IL285515B2 - Process and devices for the treatment of liquids - Google Patents
Process and devices for the treatment of liquidsInfo
- Publication number
- IL285515B2 IL285515B2 IL285515A IL28551521A IL285515B2 IL 285515 B2 IL285515 B2 IL 285515B2 IL 285515 A IL285515 A IL 285515A IL 28551521 A IL28551521 A IL 28551521A IL 285515 B2 IL285515 B2 IL 285515B2
- Authority
- IL
- Israel
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- size reduction
- process according
- dynamic
- discs
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims description 270
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 135
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 title claims description 123
- 238000005549 size reduction Methods 0.000 claims description 271
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 207
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 175
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 125
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- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
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- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M Bicarbonate Chemical class OC([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 5
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- AZDRQVAHHNSJOQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N alumane Chemical class [AlH3] AZDRQVAHHNSJOQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052793 cadmium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium atom Chemical compound [Cd] BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 159000000007 calcium salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 5
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- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
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- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010705 motor oil Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F9/00—Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/34—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with mechanical oscillations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C7/00—Crushing or disintegrating by disc mills
- B02C7/02—Crushing or disintegrating by disc mills with coaxial discs
- B02C7/08—Crushing or disintegrating by disc mills with coaxial discs with vertical axis
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/70—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by reduction
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
- C02F2303/26—Reducing the size of particles, liquid droplets or bubbles, e.g. by crushing, grinding, spraying, creation of microbubbles or nanobubbles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
- G01N15/02—Investigating particle size or size distribution
- G01N15/0205—Investigating particle size or size distribution by optical means
- G01N15/0227—Investigating particle size or size distribution by optical means using imaging; using holography
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
- G01N2015/0042—Investigating dispersion of solids
- G01N2015/0053—Investigating dispersion of solids in liquids, e.g. trouble
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
Description
285515/ PROCESS AND DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF LIQUIDS FIELD OF THE INVENTION id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"
id="p-1"
[001] The present invention relates to the field of liquid treatment and liquid purification, which does not require filtration. Specifically, the present invention is directed to processes and devices for water treatment for various uses, e.g. agricultural, domestic and/or municipal uses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"
id="p-2"
[002] Liquid treatment and purification typically refer to processes of removing or reducing the number of undesirable substances from water, such as suspended solids and chemical and/or biological materials. Today, there is a variety of methods developed for that purpose. Widespread methods in the art of purification of liquids, such as water, include physical processes such as filtration. Filters and filtering systems are used for removing impurities such as solids from a liquid medium, by forming a fine physical barrier, performing a chemical process, performing a biological process, or a combination thereof. Such filtering systems are designated to remove contaminants from the liquid stream based on the contaminants' physical properties (e.g. particle size), chemical properties (e.g. polarity or charge) and biological properties. Different water filters may be used to filter water for various industrial, municipal and agricultural water applications. Similarly, oil filters are used in mechanical systems, which require lubrication, e.g. to prevent clogging. id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"
id="p-3"
[003] EP 2617685 discloses a water purification device comprises a vermifilter, a pretreatment unit for pre-treating wastewater by reducing a size of solid particles from the wastewater, a post-treatment unit and an output of clear water. The pre-treatment unit comprises a grinder to reduce the size of solid particles to less than 2 mm, such that the contaminants are compatible to be filtered through the vermifilter. id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"
id="p-4"
[004] US Pat. No. 10,710,916 discloses a portable sewage water treatment system comprising a sewage water intake having a reservoir adapted to accumulate influent sewage water from diverse sewage sources; a circulating pump adapted to create a sewage water stream circulating within said reservoir; a dense materials filter coupled downstream of said circulating pump 285515/ within said sewage water stream; at least one grinder coupled downstream of said dense materials filter and adapted to grind solid materials of indeterminate size within said sewage water stream into solid material particles of substantially similar size; at least one macerating pump adapted to further reduce in size said solid material into particles of substantially similar size; a forwarding pump coupled downstream of said macerating pump and adapted to forward said sewage water stream within said portable sewage water treatment system; and a surge tank coupled downstream of said forwarding pump and adapted to equalize sewage water stream pressure within said portable sewage water treatment system; a clarifier coupled to said sewage water intake, said clarifier having a tank having a vertical axis extending between a top and a bottom; tank walls surrounding said vertical axis and defining a clarifier interior, said tank walls further defining a holding chamber disposed adjacent said top, said holding chamber having substantially vertical, cylindrical sides extending a spaced distance below said top; and a circulating chamber disposed below said holding chamber and extending to said bottom, said circulating chamber having substantially conical walls converging at a select angle relative to said vertical axis from adjacent said holding chamber to adjacent said bottom; a sewage water stream injection port coupled to said circulating chamber adjacent said bottom and in fluid communication with said clarifier interior; and header means disposed within said holding chamber and adapted to siphon a treated sewage water stream of treated sewage water from said clarifier; disinfecting means coupled between said sewage water intake and said clarifier for non-biologically disinfecting said sewage; flocculation means coupled between said disinfectant means and said clarifier for causing solid materials suspended in said sewage water to precipitate out of solution and to clump together for removal; polymer treatment means for treating said sewage water to discourage flocculated solid materials from sticking to said tank walls within said clarifier interior; and filtering means for filtering said treated sewage water. id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"
id="p-5"
[005] US Pat. App. No. 20190359511 discloses a water-processing system configured to produce purified waste water, comprising one or more mechanical treatment stages configured to mechanically break down particulate matter entering the system, wherein the mechanical treatment stages are ball mills, and wherein the mechanical treatment stages each comprise one or more filters. id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"
id="p-6"
[006] One possible drawback of the existing filters and filtering systems for various liquid treatment applications is that they must undergo regular maintenance, which may include being 285515/ replaced or cleaned, when they become clogged with impurities. Such maintenance can be time consuming and/or cost-ineffective. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"
id="p-7"
[007] Another possible drawback is that most filters are either expensive or non-specific, which results in loss of particulate materials, such as mineral, which are being filtered. id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"
id="p-8"
[008] Moreover, water leakage from filters of aqueous systems may result in lower process yields, thus reducing the productivity of the process. id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"
id="p-9"
[009] Thus, there is an ongoing need to provide devices or methods for various water treatment applications, which does not require the use of filters, and avoid the complications and disadvantages associated therewith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"
id="p-10"
[010] The present disclosure is directed toward a liquid treatment process, wherein said process comprise reducing the size of particles disposed within said liquid. For example, the present process can be used for reducing the size of particles residing within water, thus enabling to provide treated water for various water applications, without the use of filters. Said various water applications can involve any process, which includes streaming the water though a narrow pipe or a low diameter nozzle, as they are prone to clogging by accumulation of large particles. Exemplary water applications include irrigation applications, industrial applications, municipal applications, and the like. id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"
id="p-11"
[011] Thus, according to a certain aspect, there is provided a process for the treatment of a liquid, the process comprising: (a) providing a size reduction device comprising: a housing comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and at least one size reduction module disposed within the housing, wherein the size reduction module is configured to reduce the size of solid particles residing within the liquid, and wherein the liquid inlet is connected with an inlet pipe and the liquid outlet is connected with an outlet pipe. id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"
id="p-12"
[012] The process further comprises: (b) transferring a liquid from the inlet pipe through the liquid inlet into the size reduction device, wherein the liquid comprises undissolved solid particles having an initial maximal dimension. 285515/ id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"
id="p-13"
[013] The process further comprises: (c) reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles within the liquid of step (b) using the size reduction module, thereby generating in the liquid solid particles having a final maximal dimension, wherein the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"
id="p-14"
[014] The process further comprises: (d) transferring the liquid of step (c) from the size reduction device through the liquid outlet into the outlet pipe without filtering the liquid, and from the outlet pipe to the external environment of the device, the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe. id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"
id="p-15"
[015] According to some embodiment, reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles during step (c) using the size reduction module is performed by one or more of actions selected from cutting, pulverizing, grinding, abrading, exploding, breaking through irradiating, crushing, shattering, compressing, applying shear force, and combinations thereof id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"
id="p-16"
[016] According to some embodiment, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least 200%. According to some embodiment, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least one order of magnitude. According to some embodiment, the final maximal dimension is below about 120 µm. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"
id="p-17"
[017] According to some embodiment, the liquid of step (b) comprises undissolved solid particles, wherein at least 1% w/w of which have a maximal dimension of above about 10µm, and wherein no more than 1% w/w of the solid particles in the liquid of step (c) have a maximal dimension of above about 120 micrometer. id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"
id="p-18"
[018] According to some embodiment, the outlet pipe comprises an inflow end connected with the liquid outlet, and an outflow end having at least one opening. According to further embodiment, the outlet pipe has an outlet pipe diameter, and the opening has a diameter, which is at least 5 times smaller than the outlet pipe diameter. According to still further embodiment, the opening diameter is at least 10 times greater than the final maximal dimension of the solid particles. According to some embodiment, step (d) comprises transferring said liquid out of the pipe through the opening. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"
id="p-19"
[019] According to some embodiment, the liquid comprises water. According to some embodiment, the water in step (b) originates from a water supply source selected from groundwater, surface water, non-conventional sources, and combinations thereof. According 285515/ to some embodiment, the liquid in step (b) comprises at least 99% water. According to some embodiment, the liquid in step (d) comprises at least 99% water. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"
id="p-20"
[020] According to some embodiment, the process has a yield of above 95%. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"
id="p-21"
[021] According to some embodiment, the solid particles within the liquid of step (b) comprise metals, metal salts, organic material, inorganic material, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiment, the metals are selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead, or combinations thereof. According to some embodiment, the metal salts comprise metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, metal oxides or a combination thereof. According to some embodiment, the metal salts comprise calcium salts, iron salts, aluminum salts, lead salts, chromium salts, manganese salts, copper salts, silicon salts or a combination thereof. id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"
id="p-22"
[022] According to some embodiment, the solid particles comprise organic and/or inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of: food particles, plants, small organisms, algae, soil, rocks, clay, fertilizer materials, paper, plastic, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiment, the plant material comprises charcoal, wood, or both. id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"
id="p-23"
[023] According to some embodiment, the solid particles are nontoxic. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"
id="p-24"
[024] According to some embodiment, the inlet pipe comprises an inflow end connected with the water supply source and an outflow end connected with the liquid inlet. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"
id="p-25"
[025] According to some embodiment, the outlet pipe comprises, or is fluidly connected to, one or more drip irrigation drippers, one or more sprinklers, or a combination thereof. id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"
id="p-26"
[026] According to some embodiment, the outlet pipe is connected to a water distribution system. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"
id="p-27"
[027] According to some embodiments, steps (c) and (d) are devoid of filtering the liquid. According to some embodiment, the process is devoid of size filtering the liquid below millimeter. According to some embodiments, the process is devoid of size filtering the liquid. According to some embodiment, the process is devoid of filtering the liquid. 285515/ id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"
id="p-28"
[028] According to some embodiments, the liquid and the solid particles of step (b) together form an initial composition, and wherein the liquid and the solid particles of step (c) together form a final composition, wherein the initial composition and the final composition have the same chemical composition. According to further embodiments, the initial composition and the final composition differ only by the values of the initial and maximal dimensions of the solid particles disposed therein. id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"
id="p-29"
[029] According to some embodiments, step (c) further comprises reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles using at least one additional size reduction module. According to further embodiment, the additional size reduction module is disposed within the housing of step (a). id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"
id="p-30"
[030] According to some embodiments, during step (c), the liquid existing the size reduction module is circulated back thereto, for at least one additional size reduction cycle. id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"
id="p-31"
[031] According to some embodiments, the housing of step (a) has a housing diameter, wherein the liquid inlet has an inlet diameter, and wherein the housing diameter is greater than the inlet diameter by at least 50%. id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"
id="p-32"
[032] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises a motor configured to generate the operation thereof. According to some embodiments, the motor is selected from: electric motor, solar based motor, turbine, hydraulic motor, and combinations thereof. id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"
id="p-33"
[033] According to some embodiments, reducing the size of the solid particles comprises breaking the solid particles through irradiating, wherein the irradiating comprises sound wave irradiation (ultrasound), laser irradiation, or both. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"
id="p-34"
[034] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module of step (c) comprises one of more of a mill, a grinder, sound waves generator, and combinations thereof. According to further embodiment, the mill is an electric mill, a roller mill, or both. id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"
id="p-35"
[035] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises a first plurality of rotating dynamic discs and second plurality of static discs, wherein each dynamic and static discs are disposed alternately one over the other, wherein each dynamic and static discs 285515/ comprises a plurality of apertures, and wherein the pluralities of dynamic and static discs are configured to cut and optionally pulverize or grind the solid particles residing within the liquid, thereby reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension. According to further embodiments, the size reduction module further comprises an axle having a proximal end connected to a motor, wherein the axle extends through each of the dynamic and static discs, and is connected to each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs, wherein upon actuation of the motor the each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs is being rotated. According to still further embodiments, each static disc is stationary with respect to the axle, thereby resulting in relative rotation between the static and dynamic discs, when the motor is operated. id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"
