternately and sequentially. Thus, each chamber may be configured to perform multiple ozone or gas treatments followed by one or more UV treatment chambers for UV treatment, and vice versa.

To control the flow of liquid through the device and thereby vary the residence time of the liquid in each chamber, one or more of the conduits 131 may be provided with a valve which may be operated to restrict the flow through the conduit 131.

Although elements 112 and 128 are shown as having a circular cross-section, they may have other cross-sections. Although a venturi unit is preferably provided for pumping the foam from the waste conduit to convert the foam to a liquid, a vacuum pump or similar pump may be used for this purpose.

The height of the outlet conduit 136 relative to the inlet 117 may be varied to vary the flow through the liquid handling device. Elements 112 and 128 may have different spacings than shown.

Fig. 50-52 illustrate a liquid treatment unit 145 of a liquid treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, which includes a pair of upright elongated hollow members 146, which are typically plastic pipes or tubes that are generally parallel to each other and have upper and lower ends at generally the same horizontal plane.

The upper ends of the elements 146 are connected via a transverse connecting channel 147, which is provided with a central inlet 148 for the liquid to be treated. The connecting passage 147 and the inlet 148 may be defined by a T-shaped pipe connector. The lower ends of the elements 146 are also connected via another transverse connecting channel 149 having a central outlet 150. Likewise, the channel 149 and the outlet 150 are defined by a T-shaped pipe connector.

The upper end of each gas treatment element 146 may be closed by a removable end cap 151 to allow cleaning of the chamber of each element 146, a waste outlet 152 being provided above the channel 147 and adjacent the end cap 151, the outlet 152 being connected to a venturi unit 153. The outlet of the venturi unit 153 may be connected to a waste conduit or line (described further below).

Optionally, the upper end of each gas treatment chamber 146 may be connected to a foam passage 154 that includes one or more bleed elbows to prevent foam from returning to the chamber defined by the element 146. The foam passage 154 is in the form of an inverted U-shaped element that can be connected to a waste heap via another venturi unit 153.

As in the embodiments described above, each element 146 comprises an ozone separator and has a gas inlet at a lower end, and may comprise an air stone, a nozzle, a perforated pipe, a diffuser or other form of outlet, or the illustrated venturi unit, within the chamber 146 or extending to the lower end of the chamber 146.

Another upstanding elongate hollow member 155 defining a chamber 156 is connected to the outlet 150 and is symmetrically disposed between the members 146. An Ultraviolet (UV) tube or lamp 157 is located within and extends longitudinally of the chamber 156 and is fitted with an end cap 158 that closes the end of the chamber 156. An outlet 159 (defined by a T-connector) for treated liquid is disposed toward the upper end of the chamber 156, but below the inlet 148.

The liquid to be treated is supplied to the inlet 148, diverted into each ozone treatment element 146, flowing downwardly in direction B so as to contact ozone bubbles, the waste foam carried by the ozone bubbles flowing to the upper end of the element 146, the entrained contaminants being sucked out of the element 146, either directly or via a U-shaped conduit 154, along with excess air or ozone, by the venturi unit 153, the foam being converted to liquid by the venturi unit 153 for delivery to a waste dump. Thus, element 146 acts as an ozone separator, wherein the gas introduced through venturi 21 is ozone.

Liquid reaching the lower end of the element 146 flows via the passage 149 to the individual UV treatment chambers 156 and flows upwardly therein in the direction C where it contacts UV rays from the UV lamps 157 to kill pathogens in the liquid before being discharged from the outlet 159.

Since the fluid flowing through inlet 148 is split into two chambers 146, the fluid flow through these chambers is 50% slower through the ozone disinfection/separation chamber than through UV chamber 156. This allows for a longer ozone contact time to remove any foreign bodies or color and odor from the water. In addition, since the outlet 159 is lower than the inlet 148, the liquid flows through the cell 145 under the force of gravity.

The liquid treatment units 145 of the type described above may be combined with various structures to form liquid treatment devices suitable for a wide range of applications.

Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 53-55, in which like elements have like reference numerals to the unit 145 of FIGS. 50-52, the liquid treatment apparatus 160 includes 5 units 145 arranged in series, with the first unit 145 having a single inlet 148 'for liquid to be treated and the last unit 145 having a single outlet 159' for treated liquid. The height of the elements 146 and 155 of each successive cell 145 decreases successively so that the liquid being treated can flow under gravity from one cell 145 to the next cell 145 via the respective outlets 159, each outlet being arranged lower than the outlet of the previous cell 145. Furthermore, it should be noted that, particularly in fig. 54, the bottoms of the respective elements 145 and 155 connected by the connecting channel 149 are arranged on substantially the same horizontal plane so that the device 160 can stand upright independently.

Further, in the apparatus 160, a downwardly inclined common waste outlet pipe 161 is provided on each side of the apparatus 160 and connected to the outlet of each venturi unit 153 for converting foam.

A single outlet 159' provides a fully sterile and clean fluid that has undergone 15 ozone and UV ray treatments in elements 145 and 155 and 10 separations in chamber 146.

