THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a field of treatment of water. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable apparatus and method for treatment of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Consumption of contaminated water cause severe diseases. This can be largely obviated by using treated water. However, in many situations such as while travelling, field military operations and in various recreational activities like hiking or camping , availability of treated water is difficult and people are forced to consume untreated water.

[003] Also, in developing countries, almost any source of water is circumspect and so it is desirable to purify water before drinking it. A portable, compact and easy to use water treatment system which can purify a required amount of water in a short period of time will ensure safe water in such situations. Portable water treatment devices are known in the art. These devices render instant purification of water by using ultra violet radiation, electrolytic cells to increase the content of oxygen and chlorine in water. Another device described in the art is in the form of a straw where the interior of the straw is filled with materials to remove contaminating substances. The use of disinfectant releasing tablets of various formulations for instant water purification is also described in the art.

[004] The portable water purification devices or systems described in the art have limitations, systems based on UV radiation and electrolytic cells need batteries and are fragile and expensive. Filtering straws are bulky, can clog and are cumbersome to operate due to requirement of manual suction. Disinfectant releasing purification tablets are formulated to release high concentrations of disinfectants in the water and the resulting purified water may not be aesthetically pleasing for consumption. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] In one aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a portable apparatus for treatment of water. The portable apparatus comprises of an elongated rod comprising a first end adapted to support and hold the elongated rod and at least one pad holder coupled to the elongated rod near to a second end of the elongated rod. The pad holder further comprises at least one pad matrix. The pad matrix is configured to collect and store at least one disinfectant, such that the pad matrix releases a predefined amount of the disinfectant at a time the pad matrix is immersed in a predefined amount of water for a predefined time to ensure a predefined concentration. The portable apparatus further comprises a casing configured to recharge the pad matrix with a predefined amount of the disinfectant at a time the elongated rod is plugged in the casing after every use, and hold the elongated rod at a time the elongated rod is not in use. The casing further comprises at least one chamber with an opening for inserting and holding the elongated rod at a time the elongated rod is not in use, the chamber comprising at least one permeable membrane and at least one chemical tablet positioned on the other side of the permeable membrane, such that the chemical tablet touches the pad matrix of the elongated rod via the permeable membrane to facilitate recharging of the pad matrix with the predefined amount of the disinfectant. The casing further comprises an elastic means placed between the tablet and the casing, the elastic means configured to hold the chemical tablet so as to ensure a regular contact of the chemical tablet with the permeable membrane. The permeable membrane configured to allow diffusion of the disinfectant from the chemical tablet to the pad matrix in order to recharge the pad matrix. The permeable membrane is further configured to hold the chemical tablet in a manner such that the chemical tablet remains in place within the casing at a time of an unplugged condition of the elongated rod.

[006] In another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a portable apparatus for treatment of water. The portable apparatus comprises an elongated rod comprising a first end to hold the elongated rod. The portable apparatus comprises at least one pad holder coupled to the elongated rod near to a second end of the elongated rod, the second end of the elongated rod meant for immersion in a predefined volume of water stored in a container for a predefined time. The portable apparatus further comprises the pad holder comprising at least one pad matrix, the pad matrix is further pre-configured to store at least one disinfectant in a manner, such that the pad matrix releases a predefined amount of the disinfectant into the predefined volume of water to result a predefined concentration of the disinfectant in the water to be treated.

[007] In another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a method for treatment of water with a portable apparatus. The method for treatment of water comprises taking a predefined volume of water to be treated. The method comprises unplugging of an elongated rod from a casing from the portable apparatus, immersing and stirring the elongated rod coupled to a pad matrix for a predefined time in the predefined volume of water to be treated. The pad matrix further comprises a disinfectant, further the pad matrix releases the predefined amount of the disinfectant stored therein. The portable apparatus is recharged by way of recharging the pad matrix of the portable apparatus by plugging it in the casing. The recharging of the pad matrix with the disinfectant further comprises dampening of surface of a chemical tablet by touching the pad matrix, wherein due to moisture present in the pad matrix, the chemical tablet gets wet. The pad matrix is recharged by allowing dissolution of the chemical tablet at dampening surface of the chemical tablet and diffusing of the dissolved chemical into the pad matrix with the chemical released from the chemical tablet.

[008] In yet another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a method for treatment of water with a portable apparatus. The method for treatment of water comprises taking a predefined volume of water to be treated in a container. The method further comprises immersing and stirring an elongated rod of the portable apparatus for a predefined time period in the container having the water, the elongated rod coupled to a pad holder. The pad holder comprising at least one pad matrix, the pad matrix comprises at least one disinfectant, such that the pad matrix releases a predefined amount of the disinfectant in a predefined volume of water to achieve a predefined concentration of the disinfectant in the water to be treated.

