A water treatment method and apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of water treatment equipment technology, and more particularly to a water treatment method and apparatus. The water treatment method includes the following steps: obtaining the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated; comparing the obtained hardness and turbidity values ​​with preset hardness and turbidity values, respectively; and selecting a water treatment mode based on the comparison results. The water treatment method provided in this invention, by obtaining the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated, comparing them with preset hardness and turbidity values, and selecting a corresponding water treatment mode based on the comparison results, can treat water at different times, in different climates, and under different environments, thereby saving water treatment consumables and extending their service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water treatment equipment technology, and in particular to a water treatment method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Water softeners are primarily used to soften water. They contain softening agents, typically ion exchange resins, which reduce or remove calcium and magnesium minerals from the water. Softened water is generally not for direct consumption and is intended for household use. Softened water is beneficial for laundry, showering, and skincare. For example, using soft water can prevent scale buildup in water heaters and air conditioners, and prevent showerhead clogging, effectively extending the lifespan of water-using appliances. However, existing water softeners cannot remove impurities, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals from the water.

[0003] Water purifiers can filter out impurities, rust, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals that water softeners cannot remove, ensuring that the filtered water meets drinking water standards while retaining beneficial minerals from tap water. However, water purifiers cannot remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water, which can cause scale buildup in water-using appliances.

[0004] To address these issues, integrated water purifiers and softeners have emerged in the existing technology. These machines can remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water and filter it. However, water quality varies across different regions due to environmental and climatic factors. At certain times, local tap water may not require purification or softening. Existing integrated water purifiers and softeners perform both processes simultaneously, which shortens the lifespan of the consumables used in these machines.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a water treatment method and apparatus to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water treatment method and apparatus that can execute different water treatment modes according to the actual water quality, so as to reduce the frequency of use of consumables in the water treatment process and improve the service life of consumables.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A water treatment method is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0009] Obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated;

[0010] The obtained hardness and turbidity values ​​are compared with the preset hardness and turbidity values, respectively.

[0011] Select the water treatment mode based on the comparison results.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned water treatment method, the water treatment mode includes a soft water mode, a purified water mode, and a soft and purified water mode.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution for the above water treatment method, if the hardness value is greater than or equal to the preset hardness value and the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value, then the soft water purification mode is selected.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution for the above water treatment method, if the hardness value is greater than or equal to the preset hardness value and the turbidity value is less than the preset turbidity value, then the soft water mode is selected.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution for the above water treatment method, if the hardness value is less than the preset hardness value and the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value, then the water purification mode is selected.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the above water treatment method, before obtaining the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated, the method further includes:

[0017] Determine if the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate. If so, obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution of the above water treatment method, the preset hardness value ranges from 45 mg / L to 75 mg / L.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned water treatment method, the preset turbidity value ranges from 2 NTU to 4 NTU.

[0020] The present invention also provides a water treatment device for filtering, softening, or filtering and softening water using the above-mentioned water treatment method. The water treatment device includes a detection structure, a pre-filter structure, a water purification structure, a water softening structure, a first water valve, a second water valve, and a third water valve. The detection structure is disposed within the pre-filter structure and is used to obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated. The pre-filter structure is connected to or disconnected from the water purification structure through the first water valve. The pre-filter structure is connected to or disconnected from the water softening structure through the second water valve. The water purification structure and the water softening structure are connected to or disconnected through the third water valve.

[0021] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned water treatment device, the first water valve, the second water valve and the third water valve are all solenoid valves.

[0022] Beneficial effects of this invention:

[0023] The water treatment method provided in this invention obtains the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated, and then compares them with preset hardness and turbidity values ​​respectively. Based on the comparison results, the water treatment mode corresponding to the water to be treated is selected. This method can treat water at different times, in different climates and under different environments, thereby saving water treatment consumables and extending their service life. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a simplified flowchart of the water treatment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a detailed flowchart of the water treatment method provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a detailed flowchart of the water treatment method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water treatment device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 1. Pre-filter structure; 2. Water purification structure; 3. Water softening structure; 4. Water storage structure; 5. First water valve; 6. Second water valve; 7. Third water valve; 8. Fourth water valve; 9. Fifth water valve. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0031] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0034] In existing technologies, integrated water purifiers and softeners filter and soften water regardless of its quality, directly reducing the lifespan of consumables. To address this issue, this embodiment provides a water treatment method that selects a water treatment mode based on water quality, thereby achieving personalized treatment of the water. This method can effectively reduce the frequency of consumable usage, extend the lifespan of consumables, and meet the water treatment needs of different regions at different times.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the water treatment method includes the following steps:

[0036] S11. Obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated;

[0037] Before treating the water, its hardness and turbidity values ​​need to be obtained to determine the appropriate water treatment mode. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hardness value of the water is obtained using a water hardness detection device, which is a water hardness sensor. The turbidity value is obtained using a turbidity detection device, which is a turbidity sensor, specifically a TDS sensor. Both the water hardness sensor and the TDS sensor are existing technologies, and their structure and working principles will not be described in detail here.

