Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for treating fluid media by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A fluid flow path from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet is provided. The fluid flow path is proximate to a source of ultraviolet radiation. Reagents may be added to the system so that the reagent is present in the circulating fluid while the fluid is being exposed to the ultraviolet radiation. Samples of fluid may be withdrawn from the system so that process parameters may be adjusted. In a system in which the fluid flow path is defined by a plurality of interconnected pipes, a connecting means between the pipes includes a port through which reagent may be added or samples withdrawn from the system.

Abstract: An ultraviolet purification system in which ultraviolet radiation is generated by an ultraviolet lamp wherein the amount of ultraviolet radiation is varied in accordance with fluid flow. The intensity of the ultraviolet lamp is controlled by a circuit which is responsive to fluid flow for selectivity energizing the lamp to provide variable UV intensity output depending upon fluid flow. The circuit arrangement is such that the ultraviolet lamp is always started with a high current ballast. The selection of ultraviolet lamp intensity outputs according to fluid flow maximizes the useful life of the ultraviolet lamp and renders the system more efficient by reducing the amount of heat transmitted to the fluid being acted upon during periods of low flow or non-use.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating fluids includes a conduit (11) through which the fluid flows, in which a static mixer (21) is disposed and which passes through a cooling vessel (16) having an annular cross-section. This arrangement is surrounded by several U-shaped fluorescent tubes (19, 20), whose legs, extending parallel to the conduit, are distributed around the periphery of the conduit (11). The mixer (21) effects a highly turbulent flow, such that all parts of the fluid are uniformly irradiated with radiation. If the fluid is a glue which is to be preactivated by the radiation, then the turbulent flow and the reaction rate, which is reduced by the cooling, retard the setting of polymerized fluid components on the inner wall of the reaction conduit, and thereby also inhibit the gradual blockage of the conduit (11).

Abstract: An ultra-violet wastewater disinfection system is disclosed in which wastewater flows through a treatment chamber having a plurality of tube-type ultra-violet lamps in a parallel array supported therein at an acute angle with respect to the flow of wastewater through the treatment chamber. In this configuration, the wastewater flows through the array of lamps regardless of the depth of the water in the treatment chamber. The wet/dry configuration wherein a portion of the lamps is submerged and a portion of the lamps is not submerged provides very desirable results in terms of the kill rate of fecal coliform present in wastewater.

Abstract: A pipetter capable of mixing liquids and dispensing the mixed liquid has a pipetting tube, an actuating device connected to the tube for sucking liquid into and discharging liquid from the tube, and a flow disturbance device in the tube spaced from the discharge and suction end thereof and adapted to cause longitudinal mixing of liquid in the tube when liquid is moved along the tube in at least one direction. Mixing is effected in the tube by causing a liquid body to move repeatedly to and fro along the tube so that during each such movement at least a portion of the liquid body passes the flow disturbance device and the liquid body is not discharged from the first end of the tube. The pipetter is useful for example in mixing a suspension of blood cells with a reagent prior to analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating cells with ultraviolet light including an ultraviolet light source and an outer cylinder that surrounds the ultraviolet light source. Hollow tubing is helically wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder. The hollow tubing is adapted to transport suspended cells over the outer surface of the outer cylinder so that the cells can be irradiated by the ultraviolet light source. An inner cylinder can be positioned inside the outer cylinder, between the ultraviolet light source and the outer cylinder. The apparatus can include an arrangement for ventilating the apparatus during use in order to maintain a substantially constant temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a substance or object is provided. The apparatus has a source of radiation that is placed in a housing, one side of which is provided with a centrally disposed receiving chamber for the source of radiation, and the other side of which is provided with an irradiation chamber for receiving a receptacle that contains the medium that is to be irradiated, with the irradiation chamber being aligned with the receiving chamber. Disposed between the receiving chamber and the irradiation chamber is a valve provided with a through-bore for the source of radiation, which can be introduced into the irradiation chamber. The valve can be arrested in various angular positions. The irradiation chamber can be closed off by a removable plug.