id="p-36"
[036] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises: (a) at least one dynamic disc comprising a plurality of rotating gears rotatably connected to a central gear, and (b) at least one static disc comprising a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, wherein the dynamic and static discs are coaxial and alternately disposed, and wherein the at least one dynamic disc is configured to pulverize and optionally cut the solid particles residing within the liquid, thereby reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension. According to further embodiments, the size reduction module comprises a plurality of dynamic discs and a plurality of static discs, alternately disposed one over the other, wherein the last disc along a flow direction is a static disc. According to further embodiments, the size reduction module further comprises an axle having a proximal end connected to a motor, wherein the axle extends through each of the dynamic and static discs, and is connected to each dynamic disc, wherein upon actuation of the motor, the axle rotates the central gear, thus transmitting rotational movement to the plurality of rotating gears. id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"
id="p-37"
[037] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises at least one dynamic slicing disc comprising a plurality of apertures extending therethrough in the flow direction and having sharp edge, and an axle having a proximal end connected to a motor, wherein the axle extends through a center of the at least one slicing disc, and is connected thereto, wherein upon actuation of the motor the axle rotates the at least one slicing disc, thereby slicing the solid particles residing within the liquid and reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension. 285515/ id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"
id="p-38"
[038] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises at least one dynamic slicing disc comprising a plurality of blades, each blade is extending along the circumference of the respective disc; and an axle having a proximal end connected to a motor, wherein the axle extends through a center of each slicing disc, and is connected to each slicing disc, wherein upon actuation of the motor the axle rotates each dynamic slicing disc, thereby slicing with the blades the solid particles residing within the liquid and reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension. id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39"
id="p-39"
[039] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises a plurality of dynamic slicing disc. id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"
id="p-40"
[040] According to some embodiment, the size reduction module comprises a plurality of size reduction modules, as disclosed herein above. id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41"
id="p-41"
[041] According to some embodiment, the process as disclosed herein above is a water irrigation process configured to provide treated water for irrigation applications selected from: growing agricultural crops, maintaining landscapes, maintaining lawns, maintaining golf courses, watering plants or plant materials, and combinations thereof. id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42"
id="p-42"
[042] According to another aspect, there is provided a size reduction device comprising: (a) a housing comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; (b) a motor; (c) an axle having a proximal end connected to the motor, and (d) a size reduction module disposed within the housing. The size reduction module is configured to reduce the size of solid particles residing within a liquid, as disclosed herein above, flowing therethrough. The size reduction module comprises a first plurality of rotating dynamic discs and second plurality of static discs, wherein each dynamic and static discs are disposed alternately one over the other. Each dynamic and static discs comprises a plurality of apertures. The axle extends through each of the dynamic and static discs and is connected to each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs, wherein upon actuation of the motor, each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs is being rotated by the axle. The pluralities of dynamic and static discs are configured to cut and optionally pulverize or grind the solid particles residing within the liquid, thereby reducing their size from an initial maximal dimension upon entering through the liquid inlet to a final maximal dimension following exiting through the liquid outlet. 285515/ id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43"
id="p-43"
[043] According to some embodiments, each static disc is stationary with respect to the axle and/or the housing, thereby resulting in relative rotation between the static and dynamic discs, when the motor is operated. id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"
id="p-44"
[044] According to some embodiments, the first plurality of rotating dynamic discs and the second plurality of static discs are identical to one another. id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45"
id="p-45"
[045] According to some embodiments, each static disc comprises a channel located at a circumference surface thereof and an O-ring circumferenclly disposed within said channel. id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46"
id="p-46"
[046] According to some embodiments, each one of the plurality of apertures of the dynamic and static discs has sharp edges, configured to cut the particles flowing therethrough. id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47"
id="p-47"
[047] According to some embodiments, the number of apertures in each dynamic disc is a first prime number, and the number of apertures of each static disc is a second prime number. According to further embodiments, the first and second prime numbers are not equal to each other. According to some embodiments, the first number is a prime number. According to some embodiments, the second number is a prime number. According to some embodiments, the first number is a prime number and second number is a prime number. According to some embodiments, the first number is a first prime number and second number is a second prime number, and wherein the first prime number and the prime number second number are not equal to each other. id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48"
id="p-48"
[048] According to another aspect, there is provided a size reduction device comprising: (a) a housing comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; (b) a motor; (c) an axle having a proximal end connected to the motor, and (d) a size reduction module disposed within the housing. The size reduction module is configured to reduce the size of solid particles residing within a liquid, as disclosed herein above, flowing therethrough. The size reduction module comprises: (i) at least one dynamic disc comprising a plurality of rotating gears rotatably connected to a central gear, and (ii) at least one static disc comprising a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The dynamic and static discs are coaxial and alternately disposed one over the other. The at least one dynamic disc is configured to pulverize and optionally cut/slice the solid particles residing within the liquid, thereby reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension. 285515/ id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49"
id="p-49"
[049] According to some embodiments, the axle extends through each of the dynamic and static discs, and is connected to each dynamic disc. Upon actuation of the motor, the axle rotates the central gear, thus transmitting rotational movement to the plurality of rotating gears. The size reduction module is configured to pulverize and optionally cut the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing therethrough, thereby reducing their size from an initial maximal dimension upon entering through the liquid inlet to a final maximal dimension following exiting through the liquid outlet. id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50"
id="p-50"
[050] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises a plurality of dynamic discs and a plurality of static discs, alternately disposed one over the other, wherein the last disc along a flow direction is a static disc. id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51"
id="p-51"
[051] According to some embodiments, each rotating gear comprise at least one aperture. In further embodiments, the at least one aperture has sharp edges, configured to cut the particles when forming contact therewith, during the rotation of each rotating gear. id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52"
id="p-52"
[052] According to some embodiments, at least a portion of adjacent rotating gears within each dynamic disc are spaced from each other by a gear space, configured to enable liquid flow therethrough. id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53"
id="p-53"
[053] According to some embodiments, each dynamic disc comprises an external cogged wheel optionally connected to the circumference of the housing, configured to interact with the plurality of intermeshing rotating gears. id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54"
id="p-54"
[054] According to some embodiments, the central gear of each dynamic disc is intermeshing with a first plurality of rotating gears, wherein the first plurality of rotating gears are intermeshing with a double cogged wheel, wherein the double cogged wheel is intermeshing with a second plurality of rotating gears, and wherein the second plurality of rotating gears are intermeshing with the external cogged wheel connected to the circumference of the housing. id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55"
id="p-55"
[055] According to some embodiments, each static disc comprises a plurality of apertures. In further embodiments, each aperture has sharp edges, configured to cut the particles when flowing therethrough. 285515/ id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56"
id="p-56"
[056] According to some embodiments, each static disc is stationary, with respect to the housing, wherein each static disc comprises a channel located at a circumference surface thereof and an O-ring circumferenclly disposed within said channel. id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57"
id="p-57"
[057] According to some embodiments, each dynamic disc is disposed over and supported by each static disc. id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58"
id="p-58"
[058] According to another aspect, there is provided a size reduction device comprising: (a) a housing comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; (b) a motor; (c) an axle having a proximal end connected to the motor, and (d) a size reduction module disposed within the housing. The size reduction module is configured to reduce the size of solid particles residing within a liquid, as disclosed herein above, flowing therethrough. The size reduction module comprises a plurality of dynamic slicing discs, wherein the axle extends through each of the dynamic slicing discs. Each dynamic slicing disc is configured to be rotated by motor and to slice the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing through the size reduction module, thereby reducing their size from an initial maximal dimension upon entering through the liquid inlet to a final maximal dimension following exiting through the liquid outlet. id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59"
id="p-59"
[059] According to some embodiments, each dynamic slicing disc comprises a thin slicer disc, a supporting circumferential member, a connection member, and a circumferential frame. The thin slicer disc is supported by the supporting circumferential member and is attached thereto. The connection member is configured to connect the thin slicer disc to the axle to enable the rotation thereof, and is connected to the circumferential member. The circumferential frame supports the thin slicer disc, and is connected to the connection member and/or the supporting circumferential member. id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60"
id="p-60"
[060] According to some embodiments, the thin slicer disc comprises a plurality of apertures having sharp edges. id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61"
id="p-61"
[061] According to some embodiments, the thin slicer disc comprises a plurality of elongated slicing members, wherein each member extends from an edge of the circumference of the thin slicer disc towards an opposing edge of the circumference thereof, wherein consecutive elongated slicing members are spaced from each other, thereby forming a space therebetween, wherein space is configured to enable fluid flow therethrough, and wherein each elongated 285515/ slicing member has sharp edges configured to cut the particles when forming contact therewith during fluid flow through the spaces. In some embodiments, the elongated slicing members are blades. id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62"
id="p-62"
[062] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module of any one of the size reduction devices as disclosed herein above is configured to perform particle size reduction with a yield of above 95%. id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63"
id="p-63"
[063] According to some embodiments, the size reduction module of any one of the size reduction devices as disclosed herein above is devoid of filters. According to some embodiments, any one of the size reduction devices as disclosed herein above is devoid of filters. id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64"
id="p-64"
[064] According to some embodiments, the housing of any one of the size reduction devices as disclosed herein above has a diameter which is greater than a liquid inlet diameter by at least 200%. id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65"
id="p-65"
[065] According to some embodiments, the liquid exists from the size reduction module through the liquid outlet of any one of the size reduction devices as disclosed herein above at a flow velocity of less than about 10 m/s. id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66"
id="p-66"
[066] According to some embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least 200%. According to further embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least 1000%. id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67"
id="p-67"
[067] According to some embodiments, the liquid inlet is connected with an inlet pipe and the liquid outlet is connected with an outlet pipe. According to further embodiments, the inlet pipe and/or the outlet pipe are devoid of filters. id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68"
id="p-68"
[068] According to some embodiments, any one of the size reduction devices as disclosed herein above further comprises at least one sensor, configured to measure the particle size distribution of the particles residing within the liquid flowing through the size reduction module. According to further embodiments, the size reduction device comprises at least one sensor connected to the liquid inlet, and at least one additional sensor connected to the liquid 285515/ outlet, thereby enabling to measure the particle size distribution and particle size decrease from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension. id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69"
id="p-69"
[069] According to some embodiments, any one of the size reduction devices as disclosed herein above further comprises a control unit functionally connected to at least one of the sensor, the size reduction module, the motor, or a combination thereof. id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70"
id="p-70"
[070] Certain embodiments of the present invention may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. Further advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Aspects and embodiments of the invention are further described in the specification herein below and in the appended claims. id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71"
id="p-71"
[071] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, governs. As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72"
id="p-72"
[072] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, but not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73"
id="p-73"
[073] Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale. id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74"
id="p-74"
[074] In the Figures: 285515/ id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75"
id="p-75"
[075] Figures 1 shows a flowchart for a process for the treatment of a liquid, according to some embodiments. id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76"
id="p-76"
[076] Figure 2 shows a view in perspective of a size reduction device 200, according to some embodiments. id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77"
id="p-77"
[077] Figure 3 shows a view in perspective of the size reduction device 200 of Figure 2, wherein a portion thereof was made transparent to show inner components thereof, according to some embodiments. id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78"
id="p-78"
[078] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the size reduction device 200 comprising a size reduction module 230, according to some embodiments. id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79"
id="p-79"
[079] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view in perspective of the size reduction device 2comprising the size reduction module 230, according to some embodiments. id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80"
id="p-80"
[080] Figures 6 and 7 shows a dynamic disc and a static disc, respectively, of the size reduction device 200, according to some embodiments. id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81"
id="p-81"
[081] Figures 8A and 8B shows a dynamic and a static discs of the size reduction device 200, being separated (Figure 8A) and being connected (Figure 8B), according to some embodiments. id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82"
id="p-82"
[082] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view in perspective of the size reduction device 2comprising a size reduction module 330, according to some embodiments. id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83"
id="p-83"
[083] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the size reduction device 200 comprising the size reduction module 330, according to some embodiments. id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84"
id="p-84"
[084] Figure 11 shows an enlargement of a segment of the size reduction module 330 of Figure 9, according to some embodiments. id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85"
id="p-85"
[085] Figure 12 shows a top view of a dynamic disc 332, according to some embodiments. id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86"
id="p-86"
