Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus for sterilizing drinks comprises an elongated tubular duct (110) and an elongated UV light source (111) extending longitudinally along the duct (110). The fluid flows longitudinally along the duct (110) in a thin annular low passage (114) which extends around the UV light source (111). A mixing device (112), disposed between adjacent longitudinal portions of the duct (110), diverts the fluid from a first portion of the passage (114) through fluid mixing means (113, 116) in the device (112) and returns the mixed fluid to a second portion of the passage (114). Micro-organisms in the fluid flow are killed as they come close to the light source (111). The mixing device (112) mixes the flow and returns it to the flow passage (114). A plurality of mixing devices along the duct (110) increases the likelihood that microorganisms receive a sufficient lethal dose of UV radiation.

Abstract: A fluid steriliser comprising a fluid duct having a UV transmissive wall providing a surface area for irradiation, wherein the cross section of the duct is between 1×10?4 m2 and 5×10?2 m2 and the thickness of the duct defines the depth of fluid flow adjacent the UV transmissive wall of no more than 50mm; a source of UV radiation arranged to irradiate fluid flowing in the duct through the UV transmissive wall such that the UV radiation incident on fluid in the duct has a UV power density; a plurality of mixing stages configured to provide turbulent flow in the fluid and spaced apart along the length of the duct wherein the segments of the duct between the mixing stages are arranged to provide flow adjacent the UV transmissive wall; a flow control means arranged to control the linear speed of fluid flow along the duct based on the length of the duct and the UV power density so that at least 300 Joules of UV energy per square metre of the surface area for irradiation is provided to the fluid during the dwell tim

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus for sterilizing drinks comprises an elongated tubular duct (110) and an elongated UV light source (111) extending longitudinally along the duct (110). The fluid flows longitudinally along the duct (110) in a thin annular low passage (114) which extends around the UV light source (111). A mixing device (112), disposed between adjacent longitudinal portions of the duct (110), diverts the fluid from a first portion of the passage (114) through fluid mixing means (113, 116) in the device (112) and returns the mixed fluid to a second portion of the passage (114). Micro-organisms in the fluid flow are killed as they come close to the light source (111). The mixing device (112) mixes the flow and returns it to the flow passage (114). A plurality of mixing devices along the duct (110) increases the likelihood that microorganisms receive a sufficient lethal dose of UV radiation.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus particularly for sterilizing drinks comprises an elongate tubular duct (110) and an elongate UV light source (111) extending longitudinally of the duct (110). The fluid flows longitudinally of the duct (110) in a thin annular low passage (114) which extends around the UV light source (111). A mixing device (112) disposed between adjacent longitudinal portions of the duct (110) for diverts all of the fluid flowing along a first portion of the passage (114) through fluid mixing means (113,116) in the device (112) and returns the mixed fluid to a second portion of the passage (114). Micro-organisms in the thin flow of fluid are killed as they come within close proximity of the light source (111). The mixing device (112) causes all of the flow to be thoroughly mixed and returned to the flow passage (114). The provision of a plurality of mixing devices along the length of the duct (110) increases the likelihood that all microorganisms receive a sufficient lethal dose of UV radiation.