WO2011103269A1

WO2011103269A1 - Radiation delivery systems for fluid and vessel decontamination

Info

Publication number: WO2011103269A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/025197
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jennifer Godwin Pagan; Rosanna W. Stokes; Paolo Batoni
Original assignee: Dot Metrics Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-02-17
Filing date: 2011-02-17
Publication date: 2011-08-25

Abstract

The present invention provides generally radiation delivery systems for fluid and vessel decontamination. More specifically, the present invention provides radiation delivery systems that are used to locally decontaminate a vessel, such that a fluid contained therein is also decontaminated, both directly and indirectly. These systems are either placed at a predetermined location within a fluid vessel or conduit that regularly experiences problematic contamination or are deployed and traverse predetermined portions of the fluid vessel or conduit in a controlled manner. Exemplary applications include, but are not limited to, faucet and drain decontamination and "pipe crawlers."

Description

RADIATION DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR

FLUID AND VESSEL DECONTAMINATION

Jennifer G. PAGAN

Rosanna W. STOKES

Paolo BATONI

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present patent application/patent claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/305,215, filed on February 17, 2010, and entitled "RADIATION SOURCE FLUID TREATMENT SYSTEM" and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/368,689, filed on July 29, 2010, and entitled "RADIATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR VESSEL DECONTAMINATION," the contents of both of which are incorporated in full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to radiation delivery systems for fluid and vessel decontamination. More specifically, the present invention relates to radiation delivery systems that are used to locally decontaminate a vessel, such that a fluid contained therein is also decontaminated, both directly and indirectly. These systems are either placed at a predetermined location within a fluid vessel or conduit that regularly experiences problematic contamination or are deployed and traverse predetermined portions of the fluid vessel or conduit in a controlled manner. Exemplary applications include, but are not limited to, faucet and drain decontamination and "pipe crawlers."

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art that ultraviolet (UV) radiation may be used to inactivate bacteria, viruses, molds, spores, cysts, and the like in fluids, such as water, air, blood, blood plasma, oil, etc. UV radiation is currently used for such purposes in both commercial point-of-use water disinfection systems and municipal wastewater treatment systems. Typically, the water is exposed to this UV radiation (via light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or the like) after it has been filtered to remove particulates, thereby inactivating microorganisms that are unsafe for human consumption.

[0004] For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,676,896 (Norton) discloses a water purifier unit that is mounted on the outlet end of a faucet that includes a housing defining an inlet port, a labyrinth flow passage, and an output port. The flow passage communicates between the inlet and outlet ports, with the housing carrying a wall formed of ultraviolet-transmissive material adjacent to the labyrinth flow passage. An ultraviolet radiation source is positioned to irradiate the labyrinth flow passage through the wall. In the illustrative embodiment, means are provided for mounting the unit with the inlet port directly connected to the outlet of the faucet.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 6,773,584 (Saccomanno) discloses that ultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect water in a flow tube, where the flow tube acts a fluid filled light guide for the ultraviolet radiation and the ultraviolet radiation propagates through the flow tube via total internal reflection.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 7,270,748 (Lieggi) discloses an integrated flow through water sterilization device within a sanitary faucet fixture. A portion of the flow path has a plurality of ultraviolet radiation generating LEDs arranged around a transparent flow conduit within the faucet. The ultraviolet radiation generating LEDs effectively sterilize the water as it flows through and is dispensed by the faucet. A hydro-electric generator is driven by a water flow to the faucet upon demand and provides electrical power for the ultraviolet radiation generating LEDs as water is used.