[0038] S12. Compare the obtained hardness and turbidity values ​​with the preset hardness and turbidity values, respectively;

[0039] The hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water obtained in the previous step are compared with preset hardness and turbidity values, respectively. The preset hardness and turbidity values ​​are set according to the actual water usage conditions. By comparing with the preset hardness and turbidity values, the specific water quality of the water to be treated can be determined.

[0040] S13. Select the water treatment mode based on the comparison results.

[0041] Based on the comparison results of the aforementioned steps, a water treatment mode is selected, that is, according to the comparison results of the aforementioned steps, the specific water treatment mode to be adopted is selected according to the actual situation.

[0042] The water treatment method provided in this embodiment obtains the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated, and then compares them with preset hardness and turbidity values ​​respectively. Based on the comparison results, the water treatment mode corresponding to the water to be treated is selected. This method can treat water at different times, in different climates and under different environments, thereby saving water treatment consumables and extending their service life.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] In this embodiment, the water treatment method specifically defines a water treatment mode. Different water treatment modes are selected by comparing the results.

[0045] In this embodiment, the water treatment modes include a soft water mode, a purified water mode, and a soft-purified water mode. It can be understood that the soft water mode refers to softening the water to be treated, the purified water mode refers to purifying the water to be treated, and the soft-purified water mode refers to both softening and purifying the water to be treated. This embodiment limits the water treatment modes to three types. Based on the water quality, one of the three water treatment modes is selected to treat the water, thereby obtaining water that meets the requirements. By obtaining the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water and comparing the results to select different water treatment modes, water from the same location can be treated under different environmental and climatic conditions, thereby reducing the frequency of consumable use and extending the service life of consumables.

[0046] Optionally, in this embodiment, if the hardness value is greater than or equal to a preset hardness value and the turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value, then the soft water purification mode is selected. If both the hardness value and the turbidity value are greater than or equal to preset values, it indicates that the hardness and turbidity of the water to be treated do not meet the user's requirements. In this case, the soft water purification mode needs to be used to treat the water. The soft water purification mode does not have a special limitation on the order of water purification and water softening; it can be set according to actual needs, or it can be based on the order in which the water to be treated passes through the water softening structure and the water purification structure in the device using this method.

[0047] Optionally, in this embodiment, if the hardness value is greater than or equal to a preset hardness value and the turbidity value is less than a preset turbidity value, then the soft water mode is selected. A hardness value greater than or equal to the preset hardness value and a turbidity value less than the preset turbidity value means that the hardness of the water to be treated does not meet the user's requirements, but the turbidity does. In this case, only soft water treatment is needed; no further water purification treatment is required. This limitation can reduce the consumption of water purification consumables and extend their service life while ensuring that the turbidity of the water meets the user's requirements.

[0048] Optionally, in this embodiment, if the hardness value is less than a preset hardness value and the turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value, then the water purification mode is selected. A hardness value less than the preset hardness value and a turbidity value greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value means that the turbidity of the water to be treated does not meet the user's requirements, but the hardness does. In this case, only water purification treatment is needed; softening treatment is unnecessary. This limitation can reduce the consumption of softening consumables and extend their service life while ensuring the hardness of the water meets the user's requirements.

[0049] Of course, in this embodiment, when the hardness value is less than the preset hardness value and the turbidity value is less than the preset turbidity value, the water is directly discharged for user use without the need to select a water treatment mode. Compared with the prior art, this limitation can reduce the wear and tear on soft water consumables and water purification consumables and improve their service life when the hardness and turbidity of the water to be treated meet the user's requirements.

[0050] Optionally, in this embodiment, the preset hardness value ranges from 45 mg / L to 75 mg / L. Preferably, the preset hardness value is 45 mg / L, 46 mg / L, 47 mg / L, 48 mg / L, 49 mg / L, 50 mg / L, 51 mg / L, 52 mg / L, 53 mg / L, 54 mg / L, 55 mg / L, 56 mg / L, 57 mg / L, 58 mg / L, 59 mg / L, 60 mg / L, 61 mg / L, 62 mg / L, 63 mg / L, 64 mg / L, 65 mg / L, 66 mg / L, 67 mg / L, 68 mg / L, 69 mg / L, 70 mg / L, 71 mg / L, 72 mg / L, 73 mg / L, 74 mg / L, or 75 mg / L.