When multiple units 145 are combined into the apparatus 160 shown in fig. 53, 54 and 55, the venturi unit 153 may be eliminated, as excess gas pressure from ozone injection may be used to force the foam to exit to the waste line 161.

Likewise, the embodiment of the liquid treatment apparatus 162 of FIGS. 56-58 (in which like parts have like reference numerals as the units 145 of FIGS. 50-52 and the apparatus of FIGS. 53-55) includes 5 units 145 arranged in series with successively lower heights, the first unit 145 having an inlet 148 and the last unit 145 having an outlet 159. In this case, however, the foam waste channel 154 is defined by a U-shaped bleed elbow or manifold as previously described. As shown by the double-headed arrows in fig. 57, each channel 154 can be vertically adjusted in opposite directions to more quickly effect foam or bubble and gas removal and allow for maximum cleaning fluid retention. This adjustment may be accomplished by slidably moving the U-shaped trap or manifold in the opposite direction or by providing a threaded engagement on the manifold and the upper end of member 146.

Furthermore, a drain pipe 163 is provided on each side of the device 162 and is connected to the bottom of each element 146 via a shut-off valve or solenoid valve 164. The drain pipe 163 is disposed at substantially the same level as the lower end of each cell 145 to provide additional stability when the apparatus 162 is seated on a support surface or floor.

Furthermore, if it is desired to ionize water to raise the pH, an ionization unit 165 may be inserted into the connecting channel 147 through a protruding threaded arm 166. An ionization unit 165 may be provided in the screw end 167 of the arm 166 according to use needs. The pH can be adjusted by the number of open cells 165, the power of each cell 165 and the water flow rate. As an alternative to the ionization unit 165, an electric pulse application unit that kills microorganisms or a chlorination sterilizer may be used depending on the application.

The common waste conduit 161 in this embodiment is generally horizontal or may be inclined towards the terminal end of the device 162.

The embodiment of the liquid treatment device 168 of FIG. 59 includes a pair of devices 162 of the type shown in FIGS. 56-58 in back-to-back relationship, with a common central inlet 169 connected to the inlet passage 147 and a pair of outlets 159' disposed at opposite ends of the device 168. The device 168 shown in fig. 59 does not include a drain conduit 163, however, a drain conduit may be included when the device 168 has a drain requirement.

FIG. 60 illustrates another embodiment of a liquid handling device 170 that is similar to the device shown in FIGS. 56-58, except that the manifold/U-shaped trap 154 is angled inward to reduce the width of the device 170 and reduce the footprint. Figure 60 also shows that a series of ozone injection venturi units 171 can be located at different radial positions and at different heights around element 155, in this case, in front of and to the side of element 155, to enhance ozone flow and enhance separation. It should also be noted that the waste outlet conduit 161 is located between the elements 146 and 155 on each side of the device 170.

The device 172 shown in figure 61 is similar to the device 170 shown in figure 60 except that only a single waste conduit 173 is provided on one side of the device 172 and is connected to the lower end of a set of elements 146 on one side of the device 172 by respective valves 174. Thus, both the element 146 and the element 155 on either side of the device 172 can be discharged to a single waste conduit 173 by operation of a selected valve 174.

The embodiment of the device 175 shown in FIGS. 62 and 63 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 56-58, except that the element 146 comprises a hollow tubular element 176 of increased cross-section, allowing for the inclusion of multiple UV tubes 157 to enhance sterilization, wherein the height of the tubular element 176 decreases from the inlet 148 'to the outlet 159'. Furthermore, as the cross-section of the element 176 is increased, the flow of water through the element 176 is reduced, allowing additional UV disinfection time. In the illustrated embodiment, one UV tube or lamp 157 is centrally disposed within the element 145, and another UV tube 157 is disposed at a radially spaced location from the central UV tube 157. It will be appreciated that a series of UV tubes or lamps 157' may be spaced around the central tube 157 or, alternatively, may be used in place of the central tube 157 (e.g., as shown in fig. 63).

The top of element 176 has a similar structure to that of figures 56-58 and is provided with a cover 177 with a central opening to allow any gas or foam generated to be released from element 145. Alternatively, the lid 177 may be replaced with a waste channel similar to the waste channel 154 to vent gas or foam.

The embodiment of the liquid treatment device 178 shown in fig. 64 is similar in appearance to the embodiment shown in fig. 62 and 63. In this case, however, the UV treatment chamber comprises a central transparent or translucent tubular member 179 formed of a material such as quartz and surrounded by an enlarged tubular housing 180 having a reflective inner surface 181. A pair of UV lamps 157 are spaced at circumferential locations such that water flowing through the transparent or translucent member 179 contacts ultraviolet light while the lamps 157 remain dry. Of course, there may be any number of UV lamps 157 in the housing 180.

