Systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (orp) in water for pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of hard surfaces and equipment

Abstract

A system and method for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water and for reducing the surface tension of the water for the pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of hard surfaces and equipment. The hard surfaces to be cleansed and/or degreased may be plastic, glass, ceramic, porcelain and stainless steel. The equipment to be cleansed and/or degreased may be food service equipment such as ovens, ranges, fryers, grills, steam cookers, refrigerators, coolers, holding cabinets, cold food tables, work tables, beverage dispensing equipment, beer dispensers, shelving, food displays, dish washing equipment and grease traps.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water and for reducing the surface tension of the water for the pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of equipment, comprising:
 an ozone generator configured to generate ozone;   a water inlet configured to receive water from a water source;   a venturi coupled with the water source to receive water having a surface tension of about 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees C. prior to being introduced to said venturi, said venturi also coupled with said ozone generator and configured to introduce ozone generated by said ozone generator to water received at said water inlet to provide a water and ozone solution having an ORP of at least 600 Millivolts and a surface tension of about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees C.; and   a water outlet coupled with said venturi, the water outlet having a fluid pressure of the water and ozone solution less than the fluid pressure of the water received at said water inlet.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the equipment to be cleansed and/or degreased is food service equipment. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the food service equipment to be cleansed and/or degreased may be ovens, ranges, fryers, grills, steam cookers, refrigerators, coolers, holding cabinets, cold food tables, work tables, beverage dispensing equipment, beer dispensers, shelving, food displays, dish washing equipment and grease traps. 
     
     
         4 . A method for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water and for reducing the surface tension of the water for the pathogenic cleansing and degreasing of equipment comprising:
 receiving ambient air within an ozone generator;   drying the ambient air prior it being supplied to said ozone generator;   generating ozone from oxygen in the dried ambient air via the ozone generator;   coupling the generated ozone with a venturi;   receiving a flow of water within the venturi with the water, prior to being supplied to the venturi, having a surface tension of about 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees C.;   mixing the generated ozone with the flow of water in at least a portion of the venturi to provide a water and ozone solution having an ORP of at least 600 Millivolts and a surface tension of about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees C.; and   coupling the venturi with a water outlet having a fluid pressure of the water and ozone solution which is less than the fluid pressure of the water prior to the water flow entering the venturi.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the equipment to be cleansed and/or degreased is food service equipment. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the food service equipment to be cleansed and/or degreased may be ovens, ranges, fryers, grills, steam cookers, refrigerators, coolers, holding cabinets, cold food tables, work tables, beverage dispensing equipment, beer dispensers, shelving, food displays, dish washing equipment and grease traps. 
     
     
         7 . A system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water and for reducing the surface tension of the water for the pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of hard surfaces, comprising:
 an ozone generator configured to generate ozone;   a water inlet configured to receive water from a water source;   a venturi coupled with the water source to receive water having a surface tension of about 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees C. prior to being introduced to said venturi, said venturi also coupled with said ozone generator and configured to introduce ozone generated by said ozone generator to water received at said water inlet to provide a water and ozone solution having an ORP of at least 600 Millivolts and a surface tension of about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees C.; and   a water outlet coupled with said venturi, the water outlet having a fluid pressure of the water and ozone solution less than the fluid pressure of the water received at said water inlet.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the hard surfaces to be cleansed and/or degreased may be plastic, glass, ceramic, porcelain and stainless steel. 
     
     
         9 . A method for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water and for reducing the surface tension of the water for the pathogenic cleansing and degreasing of hard surfaces comprising:
 receiving ambient air within an ozone generator;   drying the ambient air prior it being supplied to said ozone generator;   generating ozone from oxygen in the dried ambient air via the ozone generator;   coupling the generated ozone with a venturi;   receiving a flow of water within the venturi with the water, prior to being supplied to the venturi, having a surface tension of about 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees C.;   mixing the generated ozone with the flow of water in at least a portion of the venturi to provide a water and ozone solution having an ORP of at least 600 Millivolts and a surface tension of about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees C.; and   coupling the venturi with a water outlet having a fluid pressure of the water and ozone solution which is less than the fluid pressure of the water prior to the water flow entering the venturi.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the hard surfaces to be cleansed and/or degreased may be plastic, glass, ceramic, porcelain and stainless steel.