Mineralized filter cartridge and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a mineralizing filter cartridge and a method for operating the same. The method for operating a filter cartridge of a water filter connected to a pipeline is characterized in that a main water flow dosed with minerals is conducted through a main line inside a pressure vessel, a dosing flow of a concentrated salt solution is conducted through a dosing line, wherein the dosing line branches off from the main line, and a concentrated salt solution consisting of sulfate, chloride and / or bicarbonate salts is conducted through a reserve vessel having a constant volume, wherein the part of the dosing line that extends from the reserve vessel opens into the main flow at a dosing point via a dosing opening having a constant through-flow cross-section, wherein the flow resistance in the main flow is adjusted by a resistance path arranged in the main flow before the dosing point in the flow direction, so that a differential pressure between the main flow and the dosing flow is generated, which causes a volume flow of the dosing flow of the salt solution flowing through the dosing opening extending into the main flow to be essentially proportional to the main flow.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of PCT application PCT / EP2020 / 056865, filed on March 13, 2020, which entered the Chinese national phase. The invention is entitled "Mineralization Filter Cartridge and its Operating Method". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for operating a water filter cartridge for a pipeline connection used to mineralize tap water, as claimed in claims 1 and 15, and the water filter cartridge for the pipeline connection thereof. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, there are basically two designs for filter cartridges used in pipeline connections for mineralization. In one implementation, particles composed of CaCO3 or MgCO3 are used for mineralization, with a small proportion of MgO and CaO also present. For example, this type of filter is connected downstream for weakly mineralized water with a high corrosion potential, particularly water treated by reverse osmosis equipment. As a result, a small amount of CaCO3 dissolves due to the free carbonic acid.

[0004] As a result, the pH level increases and the corrosiveness of the water decreases. However, with this arrangement, only a few milligrams of Ca or Mg can be dissolved. The dissolution kinetics are also very low, so after a few liters pass through rapidly, there is almost no noteworthy mineralization. Therefore, such filters repeatedly require longer downtime or can only handle very low flow rates.

[0005] Other mineralizing filters on the market operate using ion exchangers. These ion exchangers are used to selectively deliver certain desired minerals to the water being treated. Although these filters are also sold as mineralizing filters, strictly speaking, they are not mineralizing filters because, for example, calcium in tap water is replaced by magnesium through ion exchange. In this case, the total mineral content in the output water remains unchanged at eq / 1.

[0006] However, weakly mineralized water is only suitable as a thirst quencher during physical activity, because it cannot replace the salt lost through sweating.

[0007] In terms of taste, weakly mineralized water is easily distinguishable from well-mineralized water because it leaves a bitter aftertaste in the throat. A pleasant level of mineralization generally begins with a conductivity of around 200 μS / cm in drinking water. However, from a conductivity greater than 1500 μS / cm onwards, a high mineral content can be tasted, and the water will feel salty. Therefore, the taste also depends on the specific components.

[0008] Mineral tablets are now commonly added to drinking water to help people absorb essential minerals, especially during physical activity. These tablets are primarily composed of citrates of magnesium, calcium, or potassium. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an alternative for the mineralization of water, especially drinking water, which can also mineralize large volumes of water with uniform and stable mineralization over a long period of time, so that the water thus treated can effectively replace the minerals lost through sweating during physical activity, while having a pleasant degree of mineralization.

[0010] This objective is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 15. Advantageous and suitable improvements are given in the dependent claims.

[0011] Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating a pipeline-connected water filter cartridge having a housing in the form of a pressure vessel, an inlet for water, and an outlet for water. The method is characterized by:

[0012] Inside the pressure vessel, a main pipeline guides the flow of mineral-rich water.

[0013] The feed flow of concentrated salt solution is guided by a feed line.

[0014] Among them, the distribution pipelines branch off from the main pipeline;

[0015] The solution is guided through a storage container with a constant volume, containing a concentrated salt solution of sulfates, chlorides, and / or bicarbonates. The portion of the distribution line extending from the storage container is introduced into the main flow path at the distribution point via a distribution opening with a constant flow cross-section.

[0016] In this process, the flow resistance in the main stream is adjusted by a resistance path arranged along the flow direction before the feeding point, thereby generating a differential pressure between the main stream and the feeding flow. This differential pressure causes the salt solution to flow through the feeding opening in the main stream, resulting in a volumetric flow of the feeding flow that is substantially proportional to the main stream.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the salt bed, consisting of sulfates, chlorides and / or bicarbonates, can be located in a storage container, thereby forming a storage volume of concentrated salt solution downstream of the salt bed along the flow direction.