[086] Figures 13A-B shows views in perspective of a dynamic disc 332 (Figure 13A) and a static disc 334 (Figure 13B), according to some embodiments. 285515/ id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87"
id="p-87"
[087] Figure 14 shows a top view of a dynamic disc 332 on top of a static disc 334, according to some embodiments. id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88"
id="p-88"
[088] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view in perspective of the size reduction device 2comprising a size reduction module 430, according to some embodiments. id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89"
id="p-89"
[089] Figure 16 shows an enlargement of a segment of the size reduction module 430 of Figure 15, according to some embodiments. id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90"
id="p-90"
[090] Figure 17 shows an exploded view in perspective of a dynamic apertures disc 434, according to some embodiments. id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91"
id="p-91"
[091] Figures 18A-B show a cross sectional view (Figure 18A) and a view in perspective (Figure 18B) of the dynamic apertures disc 434, according to some embodiments. id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92"
id="p-92"
[092] Figure 19 shows a top view of a slicer disc, according to some embodiments. id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93"
id="p-93"
[093] Figures 20A-D show schematic illustrations 600A-D, respectively, for various water irrigation processes, according to some embodiments. id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94"
id="p-94"
[094] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95"
id="p-95"
[095] The present disclosure is directed toward a liquid treatment process, wherein said process comprise reducing the size of particles disposed within said liquid. Specifically, the present process avoids filtration and the use of filters. id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96"
id="p-96"
[096] In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure. id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97"
id="p-97"
[097] Throughout the figures of the drawings, different superscripts for the same reference numerals are used to denote different embodiments of the same elements. Embodiments of the 285515/ disclosed devices and systems may include any combination of different embodiments of the same elements. Specifically, any reference to an element without a superscript may refer to any alternative embodiment of the same element denoted with a superscript. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component. id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98"
id="p-98"
[098] Reference is now made to Figure 1, showing a flowchart for a process 100 for the treatment of a liquid, according to some embodiments. id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99"
id="p-99"
[099] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process 100 for the treatment of a liquid, the process comprising step 110 of providing a size reduction device. The device comprises a housing comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. According to some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one size reduction module disposed within the housing, wherein the size reduction module is configured to reduce the size of solid particles residing within the liquid. According to some embodiments, the liquid inlet is connected to an inlet pipe and the liquid outlet is connected to an outlet pipe. id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100"
id="p-100"
[0100]According to some embodiments, the process further comprises step 120 of transferring a liquid from the inlet pipe through the liquid inlet, and into the size reduction device provided in step 110. According to further embodiments, step 120 comprises transferring the liquid from the inlet pipe through the liquid inlet, and into the size reduction module disposed within the size reduction device. id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101"
id="p-101"
[0101]The transferring of step 120 can be performed by a pump fluidly connected to the size reduction device, according to some embodiments. id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102"
id="p-102"
[0102]According to some embodiments, the liquid of step 120 comprises undissolved solid particles having an initial maximal dimension. id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103"
id="p-103"
[0103]As used herein, the term "dimension" refers to the maximal diameter or surface of each of the solid particles disposed within the liquid. If said particles are substantially spheric, the term "initial maximal dimension" refers to the diameter thereof. If the particles have rough surfaces and/or a non-spheric 3D structure (e.g., a polyhedron), the term "initial maximal dimension" refers to a maximal diameter or a maximal surface thereof, the larger of the two. 285515/ id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104"
id="p-104"
[0104]According to some embodiments, the process further comprises step 130 of reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles within the liquid of step 120, using the size reduction device of step 110, thereby generating in the liquid solid particles having a final maximal dimension. According to further embodiments, step 130 comprises reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles within the liquid of step 120 using the size reduction module. id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105"
id="p-105"
[0105]According to some embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension. id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106"
id="p-106"
[0106]According to some embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least 150%. According to further embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least 200%. According to still further embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least 300%, 400%, 500%, 600%, 800%, 1000%, 1200%, 1500%, 1800%, 2000%, 3000%, 4000%, 5000%, 7000%, 10,000%, or more. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107"
id="p-107"
[0107]According to some embodiments, the initial maximal dimension of the undissolved solid particles is greater than the final maximal dimension thereof by at least one order of magnitude. According to further embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by an order of magnitude selected from the range of 2-5, or more orders of magnitude. id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108"
id="p-108"
[0108]According to some embodiments, the initial maximal dimension of the undissolved solid particles is above about 1000 µm. According to further embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is above about 1500 µm, 2000 µm, 3000 µm, 4000 µm, 5000 µm, 8000 µm, 10,000 µm, or more. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. According to still further embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is above about 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 70 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, or more. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109"
id="p-109"
[0109]According to some embodiments, the final maximal dimension of the undissolved solid particles is below about 1000 µm. According to further embodiments, the final maximal dimension is below about 500 µm. According to still further embodiments, the final maximal 285515/ dimension is below about 120 µm. According to yet still further embodiments, the final maximal dimension is below about 80 µm. id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110"
id="p-110"
[0110]According to some embodiments, step 130 further comprises reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles using at least one additional size reduction module. According to further embodiments, the additional size reduction module is disposed within the housing of the device of step 110 (c.f. Figure 10C). According to other embodiments, the additional size reduction module is disposed externally to the housing of the size reduction device of step 110, such as by connecting an additional size reduction device (similar to that of step 110) thereto, in a series (c.f. Figure 10D). According to some embodiments, during step 130, the liquid existing the size reduction module is circulated back thereto, for at least one additional size reduction cycle. id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111"
id="p-111"
[0111]According to some embodiments, the process further comprises step 140 of transferring the liquid of step 130 from the size reduction device through the liquid outlet into the outlet pipe without filtering the liquid, and from the outlet pipe to the external environment of the device, the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe. According to some embodiments, the process further comprises step 140 of transferring the liquid of step 130 from the size reduction device through the liquid outlet into the outlet pipe without filtering the liquid, and from the outlet pipe to the external environment of the device, the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe without filtering the liquid. According to further embodiments, step 140 comprises transferring the liquid of step 130 from the size reduction module through the liquid outlet and into the outlet pipe, without filtering the liquid. id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112"
id="p-112"
[0112]As used herein, the term "filtering the liquid" refers to a physical (size) filtering of the solid particles residing within the liquid and existing the liquid outlet into the outlet pipe, based on their size. The filtering can be performed by using a filter medium having pores that are below the final maximal dimension of the particles. Therefore, if such a filter would be connected for example to the liquid outlet and/or the outlet pipe, it could block the passage of oversized particles having a diameter which is above the final maximal dimension. However, a device may be conventionally referred to as a filter, but it would have pores that are above the final maximal dimension of the particles. Thus, such a filter could not perform a filtration of the particles from the liquid. If such a device would be connected to the liquid outlet and/or the outlet pipe, it could not block the passage of small particles. In such case, it would not be 285515/ considered that a filtering step was performed, according to the present invention. Also, such a device would not be considered a filter for the purpose of the present method. id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113"
id="p-113"
[0113]Specifically, if a filter medium having pores is connected to the liquid outlet, wherein each pore has a diameter of above about 100 mm (above the final maximal dimension), such a filter medium won’t be able to filter the liquid, and therefore is not included in the scope of this definition. In other words, connecting a filter having pores which are above the final maximal dimension of the particles to the liquid outlet and/or the outlet pipe, won’t affect particle passage therethrough, and therefore such a filter is not included in this definition of filtering the liquid. id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114"
id="p-114"
[0114]Moreover, filtering the liquid could be directed to biological or chemical filtering of the liquid existing the liquid outlet into the outlet pipe, based on the biological or chemical characteristics of the filter. For example, chemical filtering can block the passage of particles having a certain ionic charge. id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115"
id="p-115"
[0115]According to some embodiments, the liquid of step 120 comprises undissolved solid particles, wherein at least 1% w/w of which have a maximal dimension of above about 1000 µm, and wherein no more than 1% w/w of the solid particles in the liquid of step 1have a maximal dimension of above about 120 micrometer. id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116"
id="p-116"
[0116]According to some embodiments, reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles during step 130 using the size reduction module is performed by one or more actions, such as cutting, pulverizing, grinding, abrading, exploding, breaking through irradiating, crushing, shattering, compressing, applying shear force, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117"
id="p-117"
[0117]According to some embodiments, reducing the size of the solid particles comprises breaking the solid particles through irradiating, wherein the irradiating comprises sound wave irradiation (e.g., ultrasound), laser irradiation, or both. According to further such embodiments, the size reduction module comprises breaking and/or cutting the solid particles via a laser. id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118"
id="p-118"
[0118]According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises breaking or fracturing the solid particles by accelerating the liquid flow rate and causing the liquid to 285515/ directly collide with a solid surface, thereby causing the particles to break/fracture upon the impact therewith, resulting in the size reduction thereof. id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119"
id="p-119"
[0119]According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe comprises an inflow end connected with the liquid outlet, and an outflow end having at least one opening. id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120"
id="p-120"
[0120]According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe has an outlet pipe diameter, and the opening has an opening diameter. According to further embodiments, the opening diameter is at least 5 times smaller than the outlet pipe diameter. According to still further embodiments, the opening diameter is at least 10 times smaller than the outlet pipe diameter. According to yet still further embodiments, the opening diameter is at least 15 times smaller than the outlet pipe diameter . id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121"
id="p-121"
[0121]According to some embodiments, the opening diameter is at least 10 times greater, or more, than the final maximal dimension of the solid particles. According to some embodiments, the opening diameter has a maximal opening diameter, wherein said maximal opening diameter is at least 10 times greater, or more, than the final maximal dimension of the solid particles. According to some embodiments, the maximal opening diameter is less than about 2 mm. id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122"
id="p-122"
[0122]According to some embodiments, step 140 comprises transferring the liquid out of the pipe through the opening. id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123"
id="p-123"
[0123]According to some embodiments, the liquid in step 120 comprises oil, such as for example, engine oil used for lubrication between engine parts. id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124"
id="p-124"
[0124]According to some other embodiments, the liquid in step 120 comprises water. According to further such embodiments, the water in step 120 originates from a water supply source selected from groundwater (e.g., wells, springs, etc.), surface water (e.g., reservoirs, rivers, lakes, sea, etc.), non-conventional sources (e.g., treated and/or untreated waste water, desalinated water, drainage water, fog collection, etc.), and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. Additional water supply sources may be selected from municipal water lines, agriculture water lines, industrial water lines, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. 285515/ id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125"
id="p-125"
[0125]According to some embodiments, the liquid in step 120 comprises at least 90% water. According to further embodiments, the liquid in step 120 comprises at least 95% water. According to further embodiments, the liquid in step 120 comprises at least 99% water. id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126"
id="p-126"
[0126]According to some embodiments, process 100 has a yield of above 90%. According to further embodiments, the yield of process 100 is above 95%. According to still further embodiments, the yield of process 100 is above 99%. id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127"
id="p-127"
[0127]As used herein, the yield of process 100 is defined as the ratio between the amount of water of step 120 entering the size reduction device, and the amount of water of step 1existing therefrom. The amount of water can be measured by one or more of quantities such as mass, volume, volumetric flow rate, combinations thereof, and the like. id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128"
id="p-128"
[0128]According to some embodiments, the solid particles within the liquid of step 1comprise metals, metal salts, organic material, inorganic material, or a combination thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129"
id="p-129"
[0129]According to some embodiments, the metals are selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead, combinations thereof, and the like. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130"
id="p-130"
[0130]According to some embodiments, the metal salts comprise metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, metal oxides or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the metal salts comprise calcium salts, iron salts, aluminum salts, lead salts, chromium salts, manganese salts, copper salts, silicon salts or a combination thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131"
id="p-131"
[0131]According to some embodiments, the solid particles comprise organic and/or inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of: food particles, plants, small organisms, algae, soil, rocks, clay, fertilizer material, paper, plastic, or a combination thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132"
id="p-132"
[0132]According to some embodiments, the plant material comprises charcoal, wood, or both. id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133"
id="p-133"
[0133]According to some embodiments, the solid particles are not toxic. Specifically, non-toxic particles often do not require filtration, but they do interfere with liquid flow within pipes 285515/ and equipment connected thereto. Advantageously, the present method is filter-less and is preferable for use when contaminants may be reduced instead of filtered. id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134"
id="p-134"
[0134]According to some embodiments, the inlet pipe comprises an inflow end connected with the water supply source and an outflow end connected with the liquid inlet. According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe comprises the inflow end connected with the liquid outlet, and the outflow end connected with the water supply source as presented above and/or a water distribution system. Said water distribution system can be an irrigation system. Specifically, said water distribution system can be a drip irrigation system, a drip irrigation dripper, and the like. The water distribution system can comprise a plurality of tubes, wherein the tubes can be connected to irrigation drippers and/or sprinklers, or for other purposes. id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135"
id="p-135"
[0135]As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to more than one. id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136"
id="p-136"