[009] In yet another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a method for preparing a portable apparatus. The method comprises selecting an elongated rod by selecting predefined parameters. The method comprises preparing a solution of disinfectant chemicals in a predefined concentration to be absorbed by a pad matrix coupled to the elongated rod. The method further comprises selecting and fixing a pad matrix of suitable absorption material, such that the absorptive material is capable of soaking the solution of disinfectant inside the pad matrix. The method further comprises drying the solution of disinfectant so soaked inside the pad matrix, such that the disinfectant is released while the elongated rod is immersed in water. The method further comprises covering the pad matrix with suitable material such that absorbed chemical in the pad matrix remains intact over a period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a portable apparatus for treatment of water according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a dual disinfectant portable apparatus for treatment of water according to alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of elongated rod according to alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of pad matrix according to alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of the portable apparatus for the method of treatment of water according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a dual disinfectant elongated rod ^' according to alternate embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In the following detailed description references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical and further changes may be made without departing from the scope of the current embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0018] A portable apparatus for the treatment of water before consumption is disclosed here.

The portable apparatus comprises an elongated rod. The elongated rod includes a pad matrix coupled to a pad holder. The pad matrix may comprise at least one disinfectant. Alternatively, the elongated rod may comprise multiple pad matrixes containing different disinfectants. The pad matrix coupled to the elongated rod, when stirred in water releases the disinfectant into the water such that the released disinfectant inactivates microbial contamination present in the water.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a portable apparatus 10 adapted for treatment of water. The portable apparatus 10 comprises an elongated rod 12 comprising a first end 21 adapted to hold the elongated rod 12. At least one pad holder 14 is coupled to the elongated rod 12 near to a second end 19 of the elongated rod 12. The pad holder 14 further comprises at least one pad matrix 16 at its one end 30, wherein the pad matrix 16 is configured to collect and store at least one disinfectant 18.

[0020] The portable apparatus 10 comprises a casing 20 with a chamber 23, the casing 20 is configured to recharge the pad matrix 16 of the elongated rod 12 with the disinfectant 18, further the casing 20 holds the elongated rod 12 when not in use. The casing 20 further comprises a chemical tablet 24, a permeable membrane 26 and an elastic means 22. The permeable membrane 26 is placed inside the casing 20, just below the pad matrix 16 and configured to allow flow of the chemicals from the chemical tablet 24. The chemical tablet 24 is placed below the permeable membrane 26 and is configured to recharge the pad matrix 16 with a predefined amount of the chemical. The elastic means 22 is placed between the chemical tablet 24 and the casing 20 and the elastic means 22 is configured to ensure regular contact of the chemical tablet 24 with the pad matrix 16. The elastic means 22 may further include but is not limited to a spring.

[0021] The portable apparatus further comprises of an indicator 32 coupled with the casing 20 and the chemical tablet 24. The indicator is configured to indicate the complete exhaustion of the chemical tablet 24 inside the casing 20.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the elongated rod 12 is made from suitable material selected from a group of plastic, metal, wood, foam, ceramics, fired clay, paper or rubber and combinations thereof. Size of the elongated rod 12 may be in the rage of 2 cm to 200 cm. Further, shape of the elongated rod 12 may include circular, triangular, oval, rectangular, spherical, conical, ellipsoidal, trapezoidal, hexagonal, pentagonal or rectangular pentagonal.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the pad matrix 16 is coupled to the pad holder 14 by means of an adhesive or a fastener. Size of the pad holder 14 is selected from a range of 1 mm to 500 mm. Width of the pad matrix 16 is selected from a range of 1 mm to 500 mm, length is selected from a range of 1mm to 200 mm and shape of the pad matrix 16 may be selected from a group of circular, triangular, oval, rectangular, spherical, conical, ellipsoidal, trapezoidal, hexagonal, pentagonal, and rectangular pentagonal.

[0024] In another embodiment, the elongated rod 12 is configured to act as a stirrer to further enhance the release and dissolution of the disinfectant 18 into the water.

[0025] Operation of the portable apparatus 10 is explained in view of figure 1. The elongated rod 12 is plugged into the casing 20 through an opening 28 of the chamber 23. The casing 20 is configured to hold the elongated rod 12 at a time the elongated rod 12 is not in use and to recharge the pad matrix 16 with the a predefined amount of the disinfectant 18 after every use of the elongated rod 12 for treatment of water.

