Abstract: A water treating device includes a cylindrical housing having a longitudinal axis, an inlet and an outlet. Water to be treated enters the inlet, flows through the cylindrical housing and out the outlet. A plurality of elongated UV lamps are disposed in the cylindrical housing. The UV lamps extend generally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing, but are disposed in a non-parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing. Typically one end portion of each of the UV lamps is spaced outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing. Along the length of each of the UV lamps, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the UV lamps and the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing varies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for separating environmentally hazardous substances, such as heavy metals and oil, from a contaminated mass, such as sewage sludge or soil from industrial sites. According to the process, an aqueous metal hydroxide solution comprising Na, K or Ca is added to the contaminated material in form of high-pressure jets, in order to disintegrate the material and provide a homogeneous mixture. Thereafter, liquid containing the hazardous substances is separated from the washed material and subsequently filtrated. The essentially pure water resulting from the filtration step may be used for producing new metal hydroxide solution to be used in the process.

Abstract: A device, system and method are provided for treating water, in which a water treating agent is prepared and dispensed to an untreated drinking water source in discrete and consecutive control volumes enabling untreated water in the untreated water source to be treated thereby to provide potable water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remediating an underground and/or aqueous contaminant. The method and apparatus utilize at least one electrically conductive surface to attract aqueous hydrogen ions. At the surface, the hydrogen ions interact with excess electrons to form dissolved hydrogen molecules. Dissolved hydrogen molecules provide a proton source for bioreactive material, either provided to or naturally occurring in the environment. The bioreactive material assists in the reduction of the contaminant into a less environmentally harmful compound.

Abstract: A method of producing safe drinking water from virtually any water source utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes a combination of water purification methods with a control system that evaluates water quality and functional processing parameters, such as pressure and flow. The control system determines what water processing methods to utilize and how most efficiently to operate them. The system is capable of treating highly contaminated water to the necessary degree to produce safe drinking water. Furthermore, the system regulates and cleans itself to maintain functionality despite receiving high concentrations of various contaminants from the feed water source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method produces nitrate ions on-site from water, natural gas and air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The apparatus generates nitrate ions and brings the nitrate ions into contact with an aqueous system. Hydrogen sulfide present in the aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated by the apparatus and added to the aqueous system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: A water sanitizing apparatus is provided wherein a housing is divided into separate narrow compartments through which a flow of water is directed sequentially in upward and downward directions. An ultraviolet ozone generator and pair of electrolysis plates are mounted in one of the narrow compartments, with a salt in the flow of water being electrolyzed to form a sanitizing halogen in the presence of ultraviolet light from the ozone generator. In one embodiment, a bubble separator is used to separate undissolved gasses from the flow of water and re-apply such gasses back to the flow of water upstream from the bubble separator.

Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment apparatus employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for the propagation of biosynthetic fuels and other plants; and/or passing it through aqueous plant, algae, or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus is provided to treat ballast water that has exited a ballast tank before being expelled from a water-borne ship. Within the contactor apparatus, means are provided for supplying a combination of acoustic energy and dissolved ozone. The acoustic energy can be provided at two or more frequencies (e.g., at 16 and 20 kHz). The acoustic energy and dissolved ozone, together, offer a more-effective and more-efficient mode of disinfecting the ballast water before release.

Abstract: A product and apparatus for cleaning water or industrial and sewage waste water includes a mixture of diatomite that is heated and stirred to impart an enhanced negative electrical charge to the diatomite. A mixture of approximately 50% aluminium chloride (AlCl3) by volume is blended to provide a powder mixture for use as a flocculant in the system. According to a modification, the charged diatomite is instead blended with a mixture of approximately 50% ferric chloride (FeCl3) by volume and is stored in liquid form for later use as a flocculent in the system. From one to five percent, by volume, of polyacrylamide is preferably added to the mixture for use in sewage waste water treatment applications. An efficient system for reacting either the mixture or separately adding the diatomite and the metallic chloride to the water is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing photocatalytic reaction water through a photocatalytic reaction, which can produce water containing a satisfactory amount of active oxygen species, can eliminate microorganisms, parasites or protozoa, shows high oxidizing ability for a prolonged period of time, can reduce the power requirements, is small in size, and is applicable to various devices. A photocatalyst is radiated with light emitted from a light source to produce active oxygen species, and the active oxygen species is diffused in water, whereby the water is provided with functions of the active oxygen species. An oxidation reaction with the water is utilized to perform at least one selected from the elimination of microorganisms, the elimination of parasites, and the elimination of protozoa.