In the liquid treatment apparatus described in the above embodiment, the UV treatment chamber is provided separately from the ozone separator chamber. In the following examples, the pre-oxidation is achieved by UV treatment of the liquid or fluid in the ozone separator chamber. Fig. 65 and 66 show a pre-oxidation unit 210 comprising an upright elongate primary treatment chamber 211, the chamber 211 in this embodiment having a main lower portion 212 defined by a plastics pipe or tube and an upper portion 213 also formed by a plastics pipe or tube, which upper portion is connected to the pipe or tube of the lower portion 212 and is closed at its upper end by an end cap 214 having internal threads which mate with the upper end of the pipe or tube of the upper portion 213.

An inlet 215 for fluid to be treated is provided at the upper end of the chamber portion 212 and an outlet 216 is provided at the lower end of the chamber portion 212. To drain fluid from the chamber 211, the lower chamber portion 212 is connected via a valve 217 to a waste line 218, in this case a manual ball valve or gate valve.

A gas outlet 219 in the form of a gas stone is provided at the lower end of the chamber section 212 and is connected via a gas supply line 220 with an external gas connection 221 provided in the wall of the chamber section 212.

An ultraviolet lamp assembly 222 is mounted on end cap 214 and extends longitudinally into chamber 211 and is generally coaxial therewith. The lamp assembly 222 includes a transparent elongated hollow tube 223 closed at a lower end 224, the tube 223 being typically formed of quartz. The tube 223 is mounted on the end cap 214 by means of a hollow tubular holder 225 which is fixed to the centre of the end cap 214 and extends to the opposite side of the end cap. The tube 223 extends closely through the holder 225 such that the open upper end 226 of the tube is outside the chamber 211 and above the holder 225. The opposite end of the retainer 225 is threaded to mate with the compression nut 227 so that when tightened, a radial force is applied to the tube 223 and clamps the tube 223 to the retainer 225 on the opposite side of the end cap 214.

An elongated ultraviolet lamp or tube 228 is positioned within the tube 223 and extends longitudinally. Thus, the tube 228 does not directly contact the fluid within the chamber 211. A connection cable 229 for supplying power to the UV lamp 228 extends from the open upper end 226 of the tube 223. Typically, the UV tube 228 emits UV light having a wavelength of 254 nanometers.

The conduit or tube of the upper portion 213 includes a transparent portion 230 that defines a viewing window to allow visual observation of the process within the chamber 211. The upper part 213 also comprises a waste outlet 231 for discharging waste foam generated during the treatment.

In use, water or other liquid to be treated enters the inlet 215 and flows downwardly within the chamber 211 towards the outlet 216. The connection piece 221 is connected to a source of ozone or ozone-enriched air, which is supplied to the air stone so as to flow upward as bubbles by the water flowing downward. Power is also supplied to the UV tube 228 so that water and bubbles within the chamber 211 contact the ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet rays reflect the bubbles, thereby generating multiple reflections to enhance the contact of the water with the UV rays. The combination of ozone and UV light will kill bacteria and viruses in the water and the multiple flows through the chamber 211 will enhance disinfection and cleaning of the water. The high concentration of ozone within the chamber 211 may destroy and oxidize ferricyanide, sulfur, and other chemicals. Furthermore, the ozone is able to separate dirt and excess chemicals carried by the upward bubbles and form a foam in the upper part of the liquid in the chamber 211, which foam is discharged through the waste outlet 231.

The rate of ozone bubbles rising in the liquid can be controlled by controlling the flow of water or liquid. Control of the flow allows the bubbles to either rise faster or slower, or remain suspended. Therefore, ozone bubbles can have a long contact time within the chamber 211 and ensure effective sterilization. Control of the amount of ozone supplied may also control the flow of liquid through the chamber 211. Another benefit of the pre-oxidation process described above when used to treat water is that the pH of the water can be increased.

Referring now to fig. 67 and 68, there is shown a liquid treatment apparatus 232 of the liquid treatment device, which includes a pair of pre-oxidation units 210 as described above. The upright elongate hollow chambers 211 of each device 232 are spaced from one another and a T-shaped pipe connector 233 is connected to the inlet 215, wherein the free leg 234 of the connector 233 comprises an inlet for the liquid to be treated. A similar T-connector 235 is provided at and connected to the lower end of each chamber 211, with the leg 236 of the connector 235 including an outlet for liquid from the chamber 211. The T-connector 235 is configured such that its opposing arms are connected to the lower end of the chamber 211 by a bend. It should be noted that in this case, each chamber is not connected to the waste line 218 through the valve 217.

Each chamber 211 also has an outlet 231 connected to a waste channel 236, which is lower than the inlet 215 and comprises a transparent channel 237, allowing visual inspection of the foam waste flowing to the channel 236.

Also in this case, a venturi unit 238 is connected to the lower end of the chamber 211 above the T-shaped connector 235, thereby allowing ozone or ozone-enriched air to be introduced into the chamber 211. Each venturi unit 238 has an inlet 239 connected to the chamber 211 and an outlet 240 connected to the chamber 211 at a position lower than the inlet 239. The inlet 241 of the venturi unit 238 is connected to a source of gas, such as air or ozone, creating suction pressure, drawing liquid and gas through the inlet 239 and forcing them through the outlet 240 in the direction of arrow a in fig. 68. This introduces gas, such as ozone, into the lower end of the chamber 211 by drawing liquid out of the chamber 211 and mixing the liquid with the ozone before re-injection into the chamber 211. This enables recirculation of ozone within the chamber 211 and enhances ozone separation of the liquid in the chamber 211. Thus, ozone bubbles pass upwardly through each chamber 211 against the downward flow of liquid from the inlet 13 in the direction B downwardly through the chamber 211. This occurs in each chamber 211.

