SYSTEM SEPARATION DEVICE

Abstract

A system separation device with at least one pressure-proof tank for containing a liquid that forms a predetermined liquid level in the tank, above which level there is a gas cushion. The device contains an inlet in the upper region of the tank for fluidly feeding the tank from a first fluid system, and an outlet in the lower region of the tank for forwarding the liquid to a second fluid system. To prevent the germ-infestation of the inlet, at least one germicide material is arranged in the region of a gas cushion above the liquid level

Claims

1. System separation device comprising at least a tank configured to hold liquid up to a predetermined liquid level in the tank, the tank including a gas cushion located in the tank above said predetermined liquid level, the gas cushion defining a region, an inlet in an upper region of the tank, said inlet configured to feed the tank from a first fluid system, an outlet in a lower region of the tank, said outlet configured to forward the liquid from the tank to a second fluid system, wherein the tank is pressure-proof, wherein, in operation of the system separation device, the gas cushion above the predetermined liquid level is contained under pressure associated with operation of the inlet, wherein the tank contains at least one germicide in the region defined by the gas cushion.

2. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the tank has at least one filling level sensor configured to determine a level of liquid filling the tank during the operation thereof.

3. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the germicide comprises at least one UV light source configured to irradiate a tank wall with ultraviolet light.

4. The system separation device according to claim 3, wherein the UV light source comprises means configured to irradiate an annular region of an inner wall of the tank.

5. The system separation device according to claim 4, wherein the annular region is dimensioned to surround the inlet annularly.

6. The system separation device according to claim 3, wherein the UV light source is disposed at least partially below a level of liquid filling the tank in operation thereof, to emit ultraviolet light into the liquid.

7. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the gas cushion comprises a germicidal component at a first concentration that is higher than a second concentration, the second concentration being a concentration of said germicidal component in air.

8. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the tank has a wall, wherein said wall satisfies at least one of the following conditions: a) the wall contains a coating at at least one of (i) an inner side of the wall, (ii) a region of the inlet, and (iii) around the region of the inlet, wherein said coating includes a germ-inhibiting or germicidal material, and b) said wall consists of germ-inhibiting or germicidal material.

9. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the tank has a wall with an inner side, the inner side carries a semiconductor material dimensioned as annular region on the inner side, at least one light source is present in the tank, the at least one light source being configured to irradiate the semiconductor material, wherein a band gap of the semiconductor material is smaller than energy of photons emitted by the light source during operation thereof.

10. The system separation device according to claim 9, wherein the semiconductor material comprises titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2).

11. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the germicide comprises a non-water-soluble germicidal fluid substance, wherein a density of said substance is lower than a density of water.

12. The system separation device according to claim 1, further comprising calming means located in the tank between the inlet and the outlet, the calming means configured, to either reduce a flow velocity of a direct flow of the liquid from the inlet to the outlet or to inhibit said direct flow in operation of the device.

13. The system separation device of claim 12, wherein the calming means comprises a receiving pot having a bottom, a side wall, and a rim defining an opening, and wherein said receiving pot is dimensioned (i) to receive liquid flowing, in operation of the device, from the inlet via the gas cushion into the receiving pot, and (ii) to provide a liquid flow over the rim towards the outlet.

14. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and the outlet each have a corresponding valve seat and a respective valve body, each valve seat being configured to be closed as a result of moving the respective valve body between a corresponding open-position and a corresponding closed-position, the device further comprising at least one float body and activation means, and wherein each of valve bodies of the inlet and outlet is coupled to the at least one float body via said actuation means to close the respective valve seat when, in operation of the device, the at least one float body mounts above a predetermined first level of liquid.

15. The system separation device according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the valve bodies is biased in the direction of the corresponding closed-position.

16. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the tank has a release valve, a release opening configured to be controlled by the release valve, and a controller configured to control the release valve, wherein the release opening and the outlet are not in fluid communication.

17. The system separation device according to claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the operation of the system separation device and, in an event of a malfunction, to open the release opening and the inlet.

18. The system separation device according to claim 1, wherein the tank comprises a ventilation device.

19. The system separation device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for automatic detection of a distance separating a level of liquid, filling the tank, and the inlet, a gas-generation device configured to deliver gas into the tank, and a gas-generation control circuitry configured to activate the gas-generation device when the distance, detected by the means for automatic detection, falls below a nominal value.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] In the following, the invention will be described by way of example, without limitation of the general inventive concept, on examples of embodiment and with reference to the drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a first system separation device.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a second system separation device.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a third system separation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a system separation device 1 with a tank 10 for receiving a liquid 2 (e.g. water). The tank 10 has a side wall 11, a bottom wall 12 and a top wall 13, which together define a tank interior 10i. The bottom wall 12 forms a first end face of the tank 10 and defines a lower end of the tank 10 with respect to the direction of gravity G. The top wall 13 forms a second end face of the tank 10 and defines an upper end of the tank 10 with respect to the direction of gravity G.

