FORMING OF DISINFECTANT SOLUTIONS

Abstract

A method of dissolving a soluble disinfectant in solid format in a stream of water flowing in flow path, to provide an aqueous disinfectant solution in the flow path, includes directing a stream of water along the flow path toward a disinfectant dissolution zone in a disinfectant dispensing device located in the flow path. In the disinfectant dissolution zone, soluble disinfectant in solid format is located. Water of the stream of water contacts the disinfectant in the dissolution zone and thus dissolves of the disinfectant, thereby forming a disinfectant solution in the flow path in the dispensing device. Prior to water of the stream of water contacting the disinfectant, in a flow modification zone that is in the flow path in the dispensing device at an effective distance upstream of the disinfectant dissolution zone, at constant volumetric flow rate of the stream of water, one or more flow characteristics of water of the stream of water are artificially modified, for modified impact of water of the stream of water onto the disinfectant, by means of a flow modifying component that is located in the flow modification zone.

Claims

1. A method of dissolving a soluble disinfectant in solid format in a stream of water flowing in flow path, to provide an aqueous disinfectant solution in the flow path, the method including directing a stream of water along a flow path toward a disinfectant dissolution zone in a disinfectant dispensing device located in the flow path, in which disinfectant dissolution zone soluble disinfectant in solid format is located, such that water of the stream of water contacts the disinfectant in the dissolution zone and thus dissolves of the disinfectant, thereby forming a disinfectant solution in the flow path in the dispensing device; and prior to water of the stream of water contacting the disinfectant, in a flow modification zone that is in the flow path in the dispensing device at an effective distance upstream of the disinfectant dissolution zone, at constant volumetric flow rate of the stream of water, artificially modifying one or more flow characteristics of water of the stream of water, for modified impact of water of the stream of water onto the disinfectant, by means of a flow modifying component that is located in the flow modification zone, wherein artificially modifying one or more flow characteristics of water of the stream of water, for modified impact of water of the stream of water onto the disinfectant, by means of a flow modifying component includes one or a combination of two or more of artificially increasing the flow velocity of water of the stream of water, artificially decreasing the flow velocity of water of the stream of water, radially directing water of the stream of water, and axially directing water of the stream of water by physical interaction of the stream of water with the flow modifying component.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein artificially increasing the flow velocity of water of the stream of water includes axially directing water of the stream of water by passing water of the stream of water through a flow path narrowing formation provided by the flow modifying component.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein artificially decreasing the flow velocity of water of the stream of water includes radially directing water of the stream of water by a radial flow directing formation of the flow modifying component, thus preventing direct impingement of water, so directed, onto the disinfectant in the disinfectant dissolution zone.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disinfectant is provided in the form of a single tablet that is arranged in the dissolution zone such that a surface thereof faces in an upstream direction, being the only surface of the tablet that is accessible to water of the stream of water.

5. The method according to claim 4, which includes filtering, downstream of the dissolution zone, solids from water of the stream of water, including oversize undissolved disinfectant.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disinfectant is provided in the form of a plurality of grouped tablets located in a hollow, flexible packet that has symmetrically spaced apertures along its surfaces having a diameter of from 0.25 mm to 1.0 mm.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disinfectant is selected from calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC) and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA)

8. A device for dissolving a soluble disinfectant in solid form in a stream of water flowing in a flow path to provide an aqueous disinfectant solution in the flow path, the device comprising a hollow body defining at least a part of a flow path along which a stream of water can be directed; a disinfectant dissolution zone in the flow path in the body, in which a soluble disinfectant in solid format is in use located; and a flow modification zone in the flow path in the body, at an effective distance upstream of the disinfectant dissolution zone, in which flow modification zone a flow modifying component is located, wherein the flow modifying component is configured artificially to modify one or more flow characteristics of water of the stream of water, for modified impact of water of the stream of water onto the disinfectant, by physical interaction of water of the stream of water with the flow modifying component, at constant volumetric flow rate, in that the flow modifying component provides one or both of a flow path narrowing formation, axially to direct and thereby artificially to increase the flow velocity of water of the stream of water passed through the formation, a radial flow directing formation, radially to direct water of the stream of water and thus artificially to decrease the flow velocity of water so directed, thus preventing direct impingement of water, so directed, onto the disinfectant in the disinfectant dissolution zone.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the disinfectant is provided in the form of a single tablet that is arranged in the dissolution zone such that a surface thereof faces in an upstream direction, being the only surface of the tablet that is accessible to water of the stream of water.