The outlet 216 of the chambers 211 is connected to the lower end of a common UV treatment chamber 242 via a T-connector 235 and via an elbow 243, the chamber 242 being defined by an upstanding tubular element or conduit located on the rearmost side of each chamber 211 and centred with respect to each chamber 211 such that each chamber 211 is symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the chamber 242. This enables the apparatus 232 to be stably seated on a flat support surface or floor. An Ultraviolet (UV) source in the form of a UV tube or lamp 244 is located within the chamber 242 and extends longitudinally. A tube or lamp 244 may be mounted on an end cap 245 of the chamber 242 in a similar manner as described for the tube or lamp 28 of fig. 65 and 66. The chamber 211 may also include a transparent inspection portion 246. An outlet 247 (defined by a T-connector) for treated liquid is disposed toward the upper end of the chamber 242, but below the inlet 234.

In use, liquid to be treated is supplied to inlet 234, shunted into chamber 211 of each pre-oxidation unit 210 and flows downwardly in direction B, while ozone or ozone-enriched air bubbles flow upwardly through chamber 211 while the liquid contacts the UV rays from lamps 28. Thus, the downwardly flowing liquid not only contacts the UV rays but also is subjected to the disinfecting wiping action of the ozone on the liquid. This results in disinfection and separation of the fluid, wherein the contaminant particles are transported upwards through the chamber 211, thereby creating a foam carrying the contaminants in the liquid at the upper end of the chamber 211, which is transported via the connecting conduit 231 to the foam waste channel 236.

Liquid reaching the lower end of the chamber 211 flows via the T-connector 235 to the individual UV treatment chambers 242 where it flows upwardly in direction C where it contacts UV light from the UV lamp 46 to kill pathogens in the liquid before being discharged from the outlet 247.

Since the fluid flowing through the inlet 13 is split into two chambers 211, the fluid flow through these chambers is 50% slower when passing through the pre-oxidation unit 210 than through the UV chambers 242 having the same cross-sectional area as each chamber 211. This allows for a longer ozone contact time to remove any foreign bodies or color and odor from the water. In addition, since the outlet 247 is lower than the inlet 234, the liquid flows through the unit 210 under gravity. In addition, by changing the sectional area or diameter of the chamber 211 or 242, a change in ozone contact time in the chamber 211 or UV ray contact in the chamber 242 can be achieved.

The liquid treatment apparatus 232 of the type described above may be combined in various configurations to form a liquid treatment device suitable for a wide range of applications. Thus, in the embodiment shown in fig. 69 and 70, in which like components have like reference numerals to the apparatus 232 of fig. 67 and 68, the liquid treatment installation 248 comprises 5 apparatuses 232 arranged in series, of which the first apparatus 232 ' has a single inlet 234 ' for the liquid to be treated and the last apparatus 232 "has a single outlet 247 ' for the treated liquid. The height of the chambers 211 and 242 of each apparatus 232 in each successive cell 210 is successively lowered so that the liquid being treated can flow under gravity from one cell 232 to the next cell 232 via the respective outlets 247, each outlet being configured lower than the outlet of the preceding cell 232. Further, it should be noted that the lower ends of each chamber 211 and 242 connected by the T-connector 235 (and elbow) are configured in substantially the same horizontal plane so that the device 248 can stand independently.

Further, in the apparatus 248, a common waste outlet conduit 236 is provided on each side of the apparatus 248 and is connected to the outlet of a respective venturi unit 249 connected to the upper end of the chambers 211, each venturi unit 249 being connected to a source of air or gas that can convert the foam from the chambers into liquid and direct the liquid waste collected from each chamber 211 to the waste line 236. The illustrated waste outlet line 236 slopes from the first unit 232' to the last unit 232 "so that the waste liquid flows under gravity to the waste heap.

The single outlet 247' provides a completely sterile and clean fluid that has been subjected to multiple pre-oxidation processes and UV treatments in the chambers 211 and 242.

Although the chambers 211 are generally used as pre-oxidation units to contact the liquid therein with UV rays and separate ozone, one or more of the chambers 211 may be configured to contact only the liquid therein with ozone for separation. Thus, one or more of the chambers 211 may have a UV lamp that is not operating or may not be provided with a UV lamp. Further, although apparatus 248 is shown as having 5 liquid treatment devices 232 connected in series, apparatus 248 may have only 2 such devices 232 or more than 5 devices 232 connected in series.