[0136]According to some embodiments, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are irrigation tubes. According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe comprises a drip irrigation dripper. According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe comprises one or more drip irrigation drippers, and/or one or more sprinklers, for use in water irrigation applications. According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe is connected to a water irrigation system, wherein said water irrigation system may include: one or more water tubes, one of more water pumps, one or more sprinklers, one or more drippers, and combinations thereof, for use in water irrigation applications. id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137"
id="p-137"
[0137]According to some embodiments, process 100 as presented herein is devoid of filtering the liquid. According to some embodiments, process 100 as presented herein is devoid of size filtering the liquid. According to some embodiments, steps 130 and 140 are devoid of size filtering the liquid. According to some embodiments, steps 130 and 140 are devoid of size filtering the liquid, below 1 mm (i.e., millimeter). According to some embodiments, steps 1and 140 are devoid of filtering the liquid. According to some embodiments, steps 130 and 1are devoid of filtering the liquid below 1 mm. id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138"
id="p-138"
[0138]As was disclosed herein above, the utilization of filters in water treatment processes is associated with various drawbacks, such as the need for regular maintenance, which may include replacing or cleaning the filters when they become clogged with impurities. Such 285515/ maintenance can be time consuming and/or cost-ineffective. Another possible drawback is that most filters are either expensive or non-specific, which results in loss of particulate materials, such as minerals, which are being filtered. Advantageously, the present invention provides the process 100 for reducing the size of particles residing within liquids, such as water, thus enabling to provide treated water for various water applications, without the use of filters. Said various water applications can involve any process, which includes streaming the water though a narrow pipe or a low diameter nozzle, as they are prone to clogging by accumulation of large particles. Exemplary water applications include irrigation applications, industrial applications, municipal applications, and the like. id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139"
id="p-139"
[0139]Moreover, according to some embodiments, the size reduction module can be configured for continuous operation, in order to reduce the size of solid particles residing within the liquid, by continuously transferring the liquid from the liquid inlet therethrough and outward therefrom through the liquid outlet. Advantageously, the size reduction module does not require to stop its continuous operation due to cleaning of any inner components (as opposed to regular maintenance of filter systems), and therefore can continuously provide treated water for various water applications. id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140"
id="p-140"
[0140]According to some embodiments, the liquid and the solid particles of step 120 together form an initial composition, and the liquid and the solid particles of step 140 together form a final composition. According to further embodiments, the final composition comprises a higher number of solid particles having smaller dimensions relative to the initial composition. The initial composition and the final composition have the same chemical composition, meaning that the initial and final compositions both include the same quantity (measured by volume, mass, etc.) of the liquid, and the same quantity of solid particles (i.e., same total particle mass of all the particles). According to further embodiments, the liquid is water. According to further embodiments, the initial and final compositions differ only by the values of the initial and maximal dimensions of the solid particles disposed therein, wherein the final composition comprises a higher number of solid particles having smaller dimensions relative to the initial composition. id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141"
id="p-141"
[0141]According to some embodiments, the housing of step 110 is externally shaped as a cylinder. It is to be understood, however, that the housing may have the same functionalities and utilization while having a different geometric shape, such as a cube, pyramid, sphere, 285515/ spheroid, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142"
id="p-142"
[0142]According to some embodiments, the liquid inlet and/or liquid outlet of the housing of step 110 are externally shaped as cylinders. It is to be understood, however, that the liquid inlet and/or outlet may have the same functionalities and utilization while having a different external geometric shape, such as a cube, pyramid, sphere, spheroid, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143"
id="p-143"
[0143]According to some embodiments, the housing of step 110 has a housing diameter, the liquid inlet has an inlet diameter, and the liquid outlet has an outlet diameter. According to some embodiments, the housing diameter is greater than the inlet diameter by at least 50%. According to further embodiments, the housing diameter is greater than the inlet diameter by at least 100%. According to still further embodiments, the housing diameter is greater than the inlet diameter by at least 200%, 300%, 500%, 800%, 1000%, 1500%, 2000%, 5000%, or more. According to some such embodiments, since the housing diameter is greater than the inlet diameter, when the liquid is transferred from the inlet pipe into the size reduction module within the housing (during step 120), the cross section in which the liquid flows increases. It is contemplated that since the flow cross section increases, the liquid’s flow rate therein decreases (in the transfer from the inlet pipe into the size reduction module), resulting in a slower flow rate into the size reduction module. Advantageously, slowing the liquid’s flow rate while entering the size reduction module can improve the operation thereof resulting in enhanced particle size reduction. id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144"
id="p-144"
[0144]According to some embodiments, the size reduction module comprises a motor configured to generate the continuous operation thereof. According to some embodiments, the motor is selected from: electric motor, solar based motor, turbine, hydraulic motor, and combinations thereof. A hydraulic motor can be configured to be powered by water flow within the inlet and/or outlet pipes. id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145"
id="p-145"
[0145]According to some embodiments, reducing the size of solid particles comprises breaking the solid particles through irradiating, wherein the irradiating comprises sound wave irradiation (ultrasound), laser irradiation, or both. 285515/ id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146"
id="p-146"
[0146]According to some embodiments, reducing the size of the solid particles by the size reduction module comprises breaking the solid particles through ultrasound, wherein the size reduction module comprises a sound waves generator configured to produce sound waves having frequencies ranging from 20 kHz up to several gigahertz. According to further embodiments, the sound waves generator is configured to produce sound waves having frequencies ranging from 20 kHz to 2 MHz. According to still further embodiments, the sound waves generator is configured to produce sound waves having frequencies ranging from kHz to 60 kHz. According to yet still further embodiments, the sound waves generator is configured to produce sound waves having a frequency of about 40 kHz. id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147"
id="p-147"
[0147]According to some embodiments, the size reduction module of step 110 comprises one of more of a mill, a grinder, sound waves generator, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the mill is an electric mill, a roller mill, or both. id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148"
id="p-148"
[0148]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device of step 110 of process 1further comprises at least one sensor, configured to measure the particle size distribution of the particles residing within the liquid flowing through the size reduction module. According to further embodiments, the size reduction device comprises at least one sensor connected to the liquid inlet, and at least one sensor connected to the liquid outlet, thereby enabling to measure the particle size distribution and particle decrease from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension, as was disclosed herein above. id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149"
id="p-149"
[0149]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device of step 110 of process 1further comprises a control unit functionally connected to the at least one sensor, the size reduction module, the motor, or a combination thereof. The control unit may be directly physically connected to the size reduction device or may be located separately therefrom. The control unit may comprise a user interaction portion configured to display particle size distribution data obtained by the at least one sensor and/or operational data of the size reduction module. The user interaction portion may include a touch screen, a LED screen, a keyboard, a speaker, a smartphone, combinations thereof, and the like. id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150"
id="p-150"
[0150]According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to send signals indicative of malfunction if the initial maximal dimension is identical to the final maximal dimension, or if the decrease from the initial to the final maximal dimensions is below a 285515/ threshold value. For example, a malfunction signal may be issued if the decrease from the initial to the final maximal dimensions is below a 12% diameter reduction. id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151"
id="p-151"
[0151]According to some embodiments, step 120 further comprises sensing the particle size distribution of the particles residing within the liquid flowing through the inlet pipe and/or the liquid inlet. According to further embodiments, step 120 further comprises sending particle size distribution data, representing/containing the initial maximal dimension, to the control unit. id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152"
id="p-152"
[0152]According to some embodiments, step 140 further comprises sensing the particle size distribution of the particles residing within the liquid flowing through the liquid outlet and/or the outlet pipe. According to further embodiments, step 140 further comprises sending particle size distribution data, representing/containing the final maximal dimension, to the control unit. id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153"
id="p-153"
[0153]According to some embodiments, step 140 further comprises sending signals indicative of malfunction by the control unit, if the initial maximal dimension is identical to the final maximal dimension, or if the decrease from the initial to the final maximal dimensions is below a threshold value. According to some embodiments, the threshold value is a diameter difference of more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, more preferably more than 30%, or even more preferably more than 50%. According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to adjust the performance parameters of the motor according to the difference between the initial and the final maximal dimensions (e.g., increase the RPM rotation of the motor to achieve enhanced particle size reduction). id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154"
id="p-154"
[0154]Reference is now made to Figures 2-9. Figure 2 shows a view in perspective of a size reduction device 200, according to some embodiments. Figure 3 shows a view in perspective of the size reduction device 200 of Figure 2, wherein a portion thereof was made transparent to show inner components thereof, according to some embodiments. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the size reduction device 200, according to some embodiments. Figure shows a cross-sectional view in perspective of the size reduction device 200, according to some embodiments. Figures 6 and 7 shows a dynamic disc and a static disc, respectively, of the size reduction device 200, according to some embodiments. Figures 8A and 8B shows a dynamic and a static discs of the size reduction device 200, being separated (Figure 8A) and being connected (Figure 8B), according to some embodiments. 285515/ id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155"
id="p-155"
[0155]According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a size reduction device 200. id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156"
id="p-156"
[0156]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device of step 110 (of process 1as disclosed herein above) is identical to the size reduction device 200, wherein steps 120 to 140 of process 100 comprise the utilization thereof. According to further embodiments, the size reduction device of step 110 comprises the utilization of the size reduction device 200. id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157"
id="p-157"
[0157]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device 200 comprises: a housing 210 comprising a liquid inlet 212 and a liquid outlet 214. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a size reduction module 230 disposed within the housing 210, wherein the size reduction module 230 is configured to reduce the size of solid particles residing within a liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid inlet 212 is connected with an inlet pipe 213 and the liquid outlet 214 is connected with an outlet pipe 215. id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158"
id="p-158"
[0158]According to some embodiments, the liquid is water. According to further embodiments, the liquid comprises at least 90% water, optionally at least 95% water, or alternately at least 99% water. According to further embodiments, the water originates from a water supply source selected from groundwater (e.g., wells, springs, etc.), surface water (e.g., reservoirs, rivers, lakes, sea, etc.), non-conventional sources (e.g., treated and/or untreated waste water, desalinated water, drainage water, fog collection, etc.), and combinations thereof. Additional water supply sources may be selected from municipal water lines, agriculture water lines, industrial water lines, and combinations thereof. id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159"
id="p-159"
[0159]According to some embodiments, the solid particles within the liquid comprise metals, metal salts, organic material, inorganic material, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the metals are selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead, combinations thereof, and the like. According to some embodiments, the metal salts comprise metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, metal oxides or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the metal salts comprise calcium salts, iron salts, aluminum salts, lead salts, chromium salts, manganese salts, copper salts, silicon salts or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the solid particles comprise organic and/or inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of: food particles, plants, small organisms, algae, soil, rocks, clay, fertilizer materials, paper, 285515/ plastic, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the plant material comprises charcoal, wood, or both. According to some embodiments, the solid particles are nontoxic. id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160"
id="p-160"
[0160]According to some embodiments, the housing 210 is externally shaped as a cylinder, as can be seen for example, at Figure 2. It is to be understood, however, that the housing 210 may have the same functionalities and utilization while having a different geometric shape, such as a cube, pyramid, sphere, spheroid, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. According to some embodiments, the liquid inlet 212 and/or liquid outlet 214 of the housing 210 are externally shaped as cylinders, as can be seen for example, at Figures 2 and 3. It is to be understood, however, that the liquid inlet and/or outlet may have the same functionalities and utilization while having a different external geometric shape, such as a cube, pyramid, sphere, spheroid, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161"
id="p-161"
[0161]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device 200 comprises a motor 2configured to generate the operation of the size reduction module 230. According to some embodiments, the motor 220 is configured to generate the continuous operation of the size reduction module 230. According to some embodiments, the motor 220 is selected from: electric motor, solar based motor, turbine, hydraulic motor, combinations thereof, or any other suitable motor in the art. According to some embodiments, the motor 220 comprises a hydraulic motor, which is configured to be powered by water flow within at least one of the inlet pipe 213, the outlet pipe 215, additional tubes connected to the size reduction module 230, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162"
id="p-162"
[0162]According to some embodiments, liquid comprising undissolved solid particles having the initial maximal dimension (as was disclosed herein above at step 120 of process 100), can flow from the inlet pipe 213 into the liquid inlet 212 and enter the housing 210 therefrom, along flow direction 216 (see Figure 4). Afterwards, said liquid can flow through the size reduction module 230 disposed within the housing 210, and exit therefrom through the liquid outlet 214, along flow direction 216, and into the outlet pipe 215. According to some embodiments, the size reduction module 230 is configured to reduce the size of the undissolved solid particles residing within a liquid flowing therethrough, thereby generating in the liquid solid particles 285515/ having the final maximal dimension, as was disclosed herein above at step 130 of process 100. According to some embodiments, the liquid comprises water. id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163"
id="p-163"
[0163]According to some embodiments, the liquid flows through the size reduction module 230 at a flow velocity of less than about 10 meters per second (m/s), preferably less than about m/s, or more preferably less than about 5 m/s. According to some embodiments, the liquid flows through the size reduction module 230 at a flow velocity ranging from about 0.01 m/s to about 5 m/s. id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164"
id="p-164"
[0164]According to some embodiments, the liquid exists from the size reduction module 2through the liquid outlet 214 (along flow direction 216) at a flow velocity of less than about meters per second (m/s), preferably less than about 7 m/s, or more preferably less than about m/s. According to some embodiments, the liquid exists from the size reduction module 2through the liquid outlet 214 at a flow velocity ranging from about 0.01 m/s to about 5 m/s. id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165"
id="p-165"
[0165]Specifically, the low maximal dimension of the particles after undergoing the present process is preferably small, thus allowing to use irrigation systems (e.g. drip irrigation systems), which have narrow pipes. Such narrow pipe would allow low throughput, thus allowing constant and continuous watering of plants without the risk of flooding. According to some embodiments, the process comprises continuous watering of plant of at least 18, at least at least 48 hour, or more. id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166"