[0007] These water purifiers, disinfecters, and sterilizers, however, suffer from the fact that none is designed to adequately decontaminate a predetermined location within a fluid vessel or conduit that regularly experiences problematic contamination or is deployed and traverses predetermined portions of the fluid vessel or conduit in a controlled manner. Other such systems suffer from similar shortcomings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a radiation delivery system that includes a collar structure through which a fluid selectively flows. This collar structure contains one or more radiation sources (such as one or more LEDs) that are configured to selectively expose the inner surface of the collar structure and the fluid to UV radiation or the like, such that the inner surface of the collar structure and the fluid are thereby decontaminated. Accordingly, the one or more radiation sources are disposed at least partially through the wall(s) of the collar structure, and are optionally disposed behind one or more radiation-transmissive windows. The one or more radiation sources are also coupled to an appropriate power supply and electronic circuitry, which are optionally disposed externally to the collar structure. The one or more radiation sources may apply one or more wavelengths of radiation over one or more periods of time, and wavelength, spectral intensity, and/or power may be monitored and controlled using an appropriate feedback loop.

[0009] In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention also provides a radiation delivery system that includes a capsule structure that is selectively disposed in a fluid flowing through a vessel, conduit, or plurality of conduits. This capsule structure contains one or more radiation sources (such as one or more LEDs) that are configured to selectively expose the inner surface of the vessel, conduit, or plurality of conduits and the fluid to UV radiation or the like, such that the inner surface(s) of the vessel, conduit, or plurality of conduits and the fluid are thereby decontaminated. Accordingly, the one or more radiation sources are disposed at least partially through the wall(s) of the capsule structure, and are optionally disposed behind one or more radiation-transmissive windows. Alternatively, the one or more radiation sources are disposed within a fluid-tight polymeric material or the like. The one or more radiation sources are also coupled to an appropriate power supply and electronic circuitry, which are optionally disposed internally to the capsule structure. The one or more radiation sources may apply one or more wavelengths of radiation over one or more periods of time, and wavelength, spectral intensity, and/or power may be monitored and controlled using an appropriate feedback loop. Optionally, the capsule structure includes a gyroscopic power generator and/or global positioning system (GPS) tracking equipment.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a radiation delivery system for decontaminating a portion of a conduit system, a vessel, and/or a fluid flow, comprising: a collar structure comprising one or more radiation- transmissive windows disposed about an interior portion thereof; and one or more radiation sources disposed adjacent to the one or more radiation-transmissive windows, such that the one or more radiation sources are separated from a space defined by the interior portion of the collar structure but are able to selectively direct radiation into it. The collar structure comprises an inner fluid conduit and an outer housing. Optionally, the one or more radiation-transmissive windows comprise one or more lenses. The radiation delivery system further comprises a power source coupled to the one or more radiation sources. The radiation delivery system further comprises a controller coupled to the one or more radiation sources. Optionally, the power source and the controller are disposed externally to the collar structure. The radiation delivery system further comprises a photo-detector that is in optical communication with the interior portion of the collar structure. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources are activated for a predetermined period of time. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources are activated in a predetermined sequence.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a radiation delivery system for decontaminating a conduit system, a vessel, and/or a fluid flow, comprising: a housing comprising one or more radiation-transmissive windows disposed about an exterior portion thereof; and one or more radiation sources disposed within the housing adjacent to the one or more radiation-transmissive windows, such that the one or more radiation sources are separated from a space defined by the exterior portion of the housing but are able to selectively direct radiation out of the housing. Optionally, the housing comprises a solid polymeric capsule. Optionally, the one or more radiation-transmissive windows comprise one or more lenses. The radiation delivery system further comprises a power source coupled to the one or more radiation sources. The radiation delivery system further comprises a controller coupled to the one or more radiation sources. Optionally, the power source and the controller are disposed within the housing. The radiation delivery system further comprises a photo-detector that is in optical communication with the exterior portion of the housing. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources are activated for a predetermined period of time. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources are activated in a predetermined sequence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like aspects, as appropriate, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the stationary radiation delivery system of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a planar side view of one exemplary embodiment of the stationary radiation delivery system of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional end view of one exemplary embodiment of the stationary radiation delivery system of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one exemplary embodiment of the stationary radiation delivery system of the present invention; and

