WO2016128707A1

WO2016128707A1 - Water treatment with solid metal ph adjuster

Info

Publication number: WO2016128707A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/000033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Daniel ADAMS
Original assignee: Wet Holdings (Global) Limited
Priority date: 2015-02-13
Filing date: 2016-02-15
Publication date: 2016-08-18
Also published as: GB201713583D0; GB201502404D0; GB2550794B; GB2550794A

Abstract

A method of treatment of water comprises contacting the water with a solid material comprising an elementary metal and effecting sufficient relative flow between the material and the water to promote pH raising interaction therebetween, The method causes the pH of the water is caused to lie within the range 7 to 11. Also described are a vessel containing the material and through which the water is passed and apparatus for treating water which incorporates the vessel.

Description

WATER TREATMENT WITH SOLID METAL PH ADJUSTER

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to methods and apparatus for treating water, particularly drinking or potable water.

Background to the Invention

Alkaline water is considered to provide health benefits compared to neutral or acidic water. The drinks industry, in particular, values the properties of alkaline water for the production of soft drinks. Livestock farming, the equine industry, and medical and dental practitioners also recognise the benefits of such water.

Over recent years much research has been performed which shows that alkaline water helps the body to eliminate toxins and drive out cancer cells. Research has also shown that alkaline water hydrates body tissues helping them function more effectively and enhancing general health.

Traditionally, alkaline water has been produced by electrolytic processes. More recently, minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide have been used. Untreated water is caused to flow through a filter which is filled with calcium carbonate (limestone) or a synthetic magnesium oxide medium. This material dissolves in the water and raises its pH level.

Traditionally, drinks are made with water, flavouring agents and sugar/sweeteners. Mains water used in manufacturing is filtered using a high pressure process called reverse osmosis (RO) to remove minerals and other constituents to comply with regulatory standards. This water is chemically aggressive and has a pH of 6.1 and a TDS of 0.3 mg/l. Once formulated, soft drinks have a pH of 2.5 (strong acid). The sugars are added primarily to counteract the bitter taste produced by the added flavours.

Adjusting the pH of RO water to alkaline using standard methods is not feasible, lon- exchange/electrolytic processes can be used to adjust the pH but are unable to maintain the pH as there is no reserve alkalinity and addition of alkaline solutions to O water causes salt precipitation and flavour spoiling.

Statements of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a method of treatment of water comprising contacting the water with a solid material comprising an elementary metal and effecting sufficient relative flow between the material and the water to promote pH raising interaction therebetween such that the pH of the water is caused to lie within the range 7 to 11.

The material can be any suitable pH raising entity including metals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc and combinations of these entities with each other and with other entities such as carbon. Although the elemental form is highly reactive, it is, through exposure to air, coated with a thin layer of the corresponding oxide which passivates the surface, rendering the material much less reactive.

Preferably, the material is in the form of granules. More preferably, the granules have a size of from 1 to 5mm (largest dimension), preferably up to 3mm, for instance, 0.25 to 2mm thick and 0.5 tO 3mm wide.

Preferably, the water is passed along a flow path within a vessel and extending between an inlet and an outlet of the vessel, the material being located within said flow path. The extent of interaction between the material and the water is affected by various factors, for instance, the water flow rate within the vessel, the flow path length and cross sectional area and the material surface area

The vessel may be provided with a pressure relief valve, allowing the release of hydrogen gas. Preferably, the vessel is provided with means for agitating the water as it passes along said flow path. This can be achieved by making the flow path a tortuous one and/or by disrupting the water flow in some way. Provision of a tortuous flow path causes the water to make repeated changes of direction, ensuring effective or intimate contact with the material, thereby activating the reaction, as it passes through the vessel.

Disrupting the flow path by, for instance, use of mechanical stirring means located in the flow path, can also increase the effectiveness of the contact of the water with the material.

Preferably, the water is subjected to ultrasonic treatment which may be provided via ultrasonic transducers.

The material can be any suitable pH raising entity including metals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc and combinations of these entities with each other and with other entities such as carbon. For instance, the material is or may include elemental calcium, zinc or magnesium. Although the elemental form is highly reactive, it is, through exposure to air, coated with a thin layer of the corresponding oxide which passivates the surface.

