WO2009013507A1

WO2009013507A1 - Treatment apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009013507A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/002546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin Mason; Cecil O'connor
Original assignee: P.W. Circuits Limited
Priority date: 2007-07-24
Filing date: 2008-07-24
Publication date: 2009-01-29
Also published as: GB0714363D0

Abstract

A treatment apparatus for at least partially disinfecting a fluid such as water comprises a pipe (16) for conveying a flow of fluid to be treated, a plurality of LEDs for the emission of UV light into said fluid and a control circuit (50) for controlling the LEDs. The control circuit is operable to generate a pulsed signal for pulsing the light source and to vary at least one of the amplitude, pulse width and frequency of the pulsed signal in a predetermined manner. Each LED is arranged such that the fluid flows over a surface of each light source, as it is conveyed by the pipe (16) in operation.

Description

Treatment Apparatus

The present invention relates to treatment apparatus and more particularly treatment apparatus for at least partially disinfecting a fluid such as air or water. More specifically the present invention relates to treatment apparatus for disinfecting water in aquatic environments such as aquariums, fish ponds or the like.

The use of UV light in the sterilisation of water is a well known. UV light disinfects water by permanently deactivating organisms such as bacteria, spores, moulds, viruses or the like. Light having wavelengths between 200nm and 300nm, also known as UVC, is known to be responsible for this effect. Typically, the most effective wavelength is of the order 265nm, although other wavelengths are known to be more effective against particular organisms. Unlike chemical disinfectants, organisms are unable to develop immune mechanisms against UV.

This application of UV sterilisation in aquatic environments such as ponds or aquariums is also known. Typically, a submersible tube is provided for immersion in a pond or aquarium. Such tubes generally employ a low-pressure mercury vapour discharge lamp surrounded by a water jacket whose inner wall is made from a UVC-transparent quartz material. The lamp generally produces a UV radiation of wavelength in the region 254nm, and visible light.

However, UV lamps and tubes are relatively high power consumption, requiring a mains power supply. Hence, for electrical safety reasons, submersible UV lamps have to be highly water resistant to an ingress protection rating of IP68 or higher, thus making them expensive to manufacture.

UV lamps and tubes also degrade over time and eventually become ineffective for water treatment making replacement necessary. This adds significantly to the costs of UV water treatment, both because of the relatively high cost of the new tubes, and because of the frequency of replacement. Furthermore, UV degradation is not immediately obvious to an observer. Hence, treatment lamps and tubes are often used for a long time after they become ineffective. To mitigate this problem some treatment apparatus is provided with a clock for recording the cumulative length of time the lamp is used for, thereby providing an indication of when the lamp or tube should be replaced. However, such clocks are based on an average degradation time for the tubes, rather than any direct indication of tube performance.

UV lamps and tubes are also relatively large, and therefore, take up significant proportion of the available space in small fish tanks ponds or the like. They also rely on pump induced circulation of the water around the tank or pond to ensure effective treatment. In small tanks with good circulation this is not a significant problem, but in larger aquatic environments, such as larger aquariums, ponds or the like, a distributed arrangement of a plurality of treatment tubes can become necessary.

The object of the present invention is to provide treatment apparatus, which mitigates at least one of the above problems.

CCAccording to the present invention there is provided a treatment apparatus for at least partially disinfecting a fluid such as water, said apparatus comprising: conduit means for conveying a flow of fluid to be treated; at least one light source (D1-D8) for the emission of said light into said fluid; and control means (50) for controlling said light source; wherein said control means is operable to generate a pulse signal for pulsing said light source and to vary at least one of the amplitude and frequency of said pulse signal in a predetermined manner; the or each light source is arranged such that said fluid flows over a surface of each light source, as it is conveyed by the conduit means (16) in operation.

Provision of the conduit means has the advantage that it allows constant circulation of the water being treated, through the treatment apparatus, thereby allowing a greater treatment efficiency than apparatus which relies on the circulation of water around a tank, pond or the like.