[0051] Optionally, in this embodiment, the preset turbidity value ranges from 2 NTU to 4 NTU. Preferably, the preset turbidity value is 2 NTU, 3 NTU, or 4 NTU.

[0052] For example:

[0053] When the water hardness is greater than 60 mg / L and the turbidity is less than 3 NTU, the soft water mode should be used.

[0054] When the water hardness is less than 60 mg / L and the turbidity is greater than 3 NTU, the water purification mode should be used.

[0055] When the water hardness is greater than 60 mg / L and the turbidity is greater than 3 NTU, the water softening and purification mode is activated.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the water treatment method specifically includes the following steps:

[0057] S21. Obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated;

[0058] S22. Determine whether the hardness value is greater than or equal to the preset hardness value. If yes, proceed to step S23; otherwise, proceed to step S24.

[0059] S23. Determine whether the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value. If yes, proceed to step S25; otherwise, proceed to step S26.

[0060] S24. Determine whether the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value. If yes, proceed to step S27; otherwise, proceed to step S28.

[0061] S25, Select the soft water purification mode;

[0062] S26. Select soft water mode;

[0063] S27. Select water purification mode;

[0064] S28, directly released for user use.

[0065] The water treatment method provided in this embodiment compares the obtained water hardness and turbidity values ​​with preset hardness and turbidity values, respectively, and selects a soft water mode, a purified water mode, or a soft-purified water mode based on the comparison results. Compared with the prior art, this method selects the water treatment mode according to the actual water quality of the water to be treated, which can effectively improve the utilization rate of consumables and extend their service life.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] In this embodiment, the water treatment method specifically defines the conditions under which hardness and turbidity values ​​are obtained. This avoids the device using the water treatment method being constantly in a monitoring state, thus reducing the energy consumption of the device.

[0068] In this embodiment, before obtaining the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated, the method further includes: determining whether the water flow rate is greater than or equal to a preset flow rate; if so, obtaining the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated. The purpose of determining whether the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate is to detect whether the user has issued a water usage command. This user command includes turning on the tap, which increases the water flow rate, and this increase can be detected. When the water flow rate is less than the preset flow rate, the device using this water treatment method will remain in a detection state, increasing energy consumption and reducing the device's lifespan. Therefore, this embodiment specifies that the water flow rate is determined first, and then the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated are determined.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the water treatment method specifically includes the following steps:

[0070] S31, Obtain water flow rate;

[0071] S32. Determine whether the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset water flow rate. If yes, proceed to step S33; otherwise, return to S31.

[0072] S33. Obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated;

[0073] S34. Determine whether the hardness value is greater than or equal to the preset hardness value. If yes, proceed to step S35; otherwise, proceed to step S36.

[0074] S35. Determine whether the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value. If yes, proceed to step S37; otherwise, proceed to step S38.

[0075] S36. Determine whether the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value. If yes, proceed to step S39; otherwise, proceed to step S310.

[0076] S37. Select the soft water purification mode;

[0077] S38, Select soft water mode;

[0078] S39. Select water purification mode;

[0079] S310, directly released for user use.

[0080] Example 3

[0081] like Figure 4As shown, this embodiment provides a water treatment device that uses the water treatment method described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 to filter, soften, or filter-soften the water to be treated. The water treatment device includes: a detection structure, a pre-filter structure 1, a water purification structure 2, a water softening structure 3, a first water valve 5, a second water valve 6, and a third water valve 7. The detection structure is located within the pre-filter structure 1 and is used to obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated. The pre-filter structure 1 is connected to or disconnected from the water purification structure 2 via the first water valve 5, and the pre-filter structure 1 is connected to or disconnected from the water softening structure 3 via the second water valve 6. The water purification structure 2 and the water softening structure 3 are connected to or disconnected via the third water valve 7. The detection structure includes a flow detection device, a water hardness detection device, and a turbidity detection device. Further, in this embodiment, the water hardness detection device is a water hardness sensor, the turbidity detection device is a turbidity sensor, and the flow detection device is a flow sensor. The pre-structure 1 can be a pipe with a relatively large diameter. The flow detection device, water hardness detection device and turbidity detection device are installed in the pre-structure 1 to realize the detection of water flow, hardness and turbidity.

[0082] Optionally, this embodiment also includes a water storage structure 4, which is connected to both the water purification structure 2 and the water softening structure 3. The water storage structure 4 can be a pipe with a larger diameter or a water tank, allowing the treated water to be temporarily stored within it. Water flows directly from the water storage structure 4 when the user turns on the tap. Further, a fourth water valve 8 is directly installed between the water storage structure 4 and the water purification structure 2, and a fifth water valve 9 is installed between the water softening structure 3 and the water storage structure 4. A sixth water valve (not shown in the figure) is installed between the water storage structure 4 and the pre-treatment structure 1.