During use, a layer of hydroxide/calcium carbonate may form on the material, inhibiting its effectiveness in alkalizing the water. Regeneration of the material can be effected by contacting the material with a weak acid such as citric or hydrochloric acid. A preferred weak acid is citric acid

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes continuous measurement and monitoring, while the water is being treated, of one or more of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature and flow rate. The precise control of the outlet pH may be carried out by a closed loop pH reader connected to a remotely controlled flow valve that opens and closes in order to maintain a constant pH. More preferably, the pH and temperature readings are subjected to an algorithm to establish ideal processing conditions.

Preferably, the pH of treated water (outlet pH) is controlled by a closed loop system connected to a remote controlled flow valve.

The present invention further provides a vessel for use in the method of the invention.

The alkaline material used in this invention creates a self-regulating system. The resulting high alkaline water of, for instance, pH 10.5 is unchanged in taste, turbidity and viscosity and its total dissolved solids (TDS) remains low.

Apart from providing drinks with very low sugar levels (much lower than competing drinks with sugar levels around 6-10%), thus reducing the calorific value of soft drinks, these drinks provided by the method of the invention have higher hydrating capacities. They also provide natural minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium ions which replace those lost through, for instance, sweating during physical exertion. The benefits can be seen especially in terms of health / fitness / beauty.

The invention also brings together technologies that are not normally associated with drink production, specifically novel surface science chemistry and soft drinks formulations. The invention can also provide a retrofitted technology that is capable of being easily installed into existing soft drink production facilities and incorporates a pH condition monitoring system. The method can be applied to standard and high capacity bottling facility volumes, maintaining pH for over the required shelf life of standard drinks. Water and drinks made in accordance with the present invention have a light, crisp normal spring water taste and no strange aftertastes due to the presence of other 'ionizers'. Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings are as follows:

Figure 1A is a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a vessel of the present invention;

Figure IB shows the spiral element of the vessel of Figure 1A;

Figure 2A is a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of a vessel of the present invention;

Figure 2B shows the central section of the vessel of Figure 2A;

Figure 3A is a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of a vessel of the present invention;

Figure 3B shows the coiled element of the vessel of Figure 3A;

Figure 4A is a longitudinal section of a fourth embodiment of a vessel of the present invention;

Figure 4B shows the rotating assembly of the vessel of Figure 4A;

Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a vessel of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a vessel of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a seventh embodiment of a vessel of the present invention;

Figure 8A is a diagrammatic view of remote monitoring apparatus for use in connection with the present invention; and

Figure 8B shows detail of the test points of the apparatus of Figure 8A.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to Figures 1A and IB of the accompanying drawings, a first embodiment of a vessel 1 in accordance with the present invention is in the form of a hollow cylindrical member 3 which is provided with a lower end assembly 5 and an upper end assembly 7. Lower end assembly 5 includes a central spigot 9 on which is located spring 11, the upper part of which extends axially above the end of spigot 9. Upper end assembly 7 includes a water inlet 13 and a water outlet 15, the former feeding water from the exterior of vessel 1 to the interior of cylindrical member 3 as indicated by the upper arrows in Figure 1A.

Axially mounted within cylindrical member 3 is a further cylindrical member 17 within which is located spiral element 19. This inner arrangement is spring urged upwardly by spring 11.

In use, a suitable pH raising material, in the form of granules or chippings, is loaded into the inner cylindrical member 17 so that they extend the length of spiral element 19. Water is fed into the device via inlet 13 from where it travels downwardly between the inner and outer cylindrical members 3 and 17 and then upwardly within cylindrical member 17, as indicated by the lower arrows in Figure 1A. During its upward travel within cylindrical member 17, the water follows a tortuous path defined by the spiral of element 19 and is in effect agitated so that its contact with the magnesium is particularly intimate ensuring that the activation of the medium occurs. Any hydrogen gas produced during the activation of the medium with the water is released via pressure valve 88 located in upper end assembly 7.

Referring to Figures 2A and 2B of the accompanying drawings, a second embodiment of a vessel 21 in accordance with the present invention is similar to that described above in connection with Figures 1A and IB except with regard to the element within the cylindrical member 23. In this case there is provided, within member 23, two coaxial cylindrical members 25 and 27 which, together with outer cylindrical member 29 define a flow path which is four times the length of member 29, this flow path being indicated by the vertical arrows in Figure 2A. In use, the central space 29, the space between cylindrical members 27 and 25 and the space between cylindrical members 25 and 23 are all filled with granules or chippings of magnesium. Water passed along the flow path through the device comes into intimate contact with the magnesium because of the extended length of travel and agitation or turbulence to which the water is subjected.