The use of an LED makes the use of conduit means practical in small scale environments such as aquariums, ponds or the like. It also allows the provision of a plurality of UV sources in the conduit means, thereby allowing for apparatus having greater treatment efficiency per unit volume of water passed through the conduit means, than with a single UV source. LEDs are also more robust and reliable than UV tubes and lamps, and have the added advantage that the active part of the LEDs are hermetically sealed during manufacture. Furthermore, since LEDs are relatively low power they are safer to use in an aquatic environment. Thus, the treatment apparatus does not have to meet the same stringent standards as UV lamp based systems.

Arranging the or each LED in the conduit means such that fluid flowing in the conduit flows over a surface of each LED provides for greater treatment efficiency because of the close proximity of each LED to the fluid being treated. It also has the unexpected advantage that the cooling effect of the fluid flow allows each LED to be operated at above its maximum rated power. Operating the or each LED above its maximum rated power allows a higher intensity of UV light to be produced and hence improved treatment capabilities, efficiencies.

Provision of control means configured for pulsing the LED allows the or each LED to be operated at a duty cycle of less than 100% thereby allowing the LED to be operated above its maximum rated power for continuous operation, whilst reducing the overall power consumed, thereby providing enhanced treatment capabilities per unit power consumed. The use 'of a pulsed signal also improves the treatment efficiency significantly, because the harmonics produced, such as Fourier harmonics, during the transition points of the pulsed signal provide additional UV frequencies, which contribute significantly to destruction.

Other preferable and advantageous features are recited in the dependent claims.

FIGURESThe invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures in which:

Figure 1 is an illustrative cross-section longitudinally through the centre of a treatment apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an end view of the treatment apparatus of claim 1 , in direction A;

Figure 3 is a simplified block schematic circuit diagram of circuitry for operation of said apparatus; Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 of an alternative embodiment of treatment apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 of the apparatus of Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a plan view of a component part of the apparatus of Figure 4.

DESCRIPTION In figures 1 and 2 treatment apparatus for at least partially disinfecting water is shown generally at 10. The apparatus 10 comprises conduit means 12 for conveying a flow of water to be treated, and a plurality of light sources (D1 to D8) for treating the water flowing through the conduit means. Any suitable light sources may be used but preferably these are ultra violet (UV) light sources and the following description refers to such sources. Where references are made to UV LED's it would be appreciated that these can apply equally to any other suitable light sources.

The term "light source" as used herein is not to be taken as limited to a light source which emits visible light. The term refers to any light source capable of emitting radiation of a wavelength suitable for the purpose and typically in the range 100 to 1000 nanometres.

The figures are shown for illustrative purposes only, and are not to scale. The location of all light sources D1 to D8 are shown on figure 1 for the purposes of illustration. In reality D2, D5 and D6 would not be visible in the cross-section.

It will be appreciated that although the apparatus is described with reference to water the apparatus may also be used for treating other fluids, including air, containing organisms or organics. It will be further appreciated that although the apparatus is described with particular reference to applications involving small scale environments such as aquariums or ponds, the apparatus may also be used in other applications, for example, the provision of safe drinking water or the destruction of organisms or organics for environmental applications.

The conduit means 12 comprises a substantially cylindrical pipe 16 or other suitable tube comprising a fluid retaining wall 26 having an internal surface 28 and an external surface 30. The pipe 16 has appropriate dimensions for the treatment application for which the apparatus 10 is intended. For a large aquarium, or small pond, for example, a 20mm diameter pipe is typically appropriate. The pipe 16 may comprise any suitable material but will typically comprise a plastics material, which is resistant to degradation under the effects of UV radiation. The material is also preferably UV reflective, thereby allowing UV light emitted within the pipe 16 to be contained, hence inhibiting potentially hazardous external emission of the UV radiation.

The treatment apparatus 10 is configured for installation as part of a more complex water treatment system. The pipe is configured at an inlet end 18 for sealed onward connection to a source of the water to be treated. In the case of aquatic applications, for example, the apparatus are typically provided with an adaptor (not shown) for onward connection to an aquatic pump (not shown), or the like, which forms part of the more complex system.