Abstract: A water purification system has a longitudinal ultraviolet tube, an arrangement of helically-wound coils surrounding the tube and a filter. Water is exposed to ultraviolet energy before and after flowing through the filter. The filter, ultraviolet tube and helically wound coils are all arranged within a unitary housing adapted for kitchen countertop, sink backsplash or under wall cabinet mounting. The system is capable of operatng directly from a kitchen sink faucet. Connecting elements for the coils are specially designed to be leak-proof. A closed, reflective chamber surrounds the ultraviolet arrangement.

Abstract: A mineral liquid producing device in which a mineral liquid is produced by flowing and circulating a liquid against an activating stone which includes radium oxide, tantalum oxide and yttrium oxide for radiating Alpha-rays, Gamma-rays and Beta-rays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ozone generating apparatus most suitable for use for a water quality improving apparatus by which the amount of oxygen dissolved in water is increased, and chlorine or carcinogenic noxious substances such as trihalomethanes contained in city water are decomposed.In the present invention, a ultraviolet generating means is formed in a container body, a pipe member is arranged to extend through said container body, and a part of the pipe member that is located in said container body is formed with a plurality of hole members thereby allowing the ozone generated by the ultraviolet generating means to be sucked through the hole members and to be transported.Projections for reducing the pipe cross sectional area are formed on the inner wall of the pipe member adjacent to the holes to extend in the direction from the connection of the pipe member with a gas supplying means toward the hole members, so that the sucking force of ozone can be improved.

Abstract: In an oxidation chamber for treating wastewater, an ultraviolet lamp is mounted inside a quartz tube that is surrounded by the wastewater in the oxidation chamber. During operation, the quartz tube becomes quite hot and becomes coated with a film of slime that reduces transmission of the ultraviolet radiation into the wastewater. This results in gradually decreasing efficiency of operation until its becomes necessary to interrupt the operation of the chamber and to remove the quartz tube so that it can be cleaned to restore the transmission.In accordance with the present invention it has been found advantageous to apply a thin layer of fluoroethylene propylene (FEP) to the outer surface of the quartz tube. It has been found that the FEP layer is less suspectible to the deposition of slime than is the unprotected quartz tube, and that the slime is more easily removed from the FEP layer than from an unprotected quartz tube.

Abstract: A purifier for water or air removes, reduces or detoxifies organic pollutants therefrom by causing the fluid to contact a matrix having surfaces with which a fixed anatase (TiO.sub.2) or other photoreactive metal semiconductor material is bonded, in the presence of light of a wavelength that will activate the material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the flow rate of a fluid in a duct, for example in an under-sea crude oil pipeline, in which samples of a radioactive tracer are injected, at intervals, into the duct and the passage of the samples of tracer detected by a scintillator. The tracer is generated by irradiating a large volume of a liquid obtained from the environment of the duct with a neutron source, so that the sample has been irradiated for a prolonged period prior to injection.

Abstract: The disinfection of water or other fluid is accomplished by passing a stream of the fluid through a laser beam which radiates light in the ultraviolet range. A gas pulsed laser is disclosed which produces a beam having a substantial width and depth and a measurable length, as measured in the direction of fluid flow. The laser is positioned out of contact with the stream but with its beam filling the cross-section of the stream of water which can flow through a flume or over a weir. Flow meters are provided which adjust the rate of pulsing of the laser, and therefore the intensity of the ultraviolet light, in relation to changes in flow. Sensors are also provided to adjust the intensity of the laser for changes in turbidity or organic content of the fluid. In one embodiment the fluid flows through a spiral tube which directs the fluid to and fro through the laser beam. In another embodiment, the length of the laser beam is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the laser beam source and a diverging lens.

Abstract: In an ultraviolet sterilizer unit a length of corrugated pipe is coiled into the shape of a helix around an ultraviolet germicidal source to maximize the exposure of the fluid media flowing in the pipe to the ultraviolet germicidal source. The pipe is formed of a tough, flexible fluorinated polyalkylene resin capable of being used without sidewall support, and has an internal groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for conducting a molecular gas or gas mixture containing at least one molecular component, in a closed circuit, in particular for the purpose of generating processes in the gas or gas mixture involving its partial ionization and the stimulation of molecules to vibrate in the corresponding gas component. The apparatus comprises two similarly designed flow channels preferably having a rectangular cross-section. The broadsides of the channels are arranged beside each other or constructionally integrated and are connected with each other at their adjacent ends by two apparatus for circulating gas, in such a way that the gas can flow through them in opposite directions. Electrodes are set in partial areas of each channel, electrically insulated from the channel walls, the electrode closer to the other channel in each case being electrically connected, or constructionally identical, to the corresponding electrode of this other channel.

