System and method for controlling microorganisms and biofilms

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling the presence and growth of microorganisms and biofilms in water lines is provided. The systems include, for example, a valved, multi-port control manifold for accepting inlet water to be treated and a filter for (1) reducing particulate physical matter, (2) further reducing particulate matter while also reducing the content of absorbable organics, and (3) physically removing microorganisms. The system further includes a mixing reservoir or chamber with specialized means for injecting active agents such as biocides for additional control of planktonic and sessile microbes. An optional pressurized storage vessel for retaining and delivering filtered and treated water is also disclosed. The methods include, for example, the step of introducing an aqueous cleaner derived from natural citrus botanicals into a water system.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A filter for a fluid delivery system, the filter comprising 
 (a) a pre-filter for providing oxidation reduction reactions with the fluid to be filtered;    (b) a bio-filter substantially surrounded by the pre-filter and for filtering microbials from the fluid; and    (c) a resilient spring device and a porous material, the resilient spring device and porous material maintaining the pre-filter in a substantially compacted state.    
     
     
         2 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the pre-filter comprises a zinc material.  
     
     
         3 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the pre-filter comprises a copper material.  
     
     
         4 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the pre-filter comprises a material having a zinc and copper blend.  
     
     
         5 . The filter of  claim 4  wherein the pre-filter further comprises a substantially cylindrical shape.  
     
     
         6 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the bio-filter comprises a ceramic microbial filter.  
     
     
         7 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the bio-filter comprises a porous material.  
     
     
         8 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the bio-filter comprises a porous material having an approximately 0.9 micron pore structure.  
     
     
         9 . The filter of  claim 8  wherein the bio-filter further comprises a polypropylene material housing the porous material.  
     
     
         10 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the resilient device comprises at least one compression spring.  
     
     
         11 . The filter of  claim 10  wherein the resilient device comprises a food-grade material.  
     
     
         12 . The filter of  claim 10  wherein the resilient device comprises a material having polypropylene.