[0026] The permeable membrane 26 is configured to allow diffusion of the predefined amount of the disinfectant 18 from the chemical tablet 24 to the pad matrix 16 in order to recharge the pad matrix 16. The permeable membrane 26 is further configured to hold the chemical tablet 24 such that the chemical tablet 24 remains in place within the casing. The chemical tablet 24 remains in place means that the chemical tablet 24 does not come out of the casing 20 due to tilting or inverting of the casing 20 at the time when the elongated rod 12 is in unplugged condition.

[0027] The pad matrix 16 is dampened after use of the portable apparatus 10 in treating the water from previous operation or use. The pad matrix 16 which is dampened comes in contact with the permeable membrane 26 and top surface 34 of the chemical tablet 24. Further, due to the pad matrix 16 being wet, the permeable membrane 26 gets wet which in turn dampens the chemical tablet 24. Due to the presence of the water at top surface 34 of the chemical tablet 24, the chemical tablet 24 dissolves at the top surface 34 of the chemical tablet 24 and saturates the pad matrix 16 with the chemical by the way of diffusion owing to concentration gradient which is set up across the top surface 34 of the chemical tablet 24 and interior of the pad matrix 16.

[0028] Dimensions of the pad matrix 16 and formulation and dimensions and composition of the chemical tablet 24 are selected such that the disinfectant 18 in the pad matrix 16 so saturated, contains a predefined amount of the disinfectant 18 and upon saturation the disinfectant 18 remains within the pad matrix 16 when the pad matrix 16 is in contact with the chemical tablet 24 through the permeable membrane 26.

[0029] Availability of the disinfectant chemical tablet 24 (or the chemical tabiet 24) when the elongated rod 12 is re-plugged into the casing 20 ensures recharge of the disinfectant 18 in the pad matrix 16 after every use of the portable apparatus 10. Force exerted by the elastic means 22 on the chemical tablet 24 ensures physical contact between the pad matrix 16 and the chemical tablet 24 at the time of recharging.

[0030] In another embodiment, the portable apparatus 10 for treating the water is used several times until the chemical tablet 24 is consumed completely. The complete consumption is further indicated to the user by the indicator 32.

[0031] Still referring to figure 1, in order to treat the water, the elongated rod 12 is taken out from the casing 20. The pad matrix 16 is immersed in the water and the elongated rod 12 is stirred in the water to be treated. The disinfectant 18 stored in the pad matrix 16 gets released in the water at a time the elongated rod 12 is stirred. The amount of the disinfectant 18 released in the water results into a predefined concentration which is below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) value of the disinfectant. During stirring of the elongated rod 12 in the water, the pad matrix 16 also gets saturated with the water. Upon stirring the elongated rod 12 for predefined time in the water, the elongated rod 12 is removed from the water and the elongated rod 12 is re -plugged into the casing 20 via the opening 28 in the chamber 23. The disinfectant 18 released into the water inactivates microbial contaminants present in the water. The disinfectant 18 released into the water further makes the water safe for consumption without significantly altering taste and odor of the water.

[0032] In another embodiment, the pad matrix 16 is pre-configured to store the disinfectant 18 such that at a time, the pad matrix 16 is in contact of the water, the pad matrix 16 releases predefined amount of the disinfectant 18 in predefined amount of water so as to achieve a concentration below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) value of the disinfectant. Further, the concentration of the disinfectant 18 in the water after the elongated rod 12 so stirred in the water is selected from a range of 0.1 parts per million to 10 parts per million.

[0033] In another embodiment, the volume of the water to be treated is selected from a range of 20 ml to 1000 liters.

[0034] In one embodiment, the permeable membrane 26 may be constructed of any suitable material selected from a group of foam, cotton, canvas, felt, nylon, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester in the form of woven ^' cloth or non- woven cloth such as woven cloth made of nylon.

[0035] In another embodiment, the chemical tablet 24 may be in a form of a solid or hollow circular cylinder, oval cylinder, square or rectangular prism, slab, bar or ring. The chemical tablet 24 may be composed of a combination of disinfectant releasing components, additives, lubricants, and binders.