The pipe 16 is configured at an outlet end 20 for the onward flow of the water through the system. In aquatic applications such as ponds or aquariums, for example, the outlet end 20 may be configured for direct or indirect onward connection to an aquatic filter or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet end 20 may be configured for the direct or indirect onward flow of water back into an aquarium or pond.

For drinking water purification/sterilisation applications, the pipe 16 may alternatively be configured for interconnection with a water source such as a faucet and/or a drinking water filter.

It will be appreciated that although the pump and filter are described as external components they could alternatively form part of the treatment apparatus 10 itself.

The UV light sources (D1 to D8) each comprises a UV light emitting LED configured to emit light of wavelength between 150nm to 400 nm and preferably 200nm and 400nm, depending on the organisms against which the treatment apparatus is targeted. In general aquatic applications, for example, a wavelength of between 263nm and 275nm is appropriate. Preferably the wavelength is of the order 265nm.

It will be appreciated that although the provision of a plurality of UV light sources is particularly advantageous, a single LED may be used to minimise costs. Where a plurality of LEDs are used, they need not all emit light of the same wavelength. In some applications it may be particularly advantageous to have at least one LED which emits a wavelength of light targeted at deactivation of a particular organism, and at least one other LED which emits a different wavelength of UV light targeted at deactivation of a different organism.

Each LED (D1 to D8) comprises a light emitting portion 22 and an electrical connection portion 24. Each LED (D1 to D8) is arranged such that each light emitting portion 22 extends radially into the pipe 16, through an associated aperture provided in the fluid retaining wall 26. The associated aperture is sealed for fluid impermeability (not illustrated) such that the fluid flowing in the tube, in operation, does not leak out of the pipe 16 through wall 26. The electrical connection portion 24 extends outwardly from the external surface 30 of the wall 26 for onward connection to circuitry for controlling operation of each LED.

Hence, in operation, fluid conveyed by the pipe 16, flows over a surface of the light emitting portion 22 of each LED. The LEDs, therefore, can be self-cleaning LEDs for ease of use.

The LEDs are arranged in first and second groups 36, 38, each comprising four LEDs (D1 to D4 and D5 to D8 respectively). Each LED (D1 to D8) in each group 36, 38 is located at substantially equally spaced longitudinal positions along the pipe 16. Longitudinally adjacent LEDs in each group are located at axially perpendicular positions. The LEDs (D5 to D8) second group 38 is oriented at 45^°, relative to the corresponding LEDs (D1 to D4) first group 36, about the longitudinal central axis of the pipe 16. The second group 38 is longitudinally spaced from the first group 36 by a distance substantially equal to the distance between adjacent LEDs in each group 36, 38.

Whilst the arrangement described is particularly advantageous it will be appreciated that alternatively, the LEDs could be arranged helically or even randomly about the circumference of the pipe.

Each LED has a substantially conical half intensity emission range beyond which light emitted from the LED is below the half intensity point relative to light emitted along the optical axis. The half intensity point is characterised by a half intensity angle α indicative of the angular spread of light emitted at the half intensity point.

The longitudinal distance 'x' between each LED (D1 to D8) in each group 36, 38, is selected such that the angle between the optical axis of each LED and the longitudinal position of each LED is substantially equal to the half intensity angle. Typically, for example, the half intensity angle α is 30^°, which corresponds to a longitudinal spacing ^lx' of approximately 7mm for a 20mm diameter space. Hence, the half intensity range of light emitted by axially opposed LEDs does not substantially overlap, although the half intensity range of adjacent LEDs will partially overlap. Such an arrangement represents optimum longitudinal and radial light coverage within the pipe, and hence improved efficiency.

Electrical circuitry for operation of the LEDs is located on a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 40 wrapped cylindrically around the pipe 16, as seen in figure 2. Conveniently, the pipe 16 may be provided with a tubular sheath or the like located coaxially around the pipe 16 with the PCB 40 and the electrical connection portions 24 of the LEDs (D1 to

D8) being located between the external surface 30 of the pipe 16 and an inner surface of the sheath. The sheath may be implemented using any suitable means but will typically comprise a further tube or pipe of larger diameter than the pipe 16. It will be appreciated that although a flexible circuit board is particularly advantageous in this application, a rigid circuit board could be used.