id="p-166"
[0166]According to some embodiments, the initial maximal dimension of the undissolved solid particles is greater than the final maximal dimension thereof by at least one order of magnitude, 2-5 orders of magnitude, or more, as was disclosed herein above. According to some embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension, by at least 150%, 200%, 300%, 500%, 800%, 1000%, 1500%, 5000%, 10,000%, or more. According to some embodiments, the initial maximal dimension is above about 1000 µm, 2000 µm, 5000 µm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 50 mm, or more. According to some embodiments, the final maximal dimension of the undissolved solid particles is below about 1000 µm, 500 µm, 120 µm, 100 µm, or less. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. 285515/ id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167"
id="p-167"
[0167]According to some embodiments, the liquid inlet 212 has an inlet diameter D1, the housing 210 has a housing diameter D2, and the liquid outlet 214 has an outlet diameter D3, as can be seen at Figure 4. According to some embodiments, the inlet pipe 213 has an inlet pipe diameter D4, and the outlet pipe 215 has an outlet pipe diameter D5, as can be seen at Figure 2. id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168"
id="p-168"
[0168]According to some embodiments, the housing diameter D2 is greater than the inlet diameter D1 (c.f. Figure 4). According to some embodiments, the housing diameter D2 is greater than the inlet diameter D1 by at least 50%. According to further embodiments, the housing diameter D2 is greater than the inlet diameter D1 by at least 100%, 200%, 300%, 500%, 800%, 1000%, 1500%, 2000%, 5000%, or more. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. According to some such embodiments, since the housing diameter D2 is greater than the inlet diameter D1, when the liquid is transferred from the liquid inlet 212 into the size reduction module 230 within the housing 210, the cross section in which the liquid flows (i.e., from liquid inlet 212 into housing 210) increases. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that since the cross section increases, the liquid flow rate therein decreases, resulting in a slower flow rate into (and through) the size reduction module 230. Thus the retention time of the particles within the liquid flowing through the size reduction module 230 increases. Advantageously, slowing the liquid flow rate while entering the size reduction module 2(and flowing therethrough) can improve the operation thereof resulting in enhanced particle size reduction, optionally due to increasing the retention time of the particles within the size reduction module 230 resulting from the decreased flow rate. id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169"
id="p-169"
[0169]As used herein, the term "retention time" refers to the time duration of the particles within liquid flowing through the size reduction module 230, from the moment they enter the size reduction module 230 until the moment they exit therefrom. id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170"
id="p-170"
[0170]According to some embodiments, the housing 210 of device 200 may comprise therein one of more additional size reduction modules 230. id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171"
id="p-171"
[0171]According to some embodiments, the reduction module 230 and/or the reduction device 200 are devoid of filters. Advantageously, the present invention provides the reduction module 230 for reducing the size of particles residing within liquids, such as water, thus enabling to provide treated water for various water applications, without the use of filters or filtering the liquid. Said various water applications can involve any process, which includes streaming the 285515/ water though a narrow pipe or a low diameter nozzle, as they are prone to clogging by accumulation of large particles, as was detailed herein above. Exemplary water applications include irrigation applications, industrial applications, municipal applications, and the like. id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172"
id="p-172"
[0172]According to some embodiments, the inlet pipe 213 is in fluid communication (i.e., either directly or via other tubes) with the water supply source as disclosed herein above. The outlet pipe 215 can be connected to additional tube(s) or pipe(s), in order to provide treated water for various water applications, such as irrigation applications, industrial applications, municipal applications, and the like. According to some embodiments, the inlet pipe 213 and/or the outlet pipe 215 are irrigation tubes. According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 is in fluid communication (i.e., either directly or via other tubes) with an irrigation tube. According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 comprises at least one drip irrigation dripper or is connected to a drip irrigation system. According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 comprises or is connected to at least one sprinkler. id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173"
id="p-173"
[0173]According to some embodiments, the reduction device 200 is configured for continuous operation, in order to reduce the size of solid particles residing within the liquid, by continuously transferring the liquid from the liquid inlet 212, through the reduction module 230, and outward therefrom through the liquid outlet 214. Advantageously, the size reduction device 200 does not require to stop its continuous operation due to cleaning of any inner components (as opposed to regular maintenance of filter systems), and therefore can continuously provide treated water for various water applications. id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174"
id="p-174"
[0174]According to some embodiments, the device 200 comprises an axle 240 disposed therein having a proximal end 241 connected to the motor 220, wherein the axle 240 extends from its proximal end 241 towards a distal end 242. According to some embodiments, upon actuation of the motor 220, the axle 240 is being rotated. The axle 240 can be a shaft, a rod, and the like. According to some embodiments, the housing 210 extends from a first surface 218 towards a second surface 219. In further embodiments, the axle 240 extends through the first surface 218, wherein its proximal end 241 is connected to the motor 220. In further embodiments, the axle 240 extends from the first surface 218 towards the second surface 219, wherein its distal end 242 is rotatably connected to the second surface 219 in a manner which allows its rotation relative thereto. 285515/ id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175"
id="p-175"
[0175]According to some embodiments, the size reduction module 230 comprises: a first plurality of rotating dynamic discs 232 and a second plurality of static discs 234, wherein each dynamic disc 232 and static disc 234 are disposed alternately one over the other, as can be seen for example at Figures 3-5. According to further embodiments, each dynamic disc 2comprises a plurality of apertures 250, as can be seen for example at Figure 6. According to further embodiments, each static disc 234 comprises a plurality of apertures 254, as can be seen for example at Figure 7. id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176"
id="p-176"
[0176]According to some embodiments, the first plurality of rotating dynamic discs 2corresponds to the second plurality of static discs 234. According to further such embodiments, the first number of rotating dynamic discs 232 and the second number of static discs 234 are identical to one another. According to alternative embodiments, the first number of rotating dynamic discs 232 is different from the second number of static discs 234. id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177"
id="p-177"
[0177]According to some embodiments, during the operation of the size reduction module 230, the liquid comprising the solid particles residing therein flows through the plurality of apertures 250 of each dynamic disc 232 and through the plurality of apertures 254 of each static disc 234. id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178"
id="p-178"
[0178]According to some embodiments, the pluralities dynamic discs 232 and static discs 2are configured to cut/slice, and optionally pulverize or grind, the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing through the size reduction module 230, thereby reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension, thus enabling to provide treated water for various water applications as was disclosed herein above. id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179"
id="p-179"
[0179]According to some embodiments, the axle 240 extends through each of the dynamic discs 232 and static discs 234 along a centerline 217. According to further embodiments, the axle 240 is connected to each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs 232. According to some embodiments, upon actuation of the motor 220, each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs 232 is being rotated. id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180"
id="p-180"
[0180]According to some embodiments, each static disc 234 is stationary, with respect to the axle 240, thereby resulting in relative rotation between the dynamic discs 232 and static discs 234, when the motor 220 is operated/actuated. According to some embodiments, the rotation 285515/ of the dynamic discs 232 is configured to cut the particles residing within the liquid flowing therethrough via the plurality of apertures 250. According to further embodiments, each rotating dynamic disc 232 and stationary static disc 234 are disposed alternately one over the other, thus enabling to pulverize or grind the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing therethrough via the pluralities of apertures 250 and 254, as can be seen for example in Figures 8A-B. Advantageously, the relative rotation between the rotating dynamic discs 232 and stationary static discs 234, which are disposed alternately one over the other, results in cutting, pulverizing and/or grinding the particles during their movement through the plurality of apertures 250 and 254, resulting in the enhanced particle size reduction thereof. id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181"
id="p-181"
[0181]According to some embodiments, each static disc 234 is stationary, with respect to the axle 240, wherein each static disc 234 is directly connected to an inner surface of the housing 210 (not shown). id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182"
id="p-182"
[0182]According to some alternative embodiments, each static disc 234 is stationary, with respect to the axle 240. Specifically, according to some alternative embodiments, each static disc 234 is affixed to the housing 210 by a fixation element, such as a seal. According to some alternative embodiments, each static disc 234 is stationary, with respect to the axle 240, wherein each static disc 234 comprises a channel 255 located at a circumference surface thereof and an O-ring 236 circumferenclly disposed within said channel 255, as can be seen for example at Figures 8A-B. According to further embodiments, each O-ring 236 is configured to form a tight seal between the circumference surface of each static disc 234 and the housing 210. Advantageously, the O-ring 236 disposed within the channel 255 at the circumference surface of each static disc 234 enables to prevent the static disc 234 from rotating during the operation of the motor 220 and rotation of the axle 240. id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183"
id="p-183"
[0183]According to some embodiments, the size reduction module 230 is configured to perform particle size reduction with a yield of above 90%, alternately above 95%, or optionally above 99%. The yield performance of the size reduction module 230 is defined as the ratio between the amount of water entering the device 200 via the liquid inlet 212 or the inlet pipe 213, and the amount of water existing therefrom via the liquid outlet 214 or outlet pipe 215. The amount of water can be measured by one or more quantities such as mass, volume, volumetric flow rate, combinations thereof, and the like. Advantageously, it is contemplated that the utilization of the O-ring 236 as disclosed herein may enable to prevent liquid leakage 285515/ around the circumference surface of each static disc 234 during the liquid flow through the pluralities of apertures 250 and 254, resulting in high performance yields of the size reduction module 230 and low water losses during the operation thereof. id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184"
id="p-184"
[0184]According to some embodiments, each dynamic disc 232 is connected to the axle 2via a connecting member 233, wherein the rotation of the axle 240 by the motor 220 rotates the plurality of dynamic discs 232, as disclosed herein above. According to further embodiments, each dynamic disc 232 comprises a central axle opening 252, wherein the axle 240 extend through the opening 252 of each dynamic disc 232, as can be seen in Figure 6. According to further such embodiments, the opening 252 is shaped to interact with, or to be connected to, the connecting member 233, thereby resulting in the rotation of the dynamic discs 232 during the rotation of the axle 240. The connecting member 233 may be shaped as a rod, a bar, a shaft, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting member 233 may include bolts, nails, set screws, and the like. id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185"
id="p-185"
[0185]According to some embodiments, each static disc 234 comprises a central axle opening 256, wherein the axle 240 extend through the opening 256 of each static disc 234, as can be seen in Figure 7. id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186"
id="p-186"
[0186]According to some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 250 in each dynamic disc 232 has a geometric shape selected from: V-shape, line shape, circle shape, square shape, rectangle shape, elliptic shape, X-shape, star-shape, other polygon shapes, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. In further embodiments, each one of the plurality of apertures 250 in each dynamic disc 232 is V-shaped, as can be seen for example at Figure 6.In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of apertures 250 has sharp edges, configured to cut the particles when forming contact therewith, during the rotation of each dynamic disc 232. id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187"
id="p-187"
[0187]According to some embodiments, each one of the plurality of apertures 254 in each static disc 234 has a geometric shape selected from: V-shape, line shape, circle shape, square shape, rectangle shape, elliptic shape, X-shape, star-shape, other polygon shapes, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. In further embodiments, each one of the plurality of apertures 254 in each static disc 234 is V-shaped, as 285515/ can be seen for example at Figure 7. In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of apertures 254 has sharp edges, configured to cut the particles flowing therethrough. id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188"
id="p-188"
[0188]It is contemplated, according to some embodiments, the V-shaped apertures within each one of the dynamic discs 232 and static discs 234 may enable enhanced cutting, and optionally pulverizing and/or grinding, of the particles during their movement through the plurality of apertures 250 and 254, resulting in the enhanced particle size reduction thereof. id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189"
id="p-189"
[0189]According to some embodiments, the number of apertures 250 in each dynamic disc 232 is a first prime number, and the number of apertures 254 of each static disc 234 is a second prime number. According to some embodiments, the number of apertures 250 in each dynamic disc 232 is a first prime number. According to some embodiments, the number of apertures 254 of each static disc 234 is a second prime number. According to some embodiments, the number of apertures 250 in each dynamic disc 232 is a first prime number, and the number of apertures 254 of each static disc 234 is a second prime number, wherein the first prime number and the prime number second number are not equal to each other. id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190"
id="p-190"
[0190]As used herein, the term "prime number" refers to any natural number greater than that is not a product of two smaller natural numbers. For example, the first and second prime numbers, each, may be selected from the following prime numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97, etc. According to some embodiments, the first prime number is selected from the group consisting of: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89 and 97. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. According to some embodiments, the first prime number is selected from the group consisting of: 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89 and 97. According to some embodiments, the first prime number is selected from the group consisting of: 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89 and 97. According to some embodiments, the first prime number is higher than 10. According to some embodiments, the second prime number is selected from the group consisting of: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89 and 97. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. According to some embodiments, the second prime number is selected from the group consisting of: 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89 and 97. According to some embodiments, the second prime 285515/ number is selected from the group consisting of: 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89 and 97. According to some embodiments, the second prime number is higher than 10. id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191"
id="p-191"
[0191]According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second prime numbers are not equal to each other. For example, the first prime number of apertures 250 in each dynamic disc 2may be 29, while the second prime number of apertures 254 of each static disc 234 may be 23. The utilization of the first prime number of apertures 250 in each rotating dynamic disc 2and the second prime number of apertures 254 of each stationary static disc 234, wherein the first and second prime numbers are not equal to each other, is configured to prevent any overlap between the apertures of the rotating dynamic and static discs along the centerline 217. Posible overlap between the apertures of the dynamic and static discs may result in decreased cutting, and optionally decreased pulverizing and/or grinding, of the particles during their movement therethrough. Advantageously, it is contemplated that the utilization of a first prime number of apertures 250 in each rotating dynamic disc 232 and a second prime number of apertures 2of each stationary static disc 234, wherein the first and second prime numbers are not equal to each other, can enable enhanced cutting, and optionally pulverizing and/or grinding, of the particles during their movement through the plurality of apertures 250 and 254, resulting in the enhanced particle size reduction thereof. id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192"
id="p-192"
[0192]Reference is now made to Figures 9-14. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view in perspective of a size reduction device 200 comprising a size reduction module 330, according to some embodiments. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the size reduction device 2comprising the size reduction module 330, according to some embodiments. Figure 11 shows an enlargement of a segment of the size reduction module 330 of Figure 9, according to some embodiments. Figure 12 shows a top view of a dynamic disc 332, according to some embodiments. Figures 13A-B shows views in perspective of a dynamic disc 332 (Figure 13A) and a static disc 334 (Figure 13B), according to some embodiments. Figure 14 shows a top view of a dynamic disc 332 on top of a static disc 334, according to some embodiments. id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193"
id="p-193"
[0193]According to some alternative embodiments, the size reduction device 200 comprises a size reduction module 330 disposed within the housing 210, wherein the size reduction module 330 is configured to reduce the size of solid particles residing within a liquid flowing therethrough. 285515/ id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194"
id="p-194"
[0194]The size reduction device 200 and its components of Figures 9-11 is similar to those of Figures 2-5 and share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 9-14 are showing exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of device 200, and specifically the size reduction module 330 and inner components thereof. id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195"
id="p-195"
[0195]According to some embodiments, the size reduction module 330 comprises at least one dynamic disc 332 and at least one static disc 334. According to some embodiments, the size reduction module 330 comprises a first plurality of dynamic discs 332 and a second plurality of static discs 334, wherein each dynamic disc 332 and static disc 334 are disposed alternately one over the other, as can be seen for example at Figures 9-11. id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196"
id="p-196"
[0196]According to some embodiments, each dynamic disc 332 comprises a plurality of rotating gears 335 rotatably connected to (or intermeshed with) a central gear 337, as can be seen for example in Figure 12. According to some embodiments, the dynamic disc 332 is coaxial with the central gear 337, which resides therewithin. In further embodiments, each rotating gear 335 comprise at least one aperture 338. In still further embodiments, each rotating gear 335 comprise a plurality of apertures 338 extending therethrough. id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197"
id="p-197"
[0197]According to some embodiments, the plurality of rotating gears 335 are directly intermeshed with each other (not shown). According to some other embodiments, at least a portion of adjacent rotating gears 335 are spaced from each other by a gear space 366 (shown for example in Figure 12). The gear space 366 is configured to change its location along each dynamic disc 332, at a result of the rotation of adjacent rotating gears 335 during the operation of the module 330. id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198"
id="p-198"
[0198]According to some embodiments, the central gear 337 comprises a central gear opening 353, wherein the axle 240 is configured to extend through the opening 353 and be connected thereto. According to further such embodiments, the opening 353 is shaped to interact with, or to be connected to, the axle 240, thereby resulting in the rotation of the central gear 337 during the rotation of the axle 240. id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199"
id="p-199"
[0199]According to some embodiments, the rotation of the central gear 337 (caused by the rotation of the axle 240) is configured to generate/transmit the rotation of the plurality of the 285515/ rotating gears 335, due to the interaction between their teeth/cogs. According to some embodiments, the central gear 337 is connected to the axle 240 via a connecting member 3(Figure 11), wherein the rotation of the axle 240 by the motor 220 rotates the central gear 337, which in turn generates the rotation of the plurality of the rotating gears 335 as disclosed herein. id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200"
id="p-200"
[0200]According to some embodiments, each dynamic disc 332 further comprises at least one double cogged wheel 339, configured to transmit rotational movement between different pluralities of intermeshing rotating gears 335. id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201"
id="p-201"
[0201]According to some embodiments, each dynamic disc 332 comprises an external cogged wheel 343 configured to intermesh/interact with the plurality of intermeshing rotating gears 335, in order to assist in the rotation thereof. According to further embodiments, said external cogged wheel 343 is directly attached or integrally connected with the circumference of the housing 210. According to still further embodiments, the external cogged wheel 343 is stationary, with respect to the axle 240, thereby resulting in relative rotation between the rotating gears 335 therewith, when the motor 220 is operated/actuated. According to other embodiments, the external cogged wheel 343 is not directly attached to the circumference of the housing 210, and when the motor 220 is operated/actuated, the rotation between the rotating gears 335 results in the relative rotation of the external cogged wheel 343 within the housing 210. id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202"
id="p-202"
[0202]According to a specific embodiment, the central gear 337 is intermeshing with a first plurality of rotating gears 335A, wherein the first plurality of rotating gears 335A are intermeshing with the double cogged wheel 339. In further embodiments, wheel 339 is intermeshing with a second plurality of rotating gears 335B, wherein the second plurality of rotating gears 335B are intermeshing with the external cogged wheel 343 connected to the circumference of the housing 210 (directly or indirectly), as can be seen in Figure 11. In still further embodiments, at least a portion of the first plurality of adjacent rotating gears 335A are spaced from each other by a first gear space 366A, while at least a portion of the second plurality of adjacent rotating gears 335B are spaced from each other by a second gear space 366B. id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203"
id="p-203"
[0203]According to some embodiments, the at least one aperture 338 of each rotating gear 335 has a geometric shape selected from: V-shape, line shape, circle shape, square shape, 285515/ rectangle shape, elliptic shape, X-shape, star-shape, other polygon shapes, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. In further embodiments, the at least one aperture 338 of each rotating gear 335 is star-shaped (e.g., asterisk-shaped). In a specific embodiment, the at least one aperture 338 of each rotating gear 335 is asterisk-shaped having six-pointed arms (see Figure 12). id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204"
id="p-204"
[0204]In some embodiments, the at least one aperture 338 has sharp edges, configured to cut the particles when forming contact therewith, during the rotation of each rotating gear 335. id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205"
id="p-205"
[0205]According to some embodiments, during the operation of the size reduction module 330, the liquid comprising the solid particles residing therein flows through the gear spaces 366 and the apertures 338 of the rotating gears 335. According to further embodiments, the actuation (i.e., rotation) of the central gear 337 (caused by the rotation of the axle 240) causes/transmits the rotation of the plurality of the rotating gears 335. During the flow of the solid particles residing within the liquid through the gear spaces 366 and the apertures 338, the rotation of the plurality of the rotating gears 335 causes the pulverizing and optionally cutting of the particles flowing therethrough, thereby reducing their size from the initial to the final maximal dimension. id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206"
id="p-206"
[0206]As used herein, the term "pulverizing" refers to at least one action performed on the particles, selected from grinding, compressing, applying shear force, or a combination thereof, in order to reduce the size thereof. id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207"
id="p-207"
[0207]According to some embodiments, the number of first plurality of dynamic discs 3corresponds to the second plurality of static discs 334. According to further embodiments, the first plurality of dynamic discs 332 and the second plurality of static discs 334 are identical to one another. According to other embodiments, the first plurality of dynamic discs 332 and the second plurality of static discs 334 are different from each other. id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208"
id="p-208"
[0208]According to some embodiments, each static disc 334 comprises a plurality of apertures 350 extending therethrough towards a dynamic disc 332, as can be seen for example at Figure 13B. According to some embodiments, each static disc 334 is stationary, with respect to the axle 240, wherein each static disc 334 is directly connected to an inner surface of the housing 285515/ 210. According to some embodiments, each static disc 334 comprises a central axle opening 356, wherein the axle 240 extend through the opening 356 of each static disc 334. id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209"
id="p-209"
[0209]According to some embodiments, each static disc 334 is stationary, with respect to the housing 210. Specifically, according to some embodiments, each static disc 334 is affixed to the housing 210 by a fixation element, such as a seal. According to some embodiments, each static disc 334 is stationary, with respect to the housing 210, wherein each static disc 3comprises a channel 355 located at a circumference surface thereof and an O-ring 3circumferenclly disposed within said channel 355, as can be seen for example at Figures 9-and 13B. According to further embodiments, each O-ring 336 is configured to form a tight seal between the circumference surface of each static disc 334 and the housing 210. Advantageously, the O-ring 336 disposed within the channel 355 at the circumference surface of each static disc 334 enables to prevent the static disc 334 from rotating during the operation of the motor 220 and rotation of the axle 240, and additionally prevents fluid leakage therearound. id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210"
id="p-210"
[0210]According to some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 350 of each static disc 3have a geometric shape selected from: V-shape, triangle shape, line shape, circle shape, square shape, rectangle shape, elliptic shape, X-shape, star-shape, other polygon shapes, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. In further embodiments, the apertures 350 are line shaped, as can be seen for example at Figure 13B. In some embodiments, the apertures 350 have sharp edges, configured to cut the particles when forming contact therewith and/or flowing therethrough. id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211"
id="p-211"
[0211]According to some embodiments, the axle 240 extends through each of the dynamic discs 332 and static discs 334 along a centerline 217. id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212"
id="p-212"
[0212]According to some embodiments, the dynamic discs 332 and static discs 334 are coaxial and alternately disposed one over the other. According to some embodiments, each dynamic disc 332 is disposed over (or supported by) each static disc 334, as can be seen for example at Figure 14. In further embodiments, each static disc 334 is configured to support the rotating gears and/or rotating cogged wheels (e.g., rotating gears 335 and/or double cogged wheel 339) of each dynamic disc 332, in order to enable the rotation thereof during the operation of the motor 220. 285515/ id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213"
id="p-213"
[0213]According to some embodiments, during the operation of the size reduction module 330, the liquid comprising the solid particles residing therein flows through the gear spaces 366 and the apertures 338 of the rotating gears 335 of each dynamic disc 332, and through the plurality of apertures 350 of each static disc 334. Advantageously, according to some embodiments, the plurality of dynamic discs 332 is configured to cause the pulverizing and optionally cutting/slicing of the particles flowing therethrough, wherein the plurality of static discs 334 is configured to cause the cutting of the particles flowing therethrough and support the components of the dynamic discs 332, thereby reducing the particles size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension, thus enabling to provide treated water for various water applications as was disclosed herein above. As detailed above, according to some embodiments, static discs 334 are configured to cause the cutting of the particles flowing therethrough and support the components of the dynamic discs 332. Thus, it is to be understood, according to some embodiments, that the last disc along the flow direction 216 is a static disc 334, which prevents the dislocation of the components of the dynamic discs 332 (e.g., rotating gears 335, etc.). id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214"
id="p-214"
[0214]It is also clarified that when indicating that "the dynamic and static discs are alternately disposed" it is allowed that the last disc in the set (typically a static discs 334, as detailed above) and the first disc in the set (typically a dynamic discs 332, according to some embodiments) are disposed over only one disc at one of their size. The other discs are fully alternating, i.e. disposed between two non-identical discs. id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215"
id="p-215"
[0215]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device 200 comprises at least one size reduction module 230 and at least one size reduction module 330. In further such embodiments, the solid particles residing within the liquid which flows into the device 200, first enter the module 230 for a first size reduction process, and then flow into the module 3for an additional size reduction process, thereby providing an enhanced total size reduction process combining different size reduction techniques. Alternatively, the solid particles residing within the liquid which flows into the device 200 can first enter the module 3followed by entering the module 230. id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216"
id="p-216"
[0216]Reference is now made to Figures 15-19. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view in perspective of the size reduction device 200 comprising a size reduction module 430, according to some embodiments. Figure 16 shows an enlargement of a segment of the size reduction 285515/ module 430 of Figure 15, according to some embodiments. Figure 17 shows an exploded view in perspective of a dynamic apertures disc 434, according to some embodiments. Figures 18A-B shows a cross sectional view (Figure 18A) and a view in perspective (Figure 18B) of the dynamic apertures disc 434, according to some embodiments. Figure 19 shows a top view of a slicer disc, according to some embodiments. id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217"
id="p-217"
[0217]According to some alternative embodiments, the size reduction device 200 comprises a size reduction module 430 disposed within the housing 210, wherein the size reduction module 430 is configured to reduce the size of solid particles residing within a liquid flowing therethrough. id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218"
id="p-218"
[0218]The size reduction device 200 and its components of Figure 15 is similar to those of Figures 9-11 and share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 15-19 are showing exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of device 200, and specifically the size reduction module 430 and inner components thereof. id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219"
id="p-219"
[0219]According to some embodiments, said size reduction module 430 comprises at least one dynamic slicing disc 434 extending around a centerline 217. According to some embodiments, the size reduction module 430 comprises a plurality of dynamic slicing discs 434, wherein each one of the discs 434 is extending around the centerline 217. id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220"
id="p-220"
[0220]According to some embodiments, the axle 240 extends through each of the dynamic slicing discs 434 along a centerline 217. According to further embodiments, the axle 240 is coaxially connected to each of the plurality of dynamic slicing discs 434. According to some embodiments, upon actuation of the motor 220, each of the plurality of dynamic slicing discs 434 is being rotated. id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221"
id="p-221"
[0221]According to some embodiments, during the operation of the size reduction module 430, the liquid comprising the solid particles residing therein flows through the plurality of dynamic slicing discs 434. According to further embodiments, each dynamic slicing disc 4is configured to be rotated by motor 220 (e.g. through the mediation of the axle 240) and to cut/slice the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing through the size reduction module 430, thereby reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal 285515/ dimension, thus enabling to provide treated water for various water applications as was disclosed herein above. id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222"
id="p-222"
[0222]According to some embodiments, each dynamic slicing disc 434 comprises a thin slicer disc 441, a supporting circumferential member 443, a connection member 445, and a circumferential frame 447. The thin slicer disc 441 is supported by the supporting circumferential member 443 and is attached thereto. The connection member 445 is configured to connect the thin slicer disc 441 to the axle 240 to enable the rotation thereof, and is connected to the circumferential member 443. The circumferential frame 447 supports the thin slicer disc 441, and is connected to the connection member 445 and/or the supporting circumferential member 443. id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223"
id="p-223"
[0223]According to some embodiments, each thin slicer disc 441 is configured to be rotated by motor 220 and to cut/slice the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing therethrough. According to some embodiments, each thin slicer disc 441 comprises a central axle opening 452, wherein the axle 240 extend through the opening 452 of each thin slicer disc 441. id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224"
id="p-224"
[0224] According to some embodiments, the thin slicer disc 441 is a thin slicer disc 441A comprising a plurality of apertures 450, as can be seen at Figures 17-18B. According to further embodiments, each thin slicer disc 441A is configured to be rotated by motor 220 and to cut/slice the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing through the plurality of apertures 450. According to some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 450 of each thin slicer disc 441 have a geometric shape selected from: V-shape, triangle shape, line shape, circle shape, square shape, rectangle shape, elliptic shape, X-shape, star-shape, other polygon shapes, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. In further embodiments, the apertures 450 are elongated triangle shaped, as can be seen for example at Figure 17. In some embodiments, the apertures 450 have sharp edges, configured to cut the particles when forming contact therewith and/or flowing therethrough. id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225"
id="p-225"
[0225]According to some alternative embodiments, the thin slicer disc 441 is a thin slicer disc 441B comprising a plurality of elongated slicing members 453, wherein each member 4extends from an edge of the circumference of the thin slicer disc 441 towards an opposing edge of the circumference thereof (shaped similarly to a bicycle wheel), as can be seen for example at Figure 19. In further such embodiments, consecutive elongated slicing members 453 are 285515/ spaced from each other, thereby forming a space 466 therebetween, wherein space 466 is configured to enable fluid flow therethrough. In further such embodiments, each elongated slicing member 453 has sharp edges (e.g., blades) configured to cut the particles when forming contact therewith during fluid flow through the spaces 466. According to further embodiments, each thin slicer disc 441B is configured to be rotated by motor 220 and to cut/slice the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing through the spaces 466. According to some embodiments, the elongated slicing members 453 are blades. According to some embodiments, the elongated slicing members 453 are made of metal. id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226"
id="p-226"
[0226]Advantageously, it is suggested according to some embodiments, that the utilization of the thin slicer disc 441 of the size reduction module 430 can enable to cut/slice the solid particles residing within the liquid flowing therethrough in an economic and energy efficient fashion, relative to the slicing performed by the rotating dynamic discs 232 of size reduction module 230. This is optionally possible due to the use of the thin slicer discs 441 having smaller dimensions in parallel to the centerline 217 and optionally a lighter weight relative to rotating dynamic discs 232, resulting in a lower flow resistance and requires less power to actuate. Thus, the utilization of the size reduction module 430 as disclosed herein can provide an enhanced particle size reduction process for providing treated water for various water applications. id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227"
id="p-227"
[0227] According to some embodiments, the size reduction device 200 comprises at least one size reduction module, selected from size reduction module 230, module 330, module 430, and combinations thereof. According to further embodiments, the size reduction device 2comprises a plurality of size reduction modules, thereby providing an enhanced total size reduction process combining different size reduction techniques. id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228"
id="p-228"
[0228]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device 200 further comprises at least one sensor 260, configured to measure the particle size distribution of the particles residing within the liquid flowing through the size reduction module (e.g., size reduction module 230, module 330, module 430, etc.). According to further embodiments, the size reduction device comprises at least one sensor 260A connected to the liquid inlet 212, and at least one additional sensor 260B connected to the liquid outlet 214, as can be seen for example at Figure 3, thereby enabling to measure the particle size distribution and particle size decrease 285515/ from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension, as was disclosed herein above. id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229"
id="p-229"
[0229]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device 200 further comprises a control unit 262 functionally connected to at least one of the at least one sensor 260, the size reduction module (e.g., size reduction module 230, module 330, module 430, etc.), the motor, or a combination thereof. The control unit 262 may be physically connected to the size reduction device 200 (see Figure 2) or may be located separately therefrom (not shown). The control unit 262 may comprise a user interaction portion configured to display particle size distribution data obtained by the at least one sensor 260 and/or operational data of the size reduction module (e.g., motor performance, axle rotational speed, etc.). The user interaction portion may include a touch screen, a LED screen, a keyboard, a smartphone, a speaker, combinations thereof, and the like. id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230"
id="p-230"
[0230]According to some embodiments, the control unit 262 comprises at least one processor configured to send and receive data (such as, but not limited to, digitized signals, control data, etc.) to and from the various components of device 200. The processor can be selected from, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a controller, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, or any other suitable device or a combination of devices that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. The term "processor", as used herein, refers to a single chip device which includes a plurality of modules which may be collected onto a single chip in order to perform various computer-related functions. id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231"
id="p-231"
[0231]According to some embodiments, the control unit 262 further comprises a communication module comprising electronic communication systems and methods, including a wireless link. Said wireless link can incorporate any suitable wireless connection technology known in the art, including but not limited to NFC, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, other radio frequencies, Infra-Red (IR), GSM, CDMA, GPRS, 3G, 4G, W-CDMA, EDGE or DCDMA200 and similar technologies. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. 285515/ id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232"
id="p-232"
[0232]According to some embodiments, each of the sensors 260A and 260B is configured to send particle size distribution data to the control unit 262, via wireless communication or via a direct link. In further embodiments, the control unit 262 is configured to send signals indicative of malfunction (e.g., sound an alarm, send a text message, display data on the user interaction portion, etc.) if the initial maximal dimension is identical to the final maximal dimension, or if the decrease from the initial to the final maximal dimensions is below the threshold value as disclosed above. In still further embodiments, the control unit 262 is configured to adjust the performance parameters of the motor 220 according to the difference between the initial and the final maximal dimensions (e.g., increase the rotational speed of the motor 220 to achieve enhanced/desired particle size reduction). id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233"
id="p-233"
[0233]According to some embodiments, in addition to the size reduction module(s) 230, 330, and 430 as presented above, device 200 may further comprise one or more additional types of size reduction modules or equipment, for enhanced particle size reduction. Such additional modules can be configured to reduce the size of the undissolved solid particles by performing an action selected from: breaking through irradiating (e.g., ultrasound, laser, etc.), compressing, applying shear force, combinations thereof, and the like. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. In further embodiments, device 200 comprises an additional size reduction module configured to break through sound irradiation (e.g., ultrasound) the solid particles disposed within the liquid. In further embodiments, device 200 comprises an additional size reduction module configured to break and/or cut the solid particles via laser. In further embodiments, device 200 comprises an additional size reduction module configured to accelerate the liquid flow rate and to cause the liquid to directly collide with a solid surface, thereby causing the particles to break/fracture upon the impact therewith, thus reducing their size. id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234"
id="p-234"
[0234]Reference is now made to Figures 20A-20D, showing schematic illustrations 600A-D, respectively, for various water irrigation processes, according to some embodiments. id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235"
id="p-235"
[0235]According to another aspect, there is provided a water irrigation process, the process comprising preforming steps 110-140 of process 100 as disclosed herein above, relating to water irrigation applications. Said water irrigation process can be utilized for providing treated water for various irrigation applications such as: growing agricultural crops, maintaining landscapes, maintaining lawns, maintaining golf courses, watering plants and/or plant 285515/ materials, similar applications, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236"
id="p-236"
[0236]As used herein, the term "crops" refers to plants or animal products that can be grown and harvested extensively, such as for a non-limiting example: grains (e.g., rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, etc.), fruit (e.g., bananas, apples, etc.), vegetables (e.g., potatoes, yams, etc.), vegetable oil (e.g., palm oil), fungus (e.g., mushrooms), natural fibers (e.g., cotton, hemp, flax, etc.), alga, tobacco, combinations thereof, and the like. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237"
id="p-237"
[0237]As used herein, the term "watering plants" refers to irrigating flowers, landscapes, lawns, wild plants, and the like. id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238"
id="p-238"
[0238]According to some embodiments, the water irrigation process comprises step 110 (of process 100) of providing a size reduction device. id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239"
id="p-239"
[0239]In some embodiments, the size reduction device comprises the size reduction device 200, as disclosed herein above. In some embodiments, the size reduction device comprises size reduction device 200 comprising a housing 210 comprising the liquid inlet 212 connected with the inlet pipe 213, and the liquid outlet 214 connected with the outlet pipe 215. id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240"
id="p-240"
[0240]In some embodiments, the size reduction device 200 of step 110 comprises at least one size reduction module as disclosed herein above (e.g., size reduction module 230, module 330, module 430, or a combination thereof), disposed within the housing 210, and as can be seen for example, at Figure 20A. id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241"
id="p-241"
[0241]In some other embodiments, the size reduction device 200 of step 110 comprises at least one size reduction module 530 disposed within the housing 210, as can be seen for example at Figure 20B. In further such embodiments, the module 530 is configured to reduce the size of the undissolved solid particles by performing at least one action selected from: breaking through irradiating (e.g., ultrasound, laser, etc.), pulverizing, cutting, compressing, applying shear force, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. 285515/ id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242"
id="p-242"
[0242]In some embodiments, the size reduction module 530 is configured to accelerate the water flow rate therethrough, and to cause the water to directly collide with a solid surface disposed within the module 530 or the housing 210, thereby causing the particles disposed within the water to break/fracture/pulverize upon the impact therewith, thus reducing their size. id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243"
id="p-243"
[0243]In some embodiments, the size reduction module 530 comprises a digital camera and a laser system. Said camera images a predetermined area within the housing 210. A control unit (e.g., control unit 262) receives the image generated by the camera and segments the received image in order to identify the particles disposed within the water flowing within the housing 210. The control unit measures the dimensions of the identified particles and compares the size (e.g., dimensions) of each of the identified particles to a predetermined size value (e.g., a desired final maximal dimension). In the event that the measured size of a respective particle is determined to be above the desired final maximal dimension, the control unit outputs the coordinates of the respective particle to the laser system, and controls the activation and performance thereof, to irradiate the respective particle. The irradiation of the respective particle can cut it, thus reducing its final size. id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244"
id="p-244"
[0244]In some alternative embodiments, the size reduction device 200 of step 110 comprises: (a) at least one size reduction module selected from size reduction module 230, module 330, module 430, or a combination thereof; and (b) a size reduction module 530. In further such embodiments, the size reduction device 200 of step 110 comprises: at least one size reduction module 230, at least one size reduction module 330, at least one size reduction module 430, and at least one size reduction module 530, as can be seen for example at Figure 20C. In further embodiments, modules 230, 330, and 430 are configured to reduce the size of the undissolved solid particles by performing at least one action of cutting, pulverizing, grinding, and combination thereof; while the module 530 is configured to reduce the size of the undissolved solid particles by performing at least one action selected from: breaking through irradiating (e.g., ultrasound, laser, etc.), compressing, applying shear force, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, water comprising undissolved solid particles can enter device 200 via inlet pipe 213, flow first into the modules 230-430 and then into module 530, followed by exiting device 200 via the outlet pipe 215. Alternatively, the water can flow first into module 530 and then into modules 230-430. 285515/ id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245"
id="p-245"
[0245]In some alternative embodiments, the size reduction device 200 of step 110 comprises at least one size reduction device 200A comprising at least one size reduction module selected from size reduction module 230, module 330, module 430, or a combination thereof, disposed therein, wherein the device 200A is fluidly connected with at least one additional size reduction device 200B. The at least one additional device 200B comprises at least one size reduction module 530 disposed herein (shown in Figure 20D). In further embodiments, water comprising undissolved solid particles can enter device 200A via inlet pipe 213, exit therefrom via a first outlet pipe 215A, enter device 200B, followed by exiting therefrom via a second outlet pipe 215B. Alternatively, the water can flow first into device 200B and then into device 200A. id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246"
id="p-246"
[0246]According to some embodiments, the water irrigation process further comprises step 120 (of process 100) of transferring water from the inlet pipe 213 through the liquid inlet 2into the size reduction device 200 step 110. As disclosed herein above, the size reduction device 200 of step 110 can comprise at least one size reduction module therein (e.g., module 230, module 330, module 430, module 530, and combinations thereof). In further embodiments, step 120 comprises transferring water from the inlet pipe 213 into the size reduction module (e.g., module 230, module 330, module 430, module 530, and combinations thereof). id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247"
id="p-247"
[0247]According to some embodiments, the water of step 120 originates from a water supply source selected from groundwater (e.g., wells, springs, etc.), surface water (e.g., reservoirs, rivers, lakes, sea, etc.), non-conventional sources (e.g., treated and/or untreated waste water, desalinated water, drainage water, fog collection, etc.), and combinations thereof. Additional water supply sources may be selected from municipal water lines, agriculture water lines, industrial water lines, and combinations thereof. id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248"
id="p-248"
[0248]According to some embodiments, the water of step 120 comprises undissolved solid particles having an initial maximal dimension, as disclosed herein above. According to some embodiments, the solid particles within the liquid comprise metals, metal salts, organic material, inorganic material, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the metals are selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead, combinations thereof, and the like. According to some embodiments, the metal salts comprise metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, metal oxides or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the metal salts comprise calcium salts, iron salts, aluminum salts, lead salts, chromium salts, manganese salts, copper salts, silicon 285515/ salts or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the solid particles comprise organic and/or inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of: food particles, plants, small organisms, algae, soil, rocks, clay, fertilizer materials, paper, plastic, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the plant material comprises charcoal, wood, or both. According to some embodiments, the solid particles are nontoxic and plant-friendly. id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249"
id="p-249"
[0249]According to some embodiments, the water irrigation process further comprises step 130 (of process 100) of reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles within the water using the size reduction device 200 of step 110, thereby generating in the water solid particles having a final maximal dimension, wherein the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension, as was disclosed herein above. In further embodiments, the size reduction device 200 of step 110 can comprise the size reduction module therein (e.g., module 230, module 330, module 430, module 530, and combinations thereof). According to further embodiments, step 130 comprises reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles within the water by flowing said water through the size reduction module. id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250"
id="p-250"
[0250]According to some embodiments, the water irrigation process further comprises step 140 (of process 100) of transferring the water of step 130 from the size reduction device through the liquid outlet 214 into the outlet pipe 215 without filtering the water, and from the outlet pipe 215 to the external environment of the device, the outlet pipe 215 and the inlet pipe 213. According to further embodiments, step 140 comprises flowing the water existing the size reduction module from the device 200 into the outlet pipe 215. id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251"
id="p-251"
[0251]As used herein, the term "external environment" refers to the external environment of the device 200, the outlet pipe 215 and the inlet pipe 213, meaning, e.g. one or more of the soil, crops, and plants to be watered. id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252"
id="p-252"
[0252] According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 is connected to a zigzagging tortuous tube 222, as can be seen in Figure 20A. Specifically, such tubes are typical to drip irrigation systems. According to further embodiments, said tube 222 is configured to reduce the pressure and/or flow rate of the water flowing therethrough. According to further embodiments, the tube 222 comprises at least one opening 223, configured to enable water flow therethrough into the external environment. According to further embodiments, the tube 285515/ 222 is connected to one or more drippers and/or sprinklers. The tube 222 may be connected to additional water tubes and/or irrigation appliances. id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253"
id="p-253"
[0253]According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 is connected to at least one sprinkler 224, as can be seen in Figure 20B. According to further embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 is connected to a plurality of sprinklers 224 (not shown). Sprinkler 224 may be any type of sprinkler known in the art. id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254"
id="p-254"
[0254]According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 comprises at least one opening 223, configured to enable water flow therethrough into the external environment, as can be seen in Figure 20C. According to further embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 comprises a plurality of openings 223 (not shown). id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255"
id="p-255"
[0255]According to some embodiments, the outlet pipe 215 is connected to one of more drippers (not shown). id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256"
id="p-256"
[0256]According to some embodiments, the size reduction device 200 can perform particle size reduction with a yield of above 90%, alternately above 95%, or optionally above 99%. The yield of the size reduction module is defined as the ratio between the amount of water entering the device 200 via the inlet pipe 213, and the amount of water existing the device 200 via the outlet pipe 215. id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257"
id="p-257"
[0257]According to some embodiments, it is contemplated that the purpose of the water irrigation process of the present invention is to treat water by reducing the size of undissolved nontoxic particles (e.g., sand, stones, algae, rust from the tubing, etc.) residing within the water, so that the treated water can be utilized for various irrigation applications. These include, e.g., growing agricultural crops, maintaining landscapes, watering plants, etc. Since the treated water is used for irrigation applications, it can include small nontoxic particles which will not harm the plants/crops during the irrigation thereof, and therefore there are no filters required for use in the process for filtering the water, or any biological and/or chemical purifying technique. Advantageously, it is contemplated that the water irrigation process can be performed with high yields due to the lack of using filter(s), which are prone to clogging and require regular maintenance (such as washing and cleaning the filter), as was disclosed herein above. Moreover, the present water irrigation process can result in high yields without the use 285515/ of any biological and/or chemical purifying technique (for removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, etc.) which can be time-consuming and cost-ineffective. Therefore, the presently disclosed water irrigation process provides an economic, time efficient, and simple solution of water irrigation applications. id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258"
id="p-258"
[0258]In addition, known drip irrigation systems typically include narrow tubing (zigzagging tortuous tube 222), which require expensive filter to prevent from clogging. The present process, however, advantageously makes filtering unnecessary, which provides a great benefit for drip irrigation processes. id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259"
id="p-259"
[0259]According to some embodiments, the tortuous tube 222 is a drip irrigation tube, and the at least one opening 223 is a dripper opening. According to some embodiments, the at least one opening 223 is configured to enable a treated water volumetric flow rate of below about 0.L/h therethrough. According to further embodiments, the at least one opening 223 is configured to enable a treated water volumetric flow rate of below about 0.4 L/h therethrough. id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260"
id="p-260"
[0260]It is contemplated that in typical standard drip irrigation systems and drippers the tube itself and/or the dripper opening have to be relatively large to prevent the use of expensive filters and clogging, thus enabling large quantities of water can flow therethrough. As a result, said standard systems and drippers can enable a minimal volumetric flow rate of above about 0.5 litter per hour (L/h) and cannot enable the continuous operation thereof, in order to prevent excess watering of plants. Advantageously, the present irrigation process is devoid of filters and provides the tortuous tube 222 comprising a small opening 223 (the opening 223 diameter is preferably at least 5 times smaller than the tube 222 diameter), resulting in a volumetric flow rate of below about 0.5 L/h, preferably below about 0.4 L/h, of treated water through the dripper opening. As a result, the present irrigation process can enable the continuous operation of the dripper at a relatively low flow rate to provide watering of plants in an optimal fashion. id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261"
id="p-261"
[0261]As used herein, the term "about", when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10%, more preferably +/-5%, even more preferably +/-1%, and still more preferably +/-0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed devices and/or methods. 285515/ id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262"
id="p-262"
[0262]It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such.
Claims (50)
1. A process for the treatment of a liquid, the process comprising: (a) providing a size reduction device comprising: a housing comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and at least one size reduction module disposed within the housing, wherein the size reduction module comprises a first plurality of rotating dynamic discs and second plurality of static discs; wherein each dynamic and static discs are disposed alternately one over the other, wherein each dynamic and static discs comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein the number of apertures in each dynamic disc is a first number, and the number of apertures of each static disc is a second number, wherein the first number, the second number or both is a prime number and wherein the first and second numbers are not equal to each other; wherein the pluralities of dynamic and static discs are configured to cut and optionally pulverize or grind the solid particles residing within the liquid, thereby reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension; and wherein the liquid inlet is connected with an inlet pipe and the liquid outlet is connected with an outlet pipe; (b) transferring a liquid from the inlet pipe through the liquid inlet into the size reduction device, wherein the liquid comprises undissolved solid particles having an initial maximal dimension; (c) reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles within the liquid of step (b) using the size reduction module, thereby generating in the liquid solid particles having a final maximal dimension, wherein the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension; and (d) transferring the liquid of step (c) from the size reduction device through the liquid outlet into the outlet pipe without filtering the liquid, and from the outlet pipe to the external environment of the device, the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe. 285515/ - 55 -
2. The process according to claim 1, wherein reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles during step (c) using the size reduction module is performed by one or more actions selected from the group consisting of cutting, pulverizing and combinations thereof.
3. The process according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least 200%.
4. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the initial maximal dimension is greater than the final maximal dimension by at least one order of magnitude.
5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the final maximal dimension is below about 120 µm.
6. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein no more than 1% w/w of the solid particles in the liquid of step (c) have a maximal dimension of above about 1micrometer.
7. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outlet pipe comprises an inflow end connected with the liquid outlet, and an outflow end having at least one opening.
8. The process according to claim 7, wherein the outlet pipe has an outlet pipe diameter, and the opening has a diameter, which is at least 5 times smaller than the outlet pipe diameter.
9. The process according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the opening diameter is at least times greater than the final maximal dimension of the solid particles.
10. The process according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein step (d) comprises transferring said liquid out of the pipe through the opening.
11. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the liquid comprises water.
12. The process according to claim 11, wherein the water in step (b) originates from a water supply source selected from groundwater, surface water, non-conventional sources, and combinations thereof.
13. The process according to claims 11, wherein the liquid in step (b) comprises at least 99% water. 285515/ - 56 -
14. The process according to claim 11, wherein the liquid in step (d) comprises at least 99% water.
15. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which has a yield of above 95%.
16. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the solid particles within the liquid of step (b) comprise metals, metal salts, organic material, inorganic material, or a combination thereof.
17. The process according to claim 16, wherein the metals are selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead, or combinations thereof.
18. The process according to claim 16, wherein the metal salts comprise metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, metal oxides or a combination thereof.
19. The process according to claim 16 or 18, wherein the metal salts comprise calcium salts, iron salts, aluminum salts, lead salts, chromium salts, manganese salts, copper salts, silicon salts or a combination thereof.
20. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the solid particles comprise organic and/or inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of: food particles, plants, small organisms, algae, soil, rocks, clay, fertilizer materials, paper, plastic, or a combination thereof.
21. The process according to claim 20, wherein the plant material comprises charcoal, wood, or both.
22. The process according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the inlet pipe comprises an inflow end connected with the water supply source and an outflow end connected with the liquid inlet.
23. The process according to claim 22, wherein the outlet pipe comprises one or more drip irrigation drippers, one or more sprinklers, or a combination thereof. 285515/ - 57 -
24. The process according to any one of claims 11 to 23, wherein the outlet pipe is connected to a water distribution system.
25. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein steps (c) and (d) are devoid of filtering the liquid.
26. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 23, which is devoid of size filtering the liquid below 1 millimeter.
27. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 23, which is devoid of size filtering the liquid.
28. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 27, which is devoid of filtering the liquid.
29. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the liquid and the solid particles of step (b) together form an initial composition, and wherein the liquid and the solid particles of step (c) together form a final composition, wherein the initial composition and the final composition have the same chemical composition.
30. The process according to claim 29, wherein the initial composition and the final composition differ only by the values of the initial and maximal dimensions of the solid particles disposed therein.
31. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein step (c) further comprises reducing the size of the undissolved solid particles using at least one additional size reduction module.
32. The process according to any one of claim 31, wherein the additional size reduction module is disposed within the housing of step (a).
33. The process according to one of claims 1 to 32, wherein during step (c), the liquid existing the size reduction module is circulated back thereto, for at least one additional size reduction cycle.
34. The process according to one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the solid particles are nontoxic. 285515/ - 58 -
35. The process according to one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the housing of step (a) has a housing diameter, wherein the liquid inlet has an inlet diameter, and wherein the housing diameter is greater than the inlet diameter by at least 50%.
36. The process according to one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the size reduction module comprises a motor configured to generate the operation thereof.
37. The process of claim 36, wherein the motor is selected from: electric motor, solar based motor, turbine, hydraulic motor, and combinations thereof.
38. The process according to claim 1, wherein the size reduction module further comprises an axle having a proximal end connected to a motor, wherein the axle extends through each of the dynamic and static discs, and is connected to each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs, wherein upon actuation of the motor the each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs is being rotated.
39. The process according to claim 38, wherein each static disc is stationary with respect to the axle, thereby resulting in relative rotation between the static and dynamic discs, when the motor is operated.
40. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the size reduction device comprises a plurality of size reduction modules.
41. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the first number is a prime number.
42. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the second number is a prime number.
43. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the first number is a first prime number and second number is a second prime number, and wherein the first prime number and the prime number second number are not equal to each other.
44. A size reduction device comprising: 285515/ - 59 - a housing comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and at least one size reduction module disposed within the housing, wherein the size reduction module wherein the size reduction module comprises a first plurality of rotating dynamic discs and second plurality of static discs, wherein each dynamic and static discs are disposed alternately one over the other, wherein each dynamic and static discs comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein the number of apertures in each dynamic disc is a first number, and the number of apertures of each static disc is a second number, wherein the first number, the second number or both is a prime number and wherein the first and second numbers are not equal to each other; wherein the pluralities of dynamic and static discs are configured to cut and optionally pulverize or grind the solid particles residing within the liquid, thereby reducing their size from the initial maximal dimension to the final maximal dimension; and wherein the liquid inlet is connected with an inlet pipe and the liquid outlet is connected with an outlet pipe.
45. The size reduction device according to claim 44, wherein the size reduction module further comprises an axle having a proximal end connected to a motor, wherein the axle extends through each of the dynamic and static discs, and is connected to each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs, wherein upon actuation of the motor the each of the plurality of rotating dynamic discs is being rotated.
46. The size reduction device according to claim 45, wherein each static disc is stationary with respect to the axle, thereby resulting in relative rotation between the static and dynamic discs, when the motor is operated.
47. The size reduction device according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the size reduction device comprises a plurality of size reduction modules.
48. The size reduction device according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the first number is a prime number. 285515/ - 60 -
49. The size reduction device according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the second number is a prime number.
50. The size reduction device according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the first number is a first prime number and second number is a second prime number, and wherein the first prime number and the prime number second number are not equal to each other. Webb+Co. Patent Attorneys
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL285515A IL285515B2 (en) | 2021-08-10 | 2021-08-10 | Process and devices for the treatment of liquids |
| PCT/IL2022/050869 WO2023017517A1 (en) | 2021-08-10 | 2022-08-09 | Process and devices for the treatment of liquids |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL285515A IL285515B2 (en) | 2021-08-10 | 2021-08-10 | Process and devices for the treatment of liquids |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| IL285515A IL285515A (en) | 2022-12-01 |
| IL285515B2 true IL285515B2 (en) | 2023-04-01 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL285515A IL285515B2 (en) | 2021-08-10 | 2021-08-10 | Process and devices for the treatment of liquids |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| IL (1) | IL285515B2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023017517A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5707016A (en) * | 1996-07-01 | 1998-01-13 | Witsken; Anthony | Apparatus and methods for wet grinding |
| US20100147764A1 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2010-06-17 | H R D Corporation | System and process for water treatment |
| CN108947117A (en) * | 2018-07-12 | 2018-12-07 | 永嘉县城东市政建设有限公司 | A kind of sewage purifying and treating device of municipal sewage pipe network |
-
2021
- 2021-08-10 IL IL285515A patent/IL285515B2/en unknown
-
2022
- 2022-08-09 WO PCT/IL2022/050869 patent/WO2023017517A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5707016A (en) * | 1996-07-01 | 1998-01-13 | Witsken; Anthony | Apparatus and methods for wet grinding |
| US20100147764A1 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2010-06-17 | H R D Corporation | System and process for water treatment |
| CN108947117A (en) * | 2018-07-12 | 2018-12-07 | 永嘉县城东市政建设有限公司 | A kind of sewage purifying and treating device of municipal sewage pipe network |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2023017517A1 (en) | 2023-02-16 |
| IL285515A (en) | 2022-12-01 |
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