Abstract: A monitoring port assembly for a fluid treatment system, such as for use in an ultra-violet water treatment system. The port assembly comprises a sensor port cup having a port for access to an interior of the fluid treatment vessel. The port is offset from the central axis of the sensor port cup. A cylindrical body, having an offset through-hole to receive a sensor assembly, is disposed within the sensor port cup for rotational movement about the central longitudinal axis between an operational position where the offset through-hole is aligned and coincident with the port, and a servicing position where the offset through-hole is displaced relative to the port. Sensors can be safely and conveniently removed from or installed into a port in the fluid treatment vessel by rotating the cylindrical body from the servicing to the operational position.

Abstract: A dielectric assembly for generating ozone includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode in operational proximity to the positive electrode, a dielectric in operational proximity to the positive and negative electrodes for generating the ozone, and a knob adapted to extend outside of a housing into which the dielectric assembly is to be placed. A system is also provided for sanitizing and deodorizing water, food, surfaces and air including a microbiological reduction filter device having an input connected to a water supply, a venturi injector disposed within a housing and connected to an output of the microbiological reduction filter device which generates ozone and mixes the generated ozone with the water, and an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes, a dielectric for generating the ozone, and a knob extending outside of the housing.

Abstract: A method of supporting denitrification includes receiving biological material at a pulsed electric field station and applying a pulsed electric field to the biological material within a treatment zone in the pulse electric field station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the treated biological material to an anoxic bioreactor in substitution, at least in part, for an external source of electron donor. A system for supporting denitrification is also provided.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: Treatment of contaminates by an apparatus that includes a directional microporous diffuser, a distribution arrangement to receive a fluid, an air compressor having a first outlet to feed air to the distribution arrangement, an ozone generator coupled between a second outlet of the air compressor and the distribution arrangement, to convert a portion of the oxygen in the air feed into ozone and a control arrangement to control the distribution arrangement to effect discharge of fluid into selected ones of mutually isolated regions in the directional microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment plant apparatus and treatment method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for the propagation of biosynthetic fuels and other plants; and/or passing it through aqueous plant or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to reduce the overall salt load currently being added by wastewater treatment facilities into natural waterways, and to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.

Abstract: Equipment and process by which an operator can set (or program) a time sequence of coatings of oxygen with increasing oxidation potential for in-situ treatment (chemical reaction) of organic compounds ranging from superoxidation (catalyzed ozone) to reduction conditions involving hydrogen sulfide gas is described. The equipment makes use of oxygen in a combination of gaseous and liquid forms to produce microbubbles of, e.g., different composition of oxygen forms possessing peroxides, superoxides, and hydroperoxides with increasing oxidative potential. The oxidative potential of the reactive mixture can be set to more cost-effectively degrade byproducts of contaminant decomposition without reformulation and reinjection. A secondary advantage comes with in-situ adjustment of pH or acidity/basicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: A modular water treatment unit including a modular tank having a plurality of joined tank parts defining respective chambers arranged in series for treating water, each tank part having opposite side walls with adjacent side walls of adjacent said tank parts being joined at their common upper ends which define weirs over which water being treated in the unit may flow from one tank part to the adjacent tank part for treatment in the respective chambers. The modular water treatment unit may be associated with a floatable support for floating in or on a body of water for treating water therein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a miniature ozone generator device for purifying water. The device comprises a printed circuit board having an ozone producing circuit printed on it which comprises anodes and cathodes alternatively printed and connected in parallel relationship to each other and to a power supply device. The electrodes have rough surfaces, whereby, in use, when the ozone generator is plunged into a vessel containing the water to purify, the electrodes thanks to their rough surfaces, leads to a coalescence of hydrogen bubbles produced by the cathodes into larger hydrogen bubbles, and thus to a higher production of ozone by the anodes. Hydrogen can be additionally removed by absorption of it thanks to a conductive material used to make the cathodes, which can be regenerated for reuse. The invention also concerns the use this miniaturized ozone generator for purifying water or the like and methods for doing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for generating ozone in water, purifying the water and making it drinkable. The device comprises a housing; at least two electrodes, including an anode and a cathode extending from the housing into the water and each having semi-rough or rough surfaces in contact with the water. The device also comprises a power supply operatively connected to the electrodes for generating between them a difference of potential creating a current and the hydrolysis of the water creating ozone that purifies the water. The electrodes may have a plate or a rode and tube configuration with a plurality of holes with rough edges. The roughness of the surfaces and of the edges of the holes leads to a coalescence of tiny hydrogen bubbles into larger hydrogen bubbles. The hydrogen may be also removed by absorption in a conductive material and regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: A system for purifying a fluid uses ultra violet (UV) light to inactivate micro-organisms present in the fluid. The system has an arrangement of UV light emitters on perforated plates. The fluid, while passing through perforations in the perforated plates, is exposed to the UV light emitted by the UV light emitters. Micro-organisms present in the fluid pass very close to the UV light emitters. The UV light absorbed by the micro-organisms causes genetic damage and inactivation. The system has feedback units providing feedback about the physical properties of the fluid to a power unit supplying power to the UV light emitters. The power unit varies the amount of power supplied to the UV light emitters, based on the feedback.