[0036] In another embodiment, the chemical tablet 24 releasing disinfectant chemical may comprise halogen releasing compound such as chlorine releasing compound including but not limited to sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, trichloroisocaynuric acid, Chloramine T, bromochloro-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin, N- Halamine, providine iodine, tri and pentaiodide, hypoiodous acid and combination thereof. In addition, the disinfectant releasing compound may be metal salts like silver nitrate, silver chloride, copper sulphate, and zinc sulphate, metal nanoparticles like nano silver, nano copper, nano zinc, nano aluminum, nano copper oxide, nano iron oxide, nano aluminum oxide, and nano titanium dioxide, metal oxides like aluminum oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioixde and ferric oxide, metal hydroxides, such as ferric hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide and calcium peroxide, peracetic acid, performic acid, chlorine dioxide and combinations of thereof.

[0037] In another embodiment, the chemical tablet 24 composed of additives may include but are not limited to calcium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium persulphate, potassium phosphate, dibasic calcium phosphate, aluminium sulphate, ferric sulphate, aluminium hydroxide, ferric hydroxide, adipic acid, boric acid, cellulose, starch, glucose, lactose, mannitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof. Further, the additives may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 90 % by weight.

[0038] In another embodiment, the chemical tablet 24 composed of binders which may include but are not limited to sucrose, lactose, starch, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sorbitol, mannitol, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), PVP K-30, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and combinations thereof. Further, the binders may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 60 % by weight.

[0039] In another embodiment, the chemical tablet 24 composed of lubricants which may include but not limited to talc, silica, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and combinations thereof. Further, the lubricants may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 60 % by weight.

[0040] In another embodiment, a method for treatment of water with a portable apparatus 10 is provided. The method for treatment of water comprises taking a predefined volume of water to be treated. The method comprises unplugging of an elongated rod 12 from a casing 20 from the portable apparatus 10, immersing and stirring the elongated rod 12 coupled to a pad matrix 16 for a predefined time in the predefined volume of water to be treated. The pad matrix 16 further comprises a disinfectant 18, further the pad matrix 16 releases the predefined amount of the disinfectant 18 stored therein. The portable apparatus is recharged by way of recharging the pad matrix 16 of the portable apparatus 10 by plugging it in the casing 20. The recharging of the pad matrix 16 with the disinfectant 18 further comprises dampening of surface 34 of a chemical tablet 24 by touching the pad matrix 16. The pad matrix 16 becomes wet by water in the process of treatment of water. Due to moisture present in the pad matrix 16, the chemical tablet 24 gets wet. The pad matrix 16 is recharged by allowing dissolution of the chemical tablet 24 at dampening surface 34 of the chemical tablet 24 and diffusion of the dissolved chemical into the pad matrix 16 in order to recharge the pad matrix 16 with the chemical released from the chemical tablet 24.

[0041] In another embodiment, the method for treatment of water with the portable apparatus further comprises adding chlorine to a concentration of in the range of 0.1 to 2 parts per million (ppm) into the water to be treated for 5 seconds to 30 minutes. Further, the method comprises allowing inactivation of micro organisms in the range of 90% to 99.9999%.

[0042] Figure 2 shows an illustrative view of a dual disinfectant portable apparatus 50 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The dual disinfectant portable apparatus 50 comprises an elongated rod 52 comprising a first end 51 adapted to hold the elongated rod 52. At least one pad holder 54 is coupled to the elongated rod 52 near to a second end 53 of the elongated rod 52. The pad holder 54 further comprises a first pad matrix 56 and a second pad matrix 70, wherein the first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 collect and store a first disinfectant 58 and a second disinfectant 72 respectively.

[0043] The dual disinfectant portable apparatus 50 comprises a casing 60 configured to recharge the first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 with the first disinfectant 58 and the second disinfectant 72 respectively, further the casing 60 provides support to the elongated rod 52. The casing 60 further comprises a first elastic means 62 configured to hold a first chemical tablet 64, the first elastic means 62 ensures a regular contact of the first chemical tablet 64 with the first pad matrix 56. The casing 60 further comprises a second elastic means 76 configured to hold a second chemical tablet 74, the second elastic means 76 ensures a regular contact of the second chemical tablet 74 with the second pad matrix 70. [0044] The dual disinfectant portable apparatus 50 further comprises a first permeable membrane 66, wherein the first chemical tablet 64 is in physical contact with the first pad matrix 56 by means of the first permeable membrane 66. The dual disinfectant portable apparatus 50 further comprises a second permeable membrane 78, wherein the second chemical tablet 74 is in physical contact with the second pad matrix 70 by means of the second permeable membrane 78.

[0045] Further, the first elastic means 62 holds the first chemical tablet 64 such that the first chemical tablet 64 is in contact with the first permeable membrane 66. The second elastic means 76 holds the second chemical tablet 74 such that the second chemical tablet 74 is in contact with the second permeable membrane 78.

