Method for purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages of impurities

Abstract

A system and method of the purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages is based on the action of hydrodynamic cavitation processing of microbiological and chemical contaminants, micro particles and colloidal particles. The fluid flow moves at a high rate through a multi-stage cavitation device and filtration module to generate hydrodynamic cavitation features in the fluid flow. The cavitation features generate changes in the velocity, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and physical properties of the liquid. The cavitation features also prevent the deposition of contaminants upon and remove contaminants from the surface of the filter module, reduce the load on the filter elements and increase the life of the filter module.

Claims

1. A multi-stage cavitation device, comprising: at least two cavitation stages disposed sequentially, each cavitation stage comprising a helical plate immediately followed by a cylinder body, wherein the helical plate consists of a single spiral element and the cylinder body consists of, in sequence, defining a constriction nozzle, a central channel having a constriction, and an expansion diffuser.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least two cavitation stages disposed sequentially comprises a plurality of cavitation stages connected in series.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a single housing containing the at least two cavitation stages.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a filter module contained within the single housing immediately following the at least two cavitation states, wherein the filter module comprises an annular cylindrical insert surrounding a cylindrical filter element.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the annular cylindrical insert defines a plurality of annular bulges forming contractions and expansions in a gap between the annular cylindrical insert and the cylindrical filter element.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the filter module has a cartridge containing a filter selected from the group consisting of loose filter or adsorbent material, fibrous material, rigid or flexible porous tubes, and membranes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates in flow chart form the scheme of the system for purification of alcoholic beverages of impurities;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the multi-stage cavitation device;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a pair of multi-stage cavitation devices arranged in series;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates the combined multi-stage cavitation device and filter module located in a common housing;

(6) FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the filter module of FIG. 4 in circle 5;

(7) FIG. 6 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of a filter module located in a common housing with the multi-stage cavitation device;

(8) FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the gap between body and porous septum of the combined cavitational and filtering device of FIG. 6 in circle 7;

(9) FIG. 8 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of the gap between body and porous septum of the combined cavitational and filtering device of FIG. 6 in circle 7;

(10) FIG. 9 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of the gap between body and porous septum of the combined cavitational and filtering device of FIG. 6 in circle 7; and

(11) FIG. 10 is a partial cut-away, isometric drawing of a device for purification of alcoholic beverages in table-top version for use at home.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(12) A principal diagram of a possible system for purification 10 of drinking water, aqueous solutions of alcohols and alcohols is depicted in FIG. 1. The purification system 10 is comprised of the several parts that make it possible to efficiently treat of alcoholic beverages and remove various contaminants there from by using filtration. The system 10 consists of inlet tank 12, which is filled with fluid to be purified. A high-pressure pump 14 feeds the fluid to multi-stage cavitation device 16 (FIG. 2) or to the set of cavitation devices 20 (FIG. 3) for the cavitation treatment of the fluid. The set of cavitation devices 20 may comprise 2, 3, 4, or more devices as needed. To provide the required pressure drop necessary for the filtration process, an additional pump 22 may be installed upstream of the filter module 18 to increase the pressure in the fluid flow to the required level. The filtration module 18 provides filtration on the fluid to be purified.

(13) Multi-stage cavitation device 16 comprises several stages or regions 24 to generate cavitation in the fluid stream. A region 24 for generating cavitation may consist of elements such as a twisted plate 26 to form a spiral element to tighten the flow of liquid and a work piece in the form of a cylinder 28 with a central channel 29 having a constriction and expansion of the passage section of the fluid flow for inception of cavitation. The constriction and expansion of the passage section of the fluid flow of the central channel 29 is preferably designed in the form of Venturi tube. The cavitation stages 24 are installed in a housing 32. Feeding and discharge of the treated liquid is done through inlet 34 and the outlet 36 installed on the housing 32.

(14) In the multi-stage cavitation device 16 (FIG. 2), macro vortexes are generated in the fluid flow, by both the twisted plate 26 and cylinder 28, which are accompanied by local pressure decreases to the saturated vapor point of the fluid at the given temperature. When this happens, the proper conditions for the growth of cavitation nuclei in the cavitation bubbles are reached. The formed cavitation bubbles pulse and implode in downstream high-pressure zones.