10. The device according to claim 8, which includes a filter element downstream of the dissolution zone for filtering, downstream of the dissolution zone, solids from water of the stream of water, including oversize undissolved disinfectant.

11. The device according to claim 8, wherein the disinfectant is provided in the form of a plurality of grouped tablets located in a hollow, flexible packet that has symmetrically spaced apertures along its surfaces having a diameter of from 0.25 mm to 1.0 mm.

12. The device according to claim 8, wherein the disinfectant is selected from calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC) and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0225] THE INVENTION WILL NOW BE DESCRIBED IN MORE DETAIL with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0226] FIG. 1 shows, in sectional side view, one embodiment of a device according to the second aspect of the invention, in an assembled configuration;

[0227] FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 in three-dimensional view, in a disassembled configuration;

[0228] FIGS. 3a to h show various views of one embodiment of a flow modifying component;

[0229] FIGS. 4a to h show various views of another embodiment of a flow modifying component;

[0230] FIGS. 5a to h show various views of yet another embodiment of a flow modifying component;

[0231] FIGS. 6a to h show various views of a further embodiment of a flow modifying component;

[0232] FIGS. 7a to h show various views of yet a further embodiment of a flow modifying component;

[0233] FIGS. 8a to h show various views of still a further embodiment of a flow modifying component;

[0234] FIG. 9 shows, in sectional side view, another embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the invention, in an assembled configuration;

[0235] FIG. 10 shows the device of FIG. 9 in three-dimensional view, in a disassembled configuration; and

[0236] FIG. 11 shows, diagrammatically, a device according to the sixth aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary Embodiment 1

[0237] REFERRING TO THE DRAWINGS and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally indicates one embodiment of a disinfectant dispensing device according to the second aspect of the invention, for performing a method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0238] The device 10 comprises a hollow body 12 that provides a flow channel (conduit) 14 defining a flow path along which a stream of water can in use be directed in the direction of the arrows “A”.

[0239] Upstream of the flow channel 14, a pipe would typically in use be provided, thus extending the flow channel 14 and therefore also the flow path. Water would, in use, be delivered to the device 10 along the pipe. Thus, the device 10 would be in line with the pipe.

[0240] The body 12 comprises an upstream part 12A and a downstream part 12B that engage in a screwing manner by means of complemental screw threads.

[0241] The upstream part 12A includes internal screw thread for screwing engagement of complemental screw thread on the cylindrical part of the flow modifying component hereinafter described, thereby to mount the flow modifying component to the body 12.

[0242] The device also includes a nozzle 23 that clips into the upstream part 12A of the body 12 and projects through an aperture provided therefor in the downstream part 12B of the body 12.

[0243] The device 10 provides a disinfectant dissolution zone 16 and a flow modification zone 18, with characteristics as hereinafter described. It will be appreciated that the body 12 of the device 10, and therefore the flow channel 14, has an increased diameter in providing the zones 16, 18 compared to the diameter of the body 12, and thus of the flow channel 14, upstream of these zones 16, 18.

[0244] The disinfectant dissolution zone 16 comprises a receptacle 20. The receptacle 20 is open in an upstream direction and has a circumferentially extending wall 20A integral with a downstream end wall 20B that is apertured for water to flow through it in use. It will be appreciated that the receptacle 20 is cross-sectionally centrally located in the conduit 14, and that the disinfectant when contained therein would therefore also be so centrally located.

[0245] The receptacle 20 is held by a framed radially extending support structure 21 with which it is integral.