The electronic circuitry on the PCB 40 is electrically interconnected with each connection portion 24 for appropriate operation of the LEDs (D1 to D8) as illustrated in figure 3. The PCB 40 is also provided with means 42 for interconnecting the circuitry to a direct current power supply (not shown).

A simplified block schematic circuit diagram of a circuit including the electronic circuitry on the PCB 40 is shown generally at 50. The circuit 50 comprises an input portion 52, a voltage regulator 54, a manual control 81 for the voltage regulator, a pulse generator portion 56, a control circuit 70, a driver portion 58, an indicator portion 60, sensors 72, 74 and a UV treatment portion 62 comprising the UV treatment LEDs (D1 to D8). The input portion 52 is configured for interconnection with the DC power supply via connection means 42. The DC power supply may comprise any suitable supply, but typically comprises a 12V battery, or any suitable DC voltage from a mains derived power source, or suitable solar energy power source.

The voltage regulator 54 is configured to operate off the input DC power, and to provide a regulated output voltage for driving the pulse generator portion 56. The manual control 81 allows the output of the voltage regulator to be manually adjusted if desired.

The pulse generator portion 56 is operable to provide pulsed output signal 57 of variable duty cycle. The pulse generator portion 56 may also be operable to provide a continuous constant voltage output signal 59.

The control circuit 70 controls either or both of the voltage regulator 54 and the pulse generator portion 56 and may be manually adjusted to vary either or both of the output DC voltage from the voltage regulator and the duty cycle of the output from the pulse generator portion 56. These may also be varied in dependence on the signals from the sensors as described further below.

The driver portion 58 is configured to receive, as an input signal, either the continuous signal or the pulsed output signal from the pulse generator portion 56. The driver portion 58 is further configured to produce a substantially constant current pulsed output signal for driving the UV treatment LEDs (D1 to D8) and the indicator portion 60.

The indicator portion 60 comprises a plurality of indicator LEDs (D9 to D12), configured for providing a visual indication, in operation, when the treatment LEDs (D1 to D8) are operating. The indicator LEDs (D9 to D12) are configured for the emission of visible light at wavelengths in excess of the UV range. Typically, for example, the indicator LEDs are configured to emit green or red visible light.

The indicator LEDs and the treatment LEDs are connected in a plurality of parallel circuit branches 64, although it will be appreciated a single circuit branch may be used. Each branch 64 comprises one indicator LED (D9 to D12) and a respective pair of treatment LEDs (D1 to D8). Each indicator LED (D9 to D12), and each diode of the respective pair of treatment LEDs (D1 to D8), in each branch 64, are electrically connected in series, for forward bias, in operation, when the driver portion 58 is providing drive current.

The indicator LEDs (D9 to D12) are arranged for external visibility to a user of the apparatus. The indicator LEDs (D9 to D12) may be arrange on the PCB 40 for external visibility. Alternatively the indicator LEDs (D9 to D12) may be located in any other suitable location, for example, externally on the outer surface of a sheath. Hence, in operation, if one of the UV LEDs fails to operate within the pipe 16, the associated indicator LED will also fail to operate, providing a visual indication that one or more of the LEDs needs to be changed.

The voltage regulator 54, pulse generator 56 and driver portions 58 thus act as control means configured for pulsing the treatment LEDs at a variable duty cycle and at a variable power. Typically, the pulse generator 56 of the control means is configured to produce a pulsed output signal of less than 50% duty cycle. Thus, the treatment LEDs may be operated at a power exceeding their maximum power rating for continuous operation, without significant damage. The cooling effect of fluid flow over the surface of each LED further enhances the maximum current capability, thereby allowing greater treatment efficiency per unit power. The operating power of the treatment LEDs is determined by the constant current output of the driver portion 58. It will be appreciated that when the current output of the driver portion 58 is pulsed and the term 'constant' refers to the current output during each pulse.