Referring now to fig. 70-73, a liquid treatment apparatus 250 similar to that of fig. 68-70 is shown, wherein like parts of the apparatus 232 and the apparatus 248 of fig. 67-69 bear like reference numerals. In this case, however, the apparatus 250 includes an ozone generator 251 for supplying ozone to the pre-oxidation unit 210 or the ozone separator 252. The pre-oxidation unit 210 and the ozone separator 252 have an ozone outlet at the lower end, such as an air stone 219 similar to that described in fig. 66 or a venturi unit 238 similar to that shown in fig. 69, for supplying bubbles of ozone or ozone-enriched air which bubble up through the downwardly flowing liquid.

The ozone generator 251 comprises a generally horizontal air inlet manifold 253 of U-shaped configuration, with respective arms 254 of the manifold located between the chambers 211 of the respective devices 232. An ozone outlet manifold 255 in a U-shaped configuration is located below the inlet manifold 253. A series of upstanding ozone generator tubes 256 are connected at their upper ends to an inlet manifold 253 and at their lower ends to an outlet manifold 255. UV lamps 257 are disposed in each tube 256 and mounted to end caps that are mounted to the upper ends of the tubes 256 to seal the tubes. The UV lamp typically provides UV radiation at a wavelength of 185 nm. Air supplied to the inlet manifold 253 enters each tube 256. When exposed to UV light from lamps 257, oxygen molecules in the air break up to form ozone that enters outlet manifold 255. The outlet manifold 255 is connected via a supply tube 259 to a U-shaped ozone supply manifold 258, the manifold 258 being disposed above the air manifold 254 and between the chambers 211.

The chamber 211 includes a gas stone 219 for supplying ozone to the lower end of the chamber 211, bubbling ozone upward through the liquid flowing downward through the chamber 211, a supply pipe 260 of a manifold 258 is connected to a connection 221 at the upper end of the chamber 211, and the connection 221 is connected to the gas stone 219 by an internal pipe (as shown in dashed outline). The valve 261 can control the supply of ozone to the air stone 219.

Optionally, a supply pipe 262 (shown in dashed outline) is connected via a valve 262' to the venturi unit 238 described above for supplying ozone to the lower end of the chamber 211.

In order to treat the liquid in the chambers 211 with electrical pulses, one or more of the chambers 211 may also be provided with electrical connections 263 to which electrical pulse current may be applied. Alternatively, if it is desired to ionize water to increase the pH, an ionization unit may be connected or in communication with one or more chambers 211 to treat the liquid flowing therein. This can be achieved by using electrodes in the cross-channel between the chambers 211, as shown in dashed outline at 263' in figure 71. The electrodes may also be used to chloridize the water flowing to the chamber 211. Similar electrodes may be used in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 67-69.

Referring now to figures 74 and 75, there is shown another liquid treatment apparatus 264 similar to that described in connection with figures 32 to 34, however, in this case the stepped ozone separator element 94 shown in figures 32 to 34 is replaced by a pre-oxidation unit 265 arranged in series with a UV treatment unit 266, the pre-oxidation unit 265 and the UV treatment unit 266 having successively lower heights. The pre-oxidation unit 265 includes a UV tube 267 and components for introducing ozone or ozone-enriched air into the lower portion of the unit, such as the venturi unit 268. Flow occurs from the upper inlet 269 to the lower outlet 270.

The apparatus 274 shown in FIGS. 76-78 has pre-oxidation units 275 and UV treatment units 276 arranged alternately in two columns 277 and 278. The inlet 279 is connected to the first oxidation unit 275 and the outlet 280 is connected to the last unit 276. The flow from the oxidation units 275 in one column 277 or 278 to the UV treatment units 276 in the other column 278 or 277 occurs through the device 274 by the U-shaped connecting passage 281 connecting the undersides of the units 275 and 276 as indicated by the arrows in fig. 76. In addition, each of the cells 275 and 276 has a chamber with an enlarged cross-section. This allows the UV treatment unit 276 to have not only a central UV lamp 282 but also additional UV lamps 282'. It will be appreciated that the chambers of each unit 275 and 276 may have different diameters or cross-sections.

The apparatus 283 shown in FIGS. 79-81 has pre-oxidation units 210 similar to those of FIGS. 65 and 66 arranged in separate two columns or rows. Like components to the unit 210 shown in fig. 65 and 66 have like reference numerals. The outlet 216 of each unit 210 is connected to the lower end of a UV treatment unit 284. the UV treatment unit 284 is positioned upright adjacent the next pre-oxidation unit 210 so that liquid flows upwardly through the UV unit 284 to contact the UV light provided by the lamp 285. The upper end of each UV cell 284 is connected to the upper end of an adjacent oxidation cell 210 to allow liquid to flow downward through each cell 210. Treated liquid is discharged from outlet 216.

Each cell 210 has a successively lower height from the inlet 215 to the outlet 216, the outlet of each UV cell 284 being connected to an oxidation cell 210 lower than the inlet of the preceding cell 210, so that liquid flows under gravity from the inlet 215 to the outlet 216. The waste outlet 231 is connected to a common waste conduit 286.

