초록 ▼

A low cost system for providing drinking water includes a feed water container with a simple ceramic filter covering an outlet of the feed water container. The preferred filter is generally cylindrically shaped with a bore extending partially therethrough, in a configuration commonly referred to as

A low cost system for providing drinking water includes a feed water container with a simple ceramic filter covering an outlet of the feed water container. The preferred filter is generally cylindrically shaped with a bore extending partially therethrough, in a configuration commonly referred to as a "ceramic candle" filter in developing countries. Under force of gravity, feed water filters through the ceramic to a storage container below. The filtered water is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) energy either as it flows or after collection in the storage container. In one embodiment, filtered water is temporarily collected in an intermediate holding tank, where it can be irradiated constantly on in batches and periodically released to the lower container. Filtration through ceramic provides clear water with a low UV extinction coefficient for more efficient UV disinfection. Additionally, gravity fed filtration through ceramic provides a slow rate of water flow and a consequently high UV dose for a given UV intensity.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A water disinfector, comprising:a gravity driven feed water delivery system defining a water flow path from an upstream inlet to a downstream outlet; a ceramic filter positioned within the water flow path, the filter having a pore size with a nominal rating between about 0.5 .mu.m and 10 .mu.m, a

1. A water disinfector, comprising:a gravity driven feed water delivery system defining a water flow path from an upstream inlet to a downstream outlet; a ceramic filter positioned within the water flow path, the filter having a pore size with a nominal rating between about 0.5 .mu.m and 10 .mu.m, and wherein the system is configured for a rate of flow through the ceramic filter of less than about 4 L/hr; and an ultraviolet light source positioned to irradiate water downstream of the ceramic filter.