WO2019038787A1

WO2019038787A1 - A filter assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2019038787A1
Application number: PCT/IN2018/050542
Authority: WO
Inventors: Niranjan KARAGI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-22
Filing date: 2018-08-22
Publication date: 2019-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2020-02-22

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a filter assembly (100) being removably mounted on a fluid containing bottle (110) for filtering fluid. The filter assembly (100) comprises a top cap (102) having engagement means; a middle cap (104) having engagement means configured thereon for fitting onto a mouth of the fluid containing bottle (110) as well as engaging with the top cap (102), the middle cap (104) further comprising discharge spout; a filter cartridge (106) removably fitted to the middle cap (104) and in fluid communication with the discharge spout, the filter cartridge (106) configured to filter the fluid contained prior to being discharged from the discharge spout. The filter cartridge comprises a filter core (106A) and an ultrafiltration layer (106B) deposited on the filtration core.

Description

A FILTER ASSEMBLY

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a filter assembly for fluid containing bottles.

BACKGROUND [0002] Fluid such as drinking water needs to be filtered to remove impurities before consumption. Water filters are readily available in market which can be fitted or placed in a room. Some water filters require permanent connections with water pipe and need electric supply for operation, which increases operational cost. Connection free water filters are quite bulky and cannot be easily moved from one place to another and hence not useful for travelers who commute from one place to another. Thus, such traveler needs to carry bulky bottles while commuting or purchase a cost intensive filtered bottle. Further, such water filters require regular maintenance and for maintenance one has to depend on the after sales service provider. The after sales service provider charges a hefty amount for maintenance. [0003] Further, there is a trend of using re-usable portable plastic bottles (also known as PET bottles) instead of using non-biodegradable which leads to increase in pollution. However, water filled within such re-used water may encounter plastic odor, can cause rapid warming and provide stale water, may cause a reason for consumer's health issues related to long term use of the same plastic bottle. Further, quality of water filled from any source is questionable, also there are hygiene issues with re-used bottles such as bacterial collection in the nozzle and the interior of the re-used bottle, and finally, known harmful and deadly toxic proxies found in inner layer of the re-used bottles. Also, one does not know whether the water within the filtered bottle (PET bottles) is really filtered efficiently or not. Further, if water is not filtered efficiently then person(s) consuming the water from the re-used bottle will be exposed to various diseases. Further, one does not know whether the bottle filled with water is of good quality or not.

[0004] Further, many filtered bottles contain filtered water which is filtered using filters which utilizes reverse osmosis technique to filter water. Utilization of this technique results in essential loss in minerals which are necessary for human body. [0005] There are some prior art documents referring to water filter assembly.

US Patent No. 5122272 titled as "Drinking water supply container having a removably mounted filter device" discloses a complex device and mechanism of filtration by providing a removable filter device which extends into the container through an opening at the top. The filter device comprises an elongated cylindrical member having an inner wall divides the area inside of an upper chamber and a lower chamber and forms a sipping tube for accessing the lower chamber through the upper chamber water filter is disposed in the lower chamber. In using the container, air is drawn in through the upper chamber and drinking liquid is drawn out through the sipping straw by suction. [0006] US Patent No. 5681463 titled as "Portable liquid purifying device having activated carbon filter and micro-porous membrane filter" discloses a complex system and method that requires the micro-porous membrane filter comprising hydrophilic micro-porous hollow fibers and hydrophobic micro-porous hollow fibers or comprising micro-porous hollow fibers each having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, so that air can be discharged from the interior of the bottle through the hydrophobic hollow fibers or the hydrophobic portion when the bottle is squeezed. [0007] Hence, there is a need for a filter assembly for filtering fluid such as water and an effective method for filtering fluid such as water by the filter assembly that alleviate aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

[0008] Objects of the present disclosure are listed below: · The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a filter assembly for filtering fluid such as water that is light in weight, portable and easily disposable.

• It is another object of the present disclosure is to provide a filter assembly for filtering fluid such as water stored that filters water when a pressure is created to allow the fluid to flow from the interior of the bottle to it outlet and hence provide filtered fluid to the user and ensures each drop of water being filtered before consumption, wherein the filter assembly is fitted on a re-usable bottle of any desired size.

• It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a filter assembly for filtering fluid such as water that can be easily fitted on bottles of any size

(standard and/or non-standard) to filter water contained or filled therewithin during consumption. • It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a filter assembly for filtering fluid such as water that prevents essential minerals from being filtered.

• It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a filter assembly for filtering fluid such as water that reduces/prevents odor, reduces/eliminates rapid warming and eliminates providing stale water.

• It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a filter assembly for filtering fluid such as water that cleans and filter water to protect humans from various diseases and leads to overall greater health by filtering harmful and deadly toxic and bacteria.

• It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a filter assembly for filtering fluid such as water that saves on expenses associated with purchasing of filtered bottle.

• It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a simple and effective method for filtering fluid such as water by a filter assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will best be understood from the following exemplary drawings, selected for the purposes of illustration.

• FIG. 1 is an schematic view of a filter assembly for filtering fluid, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a middle cap used in the filter assembly of FIG. 1; and

• FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a filter assembly for filtering fluid fitted on a bottle, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Now, refer in more detail to the exemplary drawings for the purposes of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to exemplary figures 1 to 3, a filter assembly (100) that is removably mounted on a fluid containing bottle (110) has been illustrated. Referring to FIG. 1, the filter assembly (100) comprises a top cap (102) having engagement means. The filter assembly (100) further comprises a middle cap (104) having engagement means configured thereon for fitting onto a mouth of the fluid containing bottle (110) as well as engaging with the top cap (102). More specifically, the middle cap (104) is the cap that is mounted on the mouth of the fluid containing bottle (110), and the middle cap (104) also has engagement means to securely receive the top cap (102) thereon. The top cap (102) functions as a cover for covering a discharge spout that is configured on the middle cap (104). In an exemplary FIG. 1, the top cap (102) is fitted on the middle cap (104) as a snap fit.

[0011] The filter assembly (100) further comprises a filter cartridge (106) removably fitted to the middle cap (104) by engagement means and in fluid communication with the discharge spout. The middle cap (104) is illustrated separately in FIG. 2 as an enlarged schematic view which illustrates exemplary thread engagement means. The engagement means can be thread formations in one embodiment of the present disclosure. The engagement means can be snap fits or press fits in another embodiment of the present disclosure. The engagement means such as thread formations, snap fits or press fits and any other engagement means are also within the ambit of the present disclosure as per the need.

[0012] The filter cartridge (106) is configured to filter the water contained within the fluid containing bottle (110) prior to being discharged from the discharge spout. The filter cartridge (106) comprises a filter core (106A), and an ultrafiltration layer (106B) deposited on the filter core (106A).

[0013] In the conventional filters known in the art, typically the ultrafiltration means are provided in the filters in the form of membranes. However, the process for manufacturing the ultrafiltration membranes bears a significant financial burden in getting the equipment required for the manufacturing of the ultrafiltration membranes. The present disclosure overcomes the aforementioned disadvantage by a new method for manufacturing the filter cartridge (106).

[0014] Instead of using membranes as ultrafiltration means, the present disclosure envisages depositing a layer (106B) of the ultrafiltration chemical on the filter core (106A). In one embodiment, this deposition is facilitated by dipping the filter core (106 A) into the ultrafiltration layer material.

[0015] In one embodiment, the filter core (106A) is primarily made of carbon.

More specifically, the filter core (106A) comprises a mixture of carbon powder and linear low density polyethylene, wherein the quantity of carbon powder in the mixture ranges from 80% by weight to 95% by weight and the quantity of linear low density polyethylene in the mixture ranges from 5% by weight to 20% by weight. The mixture is sintered at a temperature ranging from 110°C to 140°C so that the mixture is formed into a cylindrical core. [0016] In another embodiment, the filter core (106A) is a polymer candle. More specifically, the filter core (106A) comprises a mixture of at least one of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and ultrahigh molecular weight polypropylene and at least one of linear low density polyethylene and linear low density polypropylene, wherein the quantity of at least one of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and ultrahigh molecular weight polypropylene in the mixture ranges from 70% by weight to 95% by weight, and the quantity at least one of linear low density polyethylene and linear low density polypropylene in the mixture ranges from 5% by weight to 30% by weight. The mixture is sintered at a temperature ranging from 110°C to 140°C so that the mixture is formed into a cylindrical core.

[0017] In accordance with the present disclosure, ultrafiltration layer (106B) is a composition that comprises a base material, wherein the quantity of the base material in the composition ranges from 15% by weight to 25% by weight. In an embodiment, the base material is one selected from a group consisting of polyethersulfone, polysulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, polystyrene, cellulose triacetate, and polyacrylonitrile. The ultrafiltration layer (106B) composition further comprises a first additive, wherein the quantity of the first additive in the composition ranges from 3% by weight to 15% by weight, and a second additive, wherein the quantity of the second additive in the composition ranges from 3% by weight to 15% by weight. [0018] In an embodiment, the first and the second additive is one selected from a group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide, silver nanoparticles, and lithium chloride. [0019] The ultrafiltration layer (106B) composition further comprises a solvent, wherein the quantity of the solvent in the composition ranges from 45% by weight to 80% by weight. The composition is formed mixing the base material, the first additive, the second additive, and the solvent. In an embodiment, the solvent is one selected from a group consisting of dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and N-Methyl-2- pyrrolidone. In an embodiment, the composition formed by mixing the base material, the first additive, the second additive, and the solvent is taken in their appropriate quantities and placed inside an air-tight glass container. The container is then shaken or rotated until the composition inside the container transforms into a clear and viscose solution.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment the present disclosure, the ultrafiltration chemical composition is formed by mixing the base material, the first additive, the second additive, and the solvent to form a solution. A layer of the ultrafiltration chemical solution is formed on the filter core (106 A) by dipping the filter core (106A) into ultrafiltration chemical solution. In an embodiment, the filter core (106A) is dipped into the clear and viscose ultrafiltration composition in manner that the entire filter core (106A) is dipped in solution for a time period ranging from 30 seconds to 60 seconds. Subsequent to the dipping, the filter core (106A) is slowly lifted vertically out of the solution and finally immersed in water for phase inversion. The ultrafiltration layer (106B) deposited on filter core (106A) is kept in fluid/water for 18- 20 hours in another container where the solvent and the additive (the first additive and/or the second additive) will leach out in fluid/water leaving a porous membrane has a pore size ranging from 0.023 micron to 1 micron on the filter core (106A). [0021] Referring to FIG. 3 which is a schematic view of the filter assembly

(100) for filtering fluid fitted on the bottle (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates the arrangement of the filter assembly (100) with the bottle (110). Once the bottle (110) is engaged with the filter assembly (100), the bottle (110) is lifted/tilted and squeezed so that filter/water contained in the bottle (110) is pressurized to pass through the filter cartridge (106). Particles of the size ranging from 0.023 micron to 1 micron are filtered out by the filter cartridge (106) which comprises the filter core (106 A) and the ultrafiltration layer (106B).

[0022] In one embodiment, the filter cartridge (106) is coated with glycerin prior to being shipped out of the factory for the purpose of keeping the ultrafiltration layer (106B) in a moistened state. This is done to maintain the pore size of the filter cartridge (106) as being dry for longer durations of time can have the effect of variation in pore size of the filter cartridge (106). In another embodiment, the filter cartridge (106) is coated with any other desirable chemical to maintain the pore size of the filter cartridge (106) as per the need of the present disclosure.

[0023] After passing through the filter cartridge (106), fluid/water is ready to be consumed by the user. After the bottle (110) gets emptied, the middle cap (104) is removed from the opening of the bottle (110) so that the bottle (110) can be re-filled and thenafter the middle cap (104) can be re-fitted. As the bottles are re-filled, unwanted disposal of bottles is eliminated thus protecting environment. Alternatively, the used filter assembly (100) can be easily disposed off.

[0024] The filter assembly (100) reduces/eliminates odor from the water and chlorine and other organic chemicals and sediments so that the tap water's taste is no longer influenced by the presence of these impurities. The filter assembly (100) does not use reverse osmosis technique for filtration, and thus prevents essential minerals from being filtered. As the filter assembly (100) is fitted on the bottle (110) itself, it is ensured that each drop of water is filtered before consumption. The use of filter assembly (100) saves on the expenses associated with purchasing of filtered bottle. The filter assembly (100) can easily be sold along with or without the bottle (110). In one embodiment, the size of the filter assembly (100) is such that the filter assembly (100) fits on required size of the standard bottles generally available into the market. In another embodiment, the size of the filter assembly (100) is such that the size of the filter assembly (100) can easily be changed to fit on required size of the non-standard bottle (110). The filter assembly (100) is convenient and easy to use and fill water bottle anywhere from any water sources (tap or ground or any other water source) gives complete freedom to users, while traveling. The filter assembly (100) is cost effective and one of the biggest differentiator and advantage is that the user is able to filter water anytime and anywhere, which saves the need of buying purified bottled fluid/water.

ADVANTAGES

[0025] The disclosure provides many advantages as listed out below:

• The cost effective filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that is light in weight, portable and easily disposable; · The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water stored that filters water when a pressure is created to allow the fluid to flow from the interior of the bottle (110) to it outlet and hence provide filtered fluid to the user and ensures each drop of clean and safe water being filtered before consumption, wherein the filter assembly (100) is fitted on a re-usable bottle of any desired standard and/or non-standard size;

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that can be easily fitted on bottles (110) of any size (standard and/or non-standard) to filter water contained or filled therewithin during consumption;

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that has the capacity to improve the taste and odor of tap water: Removing chlorine and other organic chemicals and sediments means that the tap water's taste will no longer be influenced by the presence of these impurities, and user can enjoy fresh water straight from the tap;

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that reduces/prevents odor, reduces/eliminates rapid warming and eliminates providing stale water;

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water up to desired quality and that can be easily fitted on bottles to filter water contained or filled therewithin from any source of water;

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that is flexible to fit into any PET bottle and is re-usable and is cconvenient and easy to use: Fill water bottle anywhere from any water sources (tap water or ground water or any other water source) gives complete freedom to users, while traveling; The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that prevents essential minerals from being filtered and removes chlorine and other sediments;

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that ensures each drop of water being filtered before consumption;

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that cleans and filter water to protect humans from various diseases and leads to overall greater health; and

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid such as water that saves on expenses associated with purchasing of filtered bottle every time.

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid, in accordance with the present disclosure, is very effective as it removes bacteria to the extent of 99.99%, thus making sure that the filtered water is substantially free from any harmful bacteria.

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid, in accordance with the present disclosure does not need electricity or addition of chemical while using the filter.

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid, in accordance with the present disclosure, removes almost all turbidity from the water.

The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid, in accordance with the present disclosure, is easy to clean and less maintenance • The filter assembly (100) for filtering fluid, in accordance with the present disclosure, has a filter cartridge (106) that is chemically and mechanically strong which gives the higher life span for the filter cartridge (106).

[0026] As it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A filter assembly (100) being removably mounted on a fluid containing bottle (110) for filtering fluid, the filter assembly ((100) comprising:

a. a top cap (102) having engagement means;

b. a middle cap (104) having engagement means configured thereon for fitting onto a mouth of the water containing bottle as well as engaging with the top cap (102), the middle cap (104) further comprising discharge spout; c. a filter cartridge removably fitted to the middle cap (104) and in fluid communication with the discharge spout, the filter cartridge configured to filter the water contained prior to being discharged from the discharge spout, the filter cartridge comprising:

i . a filter core ( 106 A) ; and

ii. an ultrafiltration layer (106B) deposited on the filtration core (106A). 2. The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter core (106A) comprises a mixture of carbon powder and linear low density polyethylene, wherein the quantity of carbon powder in the mixture ranges from 80% by weight to 95% by weight, and the quantity of linear low density polyethylene in the mixture ranges from 5% by weight to 20% by weight. 3. The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter core (106A) comprises a mixture of at least one of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and ultrahigh molecular weight polypropylene and at least one of linear low density polyethylene and linear low density polypropylene, wherein the quantity of at least one of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and ultrahigh molecular weight polypropylene in the mixture ranges from 70% by weight to 95% by weight, and the quantity at least one of linear low density polyethylene and linear low density polypropylene in the mixture ranges from 5% by weight to 30% by weight.

The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2 and claim 3, wherein the mixture is sintered to form the filter core (106A).

The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sintering temperature ranges from 110°C to 140°C.

The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrafiltration layer (106B) is a composition that comprises:

a. a base material, wherein the quantity of the base material in the composition ranges from 15% by weight to 25% by weight;

b. a first additive, wherein the quantity of the first additive in the composition ranges from 3% by weight to 15% by weight;

c. a second additive, wherein the quantity of the second additive in the composition ranges from 3% by weight to 15% by weight; and

d. a solvent, wherein the quantity of the solvent in the composition ranges from 45% by weight to 80% by weight, wherein the composition is formed by mixing the base material, the first additive, the second additive, and the solvent.

The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the composition is formed by mixing the base material, the first additive, the second additive, and the solvent, is contained in an air-tight container and shaken or rotated to obtain a clear and viscose solution.

8. The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the filter core (106A) is dipped into the clear and viscose solution for a time period ranging from 30 seconds to 60 seconds, thereby facilitating the formation of the ultrafiltration layer (106B) thereon.

9. The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the filter core (106A) having the ultrafiltration layer (106B) deposited thereon is cured in fluid/water for a time period ranging from 18 hours to 20 hours where the solvent, the first additive and/or the second additive leach out in fluid/water leaving a porous membrane having a pore size ranging from 0.023 micron to 1 micron on the filter core (106A).

10. The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base material is one selected from a group consisting of polyethersulfone, polysulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, polystyrene, cellulose triacetate, and polyacrylonitrile.

11. The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first additive is one selected from a group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide, silver nanoparticles, and lithium chloride.

12. The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second additive is one selected from a group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide, silver nanoparticles, and lithium chloride.

13. The filter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the solvent is one selected from a group consisting of dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and N-Methyl- 2-pyrrolidone.