The liquid treatment apparatus 287 shown in FIGS. 82 and 83 is similar to that described in connection with FIGS. 42 to 47, however, in this case a first set of pre-oxidation units 288 of the type described above replaces the oxidation chamber 127 shown in FIGS. 42 to 47 and defines a treatment chamber 289. Each chamber 289 has an upstanding inlet 290 at its upper end and the inlets 290 of the elements are connected to a common transversely extending inlet manifold 291 from which inlet conduits 292 extend. Each chamber 289 carries a UV lamp 293 for pre-oxidising the liquid flowing in the chamber. The apparatus 287 further comprises a UV treatment chamber 294 into which extends a central UV lamp 295 and a further pair of lamps 296 symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the central lamp 295.

Liquid entering inlet 292 undergoes pre-oxidation and UV treatment as it flows through chambers 289 and 294. Although the device of fig. 82 is shown with pre-oxidation cells 288 in each row of the device, some cells 288 may not be provided with UV lamps so that the liquid flowing therein is subjected to ozone separation only. The cells 288 and chambers 294 may be arranged in any combination and in any order.

The liquid treatment apparatus 297 shown in fig. 84 and 85 uses a pre-oxidation unit 288 and a UV treatment chamber 294 similar to that described in fig. 82 and 83. In this case, a single UV treatment chamber 294 follows a pair of cells 288, and a single chamber 294 is followed by a pair of cells 288. This pattern continues throughout the device 297 from an inlet 298 provided at the upper end of each preceding cell 288 to an outlet 299 provided at the lower end of the following cell 288. The lower sides of the unit 288 and the chamber 294 are connected together by a connecting channel 300 from the unit 288 to the chamber 294 and the upper sides are connected together by another connecting channel 301 from the chamber 294 to the unit 288. Channels 300 and 301 also serve to divert flow through device 297.

Thus, liquid flowing into the inlet 298 flows downwardly through the unit 288 and drains into the connecting passage 300, where it flows to the lower end of the single UV treatment chamber 294 and upwardly therethrough. Flow from the upper end of the chamber 294 is split into the respective connecting channels 301, flows to the upper ends of the next pair of cells 288 and flows downwardly through the pair of cells. In this manner, flow continues through the device 297 and exits the outlet 299. The unit 288 and chamber 294 have successively lower heights to flow under gravity through the device 297.

The embodiment of the liquid treatment device 302 shown in FIGS. 86-88 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 26 and includes a chamber having a structure similar to the chamber 82 of the device shown in FIG. 26, with the cross-section of the chamber decreasing from the lower end toward the upper end. In this case, however, each chamber 82 includes a pre-oxidation unit 303 into which the UV lamp extends. In other aspects, the device has the functionality described in connection with fig. 26.

Referring now to fig. 89 and 90, there is shown a waste extraction unit 306 for processing waste extracted from the liquid treatment apparatus described above. The unit 306 comprises a main chamber 307 connected to a vacuum pump 308 and an inlet conduit 309 connected to one or more waste outlet conduits of the liquid treatment apparatus described above. The bottom of chamber 307 includes an outlet passage 310 that extends upward into chamber 307. The shroud 311 extends over the upper end of the channel 310 forming a dump elbow, with the upper edge 312 of the channel 310 defining a weir around which water can flow to waste. A pair of UV lamps 313 also extend into the chamber 307, the lamps 313 emitting UV light of a wavelength capable of decomposing ozone.

Operation of the pump 308 creates a suction pressure in the chamber 307, drawing waste liquid and ozone into the chamber 307 through conduit 309, the liquid being collected at the bottom of the chamber 307 and entering the outlet channel 310 when the liquid level reaches the weir edge 312, as shown in dashed outline at 314. This forms a liquid seal at the lower end of the chamber 307 that prevents gas from exiting through the passage 310. The gas such as ozone in the chamber 307 contacts the UV rays emitted from the lamp 313 and is thus broken or decomposed. Continued operation of the pump 308 causes the treated gas to pass through the pump outlet 315 to the atmosphere.

Many variations may be made to the operation of the liquid treatment device described in the above embodiments. For example, the concentration of ozone introduced into the pre-oxidation chamber may vary. In addition, the apparatus may have any combination of pre-oxidation units and UV treatment units of the types described above. The hydrogen peroxide may be introduced into the primary processing chamber as a gas. Alternatively or additionally, the hydrogen peroxide may be introduced as a liquid before or during the flow of the fluid through the chamber. For the UV sterilization, UV lamps emitting UV rays in a low frequency range, a medium frequency range and a high frequency range, i.e., wavelength ranges of 100-. The disinfection wavelength is typically in the low frequency range.

Although the chambers of the cells typically have a circular cross-section, they may have other cross-sections. As described above, various components may be used to introduce the sterilizing gas into the pre-oxidation chamber. Further, in each of the above devices, the ionization unit or chlorination unit may be connected or in communication with one or more chambers of the pre-oxidation unit, or with any other flow path of the device for treating the liquid flowing therein. Various combinations of the waste foam removal means described above may be provided in any of the above embodiments as desired.

For example, as shown in the embodiment of fig. 37, the cross-section of the treatment chamber may be enlarged to reduce flow through the chamber and thus increase contact of the chamber with the disinfectant and/or UV rays.