[0246] The support structure 21 assists in locating the receptacle 20 in the body 12 and with respect to the nozzle 23. More specifically, the support structure 21 abuts against a shoulder 25 provided therefor in the nozzle 23, thus being located with respect to the nozzle 23. Locating the nozzle 23 with respect to the body 12, and more specifically the upstream part 12A thereof, thus also locates the receptacle 20 in the body 12.

[0247] The support structure 21 is framed such that water can flow through it, and thus around the receptacle 20, in use. As will be appreciated from the description that follows, at least some water would also flow through the receptacle 20.

[0248] The receptacle 20 holds, in use (not currently illustrated), a foraminous non-rigid holder as envisaged by the invention, in the form of a foraminous bag or packet, that contains one or more typically, a plurality of grouped tablets comprising water-soluble disinfectant in solid format.

[0249] The packet would be of a synthetic, chlorine/oxidation-resistant plastics material, e.g. the packet may be of polypropylene, PET or HDPE. The flexible packet may have symmetrically spaced perforations across both its surfaces. The diameter of these apertures may vary depending on chemical or end-use application or preference, typically between 0.25 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0250] As mentioned, in other embodiments in accordance with the invention, the tablet may be arranged in the dissolution zone, by the receptacle, such that a surface thereof faces in a direction opposite to the direction of flow of the water stream in the conduit, i.e. faces in an upstream direction. The surface of the tablet that faces in an upstream direction may be the only surface of the tablet that is accessible to water of the stream of water (hereinafter referred to as the “exposed surface”). In other words, remaining surfaces of the tablet may be isolated, i.e. closed off, from contact by water of the stream of water. Typically, the tablet may be held in a receptacle that thus respectively isolates and exposes the tablet. It is noted that since the disinfectant is soluble, contact of the water of the stream of water with the tablet would generally axially erode the tablet at the exposed surface, such that the exposed surface thereby axially recedes, with the tablet thus being eroded evenly in and from a single direction. Such an embodiment of the invention is discussed in more detail as Exemplary Embodiment 2, below.

[0251] Returning to the current embodiment, in use, water contact with the tablets in the non-rigid container dissolves disinfectant from the tablets, thus forming an aqueous disinfectant solution in the packet which seeps out of the packet into the dissolution zone 16 and is ultimately discharged from an outlet 23 of the device 10.

[0252] The flow modification zone 18 comprises a flow modifying component 26, which is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3a to h. The flow modifying component 26 of FIG. 3 is one according to the second embodiment thereof according to the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0253] The flow modifying component 26, as illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3a to h, comprises a hollow cylindrical part 26.1 and a flared part 26.2 that radiates forwardly (downstream in use) from the cylindrical part 26.1.

[0254] The flared part 26.2 forms part of a substantially conical body of the flow modifying component 26, having an apex that faces in an upstream direction and is located cross-sectionally centrally in the conduit 14. The cylindrical part 26.1 is located coaxially with the apex.

[0255] A downstream edge of the flared part 26.2 provides a maximum diameter thereof, which diameter approximates a maximum diameter of the flow modification zone 18.

[0256] The flared part 26.2 is apertured, with a plurality of apertures being defined in it.

[0257] A forward edge 26.3 of the cylindrical part 26.1 is spaced from the flared part 26.2 such that, in use, water that enters the cylindrical part 26.1 impinges on the flared part 26.2 and is radially directed by the flared part 26.2 between the cylindrical part 26.1 and the flared part 26.2, such that some of it passes over the flared part 26.2 and some of it passes through the apertures therein.

[0258] As mentioned above, the flow modifying component 26 is located with its cylindrical part 26.1 screwed into the upstream part 12.1 of the body 12. Thus, in the assembled configuration of the device 10 as shown in FIG. 1, the flared part 26.2 of the flow modifying component 26 faces and thus shelters the receptacle 20, and therefore the tablets, from the full force of the incoming stream of water flowing along the conduit 14.

