ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY FOR QUARTZ SLEEVE SUPPORT

Abstract

A method and an attachment assembly for supporting a quartz sleeve, comprises at least one vibration resistant member, a collar attachment member and a support plate. The at least one vibration resistant member is adaptable to hold and support the quartz sleeve positioned inside an ultraviolet (UV) cylinder and thereby to prevent its vibration. The collar attachment member is configured to enclose the at least one vibration resistant member. The at least one vibration resistant member is positioned inside the collar attachment member. The support plate is configured to attach the collar attachment member containing the at least one vibration resistant member with the UV cylinder. The attachment assembly can be attached to the UV cylinder wall directly or can be attached to a mounting device inside the UV cylinder wall.

Claims

1. An attachment assembly for supporting a quartz sleeve, comprising: at least one vibration resistant member adaptable to support and prevent vibration of the quartz sleeve positioned inside an ultraviolet (UV) cylinder; a collar attachment member configured to enclose the at least one vibration resistant member; and a support plate configured to attach the collar attachment member containing the at least one vibration resistant member with the UV cylinder; whereby the at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by the collar attachment member guides the quartz sleeve therethrough and prevents vibration.

2. The attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member is an O-ring.

3. The attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: Teflon, rubber or elastomer.

4. The attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member is coupled to the surface of the quartz sleeve.

5. The attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member maintains the quartz sleeve in a straight position.

6. The attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member is enclosed by the collar attachment member such that there is little to no gap left therebetween.

7. The attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein the configuration of the collar attachment member and the at least one vibration resistant member allows little to no movement therebetween.

8. The attachment assembly of claim 1 is mounted inside of the UV cylinder by means of a mounting means positioned at a fixed position at a distance away from a first end plate and a second end plate of the UV cylinder.

9. The attachment assembly of claim 1 can be mounted directly inside the UV cylinder at a distance away from the first end plate and the second end plate.

10. An attachment assembly for supporting a quartz sleeve positioned inside an ultraviolet (UV) cylinder for fluid treatment, comprising: at least one vibration resistant member configured to support the quartz sleeve, the at least one vibration resistant member coupled to the surface of the quartz sleeve; a collar attachment member adaptable to enclose the at least one vibration resistant member, the at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by the collar attachment member such that there is little to no space left therebetween; and a support plate configured to attach the collar attachment member containing the at least one vibration resistant member with the UV cylinder; whereby the at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by the collar attachment member guides the quartz sleeve therethrough and holds it steady to prevent vibration.

11. The attachment assembly of claim 10 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member is an O-ring.

12. The attachment assembly of claim 10 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member and the collar attachment member provide support and stability around the quartz sleeve.

13. The attachment assembly of claim 10 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: Teflon, rubber or elastomer.

14. The attachment assembly of claim 10 wherein the at least one vibration resistant member maintains the quartz sleeve in a straight position.

15. The attachment assembly of claim 10 wherein the configuration of the collar attachment member and the at least one vibration resistant member allows minimum natural movement therebetween.

16. The attachment assembly of claim 10 is mounted inside of the UV cylinder by means of a mounting means positioned at a fixed position at a distance away from a first end plate and a second end plate of the UV cylinder.

17. The attachment assembly of claim 10 can be mounted directly inside the UV cylinder at a distance away from the first end plate and the second end plate.

18. A method for utilizing an attachment assembly for reducing and preventing vibration of a quartz sleeve positioned inside an ultraviolet (UV) cylinder, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the attachment assembly having at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by a collar attachment member connected with a support plate; b) mounting the attachment assembly to a ring positioned at a fixed location at a distance inside the UV cylinder; c) inserting the quartz sleeve into the UV cylinder through a first end plate of the UV cylinder; d) guiding the quartz sleeve through the at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by the collar attachment member; e) attaching the quartz sleeve with a second end plate of the UV cylinder; and f) holding and steadily supporting the quartz sleeve by the at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by the collar attachment member to prevent vibration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an attachment assembly holding a quartz sleeve in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the attachment assembly attached to the ring on the inner side of the UV cylinder holding the quartz sleeve in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3A is a cut out view of the attachment assembly attached directly to the inner side of the UV cylinder of the water reactor holding the quartz sleeve in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the attachment assembly attached directly to the inner side of the cylinder holding the quartz sleeve in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a method for utilizing an attachment assembly for preventing vibration of a quartz sleeve positioned inside the UV cylinder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0021] Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. And as used herein is interchangeably used with or unless expressly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term about means +/5% of the recited parameter. All embodiments of any aspect of the invention can be used in combination, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words herein, wherein, whereas, above, and below and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