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one exemplary embodiment of the mobile radiation delivery system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a radiation delivery system 10 that includes a collar structure 12 through which a fluid (liquid or gas) selectively flows. In the embodiment illustrated, the collar structure 12 is adapted to be attached to the end portion of a faucet or the like, which is an area that frequently experiences undesirable microorganism growth. Accordingly, the collar structure 12 includes an upper threaded portion 14 for attachment to the end portion of the faucet or the like and a lower aerator portion 16, as is typically included in the end portion of the faucet or the like. In other applications, the collar structure 12 may consist of a coupler that is suitable for placement between other structures, such as at the drain of a sink (especially a medical sink) between the basin and associated piping, an elongated pipe or straight or curved joint piece that is suitable for placement between other pipes, etc., such that the collar structure 12 may be placed in any area that experiences undesirable microorganism growth, especially on the surfaces of internal walls or structures, etc. The collar structure 12 is an annular structure having a central fluid conduit 18 and an outer housing 20. In the embodiment illustrated, all of these components have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, although this is not a requirement, and other suitable cross-sectional shapes may be utilized. The outer housing 20 contains, and along with the fluid conduit 18, optionally environmentally seals and protects, one or more radiation sources 22 (FIG. 3) (such as one or more LEDs, mercury-based lamps, or the like) that are configured to selectively expose the inner surface 24 or other internal structures of the fluid conduit 18 and the fluid itself to UV radiation or the like, such that the inner surface 24 or other internal structures of the fluid conduit 18 and the fluid itself are thereby decontaminated. The one or more radiation sources 22 may deliver UV radiation (i.e. less than 400 nm), visible radiation (i.e. from 400-700 nm), and/or infrared (IR) radiation (i.e. from 700-3000 nm), as desired. Accordingly, the one or more radiation sources 22 are disposed at least partially through the wall(s) of the fluid conduit 18, and are optionally disposed behind one or more radiation-transmissive windows 26, with the remainder of the fluid conduit 18 being otherwise radiation-blocking and/or radiation-reflective. The one or more radiation-transmissive windows 26 may consist of one or more glass, quartz, sol-gel, or silicone windows or the like. Optionally, the one or more radiation- transmissive windows 26 may each include a lens that is designed to focus or scatter the transmitted radiation in a predetermined pattern as determined by the shape, radius of curvature, and/or material of the lens, which may be made of glass, quartz, sol-gel, or silicone, and which may or may not have a dielectric coating. The fluid conduit 18 and outer housing 20 of the collar structure 12 may be made of a metal, a plastic, or any other suitable material, and the interior of the fluid conduit may include a dielectric coating.

[0019] Referring specifically to FIG. 3, in one exemplary embodiment, the one or more radiation sources 22 may consist of one or more point radiation sources that are arranged concentrically around the interior of the fluid conduit 18 and/or along its vertical length. Alternatively, the one or more radiation sources 22 may consist of one or more concentrically or vertically-arranged linear or bulk radiation sources or the like. It should be noted that any suitable radiation sources and any suitable configuration may be utilized as long as adequate irradiation of the interior of the fluid conduit 18 is achieved. This configuration may be optimized through experimentation and testing. The one or more radiation sources 22 may be operated in a continuous wave mode (with a duty cycle of 100%), a pulsed mode (with a duty cycle of less than 100%), or a combination thereof.