[0054] The tank 10 is formed of a pressure-resistant material. This is preferably a hygienically acceptable material, such as e.g. stainless steel or the like.

[0055] Furthermore, the system separation device 1 has a liquid inlet 20 into the tank 10. Via the liquid inlet 20, a liquid, e.g. drinking water is fed into the tank 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid inlet 20 may be formed by a (liquid) supply pipe 21 opening into the tank interior 10i, which is connected to the tank 10 by a recess 13a in the top wall 13. Also, the supply pipe 21 may be connected to the tank 10 by a recess of the side wall 11 provided in an upper region of the side wall 11. In general, the liquid inlet 20 is connected to the tank 10 in an upper region of the same.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the supply pipe 21 of the liquid inlet 20 can protrude into the tank interior 10i or flush with the top wall 13 or the side wall 11.

[0057] A liquid outlet 30 is located in the lower part of the tank, i.e. below the liquid level (preferably near the bottom). The liquid 2 present in the tank 10 is delivered via the liquid outlet 30 to a drinking water or industrial water system or the like, i.e. to a consumer in general.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid outlet 30 may be formed by a drain pipe 31, which is connected to the tank 10 by a recess 11a of the side wall 11 provided in the lower region of the side wall 11. The supply pipe 21 can also be connected to the tank 10 by a recess in the bottom wall 12. Generally, the liquid outlet 30 is connected to the tank in a lower region of the tank 10 (e.g. in the lower half, preferably the lower third, more preferably in the lower quarter, even more preferably in the lower sixth).

[0059] Furthermore, the system separation device 1 has a ventilation device 40. It is connected to the tank 10 between the liquid inlet 20 and liquid outlet 30 and ensures that the tank level does not fall below a minimum tank level B.sub.min.

[0060] The term tank level generally refers to the height of the liquid level W in the tank, i.e. the distance of the liquid surface from an inner surface 12i of the bottom wall 12 facing towards the tank interior 10i, and in particular a lowest point of the inner surface 12i of the bottom wall 12 with respect to the direction of gravity G.

[0061] The minimum tank level B.sub.min depends on device-specific provisions. For example, it can be provided that, depending on the liquid requirement of the consumers connected to the system separation device, a certain amount of liquidwhich causes a certain tank levelmust not be dropped below in the tank, such that the supply of the consumers is ensured.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, the venting device 40 may be connected via a connection device to the tank 10. As a connection device, e.g. a pipe may be provided which is connected to a recess 11b of the side wall 11 of the tank 10. The venting device 40 prevents falling below the minimum tank level B.sub.min, in that a filling level sensor of the venting device 40 detects the tank level B, and an actuation valve functionally coupled to the level sensor is actuated upon reaching the minimum tank level B.sub.min. There is a pressure p.sub.zu in the liquid inlet 20, which is greater than the atmospheric pressure outside the tank 10. As shown in FIG. 1, between the liquid in the tank 10 and the upper tank end there is a gas cushion as hygiene zone L which is under the pressure p.sub.zu of the liquid inlet 20. Thereby, an air flow out of the tank interior 10i occurs upon actuation of the actuating valve of the venting device. As a result, the pressure in the tank interior 10i decreases, which causes a subsequent flow of liquid through the liquid inlet 20.

[0063] Preferably, the venting device 40 may have an automatic venting valve with at least one float as a level sensor. Particularly advantageously, two redundant venting valves 41, 42 are controlled, i.e. opened or closed upon controlling by floats or the like. This increases the reliability of the system.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 1, the system separation device 1 has at least one level sensor 14 which detects the tank level B. It may be provided that the level sensor 14 generally detects the tank level B. Thus, the level sensor 14, for example, may also be provided as a level sensor for the venting device.