At 40% duty cycle, for example, the treatment LEDs may be operated at least one and a half times the maximum power rating. At 10% duty cycle the treatment LEDs may be operated at at least twice the maximum power rating or even higher.

Thus, when the duty cycle (i.e. the pulse width at a specified frequency) is reduced, the current through the LEDs can be increased, and vice versa. The control means 50 can control one of the pulse width and amplitude of the LED current (i.e. power applied to the LED) in inverse relationship to the other.

The use of a pulsed signal also improves the treatment efficiency significantly, because the harmonics produced (such as Fourier harmonics) during the transition points of the pulsed signal provide additional UV frequencies, which contribute significantly to destruction of the contaminants. Thus the use of a pulsed signal allows the use of LEDs which emit light having non-optimum wavelengths, without degradation of the treatment capability. For example, an LED which emits UV light having a 400nm wavelength may be used, the harmonics produced enhancing the treatment efficiency beyond that of a continuously operated 270nm LED. At the time of filing, 400nm LEDs are significantly cheaper than 270nm LEDs, hence the cost of the apparatus may be greatly reduced by using pulsed signals.

The beneficial effect of the harmonics increases with reduced duty cycle, thereby further adding to the benefits of using short pulses.

In typical operation the pipe 16 of the conduit means 12 is interconnected for fluid communication between a pump and filter of an existing aquatic system. The treatment LEDs are operated as water is pumped through the pipe 16 over their surfaces. The treatment LEDs are pulsed at an appropriate duty cycle and power taking into account the cooling effect of the fluid flow.

Thus, in operation, the UV light penetrates, for example, green algae cells being carried through the pipe thereby destroying the cells' ability to multiply and causing the cells to flocculate. This flocculation results in larger particles, which can be removed by the filter. Similarly, any organisms carried through the pipe 16 are de-activated. Therefore, the apparatus assists purification by filtration, acts to reduce levels of aquatic bacteria, and reduces levels of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Organic Content (TOC), thereby enhancing water quality.

As is shown in Figure 1 , the pipe 16 has sensors 72, 74 positioned at respective ends. Each sensor is provided for monitoring the level of a predetermined contaminant in the water and to provide an output signal in dependence on the level of contaminant. For example, in its simplest form, the sensors 72 can be optical sensors which monitor light emitted from a respective LED 76, 78 and passing through the water. Each sensor 72, 74 is, in this case, conveniently diametrically opposed to the corresponding light source 76, 78. Alternatively, the sensors can monitor the level of UV or natural light passing through the fluid. The signals from the respective sensors 72, 74 are fed to respective inputs of the control circuit 70 which compares the signals and applies a control signal to the pulse generator portion 56 and/or voltage regulator 54 in dependence on the comparison.

For example, the control circuit 70 can control one or more of the duty cycle, applied voltage and light intensity level of the LEDs in dependence on the comparison. If the level of impurities in the water is relatively light then this will be reflected in the comparison of the signals from the sensors 72, 74 and one or more of the applied voltage from the voltage regulator 54, UV light intensity and the duty cycle can be reduced. Equally, If the level of impurities in the water is relatively high then this will be reflected in the comparison of the signals from the sensors 72, 74 and one or more of the applied voltage from the voltage regulator 54, UV light intensity and the duty cycle can be increased. Thus, the applied voltage, duty cycle and intensity level are chosen individually or in combination to suit the level of impurities or contaminants in the water.

In the absence of any impurities or contaminants the control circuit can regulate the pulse generator and/or voltage regulator such that the LEDs are at an idle setting or off. It is also possible for gates 80 to be provided in the branches to the LEDs such that the control circuit 70 can activate only some of the LED branches for low levels of impurity or contaminant.

It will also be appreciated that the control circuit can vary the duty cycle continuously during operation.

There are a number of additional parameters of the pulsed signal applied to the LEDs which can be varied, such as the pulse frequency, pulse width (whilst keeping the frequency constant), current amplitude and phase. These can be varied individually or in combination. These parameters can be controlled by the control circuit 70 in a hardware manner or by suitable programming of a microprocessor 71 in the control circuit 70.