[0020] Referring specifically to FIG. 4, in one exemplary embodiment, the one or more radiation sources 22 (FIG. 3) are also coupled to an appropriate power supply 28 (i.e. battery, line source, hydroelectric generator, solar cell, or the like) and electronic circuitry 30, which are optionally disposed externally to the collar structure 12 (FIGS. 1-3). For example, the power supply 28 and electronic circuitry 30 may be disposed in an environmentally-sealed control housing 32 or the like disposed substantially adjacent to the collar structure 12. Using the electronic circuitry 30 or other external control, the one or more radiation sources 22 may apply one or more wavelengths of radiation over one or more periods of time, such as on an interval basis or when the fluid flow is activated, for example, and wavelength, spectral intensity, and/or power may be monitored and controlled using an appropriate feedback loop. This requires the use of timing circuitry, a flow sensor, a photo- detector, and/or the like, with the flow sensor and/or photo-detector preferably having direct or indirect access to the fluid flow and irradiation light in the collar structure 12, respectively. The control housing 32 further comprises an activation switch 34 and an indicator light 36 (FIGS. 1 and 2) by which the radiation delivery system 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is activated and, optionally, an operational mode is selected and/or adjusted. The radiation delivery system 10 may operate based on fixed programming, or may be selectively programmable by a user. Optionally, each radiation source 22 may be individually and separately activated, in sequence or otherwise.

[0021] Referring again specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one exemplary embodiment, the collar structure 12 is coupled to the control housing 32 via a sleeve 38 that contains the appropriate electrical connections among the components, etc.

[0022] Referring specifically to FIG. 5, in one exemplary embodiment, the present invention also provides a radiation delivery system 50 that includes a curvilinear, environmentally- sealed housing 52 that is selectively disposed in a conduit system, vessel, and/or fluid that experiences undesirable microorganism growth and that it is desirable to decontaminate. Due to the housing's curvilinear shape, it may traverse a wide variety of piping systems, either in a free-flowing or controlled and/or driven manner, without becoming entrapped. Accordingly, a variety of shapes and sizes may be utilized in conjunction with the housing 52. Preferably, the housing 52 is substantially hollow and defines an interior compartment 54. In the embodiment illustrated, the housing 52 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, although this is not a requirement, and other suitable cross-sectional shapes may be utilized. The housing 52 environmentally seals and protects one or more radiation sources 22 (such as one or more LEDs, mercury-based lamps, or the like) that are configured to selectively expose the conduit system, vessel, and/or fluid to UV radiation or the like, such that the interior surfaces/structures and the fluid itself are thereby decontaminated. The one or more radiation sources 22 may deliver UV radiation (i.e. less than 400 nm), visible radiation (i.e. from 400-700 nm), and/or infrared (IR) radiation (i.e. from 700-3000 nm), as desired. Accordingly, the one or more radiation sources 22 are disposed at least partially through the wall(s) of the housing 52, and are optionally disposed behind one or more radiation-transmissive windows 26, with the remainder of the housing 52 being otherwise radiation-blocking and/or radiation- reflective. The one or more radiation-transmissive windows 26 may consist of one or more glass, quartz, sol-gel, or silicone windows or the like. Optionally, the one or more radiation-transmissive windows 26 may each include a lens that is designed to focus or scatter the transmitted radiation in a predetermined pattern as determined by the shape, radius of curvature, and/or material of the lens, which may be made of glass, quartz, sol-gel, or silicone, and which may or may not have a dielectric coating. The housing 52 may be made of a metal, a plastic, an elastomer, a ceramic material, wood, a composite material, or any other suitable material.

[0023] The one or more radiation sources 22 may consist of one or more point radiation sources that are arranged concentrically around the housing 52 and/or along its length. Alternatively, the one or more radiation sources 22 may consist of one or more concentrically or vertically-arranged linear or bulk radiation sources or the like. It should be noted that any suitable radiation sources and any suitable configuration may be utilized as long as adequate irradiation is provided. This configuration may be optimized through experimentation and testing. The one or more radiation sources 22 may be operated in a continuous wave mode (with a duty cycle of 100%), a pulsed mode (with a duty cycle of less than 100%), or a combination thereof.