[0065] It is preferably provided that the level sensor 14 detects at least a maximum tank level B.sub.max. The tank level B.sub.max is defined by a minimum permissible distance d.sub.min between the liquid level and the liquid inlet 20. This minimum distance d.sub.min must be chosen such that the passage of bacteria, germs, contaminations and the like from the medium/liquid in the tank 10 into the water inlet 20 is excluded. Preferably, d.sub.min is more 3-times the inner diameter of the supply pipe 21, and particularly preferred more than 6-times the inner diameter of the supply pipe 21.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1, a maximum tank level B.sub.max may be provided with a reserve distance d.sub.res to the minimum distance d.sub.min. As a result, the safety of the system separation device 1 is additionally increased.

[0067] To increase safety, also several level sensors can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, at least one further level sensor 15 may be arranged in the tank interior 10i. This has the advantage that, in case of failure of the level sensor 14 due to a fault, the further level sensor 15 detects the tank level B. In case of reaching the maximum tank level B.sub.max, the further level sensor 15 shuts the liquid inlet 20 off, such that no further liquid is led into the tank 10 and the tank level B no longer rises. In this way, falling below the minimum distance d.sub.min it is extremely reliably prevented.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, the system separation device 1 may have an emergency opening valve 81. The emergency opening valve 81 is preferably designed as a float valve, which has a level indicator in the form of a float and an actuation valve being functionally coupled to the level sensor. The level indicator of the emergency opening valve 81 detects the tank level B. Upon reaching a tank level B at which the minimum distance d.sub.min between the liquid level W and the inlet 20 is reached, the actuation valve of the emergency opening valve 81 is actuated and allows liquid to flow out of the tank interior 10i. As a result, the emergency opening valve 81 forms an (emergency) outlet of the tank 10 into the atmosphere.

[0069] Should for any reason the regulation of the level sensors 14, 15 be defective, the emergency opening valve 81 ensures that the liquid level W cannot rise so far that the minimum distance d.sub.min is not maintained. Thus, the hygiene region is triple-protected. Even in case of power failure, the minimum distance d.sub.min is guaranteed. The overflow of the emergency opening valve 81 may end in an optional safety basin 60.

[0070] The level sensors 14, 15 can be designed as touch probes, floats, ultra-sonic probes or the like.

[0071] As already described, there is a gas cushion as the hygiene zone L between the medium/liquid in the tank 10 and the upper tank end, which gas cushion is under the pressure p.sub.zu of the liquid inlet 20 being established in the tank interior 10i. The gas cushion and thus also the hygiene zone L extend in particular between the liquid surface and the top wall 13 of the tank 10. In order to keep the pressure of the gas cushion/hygiene zone L constant, the system separation installation 1 has a gas generating device. As shown in FIG. 1, it can be designed as a pressure generating device 50. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the alternatives described above may be provided as the gas generating device (each of them not shown):

[0072] The pressure generating device 50 has a gas supply device 51 opening into the tank interior 10i. The pressure generating device 50 ensures that the gas cushion is always under a constant pressure, i.e. any gas losses are compensated by the pressure generating device 50. This prevents the depletion of the gas cushion, which would cause the liquid level W to rise. In this way, it is excluded that the minimum distance d.sub.min between the liquid level and the liquid inlet 20 is not maintained. A migration of germs from the medium/liquid which is located in the tank 10, to the medium/liquid, which is located in the liquid inlet 20 is prevented with extremely high reliability by means of the system separation installation of FIG. 1 according to the invention.

[0073] Due to the pressure p.sub.zu of the liquid inlet 20 lying above the atmospheric pressure, the system separation device 1 of the invention can do without additional pumps, since the liquid is not depressurized and the inlet does not communicate with the atmosphere. Thus, the system separation device (FIG. 1) is also readily suitable for hot water applications, such as in dairies, slaughterhouses or hospitals, since no expensive hot water pumps are needed. No electrical energy needs to be provided for the operation of the pumps. The inventive system separation device 1 is thus very energy efficient.

[0074] In order to keep the pressure in the hygiene zone L at least substantially constant, it can be provided that the pressure generating device 50 feeds a gas, e.g. air, via a gas supply device 51 to the tank interior 10i.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1, a controllable control valve 52, e.g. in form of a solenoid valve or a pneumatic valve, can be provided in the gas supply device 51 which regulates the amount of gas to be fed to the tank 10.

[0076] A compressor or other gas generating method may be provided as the pressure generating device 50. This can be directly connected to the tank 10 via the gas supply device 51. Advantageously, the compressor may also feed a storage tank (not shown) which is connected to the tank 10 via the gas supply device 51. This has the advantage that pressure variations of the air cushion L within a certain range, in particular small pressure variations, can be compensated by supplying gas from the storage tank into the tank 10, without further gas supply by the compressor into the storage tank being necessary.