Abstract: A water purifier unit mounted on the outlet end of a faucet 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for irradiating material by an electron beam. The apparatus comprises guidance means for placing the material on the path of the beam, an electron gun provided in a tight enclosure having a shape with a symmetry or revolution with respect to an axis, an electron-emitting filament located in the axis of the enclosure, as well as a Wehnelt electrode surrounding the filament. It is provided with a first circular slot for concentrating electrons in the vicinity of the said slot and an electron accelerating electrode surrounding the Wehnelt electrode and having a second circular slot facing the first slot. The enclosure comprises a tightly closed circular window which is transparent to the electrons and which faces the two slots.

Abstract: Apparatus for destroying microorganisms by irradiation with ultra-violet light from a UV-lamp in a major irradiation chamber. The major chamber is divided into minor chambers by means of partition walls. The walls are provided with through-flow openings at their alternate ends whereby the bacteria-carrying medium is conducted reciprocatingly along the UV-lamp and thereby subjected to intensive radiation therefrom over a relatively long period of time.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a continuously flowing stream of fluid is diosed. The apparatus consists of a housing having a spherical cavity and a spherical moderator containing a radiation source positioned within the spherical cavity. The spherical moderator is of lesser diameter than the spherical cavity so as to define a spherical annular volume around the moderator. The housing includes fluid intake and output conduits which open onto the spherical cavity at diametrically opposite positions. Fluid flows through the cavity around the spherical moderator and is uniformly irradiated due to the 4.pi. radiation geometry. The irradiation source, for example a .sup.252 CF neutron source, is removable from the spherical moderator through a radial bore which extends outwardly to an opening on the outside of the housing. The radiation source may be routinely removed without interrupting the flow of fluid or breaching the containment of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the purification of water by ultraviolet radiation.A pipe traversed by the liquid to be purified contains an ultraviolet lamp and an electrovalve electrically connected in series with the lamp and placed upstream of the latter. The resistance of the electrovalve is substantially equal to the load impedance of the lamp, the assembly being supplied with power by a solar collector.Application to the purification of water.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying secondary waste water effluent by ultraviolet radiation, wherein a plurality of ultraviolet lamps are concentrically mounted within support jackets arranged in parallel and which extend transversely across the fluid flow path of the waste water to be treated, adjacent jackets being spaced less than about one half inch apart so that none of the waste water is more than about one quarter inch away from a jacket as it flows past the lamps, and wherein the number of lamps is selected to satisfy the equation:3.ltoreq.X(l)/V.ltoreq.5where X is the number of lamps, l is the usable arc length of the lamps in inches, and V is the volume flow rate in gallons per minute.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: Water stored in a container is circulated through an external passageway and subjected to ultraviolet radiation, whereupon undesired aquatic chlorophyceae are eliminated by inhibiting their growth. The water is circulated at such a rate that at least half the volume of water in the container is circulated per hour.

Abstract: Various embodiments of photoreactors are disclosed which have at least two irradiation chambers with a window therebetween. Ultraviolet radiation is introduced into one of the chambers at a side opposite the window so that it passes through that chamber, through the window and into the other chamber. The fluid medium to be purified is passed through the chambers and subjected to the radiation while in the chambers. The flow of the medium is through the chambers in series. The chambers are optimized in depth with respect to efficiency in terms of the flow-dose rate. In a two chamber photoreactor traversed by parallel radiation the maximum is at a total absorption of about 70 percent and at an absorption of about 27 percent in the chamber immediately adjacent to the radiation source. In an annular two chamber photoreactor with an elongate radiation source extending along the axis thereof the corresponding data are 45 to 65 percent and 16 to 25 percent, respectively.