[0259] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the part of the conduit 14 upstream of the flow modification zone 18 leads directly into the cylindrical part 26.1 of the flow modifying component 26, such that water of a stream of water flowing in that part of the conduit 14 in use is radially directed by the flow modifying component 26 in the manner hereinbefore described.

[0260] Such radial direction of water of the stream of water by the flow modifying component 26 avoids direct impingement of all of the water of the stream of water onto tablets located in the receptacle 20 and effectively disperses some of that water, thus reducing its velocity.

[0261] It is noted, however, that the flow modifying component 26 includes a central bore 27 through the apex, providing a flow path narrowing formation. The flow path narrowing formation allows for some water of the stream of water directly to impinge upon the tablets in the receptacle 20, with the velocity of such water being increased at a constant volumetric flow rate. Also, such water is axially directed by the flow path narrowing formation that provides the bore 27. Thus, such water is focused on the disinfectant in the dissolution zone 16.

[0262] The applicant has found that employment of the flow modifying component 26 modifies the flow velocity of water in the disinfectant dissolution zone 16 such that a concentrated intermediate disinfectant solution forms independently within the packet that contains the tablets, and also within disinfectant dissolution zone 16, at least through direct abrasive impingement of water of the stream of water flowing through the bore 27 onto the disinfectant.

[0263] This intermediate disinfectant solution is then drawn into water flowing over, past, and through the flared part 26.2 of the flow modifying component 26, thereby forming a diluted final disinfectant solution that is discharged through the nozzle 23. Dissolution of disinfectant and formation of a disinfectant solution is therefore essentially driven by water passing through the bore 27, and dispensing of the disinfectant solution is essentially driven by water flowing over, past, and through the flared part 26.2.

[0264] The applicant has further found that, thus, the concentration of the final disinfectant solution that is discharged through the nozzle 23 is sustained between desired limits for a longer period of time than when flow of the stream of water is not modified in the manner disclosed by the current invention.

[0265] In this regard, the applicant has also found the employment of the receptacle 20 and, more specifically, the foraminous container, particularly advantageous, in that the concentrated intermediate solution is contained within the foraminous container, being drawn from it over a prolonged period of time compared to when it is not used.

[0266] The applicant still further surprisingly found that different configurations of the flow modifying component achieves effective modification in different circumstances, e.g. depending on pressure, temperature and selected disinfectant.

[0267] In the device 10 the flow modifying component 26 may routinely be substituted with alternative embodiments thereof, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8, depending on operating conditions. These alternative embodiments provide for various alternative flow modifications and can be employed selectively further to exercise control over the dissolution of disinfectant from the tablets in the receptacle 20, depending on operating conditions such as local pressure, temperature, and selected disinfectant.

[0268] More specifically, the embodiments of the flow modifying component 26 that are expressly provided, in addition to the FIG. 3 embodiment are: [0269] an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, which is according to the second embodiment thereof described according to the first and second aspects of the invention, in which there are fewer apertures in the flared part than in the flared part of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, thus further reducing flow velocity of water flowing across and through the flared part in use; [0270] an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, which is according to the first embodiment thereof described according to the first and second embodiments of the invention, in which there are no apertures in the flared part and all the water of the stream of water, except that passing through the bore, is radially directed by the flared part to pass between its downstream edge and walls of the flow conduit 14 defining the flow modification zone 16, thus still further reducing the velocity of such water; [0271] an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6, which is according to the first embodiment thereof described according to the first and second embodiments of the invention, which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5 except that the bore 27 is conical in a downstream direction, further to increase the velocity of water flowing through the bore 27; [0272] an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 7, which is according to the fourth embodiment thereof described according to the first and second embodiments of the invention, which is also similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5 except that the bore is omitted with all of the water of the stream of water thus being radially directed by the flared part, thus slowing the velocity of the water flowing across the flared part even further and avoiding any direct impingement of water of the stream of water onto the disinfectant; and [0273] an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, which is according to the fifth embodiment thereof described according to the first and second embodiments of the invention, which includes a “plus” (+) shaped central bore in the cylindrical part and a plurality of bore defining formations in the flared part, provided as an embodiment to effect maximum abrasive force on the disinfectant.