[0046] The elongated rod 52 comprises the first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70, the elongated rod 52 is immersed and stirred in the water such that the first disinfectant 58 and the second disinfectant 72 are released into the water. The first disinfectant 58 and the second disinfectant 72 are recharged respectively in the. first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 by way of using the casing 60.

[0047] The first chemical tablet 64 may be in the form of a cylindrical, slab or bar, oval cylinder, triangular, square or rectangular prism. . The first chemical tablet 64 may be composed of a combination of halogen releasing components, additives, lubricants, and binders. -

[0048] Examples of the first disinfectant 58 may include but are not limited to halogen releasing compounds may include but are not limited to sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, trichloroisocaynuric acid, chloramine T, bromochloro-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin, N-Halamine, providine iodine, tri and pentaiodide, hypoiodous acid and combination thereof and peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide and calcium peroxide, peracetic acid, performic acid, chlorine dioxide and combinations of thereof.

[0049] Examples of additives include, but are not limited to, calcium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium persulphate, potassium phosphate, dibasic calcium phosphate, aluminium sulphate, ferric sulphate,, aluminium hydroxide, ferric hydroxide, adipic acid, boric acid, cellulose, starch, glucose, lactose, mannitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof. Further, the additives may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 90 % by weight.

[0050] Examples of the binders include, but are not limited to, sucrose, lactose, starch, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sorbitol, mannitol, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), PVP K-30, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and combinations thereof. Further, the binders may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 60 % by weight.

[0051] Additionally, the lubricants may include" talc, silica, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and combinations thereof. Further, the lubricants may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 60 % by weight.

[0052] The second chemical tablet 74 may be in the form of a cylindrical, slab or bar, circular, oval cylinder, triangular, square or rectangular prism.. The second chemical tablet 74 may be composed of a combination of disinfectant releasing components, additives, lubricants, and binders.

[0053] Examples of the second disinfectant 72 may include but are not limited to metal salts such as silver nitrate, silver chloride, copper sulphate, and zinc sulphate, metal nanoparticles like nano silver, nano copper, nano zinc, nano aluminum, nano copper oxide, nano iron oxide, nano aluminum oxide, and nano titanium dioxide; metal oxides like aluminum oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioixde and ferric oxide; metal hydroxides, such as ferric hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide and combinations of thereof.

[0054] Example of additives include, but are not limited to, calcium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium persulphate, potassium phosphate, dibasic calcium phosphate, aluminium sulphate, ferric sulphate, aluminium hydroxide, ferric hydroxide, adipic acid, boric acid, cellulose, starch, glucose, lactose, mannitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof. Further, the additives may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 90 % by weight. [0055] Examples of the binders include, but are not limited to, sucrose, lactose, starch, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sorbitol, mannitol, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), PVP K-30, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and combinations thereof. Further, the binders may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 60 % by weight.

[0056] Additionally, the lubricants, in one example, may include talc, silica, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and combinations thereof. Further, the lubricants may be added in the range of about 0 % to about 60 % by weight.

[0057] Still referring to figure 2, at a time of operation, the elongated rod 52 is plugged into a chamber 61 of the casing 60 through an opening 68 ^x The first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 are dampened after the use of the dual disinfectant portable apparatus 50 in treating the water. The first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 are already dampened due to previous use or operation come in contact with the first permeable membrane 66 and the second permeable membrane 78 respectively. Further, due to the first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 being wet, the first permeable membrane 66 and the second permeable membrane 78 get wet which in turn dampens the first chemical tablet 64 and the second chemical tablet 74.

[0058] Due to the presence of the water at top surface 63 of the first chemical tablet 64 and at top surface 65 of the second chemical tablet 74, the first chemical tablet 64 and second chemical tablet 74 dissolve at the top surface 63 and top surface 65 respectively and saturates the first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matri 70 by way of diffusion of the chemicals owing to concentration gradient which is set up across the top surface 63 of the first chemical tablet 64 and at the top surface 65 of second chemical tablet 74 and to interiors of the first pad matrix 56 and second pad matrix 70 respectively.