Furthermore, the embodiments of the liquid treatment device described above may be combined with additional filtering means, such as carbon filters or sieve or drum filters.

The above-described device is particularly suitable for cleaning of waste water from biologically toxic or non-degradable materials such as fragrances, pesticides, petroleum components and volatile organic compounds, where the contaminated material is largely converted to stable inorganic compounds such as water, carbon dioxide and salts. When applied to contaminated water, cleaned wastewater may be used, as desired.

It should be noted that the reference to prior art in this document is not an admission that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art.

In the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the presence of stated features, integers or components but not the exclusion of the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components or groups thereof.

While the foregoing description has been given of illustrative embodiments of the invention, all modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (36)

1. A fluid purification or treatment apparatus comprising at least one vertically elongate primary treatment chamber; an inlet for a fluid to be treated at an upper end of the chamber; a chamber outlet at a lower end of the chamber such that fluid flows downwardly through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet; means for introducing a sterilant into the lower end of the chamber so that the sterilant bubbles upwardly through the liquid flowing downwardly through the chamber; means at the upper end of the chamber for removing waste in the liquid conveyed by the bubbles up through the chamber; and means for exposing the gas treated liquid from the chamber to ultraviolet light.

2. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for introducing a disinfectant into said primary treatment chamber comprises one or more gas outlets including one or more of an air stone, a gas permeable conduit, a diffuser or an external venturi communicating with said primary treatment chamber and a source of disinfectant and said means at the upper end of said chamber for removing waste comprises an inverted U-shaped trap and/or a venturi unit.

3. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further including a further chamber communicating with said primary treatment chamber outlet and a source of ultraviolet light within said further chamber whereby liquid from said primary treatment chamber is exposed to ultraviolet light within said further chamber, said source of ultraviolet light comprising at least one ultraviolet lamp or tube extending longitudinally within said further chamber and further including said further chamber outlet, said further chamber outlet being lower than said inlet such that fluid can flow through said apparatus under the influence of gravity.

4. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the or each said chamber is defined by an elongate upstanding tubular member.

5. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 4 and including a series of alternate interconnected primary treatment chambers and further chambers whereby fluid flowing through said apparatus is subjected to a plurality of treatments.

6. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said further chambers are connected between the outlet of a primary treatment chamber and the inlet of an adjacent primary treatment chamber, said further chambers being inclined between adjacent said primary treatment chambers and one or more of said further chambers being provided with no uv source or being inoperative.

7. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein at least some of said primary treatment chambers are of successively decreasing height from the inlet of said apparatus to the outlet of said apparatus and at least some of said further chambers are of successively decreasing height or length from the inlet of said apparatus to the outlet of said apparatus and said primary and further chambers are arranged in a transverse row, the inlets of said primary treatment chambers being connected to an inlet mixing manifold and the outlets of said primary treatment chambers being connected to an outlet mixing manifold, said outlet mixing manifold being connected to the inlets of said further chambers via transfer channels.

8. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said transfer passage is connected to an inlet mixing manifold connected to the inlet of said further chamber and said transfer passage connects said primary treatment chamber to the upper end of said further chamber whereby flow through said primary and further chambers is in the same direction.

9. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the waste removal means of each said primary treatment chamber is connected to one or more common waste conduits.

10. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the lower end of each said chamber is selectively connectable to one or more common drainage conduits or channels to allow drainage of said chambers.

11. A fluid treatment or purification apparatus comprising at least one fluid treatment or purification unit, said unit comprising a pair of primary treatment chambers; an inlet at the upper end of each of said primary treatment chambers for fluid to be cleaned or treated such that fluid flows downwardly through said chambers; means for supplying a sterilant to the primary treatment chamber such that the sterilant bubbles upwardly through fluid flowing downwardly through the primary treatment chamber, thereby effecting ozone separation of the fluid; means at the upper end of the primary treatment chamber for removing waste in the fluid conveyed by bubbles of sterilant passing upwardly through the chamber, the respective lower end of the primary treatment chamber being connected to the lower end of the further chamber so that fluid flows upwardly through the further chamber; means for contacting the liquid in the further chamber directly or indirectly with ultraviolet light; and an outlet for treated liquid at the upper end of the further chamber.

12. Fluid treatment or purification apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the outlet for said treated liquid is lower than said inlet such that fluid flows by gravity through the or each liquid treatment unit.

13. Fluid treatment or purification apparatus as claimed in claim 12 and further comprising a plurality of said fluid treatment units wherein the respective inlets of each primary treatment chamber are connected to each other and to the outlet of the immediately preceding said further chamber and the lower ends of the primary and further chambers are in substantially the same horizontal plane so that the apparatus can stand independently.

14. Fluid treatment or purification apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said means for removing waste comprises an inverted U-shaped waste trap member at the upper end of said primary treatment chambers, said waste trap member being connected to at least one common waste conduit or line extending between said primary treatment chambers.

15. Fluid treatment or purification apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said means for removing waste comprises a venturi unit at the upper end of each of said primary treatment chambers.