[0024] The one or more radiation sources 22 are also coupled to an appropriate power supply 28 (i.e. battery, photovoltaic cell, fuel cell, line source, gyroscopic generator, hydroelectric generator, solar cell, or the like) and electronic circuitry 30. The power supply 28 and electronic circuitry 30 may also be disposed in the housing 52. Using the electronic circuitry 30 or other external control, the one or more radiation sources 22 may apply one or more wavelengths of radiation continuously, over one or more periods of time, such as on an interval basis, or on command, for example, and wavelength, spectral intensity, and/or power may be monitored and controlled using an appropriate feedback loop. This requires the use of timing circuitry, a flow sensor, a photo-detector, and/or the like, with the flow sensor and/or photo-detector preferably having direct or indirect access to the fluid flow and irradiation light, respectively. The housing 52 further comprises an activation switch 34 and an indicator light 36 by which the radiation delivery system 50 is activated and, optionally, an operational mode is selected and/or adjusted. The radiation delivery system 50 may operate based on fixed programming, or may be selectively programmable by a user. Optionally, each radiation source 22 may be individually and separately activated, in sequence or otherwise.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the housing 52 is replaced by a polymeric capsule that is transparent to the radiation in which all of the other components are encased. Optionally, the housing 52 or polymeric capsule may also be tracked via a GPS chip or the like. Further, the housing 52 or polymeric capsule may be remotely controlled and telemetry monitored via a wireless transmitter. Still further, the housing 52 or polymeric capsule may be coated with a radiation-transparent material that is designed to absorb shocks and/or prevent corrosion. Finally, the housing 52 or polymeric capsule may be tethered for external power supply, control, and/or retrieval.

[0026] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. Likewise, it will be apparent that other applications of the disclosed technology are possible. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A radiation delivery system for decontaminating a portion of a conduit system, a vessel, and/or a fluid flow, comprising:

a collar structure comprising one or more radiation-transmissive windows disposed about an interior portion thereof; and

one or more radiation sources disposed adjacent to the one or more radiation- transmissive windows, such that the one or more radiation sources are separated from a space defined by the interior portion of the collar structure but are able to selectively direct radiation into it.

2. The radiation delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the collar structure comprises an inner fluid conduit and an outer housing.

3. The radiation delivery system of claim 1, wherein the one or more radiation- transmissive windows comprise one or more lenses.

4. The radiation delivery system of claim 1 , further comprising a power source coupled to the one or more radiation sources.

5. The radiation delivery system of claim 4, further comprising a controller coupled to the one or more radiation sources.

6. The radiation delivery system of claim 5, wherein the power source and the controller are disposed externally to the collar structure.

7. The radiation delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a photo-detector that is in optical communication with the interior portion of the collar structure.

8. The radiation delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more radiation sources are activated for a predetermined period of time.

9. The radiation delivery system of claim 1, wherein the one or more radiation sources are activated in a predetermined sequence.

10. A radiation delivery system for decontaminating a conduit system, a vessel, and/or a fluid flow, comprising:

a housing comprising one or more radiation-transmissive windows disposed about an exterior portion thereof; and

one or more radiation sources disposed within the housing adjacent to the one or more radiation-transmissive windows, such that the one or more radiation sources are separated from a space defined by the exterior portion of the housing but are able to selectively direct radiation out of the housing.

1 1. The radiation delivery system of claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a solid polymeric capsule.

12. The radiation delivery system of claim 10, wherein the one or more radiation- transmissive windows comprise one or more lenses.

13. The radiation delivery system of claim 10, further comprising a power source coupled to the one or more radiation sources.

14. The radiation delivery system of claim 13, further comprising a controller coupled to the one or more radiation sources.

15. The radiation delivery system of claim 14, wherein the power source and the controller are disposed within the housing.

16. The radiation delivery system of claim 10, further comprising a photo-detector that is in optical communication with the exterior portion of the housing.

17. The radiation delivery system of claim 10, wherein the one or more radiation sources are activated for a predetermined period of time.

18. The radiation delivery system of claim 10, wherein the one or more radiation sources are activated in a predetermined sequence.