It has been found that varying the frequency of the pulsed signal from the pulse generator 56 can be quite effective in killing bacteria. This can be effected by the control circuit 70 which can control the pulse generator 56 in a variety of ways. For example, the output signal of the pulse generator can be swept over a specific frequency range. The rate of sweep can be constant or can be varied in a pre-selected manner, for example, by application of a saw tooth wave form to a frequency control circuit of the pulse generator 56. The frequency range through which the output signal is swept is conveniently from 30Hz to 100Hz with a centre frequency of conveniently 50Hz, although other suitable frequency ranges can be chosen.

The control circuit 70 can also vary the amplitude of the voltage applied to the LEDs in order to vary the current through the LEDs, for example by controlling the voltage regulator 54 to vary its output voltage. The amplitude of the current can be varied in a continuous, step wise or other manner as desired from a steady state value by up to a factor of ten times or more the maximum specified current rating of the LEDs, although a typical upper limit is 2OmA to 3OmA.

The control circuit can also vary the pulse width of the pulsed signal whilst keeping the frequency constant. This has the effect of altering the wavelength of the light emitted by the LEDs.

In addition to the possibility of frequency, pulse width and/or amplitude modulation of the signals applied to the LEDs, the control circuit 70 may also alternatively or additionally apply phase modulation to the output signal of the pulse generator 56 in any suitable manner.

The LEDs can be coated with a material that is transparent to light and also has self- cleaning properties or non-stick properties, eliminating the need to clean the LEDs.

An injection means 82 may be provided for injecting ozone directly into the inlet. This assists in both cleaning the LED surfaces and in purification of the water.

Additional purification means may be included within the pipe 16. One example would be baffles or plates coated with a metal, metal oxide or other material which assists in purification. A further example is a tube 86 which may be of any suitable shape and which contains a reactive material or a material with a reactive coating to assist purification. The tube 86 can be open at the upstream end or at each end to allow flow through of the water or can be perforated or permeable to allow water flow through the tube.

A sound generator 88 can also be provided for transmitting audio or ultrasonic frequencies through the water in the pipe 16 to assist in purification. This can be controlled by the control circuit 70 in a similar manner to the pulse generator portion 56 and gates 80.

In a further modification, an electromagnetic coil can be positioned inside or, preferably coaxially around the outside of the pipe 16 to generate a magnetic field to assist in purification. Again, this can be controlled in the same manner as the pulse generator portion 56.

Finally, the control circuit 70 can be programmed to generate a warning signal to indicate that the complete pipe 16 needs replacing should the signals from the sensors 72, 74 indicate this.

One example of a use of the apparatus according to the invention is in shower heads where water tends to collect in the head. The apparatus can be used with LEDs inside the shower head and the shower head itself forming part or all of the pipe 16.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 6, these show a modified form of treatment apparatus 100 according to the present invention. Like parts in Figures 4 to 6 are given the same reference numbers as corresponding parts in Figures 1 and 2.

It will also be appreciated that the circuitry of Figure 3, which is used to control the LEDs of Figures 1 and 2 is also equally applicable to the embodiment of Figures 4 to 6 and the detailed description of Figures 1 to 3 applies also to Figures 4 to 6 except where any differences are indicated below.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cylindrical pipe 16 has fluid retaining wall 26. The fluid to be treated flows through the pipe 16 as described in relation to Figures 1 to 3.

The pipe 16 contains purification means-in the form of tube 86, which has a suitable catalytic coating which reacts to UV light to assist with purification of the liquid. The catalyst is of the type which reacts to UV light by releasing molecules which collide with and destroy bacteria in the liquid. The tube 86 is conveniently of ceramic material and the coating is preferably Titania.

The tube 86 may be sealed at each end to prevent ingress of liquid, so that the liquid flows around the outside of the tube. In a modification, the tube 86 is open at its upstream end 102 so that the liquid to be treated flows into the tube. The tube is further provided with perforations or is water permeable to allow the liquid to flow into the tube and out through the wall 104 of the tube. This gives greater exposure of the liquid to the action of the catalyst and also can conveniently act as a filter.

Whilst the purification means 86 is illustrated in the form of a tube it will be appreciated by the skilled reader that any suitable shape or shapes may be used such as baffles or spirals.

More than one tube 86 may be provided in the pipe 16 either aligned axially along the pipe axis or side by side in spaced apart relationship within the pipe 16, conveniently equi-angularly spaced aBout the pipe axis.

The pipe 16 is conveniently of quartz, transparent plastics material (such as Plexiglas ®) or any suitable material that allows transmission of UV light.

The apparatus 100 has a further support 106, which is radially spaced from the pipe 16 and supports one or more arrays 108 of LEDs 22. The support 106 is conveniently a cylinder co-axial with the pipe 16, although any suitable support shape may be used, and is conveniently of stainless steel or other suitable material.

The support 106 supports a number of LED arrays 108 which are angularly spaced around the pipe 16. As can best be seen in Figure 5, these arrays 108 are preferably equally-angularly spaced around the pipe 16 to subject the liquid to UV light throughout 360°.

The LED arrays 108 are mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 1 10, which in turn are secured to the support 106 by any suitable means such as screws 112. The or each PCB 110 is conveniently aluminium or metal backed or has a heat sink bonded to it in order to dissipate heat generated from the LED arrays. The LEDs 22 project through holes or longitudinal slots in the support 106.

Ideally, the LEDs 22 are spaced from the wall 26 by a relatively small air gap.

The construction shown in Figures 4 and 5 allows the PCBs to act as heat sinks for the LEDs. In addition, the metal support 106 also conducts heat away from the LEDs.

For higher heat dissipation a coolant such as air or water can be used, flowing between the wall 26 and the support 106. In such a case the support 106 is conveniently in the form of a pipe so that the coolant is contained between the support 106 and the wall 26. Alternatively, a further pipe (not shown) co-axially surrounding the support 106 and PCB'sr 1 10 would need to be provided to retain the coolant.

The PCB's can carry multi-chip arrays or multi-die array light sources which provide multiples of the output of UV light from a single LED. Such arrays or sources require higher input currents and generate more heat that would require the additional heat dissipation described above.

Claims

1 Treatment apparatus for at least partially disinfecting a fluid such as water, said apparatus comprising: conduit means (16) for conveying a flow of fluid to be treated; at least one light source (D1-D8) for the emission of said light into said fluid; and control means (50) for controlling said light source; wherein said control means is operable to generate a pulsed signal for pulsing said light source and to vary at least one of the amplitude, pulse width and frequency of said pulsed signal in a predetermined manner; the or each light source is arranged such that said fluid flows over a surface of each light source, as it is conveyed by the conduit means (16) in operation.

2 Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control means is operable to sweep the frequency of said pulse signal through a predetermined frequency range.

3 Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said frequency range is 30Hz to 100Hz.

4 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said control means is operable to vary the current through said light source.

5 Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said control means is operable to vary the current through said light source from a steady state value up to 3OmA.

6 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each light source is arranged such that said fluid flows over a surface of each light source, as it is conveyed by the conduit means (16) in operation.

7 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising sensing means (72, 74) for sensing the light level in the fluid and generate a signal in dependence thereon; and wherein said control means (50) is operable to control energising of said at least one light source in response to said signal. 8 Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said light level is ambient light level or UV light level.

9 Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8 wherein: said sensing means (72, 74) comprises first and second sensors for monitoring the light level at respective axially spaced positions in the conduit means (16) and generating a respective signal in dependence thereon; and said control means (52) is operable to compare said signals and control energising of the or at least one of the light sources in response to said comparison.

10 Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein said control means (52) is operable to control at least one of the current level and duty cycle of the or at least one of the light sources.

11 Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims having: a plurality of said light sources arranged in a parallel path configuration; respective gate means (80) in each said parallel path; and wherein said control (50) means is operable to control each said gate means (80) thereby to allow or inhibit operation of the light sources in each path.