16. Fluid treatment or purification apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the lower ends of said primary treatment chambers and further chambers are connectable to one or more common drainage pipes or channels to allow drainage of said chambers.

17. Fluid treatment or purification apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said further chamber comprises a transparent inner flow tube and an outer housing surrounding said flow tube and at least one source of ultraviolet light is located within said outer housing such that fluid flowing through said tube is exposed to ultraviolet light.

18. Fluid treatment or purification apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein one or more of said primary treatment chambers have a decreasing cross-section from a lower end to an upper end of said primary treatment chamber.

19. Fluid treatment or purification apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein one or more of said primary treatment chambers comprises a plurality of joined or interconnected chamber portions, each said chamber portion having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the immediately underlying chamber portion.

20. A fluid purification or treatment apparatus comprising at least one pre-oxidation unit, said pre-oxidation unit comprising at least one upright elongate primary treatment chamber; an inlet for a fluid to be treated at an upper end of the chamber; a chamber outlet at a lower end of the chamber; means for introducing a disinfectant into the lower end of the chamber; means at the upper end of the chamber for removing waste in the liquid conveyed by bubbles of sterilant passing upwardly through the chamber; and means in the chamber for exposing the fluid to ultraviolet light.

21. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein said means for exposing fluid in said chamber to ultraviolet radiation comprises at least one elongate ultraviolet lamp or tube extending longitudinally within said chamber.

22. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the or each said chamber is defined by an elongate upstanding tubular member.

23. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein said upstanding tubular member includes an end cap, said at least one ultraviolet lamp or tube being mounted on said end cap and said at least one ultraviolet lamp being located within a transparent tube mounted on said end cap such that ultraviolet light does not come into direct contact with fluid flowing through said chamber.

24. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein said means for introducing a disinfectant into said primary treatment chamber comprises one or more gas outlets including one or more of an air stone, a gas permeable pipe, a diffuser or an external venturi communicating with said primary treatment chamber and a source of disinfectant.

25. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 24 and further including means for selectively controlling the flow of sterilant to said one or more gas outlets.

26. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 24 and including at least one fluid treatment device including a pair of said pre-oxidation units, the inlets of each primary treatment chamber of said units being interconnected and the respective lower ends of said primary treatment chambers being connected to the lower end of the other chamber so that fluid flows upwardly through said other chamber; means for contacting the liquid in the further chamber directly or indirectly with ultraviolet light; and an outlet for treated liquid at the upper end of the further chamber.

27. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 26 and further comprising a plurality of said devices connected to one another, the outlet of another chamber of at least one said device being connected to the interconnected inlet of a primary treatment chamber of an adjacent said device, the lower ends of said chambers being in substantially the same horizontal plane and at least some of said chambers having a reduced height from the inlet to the outlet of said apparatus.

28. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein one or more of said further chambers are provided without a source of uv light or are inoperative.

29. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 24 wherein said means for introducing a disinfectant into one or more of said primary treatment chambers comprises means for introducing air into said primary treatment chamber and one or more of said primary treatment chambers is not provided with a disinfectant introducing means or is inoperative.

30. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein said primary treatment chambers and further chambers are arranged in two rows or columns, each row or column comprising alternating primary treatment chambers and further chambers and means for interconnecting a primary treatment chamber in one row with an adjacent further chamber in another row, and wherein said primary treatment chambers and further chambers are arranged in transverse rows, the inlets of said primary treatment chambers being connected to an inlet mixing manifold, the outlets of said primary treatment chambers being connected to an outlet mixing manifold, said outlet mixing manifold being connected to the inlets of said further chambers via transfer channels.

31. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein said transfer passage is connected to an inlet mixing manifold connected to an inlet of said further chamber.

32. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 30 and including at least one pair of primary treatment chambers connected to another chamber whereby fluid flowing in said primary treatment chambers flows through said other chamber.

33. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein one or more of said primary treatment chambers has a decreasing cross-section from a lower end to an upper end of said primary treatment chamber and one or more of said primary treatment chambers comprises a plurality of interconnected chamber portions, each of said chamber portions having a cross-section which is less than the cross-section of the immediately underlying chamber portion.

34. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 33 and including one or more means for ionising, chloridizing or applying electrical pulses to fluid flowing through said apparatus.

35. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 34 wherein said disinfectant comprises ozone or ozone enriched air, said apparatus further comprising ozone generating means for supplying ozone or ozone enriched air to said primary treatment chamber, said ozone generating means comprising one or more elongate upright chambers, one or more ultraviolet lamps within said one or more chambers and means for passing air through said chambers, the ultraviolet light from said lamps having a frequency which converts oxygen in the air into ozone.

36. Fluid purification or treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 35 further comprising treatment means for treating waste from said apparatus, said treatment means comprising a waste chamber having an inlet for receiving waste, a vacuum or suction pump connected to said waste chamber, at least one uv source within said chamber for destroying gas in said waste chamber and an outlet from said chamber, and further comprising a fluid trap connected to said outlet for preventing gas from passing through said outlet.