[0077] As further shown in FIG. 1, at least one UV light source 16 may be provided in the tank 10. It emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which leads to killing of germs possibly present in the tank interior 10i. Preferably there are at least two UV-sources and a controller (electronic) circuitry configured to monitor the operation of the UV-source(s). If a first UV-source fails, the second one is switched on and an alarm signal may be provided e.g. to a corresponding building Control Center.

[0078] In order to ensure the sterility of the tank interior 10i, the liquid outlet 30 can furthermore have a check valve 32, as shown in FIG. 2. This is connected to the outlet 30 in such a way that it allows only one flow direction S30 of the liquid 2 out of the tank interior 10i. When flow occurs in a section 30a of the outlet 30, which is located downstream of the check valve 32 when viewed from the tank 10, and which has a flow direction opposite to the flow direction S30, the check valve 32 locks the outlet 30. As a consequence, no water can flow back from the section 30a into the tank interior 10i. Thereby, germs introduced by the consumer are prevented from entering into the water in the tank 10. (Water is but one example of liquid).

[0079] FIG. 1 further shows that a manometer 33 for detecting the pressure in the outlet 30 can be arranged in the outlet 30.

[0080] The inlet 20 may have a check valve 22 which is connected to the inlet in such a way that the check valve 22 permits only one flow direction S20 of the water into the tank interior 10i. This prevents that water can flow back from a section 21a of the water supply pipe 21, which section 21a is located upstream of the check valve 22 when seen from the tank 10) into a section 20b of the water supply pipe 21 being located downstream of the check valve 22 when seen from the tank 10. In this way it is ensured that even when the maximum tank level B.sub.max is exceeded, no water from the tank interior 10i, which may be contaminated with germs, can reach the section 20b of the water inlet 20 connected to a fresh water supply.

[0081] The system separation device 1 may further comprise a pressure reducer 23 being connected to the water inlet 20. The pressure reducer 23 may be designed as a controllable throttle valve and is preferably located upstream of the check valve 22 with respect to the flow direction S20 being directed into the tank interior 10i. By means of the pressure reducer 23, the pressure p.sub.zu of the water inlet can be adjusted to the desired level.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, a regulated control valve 24, in particular in the form of a currentless closed magnetic valve or pneumatic valve, can be provided at the water inlet 20. In the case of a fire extinguishing device, a normally open valve must be used. The regulated control valve 24 is located preferably upstream of the check valve 22 with respect to the flow direction S20. If a pressure reducer 23 is provided at the water inlet 20, the regulated control valve 24 may preferably be arranged between the pressure reducer 23 and the check valve 22, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0083] Similar to the water outlet 30, a manometer 25 for reading the pressure in the water inlet 20 can be arranged in the water inlet 20.

[0084] In addition, the tank 10 may have a pressure relief valve 70 (safety valve p.sub.max) for discharging gas or medium/liquid 2 from the tank 10. In the embodiment of the system separation device 1 shown in FIG. 2, the pressure relief valve 70 is connected to the tank 10 in the lower tank region. The pressure relief valve 70 can of course also be connected to the tank 10 in the upper tank region. When a maximum pressure is reached in the tank interior 10i, the pressure relief valve 70 opens and allows a flow of gas or liquid out of the tank interior, such that the pressure in the tank interior 10i decreases. Advantageously, a collecting tank is located at an outlet of the pressure relief valve 70, in which water is collected, that optionally escapes from the tank 10 when opening the pressure relief valve 70.

[0085] As further shown in FIG. 1, a safety trough 60 may be arranged below the tank 10 that is with respect to the direction of gravity G under the tank. If the tank leaks, the safety trough 60 collects the escaping medium/liquid 2. This prevents that medium/liquid possibly contaminated with germs enters from the tank interior 10i into the environment. This is particularly advantageous in hospitals, as especially there an uncontrolled spread of germs must be prevented under all circumstances.

[0086] Preferably, the safety trough 60 may have a leakage sensor 61 which detects when medium/liquid accumulates in the safety trough 60. As a consequence, e.g. when reaching a maximum allowable amount of liquid in the safety trough, the system separation device 1 turns off. In particular, it can be provided that when switching off the system separation device 1, the water inlet 20 into the tank 10 is closed, e.g. by shutting-off the regulated control valve 24.

[0087] The system separation device 1 is functionally connected to a control device or circuitry 80 (shortly controller 80) for controlling and regulating the operation of the system separation device.