12 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said conduit means comprises a tube (16) having a fluid retaining wall (26), and wherein the or each light source is arranged in said wall for emission of said light into said fluid, in operation.

13 Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the or each light source comprises a light emitting portion (22), and a electrical connection portion (24), arranged such that said light emitting portion extends into said tube (16), and said electrical connection portion is located external to said tube.

14 Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein circuitry for the operation of said light sources is located around an external surface of said tube.

15 Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein said circuitry is provided on a flexible printed circuit board (40) wrapped around said tube (16). 16 Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15 wherein said tube (16) is provided coaxially inside a substantially tubular sheath.

17 Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 when appended to any of claims 9 to 11 wherein said electrical connection portion (24) of the or each light source is located between the external surface of said tube (16) and an inner surface of said sheath.

18 Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 when appended to claim 14 or 15, wherein said circuitry for the operation of said light sources, is located between said external surface of said inner tube (16) and said inner surface of said sheath.

19 Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein said circuitry is provided on a flexible printed circuit board (40) wrapped around said external surface.

20 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each light source has an emission range having an emission angle representative of the angular spread of said range.

21 Apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein angle between the optical axis of each light source and the longitudinal position of each adjacent light source is substantially equal to said emission angle, within a tolerance of 20%.

22 Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein said angle is between 10° and 45°.

23 Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein said angle is substantially 30°.

24 Apparatus as, claimed in claim 20 to 23 wherein said emission angle is a half intensity emission angle.

25 Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to24 wherein each light source is arranged such that the emission ranges of axially opposed light sources, do not substantially overlap.

26 Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to 25 wherein said light sources are arranged such that the longitudinal distance between each adjacent light source is substantially the minimum distance required to avoid substantial overlap of the emission ranges of axially opposed light sources.

27 Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to 26 wherein each emission range is a half intensity emission range.

28 Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to 27 wherein said light sources are arranged in a plurality of groups, each group including a plurality of light sources.

29 Apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein each light source in each group is axially perpendicular to each adjacent light source in said group.

30 Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to 27 wherein said light sources are arranged helically around an inner perimeter of said conduit means (16).

31 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said control means (52) is configured to pulse said light sources at a variable duty cycle.

32 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said control means (52) is configured to pulse said light sources at a duty cycle of less than 100%.

33 Apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said control means (52) is configured to pulse said light sources at a duty cycle of substantially 40%.

34 Apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said control means (52) is configured to pulse said light sources at a duty cycle of substantially 10%.

35 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said control means (52) is configured to pulse said light sources at a power above the maximum rated power for operating said light sources continuously.

36 Apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein said control means (52) is configured to pulse said light sources at a power above the maximum rated power for operating said light sources. 37 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising externally visible indicator means (60) for indicating when said light sources are operating.

38 Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein said indicator means (60) comprises at least one light emitter for emitting visible light, each light emitter being arranged to indicate operation of at least one light source.

39 Apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein each light emitter comprises an light source for emitting visible light of longer wavelength than ultraviolet light.

40 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising generating means for generating an electromagnetic field in said conduit means (16) to assist purification of said fluid.

41 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising generating means (88) for generating ultrasonic energy in said conduit means (16) to assist purification of said fluid.

42 Apparatus as claimed in claim 40 or 41 wherein said control means (52) is configured for controlling operation of said generating means.

43 Apparatus as claimed in claim 41 when appendant to claim 7 wherein said control means (52) is configured for controlling operation of said generating means in dependence on said signal.

44 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising means (82) for injecting ozone into said conduit means (16) to assist purification of said fluid.

45 Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein said control means (52) is configured to control the voltage applied to the or each light source.

46 Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein said light sources are self-cleaning light sources. 47 Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein said conduit means comprises or includes a shower head.

48 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

49 Apparatus as claimed in claim 48 wherein the or each light emitting diode (LED) is an ultraviolet (UV) light source.

50 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said control means (50) is operable to vary the power and duty cycle of the LED in inverse relationship to one another.