[0083] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first water valve 5, the second water valve 6, the third water valve 7, the fourth water valve 8, and the fifth water valve 9 are all solenoid valves. The first water valve 5, the second water valve 6, and the third water valve 7 open or close according to the flow rate, hardness, and turbidity values. The fourth water valve 8 is in the open state when the second water valve 6 and the third water valve 7 are closed, and the fifth water valve 9 has the same state as the second water valve 6 and the third water valve 7, that is, it is closed or open simultaneously.

[0084] Optionally, in this embodiment, the water treatment device further includes a controller, which can be a centralized or distributed controller. For example, the controller can be a single microcontroller or a combination of multiple distributed microcontrollers. The microcontroller can run a control program to control each component to achieve its function. The controller is electrically connected to the detection structure, the first water valve 5, the second water valve 6, the third water valve 7, the fourth water valve 8, the fifth water valve 9, and the sixth water valve, respectively. The controller obtains the flow rate, hardness, and turbidity values ​​detected by the detection structure, and thus controls the first water valve 5, the second water valve 6, the third water valve 7, the fourth water valve 8, the fifth water valve 9, and the sixth water valve to open or close as needed.

[0085] The device operates as follows:

[0086] The controller obtains the water flow rate detected by the water flow detection device and compares it with the preset water flow rate. When the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset water flow rate, the controller obtains the hardness and turbidity values ​​detected by the water hardness and turbidity detection devices, respectively. The controller compares the hardness and turbidity values ​​with the preset hardness and turbidity values, respectively. When the hardness and turbidity values ​​are both greater than the preset hardness and turbidity values, the second water valve 6 is closed, and the first, third, and fifth water valves 5, 7, and 9 are opened, achieving filtration and softening of the water to be treated. When the hardness value is greater than or equal to the preset hardness value, but the turbidity value is less than the preset turbidity value, the first, third, and fourth water valves 5, 7, and 8 are closed, and the second, third, and fifth water valves 9 are open. When the hardness value is less than the preset hardness value, but the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value, the first, fourth, and fifth water valves 8 are open, and the second, third, and fifth water valves 6 and 7 are closed. When the hardness value is less than the preset hardness value and the turbidity value is less than the preset turbidity value, the sixth water valve opens, while the first water valve 5, the second water valve 6, the third water valve 7, the fourth water valve 8 and the fifth water valve 9 are closed, allowing water to directly enter the water storage structure 4.

[0087] The water treatment device provided in this embodiment can filter, soften, or filter-soften water according to the water quality. Compared with the prior art, it can save the consumables required for water treatment, thereby extending the service life of the consumables. Since the service life of the consumables is extended, the frequency of disassembly and assembly of the water treatment device is reduced, thus also improving the service life of the water treatment device.

[0088] Furthermore, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of water treatment, characterized by, Includes the following steps: Obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated; The obtained hardness and turbidity values ​​are compared with the preset hardness and turbidity values, respectively. Select the water treatment mode based on the comparison results; The water treatment modes include soft water mode, purified water mode, and soft-purified water mode; If the hardness value is greater than or equal to the preset hardness value and the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value, then select the soft water purification mode to achieve the filtration and softening of the water to be treated. If the hardness value is greater than or equal to the preset hardness value and the turbidity value is less than the preset turbidity value, then select the soft water mode to soften the water to be treated. If the hardness value is less than the preset hardness value and the turbidity value is greater than or equal to the preset turbidity value, then select the water purification mode to filter the water to be treated. Before obtaining the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated, the following steps are also included: Determine if the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate. If so, obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated. The above method is used to filter, soften, or filter-soften the water to be treated. The water treatment device includes a detection structure, a pre-filter structure (1), a water purification structure (2), a water softening structure (3), a first water valve (5), a second water valve (6), and a third water valve (7). The detection structure is set in the pre-filter structure (1) and is used to obtain the hardness and turbidity values ​​of the water to be treated. The pre-filter structure (1) is connected to or disconnected from the water purification structure (2) through the first water valve (5). The pre-filter structure (1) is connected to or disconnected from the water softening structure (3) through the second water valve (6). The water purification structure (2) and the water softening structure (3) are connected to or disconnected through the third water valve (7).

2. The water treatment method according to claim 1, characterized by, The preset hardness value ranges from 45 mg / L to 75 mg / L.

3. The water treatment method of claim 1, wherein, The preset turbidity value ranges from 2 NTU to 4 NTU.

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