[0059] In order to treat the water, the elongated rod 52 is taken out from the casing 60 and the elongated rod 52 is stirred in the water to be treated. The first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 are immersed in the water. The first disinfectant 58 and second disinfectant 72 stored in the first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 respectively get released in the water at a time the elongated rod 52 is stirred. During the time the elongated rod 52 is stirred, the first pad matrix 56 and the second pad matrix 70 get saturated with water. Upon stirring the elongated rod 52 for predefined time in the water, the elongated rod 52 is removed from the water and the elongated rod 52 is re-plugged into the chamber 61 provided in the casing 60 via the opening 68. The first disinfectant 58 and the second disinfectant 72 released into the water inactivate microbial contaminants present in the water. The first disinfectant 58 and the second disinfectant 72 released into the water further makes the water safe for consumption without significantly altering taste and odor of the water.

[0060] The use of two different disinfectants for purification of water ensures that the microbial contaminants present in the water are inactivated over a shorter contact time. Further, broader group of microorganisms can be treated with one elongated rod. Additionally, use of two different disinfectants reduces the requirement of high concentrations of single disinfectant for attaining same level of inactivation and thereby reducing amount of residual disinfectants present in the water. Further, lower amounts of the disinfectants are released into the water, in order not to alter taste and odor of the water significantly.

[0061] The dual disinfectant portable apparatus 50 may be recharged and reused by refilling the first pad matrix 56 with the first disinfectant and the second pad matrix 70 with the second disinfectant 72.

[0062] Details of the second pad matrix 70 and the second disinfectant 72 are designed in similar way as is done for the single elongated rod 52.

[0063] The operation and construction of the portable apparatus with more than one pad matrix, more than one pad holder and multiple number of other components are similar to what has been disclosed for the portable apparatus in figure 1. This is further to be understood by a person skilled in the art that selection of materials and parameters is also similar to what have been disclosed throughout the specification of the portable apparatus in figure 1 and the intent is not to limit scope of invention.

[0064] Although the embodiment is described herein for the use of two disinfectants, it may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the embodiments may be readily modified to relate the use of multiple disinfectants. [0065] In another embodiment, the method comprises adding chlorine in the water to a concentration in the range of 0.1 to 2 parts per million which is below MCL level for chlorine along with the addition, of silver to water to a concentration in the range of 1 to 100 parts per billion of silver which is below the MCL level for silver into water. Further, the method comprises allowing inactivation of by 90% to 99.9999% microorganisms in the water by the way of synergistic action of the disinfectants.

[0066] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the elongated rod 102 and the pad matrix 106 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The elongated rod 102 comprises a first end 108 adapted to hold the elongated rod 102. The elongated rod 102 further comprises at least one pad holder 204 coupled to the elongated rod 102 near to a second end 110 of the elongated rod 102. The second end 110 of the elongated rod 102 is meant for immersion in a predefined volume of water stored in the water container 104 for a predefined time.

[0067] The pad holder 204 located at second end 110 of the elongated rod 102 comprises the pad matrix 106. The pad matrix 106 comprises a disinfectant 304. The pad matrix 106 is further pre-configured to store the disinfectant 304 such that the pad matrix 106 releases predefined amount of the disinfectant 304 into the predefined volume of water to result a predefined concentration of the disinfectant in the water.

[0068] The pad matrix 106 is coupled to the pad holder 204 by means of an adhesive or a fastener. Further, size of the pad holder 204 may be in range of 1mm to 500 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the pad matrix 106 may be in the range of 1 mm to 500 mm and length of the pad matrix 106 may be in the range of 1 mm to 200 mm. The pad matrix 106 may be in the shape including but not limited to circular, triangular, oval, rectangular, spherical, conical, ellipsoidal, trapezoidal, hexagonal, pentagonal, and rectangular pentagonal. As showing in figure 4, the pad matrix 106 is incorporated with the disinfectant 304.

[0069] In another embodiment, the elongated rod 102 is configured to act as a stirrer to further enhance the release from the pad matrix 106 and dissolution of the disinfectant 304 into the water.

[0070] In one embodiment, the pad matrix 106 comprises a matrix which may comprise porous matrix. The matrix may be made from any suitable porous material including but not limited to woven or non-woven cloth, cotton, cotton gauze, polyurethane foam, sponge of polyvinyl alcohol-acetal copolymer, paper, polypropylene, vermiculite, cellulose fiber , clay, cross linked polymer, rubber, activated carbon fiber, porous ceramics, synthetic and natural organic polymers, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the matrix may be pre-loaded with suitable amount of the disinfectant 304 configured to releases a predefined amount of the disinfectant 304 into the water.

[0071] In another embodiment of the invention, the pad holder 204 may comprise multiple matrixes in order to store and release multiple disinfectants 304 at the same time.