Referring to Figures 3A and 3B of the accompanying drawings, a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention is again similar to that described above in connection with Figures 1A and IB, except that spiral element 19 is replaced by a coiled hose element which is located in the space between outer cylindrical member 37 and an inner, coaxial member 39. In use, the coiled hose element 35 is filled with magnesium granules, turnings or chippings and the flow path of the water is through this element so that it comes into intimate contact with the magnesium as a result of the extended length of travel and agitation or turbulence to which the water is subjected.

Referring to Figure ,4 of the accompanying drawings, a fourth embodiment in

accordance with the present invention is again similar to that described above in connection with Figures 1A and IB, except that the inner cylindrical member is a two part cylindrical member 43 comprising having a first part 45 arranged coaxially with and connected to a second part 49, the whole being mounted coaxially within outer cylindrical member 47. Within each of parts 45 and 49 is a cylindrical canister 51, canister 53 being mounted in an upper position within inner cylindrical member 43 and a coaxially aligned canister 55 being rotatably mounted in a lower position within inner cylindrical member 43. Each of canister 53 and 55 is provided with a propeller member or turbine blade 57 attached to the lower end of its respective canister. The vanes 57 of the canister are arranged in opposite senses so that water flowing through the device, along a flow path indicated by the arrows in Figure 4, will cause the canisters to rotate in opposite directions. In use, the canisters are filled with granules or chippings and the flow of water through the rotating canisters brings the agitated water into intimate contact with the magnesium. Referring to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, a fifth embodiment of a vessel in accordance with the present invention includes a cylindrical stainless steel tank 81 located within a protective enclosure 83. Arranged around tank 81 is a series of axially spaced apart ultrasonic transducers 85. Located within tank 81 is a suitable granular pH raising material 87.

The tank 81 is provided with a lower water inlet 89 and an upper water outlet 91. Water fed into tank 81 via inlet 89 encounters the material 87 and is subjected to vibration effected by transducers 85.

Combinations of the above-described ways of effective agitation of the water may be utilised. For instance, a vessel may include both turbine blades such as shown in Figure 4 and ultrasonic transducers such as are shown in Figure 5.

The vessels described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5 may be made in the following materials: the external shell from stainless steel; the inner cartridge from acrylic plastics; and the inner spiral or propeller from nylon or other inert 3D printable material subject to approval by the water regulations authority. The vessels may be of any appropriate size, for instance, they may have a height of about 20 cm or more.

Referring to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings, a sixth embodiment of a vessel of the present invention is a cartridge which includes an outer shell 96 having a threaded joint 96A in the middle allowing access to the cartridge, eg for changing the medium. Inlet pipe 93 has a profiled interior (illustrated at 93A) to create a vortex prior to the water entering the first chamber 95. Chamber 95 is separated by a stainless steel mesh 97 from a lower, second chamber 95A.

The water leaves the second chamber 95A via a profiled outlet pipe 98 which is profiled similarly to inlet pipe 93. The first chamber 95 is provided with a pressure relief valve 94 allowing for the release of gases such as hydrogen.

Referring to Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings, a seventh embodiment of a vessel in accordance with the present invention is similar to the vessel of Figure 6 including outer shell 102 having a central threaded joint 102A. First and second chambers 101 and 101A are separated by stainless steel mesh 102. The chambers 101 and 101A are surrounded by a similar outer shell 110 to those of the vessels of Figures 1 to 5. This arrangement provides the water flow path indicated by the arrows in Figure 7, water entering through profiled inlet tube 99 (illustrated at 99C) and exiting through similarly profiled outlet tube 99A, both connected to upper assembly 99B.

The cartridge within outer shell 110 is mounted on a porous ceramic 9or other inert material) block 104, the water flow path extending through this block.

Referring to Figure 8A of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated apparatus for the continuous measurement, and monitoring, of the pH conductivity, TDS,

temperature and flow rates of water passing through the material containing vessels or cartridges. The apparatus comprises two inline testing points, one testing point 66 located upstream of cartridge 68 and the other testing point 67 being located downstream of cartridge 68.