Abstract: A former (11) works, when supplied with wastewater containing heavy metals and hydrogen sulfide, to react heavy metals contained in wastewater with hydrogen sulfide to form sulfide salts, an acquirer (12) works, when supplied with sulfide salts and acid, to acquire hydrogen sulfide and heavy metal ions produced by reactions between sulfide salts and acid, a hydrogen sulfide supply line (13) supplies hydrogen sulfide acquired by the acquirer to the former, and a collection line (20) collects heavy metal ions.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting the chlorine concentration in salt water swimming pools having a pre-existing system for re-circulating the water including at least one skimmer, a pump, a chlorine generator for generating chlorine from chloride salts, a monitor for determining the chlorine concentration of the water, and an outlet for returning water to the pool.

Abstract: A portable fluid ozonation apparatus includes a container for treating and storing fluid, a filter that attaches to the container and an ozone generator. In use, a fluid is dispensed into the container and optionally passed through the filter. At this point, power is supplied to the ozone generator which operates for a period of time necessary for disinfecting the fluid. Additives and post filters can be utilized in conjunction with the ozonation apparatus in order to obtain sufficient purified fluid within a short time frame.

Abstract: A portable ozonation apparatus for storing and purifying liquids includes a container having an opening for receiving a liquid and a treatment cap. The treatment cap is preferably detachably mounted to the container at the opening. Preferably, the treatment cap includes a main body portion having provided therein an electricity generating device and an ozone generating device. With this arrangement, un-purified liquid, such as water, is introduced into the container. The container is then inverted to bring the un-purified liquid into contact with the ozone generating device. At this point, the electricity generating device is activated to deliver an electrical current to the ozone generating device. Once powered, the ozone generating device produces ozone which is introduced into the liquid container. The ozone gas transforms un-purified liquid into a purified liquid suitable for consumption.

Abstract: A disposable salt chlorine generator for use in conjunction with a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or large vessel of water includes a bracket for mounting a housing on a wall of a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or large vessel of water. The housing is releasable mounted relative to said bracket and contains a compartment wherein a halogen-producing electrode configuration is removably mounted relative to the compartment. An electrical cable is operatively connected to the halogen producing electrode configuration for providing electrical power thereto.

Abstract: The system comprises one or more of the following: primary treatment units, flexible pipes, and optionally, one or more pumps. The system is designed and installed in a manner that enables the flow of liquid to be predominantly due to gravity, although one or more pumps may optionally be included at key positions. The system can be sealed and pressure tested in order for optimal performance to be achieved during operation.

Abstract: A treatment system including a vibratory mixer is disclosed. The vibratory mixer comprises a vibrating element to facilitate the dissolution of a treating agent that facilitates separation of solids from liquids in water and wastewater streams. Vibratory mixing energy that effects mixing is generated by utilizing magnetostrictive or piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: Fluid treatment apparatus having an alloy disk assembly comprised of a plurality of disks, each prepared from the metal elements copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and tin, which individually exhibit great propensity for reducing scale formation in flow conduits; particularly when combined together to form the fluid treatment alloy disk assembly of this disclosure. The disk assembly is housed within a suitable enclosure having passageways arranged to effect countercurrent flow through a series of apertured disks. The close proximity of the counterflowing streams within the alloy disk assembly provide unexpected advances in the art of fluid treatment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water treatment appliance, particularly for on-the-counter treatment of potable water. The appliance comprises: a base unit comprising a pump, a housing and a cooling unit for chilling water in the housing; a removable water reservoir engageable with the housing; a control panel comprising a water dispensing switch; an outlet for dispensing treated water from the fluid treatment system; and a treatment cartridge removably disposed in the housing. The treatment cartridge comprises a first chamber and a second chamber in communication with one another. The first chamber is in communication with the housing and has disposed therein a filter element. The second chamber is in communication with the outlet and has disposed therein an ultraviolet radiation lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pure oxygen aeration system for wastewater treatment, which biologically treats wastewater using microbes of activated sludge in an aeration tank. The pure oxygen aeration system comprises a pure oxygen supply device including a pure oxygen generator and at least one oxygen supply pipe extending from the pure oxygen generator and directed toward the internal space of the aeration tank, a high-speed jet injection device installed in the aeration tank, a mixed liquor circulation device for circulating and introducing the mixed liquor in which microbes of activated sludge, wastewater and pure oxygen are mixed, into the aeration tank through the high-speed jet injection device, and an oxygen suction pipe for sucking in the oxygen remaining in the headspace of the aeration tank and reintroducing the sucked oxygen into the water in the aeration tank.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus comprising: a water source; a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container; conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser for the transport of water from the source to the dispenser; filter means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; sanitising means for sanitising the container; and delivering means for delivering the sanitising means to the container, wherein the sanitising means comprises a gas, and wherein the delivering means delivers the sanitising means to the container prior to filling of the container.

Abstract: A pressurized water tank having a head space includes a pump for recirculating the water through a nozzle disposed in the head space. The outflowing stream of water will entrain air and cause mixing of air entrained water with the remaining water in the tank. To enhance air entrainment and convey the air entrained water to a location well below the water level, the stream of water is injected into a vertical venturi tube. The entrained air will have an oxidizing effect upon organic matter and also cause circulation of the water within the tank. To enhance oxidation of organic and inorganic matter, a UV lamp may be located in the head space to convert oxygen molecules in the air into ozone molecules. Such ozone molecules would be entrained in the stream of water flowing out of the nozzle and into the tube and have a strong oxidizing effect upon organic and inorganic matter.

Abstract: Simultaneous application of ozone and ultraviolet light (UV185 and UV254) in water to be purified will create hydroxyl radicals, which combination will cause conversion of AS (III) that may be present to As (V), oxidation of inorganic matter such as manganese, sulfur, phosphorus and organic matter and provide virucidal and germicidal effects to purify the water.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for treating a waterway having low pH and containing metals such as aluminium in solution, as a result of runoff from acid sulphate soils, is capable of dosing the waterway with a variety of reagents, to bring the metals out of solution and to achieve a neutral pH. The apparatus (10) includes a rotating drum tumbler (14) having a cylindrical drum (52) which, as it rotates, causes limestone rock to abrade to produce particles of calcium carbonate with which the waterway may be dosed. The inner surface of the drum (52) is provided with an abrasive surface (68) which contacts rock pieces (74) and transports them within the drum (52) as the drum (52) rotates, and with guide vanes (72) which contact and deflect the rock pieces (74), causing the rock pieces (74) to abrade each other. Other reagents in liquid and/or powder form may also be dispensed.

Abstract: A method for treating contaminates includes delivering a stream of a fluid to a directional microporous diffuser that has a sidewall with microscopic openings and has a partitioned interior region to effect discharge of microbubbles from less than the entire sidewall portion of the directional microporous diffuser at any particular interval of time. The directional microporous diffuser described include an elongated member providing the sidewall, the sidewall defining an interior portion of said member and coupled to the first inlet port and a partition member that divides the interior of the elongated member into plural, mutually isolated regions. End caps are disposed to seal ends of the directional microporous diffuser.

Abstract: An on-board ship water treatment system includes such features as drinking water purification and ballast water treatment. The on-board ship water treatment system includes an on-board ship water treatment vessel. A chlorine dioxide generator is fluidly connected to the on-board ship water treatment vessel. The chlorine dioxide generator includes a chlorine dioxide gas source and an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. The absorption loop is fluidly connected to the chlorine dioxide gas source. A gas transfer assembly is interposed between the chlorine dioxide gas source and the absorption loop.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A self-contained dehydration toilet having an odor-capturing steam and water recovery system. The dehydration toilet comprises a toilet bowl, a dehydration engine connected to the toilet bowl, a steam, gas and vapor conduit from the dehydrating engine, a water supply infusion tank which receives steam, gases and vapor from the dehydration engine to the infusion water tank, an ozone generator which supplies ozone to the water supply, a vacuum pump connected to the infusion water tank, and a power source supplying power to the dehydrating engine, the ozone generator, a control circuit and the vacuum pump. The dehydrating engine has a heating device and helical paddles to aid in the dehydration process. The dehydrating toilet reuses steam and captures odors and vapors with diffusion chambers in the infusion water tank.