(15) Stages 24 for generating cavitation is installed in the housing 32. Multi-stage cavitation device 16 can be arranged in the set of cavitation devices 20 (FIG. 3) connected between pump 14 and filter unit 18 (or pump 22 when needed) by means of piping 38. A filter module 18 can be installed in the form of a standard cartridge for quick replacement. In the design of the filter module 18, various materials and substances can be used for mechanical or sorption purification of liquids in the form of loose, fibrous materials, flexible or rigid tubes and membranes.

(16) The filter module 18 can work in a dead-end mode, where a contaminated fluid passes through a special pore-sized microfilter or membrane to separate suspended particles from the process liquid, or in a cross-flow mode of filtration, i.e. in the presence of a flow of fluid moving along the membrane surface and jetting the discharge of contaminated liquid.

(17) The micro filter or membrane module 18 may also be installed in a single housing together with a cavitation device 16 to increase the cleaning efficiency of the filter surface, as shown in FIG. 4. The combined cavitation and filter module 30 installed in a single housing 32 consists of a multi-stage cavitation device 16 and a filter element or membrane 40 similar to the filter module 18. To work in dead-end mode, the device 30 has one inlet 34 and one outlet 36. To work in a cross-flow filtration mode the device 30 has one inlet 34 and two outlets: the purified outlet 36 is used for discharge of purified liquid, and the waste outlet 46 is designed to discharge liquid with colloidal particles and chemical impurities out of the device 30 (FIG. 5).

(18) In the housing 32, in the zone of the filter element 40, a cylindrical insert 42 can be mounted, with bulges 44 on its inner surface to provide turbulence of the treated fluid as it flows along the filtering surface (FIGS. 5-6).

(19) The shape of an annular section of bulges 44 for turbulent flow may have an angular or rounded profile, forming the constrictions and the subsequent expansion of the flow section for liquid flow, as shown in FIGS. 7-9. The shape of the annular section of bulges 44 can have a surface profile of a Venturi tube, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Alternatively, bulges 42 can have an undulating profile as shown in FIG. 9.

(20) The system 10 for purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages of impurities can be made in an industrial version for high performance and a table-top version for use at home. A preferred embodiment of the table-top version of the device 50 for purification and improvement of the quality of alcohol beverages is shown in isometric view in FIG. 10.

(21) The table-top version of the device 50 for purification and improvement of the quality of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages comprises a liquid filling tank 52. The tank 52 preferable has a capacity of 0.2-1.0 gallons in volume. A pump 54 is connected to the tank 52 for transfer of the liquid to be treated to one or more multi-stage cavitation devices 56, with multiple devices preferably connected in series. A filter cartridge 58 is connected to the outlet from the last of the cavitation device 56 to remove microbiological and chemical impurities, as well as solid and colloidal particles from the liquid. The outlet of the filter cartridge 58 is preferably connected back to the tank 52.

(22) The table-top device 50 preferably has an outlet valve 60 to control fluid flow in multiple processing modes, whether to dispense purified liquid, or to rinse and drain washing water from the system. To control the fluid pressure at the outlet of the pump 54, a manometer 62 is provided. The piping system 64 is preferably made of standard fittings and flexible tubes. The operation of the device 50 is controlled through an electronic control system 66 that is operationally connected to pump 54. The table-top device 50 has no analogues for purification and improvement of the quality of drinking water and alcoholic beverages at home.

(23) Looking at FIG. 1, the inventive purification system 10 functions as follows. Fluid to be treated enters the tank 12 and then is transferred by the pump 14 to the cavitation device 16 or the series of cavitation devices 20. The cavitation bubbles generated in the fluidic flow in each cavitation device 16 pulsate and implode, resulting in heat and mass transfer processes and destruction of contaminants and pathogens. The fluid is then transferred from the cavitation device 16 or the set of cavitation devices 20 to filtration module 18. A secondary pump 22 may be used prior to the filtration module 18 as necessary to increase the fluid pressure through the filtration module 18.