[0088] FIG. 2 shows a closed tank 10 of a system separation device. The tank 10 has an overhead inlet 20, which is connected with a first fluid system, e.g. a drinking water network (indicated by arrow 2, which symbolizes liquid supply), via a liquid supply pipe 21 (shortly supply pipe 21). In the supply pipe 21, there is an electrically controllable switching valve 85 and a check valve 22 to separate the inlet 20 from the first fluid system. The switching valve is connected to a controller 80. In addition, the tank 10 has an outlet 30 (liquid outlet 30) located at the bottom, which feeds a second water system via a drain pipe 31. Preferably, a check valve 32 and a preferably electrically controllable switching valve can be arranged in the drain pipe 31, similar to the supply pipe 21.

[0089] The inlet 20 and the outlet 30 each have a valve seat 26, 36, which can be closed by a respective valve body 27, 37, such that the inlet 20 and outlet 30 are shut-off. Accordingly, the valve bodies have an open position in which they release the valve seats 26, 36, and a closed position in which the valve seats 26, 36 are closed. The two valve bodies 27, 37 are connected to one another by an actuating means 90 (here: rod 90), such that always both valve bodies 27, 37 are adjusted synchronously between their corresponding open position(s) and closed position(s). A float (floating body) is attached at the actuating means 90, which presses both valve bodies 27, 37 against their valve seats 26, 36 by means of the actuating means 90 with increasing fluid level in the tank, such that inlet 20 and outlet 30 are closed. This can be reliably prevent that the fluid level increases over a predetermined height in the tank 10, e.g. by fluid flowing back over the outlet. Liquid being eventually contaminated with germs can therefore not reach the inlet. Preferably, at least one of the two valve bodies 27, 37 is biased against the corresponding valve seat (for example, in a direction of the corresponding closed position). The valve in the inlet 20 and/or the valve in the outlet 30 only opens at a corresponding pressure difference. Even low inflow of potentially germ-infested or otherwise contaminated liquid into the tank 10 is excluded, as well as an inflow of potentially contaminated gas or liquid into the inlet 20. Merely in the event that nevertheless the liquid level in the tank should rise above a maximum filling level, the tank has an emergency overflow valve 81. It should preferably be arranged above the float (or floating body) 95. It releases an outlet when the liquid level exceeds the maximum filling level, such that the distance between the liquid level and the inlet decreases below a predetermined value.

[0090] The tank 10 has a nominal filling height, the liquid level 3 of which is indicated by a dashed line. Above the nominal filling level is a pressurized gas cushion. The inlet is therefore not in direct contact with the liquid 2 in the tank 10.

[0091] In its upper region, the tank 10 can have a gas connection nozzle 53, which is preferably connected to a reservoir for a germicidal gas, with interposition of at least one switching valve. Preferably, the reservoir is under pressure, such that possibly used germicidal gas can be refilled during operation.

[0092] If liquid is extracted via the outlet 30 from the lower region of the tank, a corresponding quantity flows in via the inlet. In order that as little as possible of the gas reaches the region of outlet and possibly escapes, the tank has a calming means preferably above the liquid level and/or dipping into the liquid. In the example shown, the calming means is attached to the tank wall and has a trough-shaped recess in the middle. The calming means absorbs the kinetic energy of the liquid inflowing via the inlet. Therefore, no jet penetrates into the liquid 2 deep beneath the liquid level, which jet could entrain gas bubbles to the region of the outlet 30. In the example shown, the calming means is porous, such that water collected above the liquid level can sink steadily and over a large area through the calming means in the direction of the liquid level. Alternatively and/or additionally, the liquid can also flow over the edge of the calming means. In another embodiment, the calming means is a float.

[0093] In order to prevent migration along the tank wall in the direction of inlet 20, UV lamps are arranged in the region of the gas cushion, here indicated as rods. They irradiate the tank wall and in particular an annular strip 18 of the tank wall, the surface of which is provided with a germ-inhibiting material or includes such material. Particularly preferred, the germ-inhibiting coating is a semiconductor coating, e.g. of titanium dioxide.

[0094] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention, and only differences to the above explained embodiment are discussed. Same or similar reference numerals are used to avoid repetitions, thus except of some obvious differences the description of FIG. 2 can be read as well on FIG. 3.