[0024] The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While the specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of an attachment assembly 100 holding a quartz sleeve 104 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The attachment assembly 100 for supporting the quartz sleeve 104 comprises at least one vibration resistant member 102, a collar attachment member 108 and a support plate 110. The at least one vibration resistant member 102 is adaptable to hold and support the quartz sleeve 104 positioned inside an ultraviolet (UV) cylinder 106 of a water reactor (not shown) and thereby to prevent its vibration. The at least one vibration resistant member 102 is an O-ring which is made from a material selected from a group consisting of: Teflon, rubber, elastomer, or a metal spring. The collar attachment member 108 is configured to enclose the at least one vibration resistant member 102. The at least one vibration resistant member 102 is positioned inside the collar attachment member 108 and surrounds the quartz sleeve 104 to hold it in a straight position The collar attachment member 108 has a structure to hold the at least one vibration resistant member 102, preferably the O-ring, steady. The at least one vibration resistant member 102 is enclosed by the collar attachment member 108 such that there is little to no space left therebetween and hence allows no free movement between the members. The support plate 110 is configured to attach the collar attachment member 108 containing the at least one vibration resistant member 102 with the UV cylinder 106. The attachment assembly 100 can be attached to the UV cylinder 106 directly or can be attached to a ring 112 positioned inside the UV cylinder 106. When the attachment assembly 100 is attached inside with the UV cylinder 106, the quartz sleeve 104 is guided through the at least one vibration resistant member 102 from a first end plate 114 to a second end plate 116 of the UV cylinder 106. Thus the at least one vibration resistant member 102 enclosed by the collar attachment member 108 guides the quartz sleeve 104 therethrough and prevents its vibration.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view respectively of the attachment assembly 100 attached to the ring 112 on the inner side of the UV cylinder 106 of the water reactor (not shown) holding the quartz sleeve 104. The support plate of the attachment assembly is attached to the ring as shown in FIG. 2. The ring 112 is positioned at a fixed position at a distance away from the first end plate 114 (not shown) and the second end plate 116 (not shown) of the UV cylinder 106.

[0027] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a cut out view and cross-sectional view respectively of the attachment assembly 100 attached directly to the inner side of the UV cylinder 106 holding the quartz sleeve 104. The attachment assembly 100 is fixed inside the UV cylinder 106 at a distance away from the first end plate 114 and the second end plate 116.

[0028] The attachment assembly 100 allows the quartz sleeve 104 to be supported by the at least one vibration resistant member 102 to ensure that it is maintained in a fixed straight position. The at least one vibration resistant member 102 stabilizes the quartz sleeve 104 while it is supported by the attachment assembly 100. The attachment assembly 100 is designed to provide another point of contact with the cylinder 106 which otherwise was only supported at both end plates 114 and 116. By providing another point of contact with the cylinder 106, the attachment assembly 100 reduces the amount of vibration of the quartz sleeve 104 during operation. Thus the at least one vibration resistant member 102 and the collar attachment member 108 of the attachment assembly 100 provide 360 degrees of support around the quartz sleeve 104 which reduces and eliminates vibration during operation.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a method 200 for utilizing an attachment assembly for reducing and preventing vibration of a quartz sleeve positioned inside the UV cylinder. The method comprises the steps of: providing the attachment assembly having at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by a collar attachment member connected with a support plate as shown in block 202. Mounting the attachment assembly to a ring positioned at a fixed location at a distance inside the UV cylinder as indicated in block 204. Then inserting the quartz sleeve into the UV cylinder through a first end plate of the UV cylinder as indicated in block 206. As indicated in block 208, guiding the quartz sleeve through the at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by the collar attachment member and attaching the quartz sleeve with a second end plate of the UV cylinder as indicated in block 210. Holding and steadily supporting the quartz sleeve by the at least one vibration resistant member enclosed by the collar attachment member to prevent vibration as indicated in block 212.

[0030] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto