WO2006073409A1 - Modular, high volume, high pressure liquid disinfection using fractional screw - Google Patents

Abstract

A radiation treatment device and method where the method comprises a treatment chamber (10), a radiation source (14), and coaxially aligned tubes (20 and 28) where the tubes define a flow path therethrough.

Description

MODULAR, HIGH VOLUME, HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID DISINFECTION USING FRACTIONAL SCREW

This application is a continuation-in-part of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application Serial No. PCT/US03/28218, filed on September 3, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/441,930, filed on January 21 , 2003. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/539,365, filed on January 27, 2004. The disclosures of these applications are herein specifically incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to liquid disinfection and, more particularly, to liquid disinfection using ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

It is known to use UV radiation to disinfect clear or opaque liquids such as water, including wastewater, juices, brines, marinades, beverages, and the like. A couple of examples include U.S. Patent Nos. 3,527,940 and 4,968,891, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Using UV radiation to disinfect liquids offers many advantages that often make it a very attractive option as compared to other methods of disinfecting liquids. It will often provide for improved disinfection in a fast, simple, relatively inexpensive manner.

Still, prior equipment and methods of disinfecting liquids using UV radiation suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, the relatively fragile nature of the equipment has placed undesirable limitations on the flow rates that may be treated and operating pressures that may be used. The relatively fragile nature of the equipment similarly limited pressures and flow rates that could be used for cleaning purposes, making it more difficult or impossible to provide the convenience of clean in place equipment. The effectiveness of UV radiation to disinfect a liquid diminishes rapidly, likely exponentially, with distance, so relying primarily upon turbulence in a liquid to provide for even, thorough disinfection of the liquid can be unreliable. Also, exposure times for desired levels of disinfection can often lead to the use of undesirably large equipment or the use of an undesirably large number of units of such equipment, adding to the cost of the system and taking up valuable floor space. In a typical prior art unit, a significant portion of the radiation emitted by the bulbs is not directed toward the liquid to be treated and is wasted, making inefficient use of the radiation and of the power consumed to generate the radiation. Prior cabinets or units used to provide UV disinfection of liquids also provided little or no flexibility in handling differing flow patterns, flow rates, and treatment times. Further, prior cabinets and units were difficult and time-consuming to service or repair, and typically required an entire cabinet or unit to be shut down and placed out of service for extended periods.

Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for treating a liquid with radiation that offers increased efficiency.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type that allows the flexibility of switching between parallel and series flow with minimal adjustments.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type that allows for improved results while handling higher flow rates. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type that provides for improved mixing of liquids.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type that provides for more uniform treatment of liquids.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type that provides a rugged system that may handle high pressures and flow rates.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type which uses modular illumination units to allow for fast and easy replacement of bulbs or other components.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type that makes highly efficient use of radiation generated by treating bulbs.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type which provides for an extended treatment path without a corresponding increase in the length of the treatment chamber.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type wliich provides for more even and thorough exposure of the liquid to be treated.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type which provides for the convenience of fluid input and output at the same end of a treatment chamber.

Toward the fulfillment of these and other objects and advantages, a radiation treatment method and device are disclosed. The device comprises a treatment chamber and a radiation source, such as one or more UV bulbs, disposed in close proximity thereto. The treatment chamber has a header to which are connected coaxially aligned inner and outer tubes. The coaxially aligned tubes form an annulus area. Alternating right hand and left hand helical static mixers are affixed to the inner tube and extend outward into the annulus area without contacting the outer tube. An exit path is provided through the center of the inner tube and through the header. Input and output manifolds are provided, and adjacent treatment chambers may alternately be aligned and connected to provide for parallel or serial flow. Modular illumination units may be used in which two mirror image halves each have a bracket that supports and aligns reflectors and LIV bulbs adjacent each treatment chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawings The above brief description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a sectional, side elevation view of a treatment chamber forming part of a radiation treatment device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional, overhead view of a radiation treatment device of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial, side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of a radiation treatment device of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a is a partial, sectional, overhead view of an alternate embodiment of a radiation treatment device of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an overhead, perspective view of a parallel flow alignment of a radiation treatment device of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an overhead, perspective view of a series flow alignment of a radiation treatment device of die present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a cabinet for housing a radiation treatment device of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial, side elevation view of a cabinet for housing a radiation treatment device of the present invention;

FIG. 9. is a sectional, side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of a treatment chamber forming part of a radiation treatment device of the present invention; and

FIGS. 10-12 are sectional, overhead views of alternate embodiments of the treatment chamber of FIG. 9.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Fig. 1, the reference numeral 10 refers in general to a radiation treatment device of the above invention. The device 10 comprises a treatment chamber 12 and a radiation source 14 disposed in close proximity thereto.

The treatment chamber 12 comprises a header 16, inner and outer tubes 18 and 20, a static mixer 22, and an end cap 24. The header 16 has an outer housing 26, an inner header tube 28, an input pipe 30 with an input opening 32, and an output pipe 34 with an output opening 36. The outer housing 26 is open at the top, closed at the bottom, and has two side openings disposed on opposite sides, with one side opening being larger than the other. A mount 38 is secured to the bottom wall of the outer housing 26. The input pipe is affixed to the outer housing 26, aligned with the larger of the two side openings. The output pipe 34 is affixed to the outer housing 26 aligned with the smaller of the two other side openings. The input and output pipes 30 and 34 both have inner diameters of approximately 1.5 inches. The inner diameter of the output pipe 34 is larger than the diameter of the side opening. The inner header tube 28 has an input opening centrally disposed and coaxially aligned with the outer housing 26 and an output opening aligned with the smaller of the two side openings. The inner diameter of the inner header tube 28 is substantially the same as the diameter of this side opening. The header 16 is preferably made of stainless steel and is of clean in place construction. It is of course understood that the header 16 may be made of any number of different materials or combinations of materials. It is also understood that the header 16 may be assembled or fabricated from a number of different parts or may be cast or molded as one or more integral pieces.

Outer tube 20 is made of a material that is transparent to UV radiation or to the type of radiation used. The outer tube 20 is preferably constructed of a polymer, is more preferably constructed of a fluoropolymer, and is most preferably constructed of fluorinated ethylene propylene. The outer tube may of course be constructed of any number of materials known to possess the desired degree of transparency. The outer tube 20 has a length of approximately 60 inches and has an inner diameter of approximately 1.25 inches. A lower portion of the outer tube 20 is secured to the header 16, such as by using a hose clamp 40. The end cap 24 is affixed to an upper portion of the outer tube 20, such as by using a hose clamp 40. A lower surface 42 of the end cap 24 is curved to assist in redirection of the liquid with minimal pressure drop. The cap 24 is preferably stainless steel.

An output end of the inner tube 18 is affixed to the input end of the inner header tube 28, and the inner tube 18 extends coaxially aligned within the outer tube 20 along most if not all of the height of the outer tube 20. The inner tube 18 is preferably stainless steel having an inner diameter of substantially within a range of from approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 3.25 inch. The inner tube has an outer diameter that is substantially within a range of approximately from approximately 0.75 inch to approximately 3.5 inch. The outer diameter of the inner tube 18 and the inner diameter of the outer tube 20 are preferably selected to provide a relatively narrow annulus 44 between the two having a width of approximately 0.25 inch. An inner surface of the inner rube 18 defines an inner flow path. An inner surface of outer tube 20 and an outer surface of inner tube 18 define an outer flow path. An opening in a distal end of the inner tube 18 places the outer flow path in fluid flow communication with the inner flow path. The outer surface of the inner tube 18 is not transparent with respect to the radiation from the radiation source 14 and is preferably reflective of the radiation.

The static mixer, flight, or helical member 22 is an auger style static mixer that is affixed to the outer diameter of the inner tube 18, such as by welding. The flight or mixer 22 extends between the outer wall of the inner tube 18 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

The mixer may but preferably does not contact the inner wall of the outer tube 20. The mixer 22 is preferably stainless steel. Different degrees of winding may be used depending upon desired characteristics of the device 10. hi one embodiment the winding provides a liquid travel path of approximately 3.9 inches for each 1 inch of annulus 44 height. For a treatment chamber 12 in which the height of the annulus 44 area is approximately 60 inches, this would provide a liquid travel path of approximately 234 inches.

In the preferred embodiment depicted in Fig. 9, instead of forming a continuous spiral that directs fluid flow in a single generally clockwise or counterclockwise spiral pattern, the mixer or flight 22 is separated into alternating segments having opposite right hand orientations 22a and left hand orientations 22b. A right hand segment 22a will tend to direct passing fluid in a clockwise direction relative to the inner tube 18, and a left hand segment 22b will tend to direct passing fluid in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the inner tube 18. Each segment will extend around a desired portion of a circumference of the inner tube 18, the desired portion preferably being less than an entire circumference, more preferably being less than or equal to approximately one half of a circumference, and most preferably being less than or equal to approximately one third of a circuinference. Fig. 10 depicts an embodiment in which each segment extends around one-half of a circumference of inner tube 18. Similarly, Figs. 11 and 12, depict embodiments in which each segment extends around one-third and one-fourth of a circumference of inner tube 18, respectively. Each segment is spaced from other segments longitudinally along inner tube 18. Spacing will vary depending on any number of different factors, such as desired flow rates, liquids to be treated, the lengths of the segments used, gap sizes, pitch, and the bike. In the embodiment depicted in Figs. 9 and 10, in which each segment 22a or 22b extends about one-half of a circumference of inner tube IS, each segment 22a and 22b is spaced approximately 6 inches from an adjacent segment. As the segments 22a and 22b get shorter, it will typically be desirable to decrease the distance between adjacent segments. As also seen in Figs. 9-12, in the preferred embodiment, the mixer or flight 22 does not extend all the way across the annulus 44 and does not contact the outer tube 20. Instead a gap 45 is provided between the outer edge of each flight segment 22a and 22b and the outer tube 20. Referring to Fig. 10, the annulus 44 has a width, measured radially from the outer diameter of inner tube 18 to the inner diameter of the outer tube 20, is preferably substantially within a range of from approximately 150/1000 inch to approximately ¹A inch, is more preferably substantially within a range of from approximately 1/5 inch to approximately 2/5 inch, and is most preferably substantially within a range of from approximately 280/1000 inch to approximately 300/1000 inch. Each flight segment 22a and 22b extends radially into the annulus 44 a distance that is preferably substantially within a range of from approximately 30% to approximately 70% of the width of the annulus, that is more preferably substantially within a range of from approximately 40% to approximately 60% of the width of the annulus, and that is most preferably approximately 50% of the width of the annulus. For example, in one embodiment, the annulus 44 may have a width of approximately 5/16 inch, and each flight segment 22a and 22b may extend radially into the annulus a distance of approximately 3/16 inch, leaving a gap 45 between each flight segment 22a and 22b and the inner wall of the outer tube 20 of approximately 1/8 inch. It is understood that other components may be used in combination with the flight segments 22a and 22b to increase turbulence and better mix the fluid passing through the treatment chamber for more uniform treatment. For example, one or more rods may be affixed between flight segments or between portions of flight segments to further disrupt fluid flow and to create additional eddies and turbulence for improved mixing. Similarly, baffles may be affixed to or disposed between the flight segments or portions of flight segments or may be affixed to or disposed along inner tube 18 or outer tube 20.

Referring to Fig. 2, a modular illumination unit 46 is provided, formed from two mirror image sections 47. The sections 47 are connected to one another by a hinge 49 or in any conventional manner. Each section 47 comprises a plurality of bulbs 14, one or more reflectors 48, and a bracket 50. The bracket 50 supports and aligns the bulbs 14 and supports and aligns the reflector or reflectors 48 positioned adjacent to the bulbs 14. The reflector 48 is configured with a curved portion or segment, such as a semi-circular, hyperbolic, or parabolic shaped portion or segment, associated with each bulb 14, disposed and aligned to reflect and focus radiation emitted from outer portions of the bulb 14 back toward the treatment chamber 12. The segments are disposed so that the reflector 48 is generally clamshell shaped. In that regard, a cross section of one segment falling in a common plane of a cross section of an adjoining segment does not form a portion of a common circle or semicircle with the cross section of the adjoining segment. Each cross section is preferably semicircular, and each cross section of a segment has an arc length that is greater than approximately 45°. The inner surface of the reflector 48 is selected to be highly reflective of the radiation used. For example, if a UV bulb 14 is used, the inner surface is preferably polished aluminum. Each section 47 is secured to its mating section 47 and is secured within the cabinet 66 in any number of ways, such as being secured to a back wall of the cabinet or to brackets disposed within the cabinet 66. In the preferred embodiment, one section 47 is disposed toward a back portion of the cabinet 66, and a mating section 47 is disposed toward a front portion of the cabinet 66 so that the front section 47 may be easily opened to provide access to the treatment chamber 12 and to the sections 47 of the illumination unit 46. Each section 47 is independently removable without the need to remove an associated treatment chamber or mated section 47. The brackets 50 of each section 47 are disposed to place the bulbs 14 in very close proximity to the outer surface of the outer tube 20. In the preferred embodiment, in which the modular concept is used, a separate modular illumination unit 46 is associated with each treatment chamber 12. It is also preferred to provide an extra or spare modular illumination unit 46 along with the device 10. This will reduce down time by making it easy to quickly replace an installed unit 46 with a spare unit 46 if the installed unit is in need of repair, maintenance, or replacement.

In an alternate embodiment depicted in Figs. 3 and 4, one or more bulb racks 52 may be used to support and align a plurality of outer tubes 20 of a plurality of treatment chambers 12, along with the bulbs 14 and reflectors 48 to be used with each treatment device 10. As seen in Fig. 3, sets of holes or openings 54 and 56 are provided to support and align the outer tubes 20 and bulbs 14, respectively.

Referring to Fig. 5, input and output manifolds 58 and 60 are provided and are disposed to allow for parallel flow of a liquid through a plurality of adjacent treatment chambers 12. The manifolds are provided in a modular arrangement with a first set of associated input and output manifold segments 58a and 60a, a second set of associated input and output manifold segments 58b and 60b, and so on for the desired number of treatment chambers 12 to be used. The length 62 of the each input and output manifold 58, 60 segment is equal to the distance 64 between the input opening 32 of the input pipe 30 and the output opening 36 of the output pipe 34. TMs allows each treatment chamber 12 to be quickly and easily adjusted to provide for either parallel flow as seen in Fig. 5 or to provide for series flow as seen in Fig. 6.

Fig. 6 shows a plurality of treatment chambers 12 arranged to provide for series flow through a plurality of treatment chambers 12. In this arrangement, the output opening 36 of an output pipe 34 of a first treatment chamber 12 is aligned with an input opening 32 of an input pipe 30 of a second treatment chamber 12, and so on for the desired number of treatment chambers 12.

As shown in Fig. 7, a radiation treatment device 10 of the present invention may also include a cabinet 66 and related components. One or more treatment chambers 12 and sets of associated bulbs 14, reflectors 48, and input and output manifolds 58, 60 are housed within the cabinet 66. The cabinet 66 is preferably made primarily of stainless steel. Other components may be disposed within or positioned near the cabinet 66. For example, a power line 68 may supply power to controls 70 and to ballast 72 associated with each bulb 14, which may be housed in the cabinet 66 or separately above the cabinet 66. A fan 74 may be provided for cooling the ballast 72 and controls 70, and drain pipes 78 may be provided in the cabinet 66 floor. In the preferred embodiment, a separate fan 74 will be associated each modular Ulumination unit 46, with the fan 74 disposed to provide a positive pressure cabinet. It is of course understood that any number of different fan 74 arrangements may be used and that one or more fans may be disposed to provide either a positive pressure cabinet or a negative pressure cabinet. One or more input or output pipes 80, 82, and 84 may be provided, disposed in lower side walls of the cabinet 66. As best seen in Fig. 8, outer pipes 80 and 82 are disposed to align with input and output manifolds 58 and 60, respectively, to provide a path for parallel flow of liquid through the treatment chambers 12 such as when the treatment chambers 12 are aligned as depicted in Fig. 5 . The centrally located pipes 84 are disposed to align with input and output pipes 30 and 34 of the treatment chambers 12 when the treatment chambers 12 are aligned for series flow, such as seen in Fig. 6.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, in operation, a plurality of treatment chambers 12 are aligned as desired to provide for parallel or series flow through the desired number of treatment chambers 12. It is of course understood that a single treatment chamber 12 may also be used if desired. Once the treatment chambers 12 are aligned as desired and the cabinet doors 86 closed for added protection against exposure to UV radiation, the bulbs 14 are activated to provide UV radiation. The liquid to be treated is then provided to the device 10 at the desired pressure and flow rate. It is understood that the device 10 may be used in connection with most any liquid, including but not Limited to clear or opaque liquids such as water, including wastewater, juices, brines, marinades, beverages, and the like. It is also understood that the device 10 may be used in connection with any number of different forms of matter that may or may not be considered liquid but that may be forced to flow through the system. For example, the device may be used to treat gas or to treat any number of different forms of fluid matter, including but not limited to solid particulate matter, pastes, emulsions, gels, or the like, or combinations thereof. In parallel flow (Fig. 5) the liquid will pass through and fill the desired number of input manifold segments 58a, 58b, 58c and will pass from each input manifold 58 segment into an associated treatment chamber 12. As best seen in Fig. 1, the liquid passes through the input pipe 30, through the housing 26, and into the annulus 44 between the inner tube 18 and outer tube 20. The static mixer 22 routes the liquid in a tight spiral pattern along a helical path upward through the annulus 44 to an upper portion of the treatment chamber 12. As the liquid passes through the narrow annulus 44 in close proximity to the bulbs 14, UV radiation from the bulbs 14 provides the desired degree of disinfection. The use of the auger style static mixer 22 provides for significant mixing and churning of the liquid as it passes upward through the annulus 44 so that different portions of the liquid are constantly being moved closer to and further from the bulbs 14. This ensures thorough and even radiation exposure throughout the liquid and greatly reduces the chances of leaving isolated portions relatively untreated or significantly over-treated. The end cap 24 arrests upward flow of the liquid and redirects the liquid to flow downward through the inner tube 18. The liquid then passes through the inner tube 18, through the inner header tube 28, and through the output pipe 34. If the treatment chamber 12 is aligned to provide for parallel flow (Fig. 5), the liquid passes from the output pipe 34 to and through the associated output manifold 60 segment for further use or treatment. If the treatment chamber 12 is aligned to provide for series flow (Fig. 6), the liquid passes from the output pipe 34 of one treatment chamber 12 to the input pipe 30 of another treatment chamber 12 to repeat the process described above.

In the preferred embodiments, depicted in Figs. 9-12, when the liquid enters into the annulus 44 between the inner tube 18 and outer tube 20, the static mixer or flight segments 22a and 22b route the liquid in alternating, tight spiral patterns upward through the annulus 44 to an upper portion of the treatment chamber 12. A right hand segment 22a will begin to move the liquid in a clockwise, spiral pattern. The liquid will then pass through a short space to a left hand segment 22b which will tend to arrest the clockwise motion and will begin to move the liquid in a counter-clockwise, spiral pattern. The repeated changes in fluid flow directions provide for improved mixing of the liquid. A portion of the liquid will pass, roll, or flip over or through each gap 45 between the fright segment 22a or 22b and the outer tube 20, providing increased turbulence and eddies for improved mixing. The gap 45 also allows the device 10 to handle increased flow rates. As the liquid passes through the narrow annulus 44 in close proximity to the bulbs 14, UV radiation from the bulbs 14 provides the desired degree of disinfection. The combination of the alternating, auger style static mixer segments

22a and 22b and the gap 45 provides for significant mixing and churning of the liquid as it passes upward through the annulus 44 so that different portions of the liquid are constantly being moved closer to and further from the bulbs 14. This ensures thorough and even radiation exposure throughout the liquid and greatly reduces the chances of leaving isolated portions relatively untreated or significantly over-treated.

The rugged device 10 of the present invention may be operated under wide ranges or pressures and flow rates without fear of damaging the device 10. For example, the device 10 of the present invention may be safely operated at a working pressure reaching or exceeding a pressure that is preferably substantially within a range of from approximately 30 psig to approximately 60 psig and that is more preferably approximately 57 psig. The device 10 may withstand burst pressures reaching or exceeding a pressure that is preferably substantially within a range of from approximately 100 psig to approximately 300 psig and that is more preferably approximately 286 psig. Desired flow rates for many applications will typically be within a range of from approximately 1 gallon per minute to approximately 30 gallons per minute. Similarly, desired flow rates for clean in place cleaning will typically be less than or equal to approximately 25 gallons per minute. Still, much higher flow rates may be desirable for some applications, such as for the batch processing of juice. In the batch processing of juice, it is sometimes desirable to process flow rates reaching or exceeding approximately 70 gallons per minute. Because of limitations imposed by the relatively fragile nature of prior radiation treatment devices, it is not believed that LTV radiation treatment has been used in applications calling for such high flow rates. In contrast, the rigid construction of the present invention will preferably allow the present invention to safely process flows rates of up to approximately 30 gallons per minute, will more preferably allow the present invention to safely process flows rates of up to approximately 55 gallons per minute, and will most preferably allow the present invention to safely process flows rates of up to approximately 80 gallons per minute. A treatment chamber 12 as depicted in Fig. 1 is typically capable of achieving a desirable degree of reduction of microbial contamination while processing approximately 10 to 12 gallons per minute. A treatment chamber 12 as depicted in Fig. 9 is typically capable of achieving a desirable degree of reduction of microbial contamination while processing approximately 25 to 30 gallons per minute. Parallel flow is typically used for higher rates. Other modifications, changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. For example, any number of treatment chambers 12 may be used, from one to several. Similarly, although it is preferred to use a configuration of eight bulbs 14 per treatment chamber 12, any number of bulbs 14 may be used in connection with a treatment chamber 12, from one to several. Also, any number of different types of mixers 22 may be used in the annulus 44, or a mixer 22 may be omitted. Further, any number of different flow paths may be used, including but not limited to a flow path that is roughly the reverse of that described in the preferred embodiment. Similarly, strictly series flow may be used, strictly parallel flow may be used, or any number of combinations of series and parallel flows may be used. Also, the header 16 may be disposed in different locations, such as at the top of the treatment chamber 12. Similarly, any number of different methods may be used to route the fluid to or from the annulus 44 area and to or from the inner tube 18. Although bulbs 14 providing UV radiation are preferred, any number of different types of radiation and types of radiation sources 14 may be used depending upon the desired application. Further, the reflectors 48 may take any number of shapes, sizes or configurations or may be omitted. Further, the various static mixer configurations may be used with or without radiation and may find uses in any number of applications, such as in a wide variety of applications in which conventional static mixers are typically used. Further still, any number of different structures and arrangements may be used for supporting and aligning the various components of the device. Similarly, any number of different structures and arrangements may be provided for shielding users and surrounding environments from radiation exposure. Although the preferred embodiment is particularly useful for treating liquids, it is of course understood that the invention may be used in connection with treating any number of different forms of matter. For example, a device of the present invention may also be used to treat a gas or to treat fluid matter, including but not limited to solid particulate matter. It is of course understood that all quantitative information is given by way of example only and is not intended to lirnit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: an outer tube having an inner surface; an inner tube having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner tube being disposed within said outer tube so that said inner surface of said outer tube and said outer surface of said inner tube define an outer flow path and so that said inner surface of said inner tube defines an inner flow path, said inner tube having an opening, said opening placing said outer flow path in fluid flow communication with said inner flow path; a first static mixer segment extending outward from said outer surface of said inner tube into said outer flow path; a second static mixer segment extending outward from said outer surface of said inner tube into said outer flow path, said second static mixer segment being spaced longitudinally along said inner tube from said first static mixer segment ; and a radiation source disposed adjacent to said outer tube.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first static mixer segment comprises a first right hand helical member and said second static mixer segment comprises a first left hand helical member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said inner surface of said outer tube is separated from said outer surface of said inner tube by a first distance that is substantially within a range of from approximately 150/1000 inch to approximately ¹A inch.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said inner surface of said outer tube is separated from said outer surface of said inner tube by a first distance that is substantially within a range of from approximately 1/5 inch to approximately 2/5 inch.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said inner surface of said outer tube is separated from said outer surface of said inner tube by a first distance that is substantially within a range of from approximately 280/1000 inch to approximately 300/1000 inch.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first static mixer segment extends radially into said outer flow path a distance mat is substantially within a range of from approximately 30% to approximately 70% of a width of said flow path.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first static mixer segment extends radially into said outer flow path a distance that is substantially within a range of from approximately 40% to approximately 60% of a width of said flow path.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said outer tube comprises a fluoropolymer.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said outer tube comprises fiuorinated ethylene propylene.

10. An apparatus, comprising: a treatment chamber; and a radiation source disposed in close proximity to said treatment chamber, said radiation source comprising: a first segment disposed adjacent to said treatment chamber; and a second segment disposed adjacent to said treatment chamber; said first segment comprising: a first bracket; a first plurality of bulbs affixed to said first bracket; and a first clamshell reflector affixed to said first bracket, said first plurality of bulbs and said first clamshell reflector being aligned and disposed so mat said first clamshell reflector reflects radiation from said first plurality of bulbs toward said treatment chamber; and said second segment comprising: a second bracket; a second plurality of bulbs affixed to said second bracket; and a second clamshell reflector affixed to said second bracket, said second plurality of bulbs and said second clamshell reflector being aligned and disposed so that said second clamshell reflector reflects radiation from said second plurality of bulbs toward said treatment chamber.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first segment is hingedly connected to said second segment.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first clamshell reflector comprises: a first segment having a first cross section mat is semi-circular; a second segment having a second cross section that is semi-circular; and a third segment having a third cross section mat is serni-circular;

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said first cross section has a first arc length that is greater than approximately 45°, said second cross section has a second arc length that is greater than approximately 45°, and said third cross section has a third arc length that is greater than approximately 45° .

14. A method, comprising: (1) providing a first tube and a second tube, said second tube being disposed at least partially within said first tube, said second tube having a plurality of alternating right hand and left hand helical static mixer segments extending outward toward said first tube;

(2) passing a liquid between an inner wall of said first tube and an outer wall of said second tube;

(3) irradiating said liquid as said liquid passes between said inner wall of said first tube and said outer wall of said second tube; and

(4) before or after step (2), passing said liquid through an interior of said second tube.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein step (4) comprises: after step (2), passing said liquid through said interior of said second tube.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein step (1) comprises: providing said first tube and said second tube, said second tube being disposed at least partially within said fust tube, said second tube having said plurality of alternating right hand and left hand helical static mixer segments extending outward toward said first tube but not contacting said first tube.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein (3) comprises: irradiating said liquid with a UV bulb as said liquid passes between said inner wall of said first tube and said outer wall of said second tube.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: passing at least a portion of said liquid between said inner wall of said first tube and at least one of said plurality of alternating right hand and left hand helical static mixer segments.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: passing at least a portion of said liquid between said inner wall of said first tube and said plurality of alternating right hand and left hand helical static mixer segments.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein step (2) comprises: passing said liquid through an annulus formed between an inner wall of said first tube and an outer wall of said second tube, said annulus having a width that is substantially within a range of from approximately 150/1000 inch to approximately V. inch.