The testing points, shown in detail in Figure 8B, comprise a flow through fittingll2 containing a pH probe 113, a temperature probe 114 and a conductivity/TDS probe 115. These probes are connected via cables 116 to transmitters 117 which are located within a dim rail box 110. The transmitters 117 are connected to datalogger Episensors 106 which send data via radiowaves to a gateway 109 which in turn sends the data to an online monitoring platform 71. Flow meters 61 and 69, each with a 4-20 mA output, are located upstream and downstream of the cartridge 68 and are connected to the Episensor ZPC-20 datalogger, 107. This sends further data to the gateway 109 via radio waves, and again this data is transmitted to the web portal, 71.

The apparatus is also provided with a flow valve 63 installed upstream of the first test point 66. Flow valve 63 is controlled by a solenoid 65 connected to a pH controller 73. The pH controller reads data from the pH transmitters and adjusts the flow valve according to the desired pH output.

Accordingly, adjustments of flow rate may then be used to maintain pH at the desired value via the closed loop arrangement carrying out pH measurements as well as the remote controlled flow valve. The information on temperature and pH may be displayed locally or remotely. Data may be sent to local service engineers via tests on their mobile phones. Alternatively, data may be sent to a local or remote control room where information may be analysed and any issues addressed. Information may be relayed using, for instance, conventional cables, on-line techniques or satellite communications. Messages may be sent to local service engineers via tests on their mobile phones.

When the medium in the vessel is no longer able to produce water within the desired pH range, that is to say, it has become spent, a weak acid such as citric or hydrochloric acid may be used the regenerate the medium.

A vessel of the present invention may be provided in a cartridge form such that the container of pH raising material may be removed from the water treatment apparatus and replaced with a fresh cartridge. Preferably, the cartridge is security protected, in particular to prevent refilling of existing cartridges and to detect any tampering with the cartridges and/or their contents.

To prevent refilling of existing cartridges, the housings may be sealed. Access to the inside of the cartridges may then only be achieved by machining and cutting. Plastic parts may be sealed together using techniques such as ultrasonic/RF welding or solvent bonding and, where metal enclosures are used, the parts may be welded together. For tamper detection, a plastic or metal seal may be utilised which becomes damaged if a cartridge is unscrewed. A key and lock approach may be utilised. Unique locks and associated key blanks prevent either a cartridge being fitted or removed without a key.

A physical locking ring may be provided, requiring a custom tool both to tighten and release the ring, similar to the use of locking wheel nuts on cars.

Electromechanical devices may be utilised. A mechanical key effects electrical contact which in turn operates mechanical locks and interlocks. Such devices could also be incorporated to disable or enable the flow valves of the system. Electronics and smart technology may be employed. There are a variety of approaches but these are broadly based on operating codes stored on electronic devices. Entry of the code may be achieved by, for instance, radio/wireless RFID or Bluetooth, sms/mobile, card swipe or push button keypad. When attempts are made to enter a code, a false entry is detected; after perhaps three attempts, the response may be the shutting down of the electrical supply to stop the operation of the system. Alternatively or in addition, alarms may be activated both locally (sirens) and remotely (alarm signal sent to a predetermined party).

To employ RFID/Bluetooth, a sealed electronic tag may be attached to the cartridge. It may be located inside the unit so it is hidden and it may be arranged to be self- destructive if an attempt is made to remove the tag with a view to copying/replacing it. When in close proximity to a receiver board mounted to the water pipework, the tag is "woken up" and the two modules would effectively talk to each other. If no tag is present, the receiver module will prevent the operation of the valves. With the correct tag fitted, the valves will operate and other monitoring systems may be initiated. The tag may be provided with a protocol which records on the tag the proportion of life remaining in the cartridge. Furthermore, the tag may be arranged to prevent further use once the cartridge has expired. An electronic key may be utilised. FID makes no physical electrical contact. A custom key pcb may be designed to have electrical contacts. This may be encapsulated in a plastic moulding. In addition, a mechanical key may be combined with the electronics making it more difficult to copy. A key pad would allow a special code to be entered which enables removal and fitting of cartridges. The code may be updated each time the cartridge is changed and generation of the code may be arranged to be under the control of, say, the cartridge supplier.

With electronic systems in place, the status of all cartridges in service may be instantly and continually monitored. Tampering and the installation of counterfeit or re-filled cartridges may also be detected.

Examples of drink formulations using water made in accordance with the method of the present invention will now be given. In each example the amounts of the ingredients and the dry matter content are given in kilograms and the total volume is 1,000 litres. The Brix value is the sugar content, one degree Brix being 1 gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution.

1) Green tea from real infusion

Ingredients: water, sugar, green tea infusion (water, green tea)

Amounts: water 954; green tea infusion 60

Properties: Brix 4.0; dry matter content: 4.1 g/lOOml; % sugar 3.9; pH 7.2;

specific gravity 1.014

2) Green tea rich in antioxidants and vitamin C

Ingredients: water, natural flavour; acerola extract (20 mg/L vitamin C), green tea extract (polyphenols lOOmg/L, EGCg 36mg/L)

Amounts: water 998; green tea extract powder 0.3, acerola extract powder 0.5, natural lime flavour 1 Properties: Brix 0.1; dry matter content: 0.1 g/lOOml; % sugar 1.3; pH 7.7; specific gravity 1.000

) Orange sport drink

Ingredients: water, sugar, salts (sodium chloride, tripotassium citrate, trimagnesium citrate, magnesium carbonate), colour: betacarotene, flavour Amounts: water 992; sugar 10; sodium chloride 1.22; tripotassium citrate 0.32; trimagnesium citrate 0.14; magnesium carbonate 0.08; orange flavour 0.40; natural cloudifier flavour 0.05; betacarotene (1% CWS) 0.50

Properties: Brix 1.2; dry matter content: 1.2 g/lOOml; % sugar 1.0; pH 10.3; specific gravity 1.004

) Lemon sport drink

Ingredients: water, sugar, salts (sodium chloride, tripotassium citrate, trimagnesium citrate, magnesium carbonate), flavours, colour: betacarotene Amounts: water 992; sugar 10; sodium chloride 1.22; tripotassium citrate 0.32; trimagnesium citrate 0.14; magnesium carbonate 0.08; lemon flavour 0.40; natural cloudifier flavour 0.05; betacarotene (1% CWS) 0.10

) Citrus water

Ingredients: water, sugar, citrus natural flavour

Amounts: water 999; citrus natural flavour 1

Properties: Brix 0.1; dry matter content: 0.1 g/lOOml; % sugar 0.0; pH 10.3; specific gravity 1.000

) Red fruits water

Ingredients: water, natural flavour

Amounts: water 999; red fruits natural flavour 1

Properties: Brix 0.0; dry matter content: 0.0 g/lOOml; % sugar 0.0; pH 9.8; specific gravity 1.000

) Ginger and lime water

Ingredients: water, sugar, ginger and lime natural flavour emulsion

Amounts: water 998; ginger and lime natural flavour emulsion 2

Claims

A method of treatment of water comprising contacting the water with a solid material comprising an elementary metal and effecting sufficient relative flow between the material and the water to promote pH raising interaction therebetween such that the pH of the water is caused to lie within the range 7 to 11.

A method according to Claim 1, wherein the material in the form of granules.

A method according to Claim 2, wherein the granules have a size of up to 5mm.

A method according to Claim 3, wherein the granules have a size of from 1.5 to 3mm.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water is passed along a flow path within a vessel and extending between an inlet and an outlet of the vessel, the material being located within said flow path.

A method according to Claim 5, wherein the flow path within the vessel is such that the water flow repeatedly changes direction within the vessel.

A method according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the vessel is provided with means for agitating the water as it passes along said flow path.

A method according to any of Claims 5 to 7 wherein the water entering the flow path has a TDS of below 75ppm.

9. A method according to any of Claims 5 to 8 wherein the vessel is provided with a pressure relief valve, allowing the release of hydrogen gas.

10. A method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the material

comprises an elemental metal.

11. A method according to Claim 10, wherein the material further comprises

carbon.

12. A method according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the elemental metal is one or more of potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc.

13. A method according to any of Claims 10 to 12, the method further including regenerating the material with a weak acid.

14. A method according to Claim 13, wherein the weak acid is citric acid.

15. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method

includes continuous pH measurement and monitoring while the water is being treated.

16. A method according to Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein water temperature is also measured and monitored.

17. A method according to Claim 16, wherein pH and temperature readings are subjected to an algorithm to establish ideal processing conditions.

18. A method according to any of Claims 14 to 17, wherein the pH of treated water is controlled by a closed loop system connected to a remote controlled flow valve.

19. A vessel for use in connection with the method of any of the preceding claims.

20. Water treatment apparatus including a vessel according to Claim 19.

21. Water treatment apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the vessel comprises a replaceable cartridge.

22. Water treatment apparatus according to Claim 21, wherein the apparatus

includes means for preventing or detecting tampering and/or the installation of counterfeit or re-filled cartridges.