BIOACTIVE FILTER

Abstract

The invention relates to a bioactive filter for the disinfection of liquids, in particular water or aqueous solutions in containers. A structure that is advantageous in terms of filter efficiency is obtained by forming a spherical or oval filter body (1), which is coated with noble metals (FIG. 1).

Claims

1. A bioactive filter for the disinfection of liquids, in particular water or aqueous solutions in containers, characterized in that a spherical or oval filter body (1) is formed, which is coated with noble metals.

2. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter body (1) consists of two hemispherical filter parts (4) made of stainless steel wire mesh (2), which are connected to one another by means of a ring (3) made of stainless steel, in that each of the filter parts (4) has, on its open side, an outwardly projecting collar (5), and in that the ring (3) connects the two collars (5) to one another.

3. The filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the wire mesh (2) and/or the ring (3) is/are coated with at least two noble metals.

4. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the noble metals is silver and/or ruthenium.

5. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that during use, the noble metals are in moisture contact with the surrounding environment.

6. The filter according to claim 2, characterized in that either the noble metals are applied in succession to the wire mesh (2) and/or the ring (3) or in that they are applied in the form of bimetallic particles.

7. The filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the noble metals are applied to the wire mesh (2) and/or the ring (3) by means of a mechanical, galvanic, or vacuum technology process.

8. The filter according to claim 2, characterized in that during use, turbulence is generated within the liquid by means of the wire mesh (2) and/or the ring (3).

9. The filter according to claim 2, characterized in that when liquid moves through the wire mesh (2) and/or the ring (3), movement of the filter is intensified.

10. The filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the filter body (1) is configured such that particles, such as lime, floating in the liquid are prevented by the wire mesh (2) and/or the ring (3) from being deposited onto a wall of the container, and in that the particles are bound by means of the wire mesh (2) and/or the ring (3).

11. The filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the ring (3) is pressed, crimped, stamped, riveted, or welded onto the collars (5).

12. The filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the wire mesh (2) and/or the ring (3) is/are coated with at least one additional reaction-enhancing substance.

Description

[0022] The invention will be explained in greater detail below in the context of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter body with a hemispherical filter part,

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fully assembled filter,

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the fully assembled filter.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a hemispherical filter part 4 made from a stainless steel wire mesh 2. Filter part 4 has a collar 5 protruding from the open end of the hemisphere. Said filter part is coated either first with silver and then with ruthenium, or with bimetallic particles that consist of both of these noble metals. The coating may be applied using a mechanical, galvanic, or vacuum technology process. The ruthenium applied to the silver layer or the ruthenium bonded to the silver in bimetallic particles acts as a contact catalyst for the formation and dissolution of silver ions from the silver and the conversion to liquids. These silver ions then come into contact with the cells of microbes contained in the liquid and produce a destabilizing effect on the cell membrane. This disrupts cell metabolism and the cell division process. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS), also called oxygen free radicals, are formed in situ, i.e. during the reaction process. The ROS formed, like the released silver ions, influence the DNA, the cell membrane, and the membrane proteins. In contrast to the classic application of silver in filters, the strong antimicrobial action is no longer largely dependent on the concentration of silver ions.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a fully assembled filter. To produce the filter body 1, the two hemispherical, preferably hollow filter parts 4 are placed during assembly with their collars 5 abutting against one another, and the collars 5 are then connected to one another by means of a stainless steel ring 3 by pressing, crimping, stamping, riveting, or welding. Turbulence is induced in the liquid by wire mesh 2 and/or ring 3, by virtue of the natural movement of the liquid, and this turbulence brings a maximum number of silver ions or oxygen free radicals in contact with microbes moving around in the liquid, even when the filter is resting in the liquid. With additional movement of the liquid, e.g. by movement of the liquid container or circulation of the liquid inside the container, movement of the filter is intensified by wire mesh 2 and/or ring 3, resulting in a further increase in the combinations of silver ions/oxygen free radicals and microbes. This passive or active circulation of the liquid greatly increases the sphere of action of the filter as compared with other solutions of the prior art, so that a significantly larger volume of liquid can be disinfected with just one filter. The effort involved in filter production is likewise significantly reduced as a result, and both the amount of materials used and the costs are decreased. As a further effect of wire mesh 2 and/or ring 3, particles, such as lime, floating in the liquid are prevented from being deposited onto a wall of the container, and these particles become bound into or onto said wire mesh or ring. Wire mesh 2 and/or ring 3 can also be coated with at least one additional reaction-enhancing substance, further increasing the reactivity of the active substances released from the filter with the microbes.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows the filter in cross section, with filter body 1, the two hemispherical filter parts 4, collar 5, and ring 3 connecting the collars 5, which ring encompasses the two collars 5 and is fixed, e.g. by stamping. The hemispherical filter parts 4, preferably consisting of one layer, but alternatively consisting of multiple layers, can be readily produced, e.g. by molding or deformation, from flat, planar lattice or mesh material.

[0029] The filter is intended for use particularly for filtering water, e.g. for tanks in coffee or tea preparing appliances, drinking bottles, carafes, oral irrigators, flower vases, mobile water tanks, e.g. in recreational vehicles, or for permanent installation in water supply lines. Its added advantages lie in its quick and permanent reduction of microbes in the liquid, its ease of use, and its long service life.