(24) Under the action of cavitation on the fluid, colloids and particles which can contain bacteria and viruses are dissolved. The pathogens are deprived of protection under chemical and physical effects of cavitation. Intense shock waves, cumulative fluid jets during collapse of cavitation bubbles cause the death of bacteria and viruses.

(25) In the filtration module 18, an alcohol beverage is purified to remove microparticles and colloid particles, whose dimensions are larger than the pores of the microfilter or membrane. In the filtration module 18, drinking water is purified to remove dead bacteria and viruses, solid particles, and colloidal particles having dimensions larger than the pores of the microfilter or membrane.

(26) After cavitation treatment, the particles to be removed generally have an average size smaller than that which existed before cavitation. The microflora does not emit waste products and does not emit substances that contribute to agglomeration of particles on the surface and in the pores of the microfilter membrane, so as to prevent or delay blockage of the membrane. The liquid may circulate from the filter module 18 back into the tank 12 in a closed circuit, where it can then be removed from the purification system 10. Alternatively, the purified liquid may be discharged from the filter module 18 via an outlet pipe.

(27) When the treated fluid flows into the multi-stage cavitation device 16, it passes through the inlet 34 and successively passes through each cavitation generating stage 24 and then be discharged from the multi-stage cavitation device 16 through the outlet 36. At each stage 24, the liquid first flows around the helical plate 26 and then passes through the cylinder 28 with a central channel 29. As the liquid flows relative to the surface of the helical plate 26, the liquid swirls. The swirling flow passes through the central channel 29 of the cylindrical body 28, the channel 29 having a constriction in the form of a nozzle and an expansion in the form of a diffuser or the overall shape of a Venturi tube, in which cavitation is generated. The swirling flow passes through the central channel 29 at a higher a higher velocity than a comparable flow with streamlines parallel to the central axis 31. The high flow velocity in the zone of the channel 29 with a minimum flow area or throat of the Venturi tube causes reduction in the flow pressure to the saturated vapor pressure and the formation of cavitation bubbles that pulsate and collapse when they enter the zone of increased pressure in the diffuser or at the outlet of the Venturi tube.

(28) The collapse of cavitation bubbles produces enough energy for the dissociation of water, alcohol and other molecules followed by the generation of protons, hydroxyl ions, hydroxyl radicals, peroxide and hydrogen molecules. Gas molecules present in these bubbles are excited and affected by multiple energy and charge exchange processes. Oxygen and hydrogen molecules participate in a number of reactions, including the formation of hydroperoxyl radicals.

(29) Alcoholic beverages based on an aqueous solution of alcohol (vodka, brandy, whiskey, rum, gin and others), as well as food ethanol may contain impurities such as Acetaldehyde and/or Acetal, Benzene, Methanol, Fusel Oils, as Isobutyl, Isoamyl and active Amyl, Non Volatile Matter, Heavy Metals and others. The presence of these impurities in alcohol-containing beverages reduces their flavor and aroma qualities. Cavitation treatment of alcohol beverages and ethanol causes destruction of impurities, decreases the concentration of Acetaldehyde, Acetal, Benzene, Methanol, Fusel Oils, precipitation of salts of heavy metals, thus helping to improve the organoleptic indicators of alcohol beverages.

(30) When the purification system 10 is in operation, a portion of the cavitation bubbles from the cavitation device 16 is moved by the liquid flow into the filter module 18. The cavitation bubbles come to the surface of the microfilter or membrane and collapse. When cavitation bubbles collide, pressure waves are generated, and cumulative jets are released towards the surface of the microfilter or membrane. Pressure pulsations and cumulative jets destroy contaminants that can be deposited on the surface of the microfilter or membrane.

(31) In a combined cavitation and filter device 30, cavitation bubbles are formed both in the cavitation stages 24 and in the areas of bulges 44 for turbulent flow of the treated liquid as it flows along the filtering surface of the microfilter or membrane 40.

(32) When the fluid flows in the gap between the insert 42 and the filter element 40, the constrictions and expansions caused by the bulges 44 create eddies, which generate hydrodynamic pressure pulsations and cavitation. The subsequent collapse of cavitation bubbles generates pressure waves, and releases cumulative jets towards the surface of the micro filter or membrane.