Abstract: A rainwater treatment assembly (1) comprising a rainwater storage tank (2) and a treatment tank (3). Rainwater is delivered from the storage tank (3) where ozone is injected into it at regular time intervals. The ozone kills bacteria and oxidises transition metals.

Abstract: A salt chlorine generator for use in conjunction with a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or large vessel of water includes a bracket for mounting a housing on a wall of a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or large vessel of water. The housing is releasable mounted relative to said bracket and contains a compartment wherein a halogen-producing electrode configuration is removably mounted relative to the compartment. A predetermined length of electrical cable is stored within the compartment for enabling the halogen producing electrode configuration to be selectively removed from said compartment for replacing, servicing or winterizing.

Abstract: Provided are a coagulation treatment apparatus capable of removing fine objects of removal from a fluid containing the objects of removal, and a coagulation treatment method using the apparatus. A coagulation treatment apparatus for a fluid according to the present invention includes a production device for introducing ions of metal belonging to Group 8 of the periodic table into a fluid containing objects of removal and for producing a coagulated substance in which the objects of removal and the metal ions are bonded to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the production of alkylate(s) by sulfuric acid alkylation of at least one isoparaffin such as isobutane with at least one olefin, such as butylenes. The device includes a mixing chamber for preparing a mixture of the isoparaffin with recycled reaction products. It also includes an emulsion chamber for preparing a first hydrocarbons-in-sulfuric acid emulsion, where the mixture prepared in the mixing chamber is injected in multiple parallel jets into a sulfuric acid composition. The device further includes a pre-reaction chamber for preparing a second emulsion, where a given portion of the olefin is injected in jet streams into the first hydrocarbons-in-sulfuric acid emulsion coming from the emulsion chamber.

Abstract: A modular waste treatment system for substantially liquid waste streams and methods of treating liquid waste streams are disclosed. The modular waste treatment system includes a maceration chamber for initial treatment and homogenization of waste material; a metal ion infusion chamber in fluid flow communication with the maceration chamber for introducing metal ions into the waste material; and an oxidation chamber for wet oxidation of the waste stream.

Abstract: The acid mine water demineralization apparatus consists of two concentric cylinders that are divided into a total of four sections; a water chamber, a gas chamber, a reaction zone, and an aeration zone. The water chamber transports acid mine water to the inlets of a plurality of the sharp edged orifices. The gas chamber receives ozone from an external source and sends it through a porous plate into the reaction zone, thus ensuring the gas is dispersed uniformly throughout the reaction zone. Water passing through the sharp edged orifices into the reaction zone reacts with the ozone to oxidize the insoluble metals in the water. Exiting the reaction zone, the water enters into the aeration zone where additional oxygen is added to the water and the agitation of the water is calmed before it enters a settling tank.

Abstract: A pressure pipe for transporting corrosive material, such as ozonated water, is formed with a pipe joint that is resistant to ozone. An intermediate portion of the pressure pipe is formed from a low-carbon steel cylinder with inner and outer concrete layers and prestressing wire. A stainless steel slip joint member is attached to an end of the low-carbon steel cylinder to facilitate joining adjacent pipe sections. The stainless steel slip joint members resist the corrosive effects of ozone, while the inner concrete layer protects the low-carbon steel cylinders of the intermediate portion. In one aspect of the invention, a water treatment system constructed from pressure pipe as described above is connected as a bypass loop to a primary pipe run from a water source to a treatment plant. Ozone is introduced to water diverted through the bypass loop. The water decomposes prior to being reintroduced back into the primary pipe run.

Abstract: A system for treating recovered fluids off-line, the system including an ozone assembly and a reactor vessel operatively coupled to the ozone generator and having a reaction compartment and a settling compartment, wherein the reaction compartment is fluidly connected to a recovered hydrocarbons storage vessel and the settling compartment is fluidly connected to a treated oil tank is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of treating recovered hydrocarbons off-line, the method including flowing recovered hydrocarbons from a storage vessel into a reactor vessel having a reaction compartment and a settling compartment, and injecting ozone from an ozone generator into the recovered hydrocarbons in the reaction compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a sterilisation system, especially for sterilising drinking water and water for industrial use. The precious metal surface of a base material containing precious metal is initially oxidised in an acidic solution and subsequently treated in an aqueous saline solution. The invention also relates to a sterilisation system and use thereof.