[0072] The disinfectant 304 incorporated in the pad matrix 106 may include but not limited to halogens such as chlorine, bromine and iodine, halogen releasing compounds such as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, trichloroisocaynuric acid, chloramine T, bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH), N-Halamine, providine iodine, tri and pentaiodide, and hypoiodous acid, metal salts such as silver nitrate, silver chloride, copper sulphate, and zinc sulphate, metal nanoparticles such as nano silver, nano copper, nano zinc, nano aluminum, nano copper oxide, nano iron oxide, nano aluminum oxide, and nano titanium dioxide, metal oxides such as aluminum oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioixde and ferric oxide; metal hydroxides, such as ferric hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide and calcium peroxide, peracetic acid, performic acid, chlorine dioxide and combinations of thereof.

[0073] The disinfectant 304 is incorporated into the matrix of the pad matrix 106 by using various processes such as coating, sprinkling, deposition, in-situ generation, soaking or any other suitable method preferably by soaking.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment the disinfectant 304 is incorporated into the pad matrix 106 by soaking the pad matrix in solution of disinfectant 304 with concentration in the range of 20. parts per million to 20000 parts per million followed by drying.

[0075] Figure 5 illustrates a method for the treatment of water using portable apparatus 100.

The portable apparatus 100 comprises an elongated rod 102 in a water container 104. A pad matrix 106 is coupled to the elongated rod 102. The pad matrix 106 is provided with a pre-defined amount of disinfectant 304.

[0076] The method for treatment of water comprises taking a predefined volume of water to be treated in a container 104. The method further comprises immersing and stirring of an elongated rod 102 of the portable apparatus 100 for a predefined time period in the container 104 having the water, the elongated rod 102 is coupled to a pad holder 204. The pad holder 204 comprises at least one pad matrix 106, the pad matrix 106 comprises at least one disinfectant 304, such that the pad matrix 106 releases a predefined amount of the disinfectant 304 in a predefined volume of water to achieve a predefined concentration of disinfectant 304 for the treatment of water.

[0077] The operation of the portable apparatus 100 to treat the water is explained with the help of figures 3, 4 and 5. The second end 110 of the elongated rod 102 with the pad matrix 106 is immersed in the water container 104 for a predetermined time. The elongated rod 102 may also act as a stirrer in the water while the elongated rod 102 is, operated in order to release the disinfectant 304 into the water. The disinfectant 304 incorporated in the pad matrix 106 gets released into the water when the pad matrix 106 comes in contact with the water. The elongated rod 102 comprising the pad matrix 106, when stirred in the water, releases the disinfectant 304 into the water.

[0078] The pad matrix 106 comprising of porous absorptive material is intended to hold and release the disinfectant 304 into the water to ensure dissolution of the disinfectant 304. The disinfectant 304 released into water, upon dissolving in the water inactivates microbial contamination present in the water. The amount of disinfectant 304 released into the water is predetermined. The amount of the disinfectant 304 released into the water purifies the water which makes it safe for consumption without significantly altering the taste and odor of the water.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, amount of the water to be treated is selected from a range of 20 ml to 1000 liters. Further, the predetermined time to immerse the pad matrix 106 in the water is in the range of 5 seconds to 30 minutes.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad matrix 106 is soaked in a disinfectant solution (not shown) containing a specific concentration of the disinfectant 304 for a predetermined period of time. Upon soaking, the residual disinfectant solution is drained out of the pad matrix 106. The pad matrix 106 is then dried. During the time of drying, the water in the disinfectant solution evaporates and the disinfectant 304 remains within the porous network of the matrix. The disinfectant 304 which is impregnated in the pad matrix 106, when comes in contact with the water, delivers the disinfectant 304 into the water due to immersion and stirring action of the elongated rod 102.

[0081] The concentration of the disinfectant 304 incorporated in the matrix is such that when the elongated rod 102 is stirred in the water to be purified, it releases the amount of disinfectant 304 into the water so as to achieve a concentration below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) value of the disinfectant 304 as per drinking water standards. Further, concentration of the disinfectant 304 in the water after the elongated rod 102 is stirred in the water is selected from a range of 0.1 parts per million to 10 parts per million. The concentration of the disinfectant 304 below its MCL limit makes the resulting water safe for consumption. Also, the concentrations of the disinfectant 304 selected do not significantly change taste and odor of the purified water.