[0095] The system separation device in FIG. 3 comprises a receiving pot 17 as calming means 17. The receiving pot 17 is positioned in the reservoir and below the inlet 21. To avoid ambiguities, the receiving pot 17 preferably comprises a bottom wall 172 and a side wall 171 defining a rim 173. The rim 173 faces at least essentially upwards and encloses the receiving pots opening. Thus the receiving pot 17 is configured to receive liquid flowing from the inlet 21 via the gas cushion into the receiving pot 17. Bubbles generated by the liquid enter the receiving pot 17 rise to the liquid level, at last when the liquid pours over the rim 173. The bottom 172 of the receiving pot 17 absorbs the kinetic energy of the liquid literally falling down from the free inlet into the reservoir. The bottom thus and prevents a direct flow towards the extraction point. Further, the bottom 172 has a tapered shape. Thereby, bubbles cannot agglomerate below the receiving pot. As soon as they reach a critical size, they rise upwards.

[0096] The rim 173 is slightly above the intended liquid level 3. It may as well be positioned slightly below or preferably at the intended liquid level 3. In operation the liquid level may vary, but by adding gas via gas inlet 53 or by releasing gas via outlet valve 41, the controller may ensure that the actual liquid level is within predefined boundaries close to the intended liquid level 3. As the liquid flows over the rim, the liquid's flow velocity can be slowed down and in addition the stream is directed towards the gas cushion, enabling gas bubbles to rise upwards and leave the liquid, i.e. to reenter the gas cushion. In short, the receiving pot enables to reduce the flow velocity of the liquid below the velocity with which the bubble rise up in the liquid. The diameter of the receiving pot is preferably larger that than the diameter of the inlet, e.g. twice as big or bigger, to thereby slow the flow over the rim down. The larger the diameter, the slower is the flow velocity of the liquid when passing over the rim and the less are bubbles removed with the liquid flow via the extraction point from the tank. The volume of the gas cushion thus essentially remains constant (assuming a constant pressure in the tank).

[0097] The system separation tank 10 of as depicted in FIG. 3 has an additional outlet 38 providing a release opening. The additional outlet 38 is preferably but not necessarily positioned below the intended liquid level and enables (is configured) to release liquid from the reservoir to the environment, e.g. into a wastewater system. The additional outlet 38 can be opened and closed by operating a control valve 39, as well referred to as release valve 39. The release valve is controlled by controller 80. If the controller 80 monitors a malfunction, e.g. of the UV-sources 16 or if the liquid level rises above the liquid level sensor 15, the controller 80 opens the release outlet 38, thereby establishing a liquid flow via the inlet 20. Thus, any germ would be flushed with the fluid flow 2 out of the inlet 20, before it can adhere to the surface. An upstream germ migration can be prevented or at least slowed down until the system separation device can be reviewed and repaired to avoid that a germ population that potentially entered the reservoir via the outlet 30 reaches an upstream branch of the upstream liquid system (system 1) and thus infects other branches of the upstream liquid system. In one implementation, the release opening and the outlet are not in fluid communication with one another.

[0098] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0099] It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this invention is believed to provide system separation device. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0100] 1 system separation device [0101] 2 medium/liquid [0102] 3 liquid level [0103] 10 tank [0104] 10i tank interior [0105] 11 side wall of the tank [0106] 11a recess in the side wall [0107] 12 bottom wall of the tank [0108] 12i inner face of the bottom wall [0109] 13 top wall of the tank [0110] 13a recess in the top wall [0111] 14, 15 level sensor [0112] 16 UV light source [0113] 17 calming means e.g. receiving pot [0114] 171 side wall of receiving pot [0115] 172 bottom of receiving pot [0116] 173 rim of receiving pot [0117] 18 annular strip [0118] 20 liquid inlet [0119] 21 liquid supply pipe [0120] 21a, 21b sections of the liquid supply pipe [0121] 22 check valve [0122] 23 pressure reducer [0123] 24 regulated control valve [0124] 25 manometer [0125] 26 valve seat [0126] 27 valve body [0127] 30 liquid outlet [0128] 30a section of the liquid outlet [0129] 31 drain pipe [0130] 32 check valve [0131] 33 manometer [0132] 36 valve seat [0133] 37 valve body [0134] 38 second outlet/release outlet [0135] 39 second outlet control valve/release valve [0136] 40 ventilation device [0137] 41, 42 ventilation valves [0138] 50 pressure generation device [0139] 51 gas supply device [0140] 52 regulated shut-off valve [0141] 53 gas connection nozzle [0142] 60 safety trough [0143] 61 leakage sensor [0144] 70 pressure relief valve [0145] 80 regulation/control [0146] 81 emergency overflow valve [0147] 85 switching valve [0148] 85 switching valve [0149] 90 actuation means/rod [0150] 95 float or floating body