Exemplary Embodiment 2

[0274] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, and using the same reference numerals with the suffix “a” to reference parts in common with the device 10, reference numeral 10a generally indicates another embodiment of a disinfectant dispensing device according to the second aspect of the invention, for performing a method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0275] The device 10a comprises a body 12a providing a flow channel (conduit) 14a defining a flow path along which a stream of water can be directed in the direction of the arrows “A”.

[0276] The body comprises an upstream part 12Aa and a downstream part 12Ba that engage in a screwing manner by means of complemental screw threads.

[0277] The upstream part 12Aa includes internal screw thread for screwing engagement of complemental screw thread on the cylindrical part of the flow modifying component hereinafter described, thus to mount the flow modifying component to the body 12a.

[0278] The device also includes a nozzle 23a that clips into the upstream part 12Aa of the body 12 and projects through an aperture provided therefor in the downstream part 12Ba of the body 12a.

[0279] The device 10a defines a disinfectant dissolution zone 16a and a flow modification zone 18a, with characteristics as hereinafter described.

[0280] The disinfectant dissolution zone 16a comprises a receptacle 20a. The receptacle 20 is open in an upstream direction and has a circumferentially extending wall 20Aa integral with a downstream end wall 20Ba, both of which are continuous.

[0281] The receptacle 20a is held by a framed radially extending support structure 21a with which it is integral. The support structure 21a assists in locating the receptacle 20a in the body 12a, and with respect to the nozzle 23a. More specifically, the support structure 21a abuts against a shoulder 25a provided therefor in the nozzle 23a, thus being located with respect to the nozzle 23a. Locating the nozzle 23a with respect to the body 12a, and more specifically the upstream part 12Aa thereof, thus also locates the receptacle 20a in the body 12a.

[0282] The support structure 21a is framed such that water can flow through it, and thus around the receptacle 20a, in use. No water would flow through the receptacle 20a.

[0283] The receptacle 20a would in use hold a tablet comprising a water-soluble disinfectant chemical in compacted particular form such that a surface of the tablet faces in a direction opposite to the direction of flow of the water stream in the conduit, i.e. faces in an upstream direction. The surface of the tablet that faces in an upstream direction would be the only surface of the tablet that is accessible to water of the stream of water (hereinafter referred to as the “exposed surface”). In other words, remaining surfaces of the tablet would be isolated, i.e. closed off, from contact by water of the stream of water, by the receptacle 20a. Typically, the tablet would be held in the receptacle 12 that thus respectively isolates and exposes the tablet. It is noted that since the disinfectant is soluble, contact of the water of the stream of water with the tablet would generally axially erode the tablet at the exposed surface, such that the exposed surface thereby axially recedes, with the tablet thus being eroded evenly in and from a single direction.

[0284] Downstream of the receptacle 20a, a solids filter 29 in the form of a sieve is provided. The solids filter has an oversize specification of >0.5 mm, but may have a smaller oversize specification.

[0285] The flow modification zone 18a comprises the flow modifying component 26, as in the case of the first exemplary embodiment of the device 10, and can be selected from the embodiments illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3a to h, as discussed above.

[0286] The functional significance of the flow modifying component 26 is as discussed with reference to the first exemplary embodiment above. Thus, the flow modifying component 26 reduces the flow velocity of water in the disinfectant dissolution zone, thus artificially modifying the dissolution of the tablet compared to when water of the stream of water would have been directly incident on the tablet.

[0287] The applicant has surprisingly found that, also in this case, the concentration of the final disinfectant solution that is discharged through the nozzle 23a is sustained between desired limits for a longer period of time than when flow of the stream of water is not modified in the manner disclosed by the current invention.

[0288] Different configurations of the flow modifying component may be selected as discussed earlier with reference to the first exemplary embodiment.

Exemplary Embodiment 3

[0289] Referring now to FIG. 11, reference numeral 10b generally indicates a device according to the sixth aspect of the invention, for performing a method according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

[0290] The device 10b is a modified version of a commercially available disinfectant dispensing device. The commercial device differs from the device 10b described below in the manner described later with reference to features numbered in the number range 200.

[0291] The device 10b comprises a body 12b defining a main flow channel 14b in the form of a pipe along which a main stream of water can be directed in the direction of the arrows “A”.

[0292] The device 10b further includes a branch flow channel 102 in the form of a pipe, having an upstream facing inlet formation 104, defining a branch inlet 106, located in the main flow channel 14b, and an outlet formation 108 defining a branch outlet 110 located outside the main flow channel 14b. The branch flow channel 102 thus extends through the body 12b of the main flow channel 14b. In use, water of the main stream of water flowing along the main flow channel 14 would enter the branch flow channel 102 through the inlet 106, thus forming a branch stream of water flowing along the branch flow channel 102 in the direction of the arrow W, ultimately exiting the branch flow channel 102 through the branch outlet 110.

[0293] The device 10 defines a disinfectant dissolution zone 16b and a flow modification zone 18b. The zones 16b, 18b are defined in a sump 112 that is attached to body 12b of the main flow channel 14b. The outlet formation 108, and therefore the outlet 110, are located in the sump 112.

[0294] In the dissolution zone 16b, a foraminous non-rigid holder as envisaged by the third to sixth aspects of the invention, in the form of a foraminous bag or packet 114, that contains a plurality of grouped tablets 116 comprising water-soluble disinfectant in solid format, is located.

[0295] The packet 114 is of a synthetic, chlorine/oxidation-resistant plastics material, e.g. the packet may be of polypropylene, PET or HDPE. The flexible packet may have symmetrically spaced perforations across both its surfaces. The diameter of these apertures may vary depending on chemical or end-use application or preference, typically between 0.25 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0296] In use, water contact with the tablets in the non-rigid container dissolves disinfectant from the tablets, thus forming an aqueous disinfectant solution in the packet 114, which seeps through apertures in the packet to create a second disinfectant solution in the sump 112, which second disinfectant solution is discharged from the sump 112 in the direction of the arrows “X” through apertures 113 extending between the interior of the sump 112 and the main flow conduit 14. In use, such discharge would be as a result of the venturi-effect, caused by the continued flow of water along the main flow conduit 14, i.e. with disinfectant solution being drawn out of the sump 112 through the apertures 113 as a result of the continued flow of water along the main conduit 14.

[0297] The flow modification zone 18b comprises a flow modifying component 26, which is located at the outlet 110 for water of the branch stream of water flowing along the branch conduit to interact physically with the flow modifying component 26 virtually immediately when exiting the branch conduit 102. The flow modifying component 26 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3a to h and is as described above.

[0298] Thus, with reference to FIG. 3, The flow modifying component 26 comprises a hollow cylindrical part 26.1 and a flared part 26.2 that radiates forwardly from the cylindrical part 26.1. The flared part 26.2 is apertured, with a plurality of apertures being defined in it.

[0299] The flow modifying component 26 is located with its cylindrical part 26.1 attached to the outlet formation 108 of the branch channel 102. The branch channel 102 therefore leads directly into the cylindrical part 26.1 of the flow modifying component 26, such that water of the branch stream of water in use is radially directed by the flow modifying component 26 in the direction of the arrows Y.

[0300] Such radial direction of water of the stream of water by the flow modifying component 26 in the direction of the arrows Y avoids direct impingement of water of the stream of water onto tablets located in the dissolution zone.

[0301] Therefore, in use, water of the main stream of water flowing along the main flow conduit 14b in the direction of the arrows A enters the branch conduit 102 through the inlet 106 thereof and flows, as a branch stream of water, along the branch conduit 102, exiting it at the outlet 110 and interacting with the flow modifying component 26 in the manner hereinbefore described, eventually contacting the tablets 116 in the dissolution zone 16b and causing dissolution of disinfectant therefrom, thus forming a first disinfectant solution in the packet 114 which seeps through the apertures in the packet 114 to form a second disinfectant solution in the sump 112, which second disinfectant solution is introduced into the main stream flowing in the main conduit 102 through the apertures 113 as a result of the venturi effect.

[0302] The commercially available device on which the device 10b is based, and that the present invention modifies to provide the device 10b, omits the flow modifying component 26 and does not employ disinfectant tablets contained in a foraminous packet, as hereinbefore described. Instead, the commercially available device has a jet nozzle at the outlet 108 of the branch channel and employs a cylindrical block 202 of disinfectant, extending from the base of the sump to near the jet nozzle, which block 202 of disinfectant is held in a water-tight sleeve that exposes radial (operatively top and bottom) ends thereof. In use, the jet nozzle jets water onto the open operatively top end of the block 202 of disinfectant, thereby to abrasively to dislodge and dissolve disinfectant from the block of disinfectant.

[0303] The approach employed by the commercial device has been found by the applicant to be undesired and, in fact, technically unsound, since at some point, the erosion of the block 202 of disinfectant, due to its abrasion and dissolution by the jet of water directed onto it, causes the exposed end of the block 202 of disinfectant to move out of reach of the direct effect of the jet of water. Thus, the dissolution profile changes, as does disinfectant concentration in the sump 112. The exposed bottom end of the block of disinfectant also constantly rests in a pool of water, and is therefore eroded as well, which is undesired. The applicant has found it extremely difficult to obtain a consistent disinfectant concentration in the main stream of water using the commercially available device.

[0304] The applicant has surprisingly found that employment of the flow modifying component 26, however, reduces the flow velocity of water in the disinfectant dissolution zone 16b in such a manner that allows for a concentrated intermediate disinfectant solution to form independently within the disinfectant dissolution zone 16b.

[0305] The applicant has further surprisingly found that, thus, the concentration of the final disinfectant solution that is discharged through the nozzle 23b is sustained between desired limits for a longer period of time than when flow of the stream of water is not modified in the manner disclosed by the current invention.

[0306] In this regard, the applicant has also found the employment of the foraminous container particularly advantageous, in that a concentrated intermediate solution is contained within the foraminous container, being drawn from it over a prolonged period of time.

[0307] The applicant still further surprisingly found that different configurations of the flow modifying component achieves effective modification in different circumstances, e.g. depending on pressure, temperature and selected disinfectant.

[0308] Thus, in the device 10 the flow modifying component 26 may routinely be substituted with alternative embodiments thereof, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8, depending on operating conditions, as discussed earlier.

DISCUSSION

[0309] THE MODIFICATION OF FLOW provided by the invention and the flow modifying components for effecting it are regarded as addressing the difficulties hereinbefore outlined.

[0310] Thus, it is now possible for a user of a disinfection device that creates a disinfectant solution in the manner herein described, to use the device sustainably and within desired disinfectant concentration ranges over material flow velocity variances between water supply points by employing a variety of flow modifying components.

[0311] Furthermore, even where such difficulties are not encountered, the flow modifying components provide additional control parameters that would otherwise not be available to users, and can be exploited to exercise more versatile control over the disinfectant dosing into flowing streams of water.

[0312] Thus, to overcome the challenges set out hereinbefore, the applicant developed a disinfectant system capable of offering multiple end-users a solution with the following capabilities: [0313] To maintain a desired chemical dose-rate whether either ambient water temperature, or water-flow, is high or low, irrespective of what the end-user choice of hose-diameter might be. [0314] To deliver a range of custom formulated single-use tablet-based refill options for multiple technical scenarios that do not require the end-user to store unstable, wet chlorine in-between applications. [0315] To create a single dispensing system that is capable of dispensing different types of chlorine compounds or formulations with vastly differing dissolution rates (e.g. calcium hypochlorite vs sodium-dichloroisocyanurate).

[0316] The provision of the solids filter, and particularly one that has an oversize specification of >0.5 or smaller, has also surprisingly been found to be advantageous in achieving an even disinfectant concentration in the aqueous disinfectant solution over discharge time and in avoiding spikes in concentration.