[0082] The stability and shelf life of the disinfectant 304 incorporated in the pad matrix 106 may be retained by keeping the outer surface of the pad matrix 106 covered with a pad covering (not shown) till the time it is used in order to protect the disinfectant 304 stored therein. The pad covering protects the pad matrix 106 from direct exposure to environment before its use. The pad covering may be made from any suitable material including but not limited to parchment paper, cellophane, LDPE, Teflon®, polyethylene, polystyrene, Styrofoam®, plastic, rubber, metal foil, paraffin wax strips, hydrophobic cloth and combinations of thereof. The pad covering of the pad matrix 106 may be applied by using any suitable means including but not limited to a peel-off cover over the surface of the pad matrix 106, a wrapping around the pad, housing the elongated rod 102 in a sealed air tight package, dipping the pad matrix 106 or the elongated rod 102 in a solution containing the pad covering material and combinations of thereof. The pad covering may be partially or completely removed before immersing the elongated rod 102 in the water to be purified.

[0083] Figure 6 illustrates a dual disinfectant elongated rod 402 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The dual disinfectant elongated rod 402 comprises a primary pad matrix 106 and a secondary pad matrix 404. The primary pad matrix 106 is incorporated with a primary disinfectant 304 and the secondary pad matrix 404 is incorporated with a secondary disinfectant 406 respectively.

[0084] The primary pad matrix 106 and the secondary pad matrix 404 are coupled to surface of the pad holder 204. The dual disinfectant elongated rod 402 when stirred in water releases the two different disinfectants 304 and 406 into the water.

[0085] Examples of the primary disinfectant 304 released into the water further comprises of halogens such as chlorine, bromine and iodine, halogen releasing compounds such as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, trichloroisocaynuric acid, chloramine T, bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH), N-Halamine, providine iodine, tri and pentaiodide, and hypoiodous acid and peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide and calcium peroxide, peracetic acid, performic acid, chlorine dioxide and combinations of thereof.

[0086] In one embodiment, the primary pad matrix 106 comprises a matrix which may comprise porous matrix. The matrix may be made from any suitable porous material including but not limited to woven or non-woven cloth, cotton, cotton gauze, polyurethane foam, sponge of polyvinyl alcohol-acetal copolymer, paper, polypropylene, vermiculite, cellulose fiber, clay, cross linked polymer, rubber, activated carbon fiber, porous ceramics, synthetic and natural organic polymers, and combinations thereof.

[0087] Examples of the secondary disinfectant 406 released into the water further comprises of metal salts like silver nitrate, silver chloride, copper sulphate, and zinc sulphate, metal nanoparticles like nano silver, nano copper, nano zinc, nano aluminum, nano copper oxide, nano iron oxide, nano aluminum oxide, and nano titanium dioxide, metal oxides like aluminum oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioixde and ferric oxide, metal hydroxides, such as ferric hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide and combinations of thereof.

[0088] In one embodiment, the secondary pad matrix 106 comprises a matrix which may comprise porous matrix. The matrix may be made from any suitable porous material including but not limited to woven or non-woven cloth, cotton, cotton gauze, polyurethane foam, sponge of polyvinyl alcohol-acetal copolymer, paper, polypropylene, vermiculite, cellulose fiber , clay, cross linked polymer, rubber, activated carbon fiber, porous ceramics, synthetic and natural organic polymers, and combinations thereof.

[0089] The use of two different disinfectants 304 and 406 to purify the water may inactivate microbial contaminants over a shorter contact time as compared to use of the elongated rod 102 having single disinfectant 304. Further, use of the dual elongated rod 402 enables inactivation of broader group of microorganisms as opposed those inactivated with the single disinfectant elongated rod 102. In addition, the use of two different disinfectants 304 and 406 reduces the requirement of using higher concentrations of the single disinfectant 304 in order to achieve the same level of inactivation thereby reducing the amount of residual disinfectants 304 and 406 present in the water. The dual disinfectant elongated rod 402 may also be used and disposed after the disinfectants 304 and 406 present in the dual elongated rod 402 are exhausted for purification of water.

[0090] The operation and construction of the portable apparatus with more than one pad matrix, more than one pad holder and multiple number of other components is similar to what has been disclosed for the portable apparatus. This is further to be understood by a person skilled in the art that selection of materials and parameters is also similar to what have been disclosed throughout the specification and the intent is not to limit scope of invention.

[0091] Although the embodiment is described herein for the use of two disinfectants, it may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the embodiments may be readily modified to relate the use of multiple disinfectants.

[0092] The written description describes the subject matter herein including the best mode and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use ^' the embodiments of the invention. The scope of the subject matter embodiments is defined by the claims and may include other modifications that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.