(33) Pressure pulsations and cumulative streams prevent solid and colloidal particles, molecular associates and molecules of various impurities from forming a contaminant film on the surface of the filter elements. Removing contamination from the surface of the microfilter or membrane can increase the service life and reduce the load on the filter elements. As the surface of the filter element is kept clean, without accumulated contaminations, the filter element operates for a long time at the minimum design pressure. This makes it possible to increase the operating time of the filter element until it needs to be replaced or cleaned.

(34) The combined cavitational and filtering device 30 can operate both in the dead-end mode (FIG. 6) and in the cross-flow mode of filtration (FIG. 5). When working in the dead-end mode, the liquid to be treated is fed into the inlet 34 of the combined device 30, passes through the cavitation generation stages 24, is filtered through the filter element 40, and is discharged from the device 30 through the outlet 36.

(35) When operating in a cross-flow mode, the processed liquid is fed through inlet 34 of the combined device 30, passes through the cavitation generating stages 24, is filtered through the filter element 40, and the purified liquid is discharged from the device 30 through the outlet 36. The liquid with particles, colloidal particles and chemical impurities is discharged from the device through the waste outlet 46. The cross-flow mode is the most efficient operating regime for combined cavitational and filtering device 30, since the flow velocity in the gap between the body and porous septum of the combined device 30 is large, the flow has a developed turbulence and cavitation, which prevents the deposition of contaminants on the surface of the filter element 40.

(36) The inventive purification system 50 functions as follows. An alcoholic beverage is poured into a container 52 and then is transferred by the pump 54 to the series-connected multi-stage cavitation devices 56. The cavitation bubbles generated in the fluidic flow pulsate and implode resulting in heat and mass transfer processes and destruction of contaminants. The fluid is then transferred from the final multi-stage cavitation device 56 to the filtration cartridge 58. Alternatively, the combined cavitational and filtering device 30, may replace the series connected multi-stage devices 56 and filtration cartridge 58.

(37) In a filtration cartridge 58, a fluid is purified of particles and colloidal particles, whose dimensions are larger than the pores of the microfilter or membrane. After purification in the filter cartridge 58, the fluid may be removed from the tank 52 of the purification system 50 directly through the outlet valve 60. The liquid can also circulate from the filter cartridge 58 back into the tank 52 in a closed circuit and then be removed from the purification system 50 as described.

Example 1

(38) Raw vodka in a volume of 1 liter was poured in the top-table device for purification of alcohol-containing beverages. Vodka was subject to the cavitation treatment and purified through the filter module in the form of a cartridge filled with activated carbon in a cyclic mode for 12 minutes. The pressure at the outlet of the pump was 140 psi, the flow was 2.7 liters per minute. Impurities were determined using FFAP column chromatography.

(39) Table 1 shows that the amount of chemical impurities in vodka decreased by an average of 5%. The harsh smell of vodka dissipated, and its taste became softer.

(40) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Concentration, milligram/liter Impurity Before treatment After treatment Acetaldehyde 1.0632 1.0126 Methyl acetate 0.911 0.847 Ethyl acetate 0.882 0.859 Isopropanol 1.098 1.049

Example 2

(41) Artesian water in the volume of 2 liters was poured in the top-table device for purification of water. The water was cavitated and purified through a filter module in the form of a cartridge filled with activated carbon in a cyclic mode for 20 minutes. The pressure at the pump outlet was 135 psi, the flow was 2.5 liters per minute.

(42) Table 2 shows indicators of artesian water before and after processing in the device for cavitation treatment and water purification.

(43) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Parameter Before treatment After treatment Hydrogen index, pH 7.3 7.9 Solid residual, mg/L 690 320 Water hardness, mg-eq/L 6.8 3.2 Ferrum, mg/L 2.8 0.24 Manganese, mg/L 1.8 0.1 Chlorides, mg/L 115 39.5 Sulfates, mg/L 210 24 Fluorides, mg/L 2.5 0.9

(44) As can be seen from Table 2, the amount of contaminants in artesian water significantly decreased. Hydrogen index increased due to the cavitation treatment of water, destruction of water molecules and increase in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in water.

(45) Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.