Abstract: Various embodiments of photoreactors are disclosed which have at least two irradiation chambers with a window therebetween. Ultraviolet radiation is introduced into one of the chambers at a side opposite the window so that it passes through that chamber, through the window and into the other chamber. The fluid medium to be purified is passed through the chambers and subjected to the radiation while in the chambers. The flow of the medium is through the chambers in series in some embodiments and in parallel in others. An embodiment is disclosed wherein a recirculation line is established around the reactor with the recirculation being continuous or intermittent. When intermittent the purified fluid medium also is drawn off intermittently, between the periods of recirculation. In some embodiments the amount of radiation traversing all the chambers is monitored. If the monitored amount drops below a given amount, the apparatus is shut down.

Abstract: The radiation shielding surrounding a radionuclide generator of the parent-daughter type can be minimized if the containing means used to contain the support medium onto which is adsorbed the parent nuclide defines a curved path.

Abstract: The eluent from a liquid chromatography column is irradiated, while flowing between the column and a conventional detector adapted to detect a given property, in order to convert a known or suspected constituent photochemically to a species which possesses the property or to one in which the property is changed in magnitude (enhanced or reduced) to a substantial degree. The irradiation may be by UV or visible light, and the property may eg be fluorescence with, or absorbance of, UV or visible light. The method can increase the sensitivity and/or selectivity of detection, eg in the presence of interfering substances which do not react to irradiation in the same way as the constituent of interest.Apparatus for performing the method may comprise a long translucent small-bore tube shaped to a configuration which surrounds a light-source and which is connected between the column and the detector.

Abstract: An ultraviolet water purifier for destroying harmful water-born algae, bacteria, fungus, yeasts and viruses includes a main receptacle which is molded into a shape representative of a boat and may be mounted to the side wall of an aquarium and an ultraviolet light fixture disposed over the open top of the main receptacle for directing ultraviolet radiation into the water which passes through the main receptacle beneath the ultraviolet light fixture. The main receptacle includes a plurality of various sized apertures and corresponding plug members for sealing the apertures closed. Inasmuch as the various plugs are removable, the selection of which apertures to leave open and which apertures to close depends upon the particular flow pattern through the main receptacle which is desired. The main receptacle is divided into three different chambers with a flow passageway adjacent the bottom surface of the main receptacle communicating between each pair of adjacent chambers.

Abstract: The apparatus is provided with a screening chamber filled with a radiation-screening liquid above the irradiation chamber in which a tubular radiation source carrier is mounted. The screening chamber is sealed off from the irradiation chamber while orifices are formed in the support member of the carrier to permit loading and unloading of the carrier with the radiation sources. These sources may be stored in a pit adjacent the irradiation chamber and submerged in the screening liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine by mixing with other fluids in an enclosed mixing chamber by cyclonic action while subjecting the mixture to a rotating interrupted high voltage direct current electrical field which sweeps through the mixture.

Abstract: A hand drier comprising a fan arranged in a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a heating device for warming the air passing through the housing, is characterized by the provision in the housing of a micro glass fibre fleece through which the air is filtered. A sterilizer tube or lamp may also be provided in the housing for killing bacteria drawn into the housing by the air flow.

Abstract: A system for irradiating flowable material has an irradiation chamber; inlet and outlet conduits for introducing the flowable material into and discharging it from the irradiation chamber. The latter includes a spiral passage for guiding the flowable material in a spiral path from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit. A radiation source is supported within the irradiation chamber in the zone of the spiral passage for irradiating the material flowing therethrough.

Abstract: Enhanced efficiency of an ultra-violet water sterilization device is assured by disposing a diffuser plate constructed of vanes at one end of a sterilization device so that the liquid flows by the vanes, to become turbulent and is directed into a rotational, non channeled path through a sterilization flux such that the flow of incremental fluid through the device becomes essentially constant and predictable so that the exposure of incremental fluid to the sterilization flux can be controlled to ensure bacteria kill.

Abstract: An ultraviolet water purifier having a plurality of ultraviolet lamps mounted in a cover extending over the purifier and above the water in the purifier with a parabolic reflector directing the rays of the lamps toward the body of water. The purifier is provided with a water inlet and a baffle adjacent thereto having an opening at its base to compel the water entering the purifier to flow directly downwardly and then to flow through a plurality of filter. Air bubbles are trapped by a second baffle extending downwardly from the cover to below the water level.

Abstract: Improved gas venting from radioactive-material containers which utilizes the passageways between interbonded impervious laminae.