[0018] Using this method, mineralization can be achieved by adding desired minerals such as magnesium to water that is practically mineral-free (e.g., from a reverse osmosis system) or conventionally mineralized water such as tap water. This mineralization can produce drinking water with a conductivity of at least 200 μS / cm.

[0019] To implement this method, mineralization can be carried out, for example, using a filter cartridge with a pipeline connection that is easy to install and virtually maintenance-free.

[0020] Such a pipeline-connected water filter cartridge may, for example, include a housing in the form of a pressure vessel, an inlet, and an outlet for water. Inside the pressure vessel, at least one reservoir or brine accumulator may be provided to store at least one concentrated salt solution (also called a brine solution) composed of sulfates, chlorides, or bicarbonates during the operation of the water filter cartridge, for improving the conductivity or mineralizing the water flowing through the cartridge. Furthermore, a bed of granular material may be positioned along the direction of the main water flow before the brine dispensing section—also called the brine dispensing section—forming a resistance path in the main flow, thereby establishing a differential pressure along the resistance path as the water flows through the cartridge. This differential pressure causes a brine dispensing flow substantially proportional to the main flow, wherein the dispensing flow has a separate resistance path in the form of a resistance layer within the dispensing flow, the input of which extends into the preceding packing bed. The granules and the resistance layer respectively form the resistance path in the main flow or the resistance path in the dispensing flow.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing path or dispensing flow may also have a capillary. The capillary may, for example, have an inner diameter in the range of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.4 mm.

[0022] All these implementations of the dispensing path allow for reliable adjustment of the desired dispensing amount based on the viscosity of the concentrated brine solution to be dispensed, particularly independently of the line pressure applied to the water filter cartridge. That is, the dispensing / dispensing ratio remains fairly stable even under pressure fluctuations.

[0023] Further details about this filter cartridge will be provided below.

[0024] The main flow from the inlet, in the working direction of the water filter cartridge and with the outlet facing upward, is guided from above to the resistance path according to the first embodiment, where it flows downward through the resistance path. Here, the water flow in the inlet is separated, and pressure is used as the driving force for dispensing.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the main flow from the inlet can be guided to the bottom side of the resistance path in the working direction of the water filter cartridge, with the outlet facing upwards, so that it flows from bottom to top through the resistance path. This design operates based on the principle of suction.

[0026] Compared to the first embodiment, this system provides significantly better and faster ventilation. In particular, upon commissioning, the air located between the salt grains in the salt container can escape quickly via the distribution pipe, because the resistance of the distribution pipe to air is less than that to water.

[0027] The salt solution is dispensed directly from the resistance pipe of the dispensing path into the main stream of the water to be treated.

[0028] Here, pressure fluctuations in the input section cause water to move in the large-sized input pipe, and the water turns into brine as it flows through the container.

[0029] Due to the suction principle, the brine supply itself remains almost constant even under external pressure fluctuations. Pressure fluctuations in the inlet (such as those occurring during depressurization of the entire filter), for example if the water pressure before the filter drops from 2 bar to 1 bar when the tap is turned on, will cause air bubbles trapped in the brine container to expand. These bubbles will only expel a small amount of saturated brine towards the outlet through the particle-filled supply pipe, where most of the brine flows back into the large drain pipe, thus not causing an increase in the salinity of the mineralized water.

[0030] In this method, it is preferably specified that at least one concentrated salt solution composed of sulfate, chloride or bicarbonate is used, which has a solubility of at least 2 g / L at 20°C, preferably at least 50 g / L at 20°C.

[0031] In other words, the principle of mineral rationing is based on rationing at least one concentrated salt solution, which is stored inside the filter cartridge in at least one separate container.

[0032] Here, the salt solution has a solubility of at least 2 g / L (e.g., CaSO4), but this solubility is typically greater than 50 g / L and less than 800 g / L. For CaCl2 or MgCl2, a preferred value is approximately 740 g / L. For CaCl2, the values ​​are calculated anhydrous. Within this concentration range, the specified brine preparation works reliably.

[0033] At least one saline solution is preferably prepared in the mainstream at a volume fraction of 0.05% to 2%.

[0034] To mineralize RO (reverse osmosis) water with a conductivity of less than 50 μS / cm, for example, to achieve a hardness of 2 mmol in the filtrate (approximately 11.2°dH), about 0.8 ml of a magnesium sulfate brine solution is required per liter of RO water. In the case of sodium bicarbonate, for a hardness of 4 mmol, approximately 3.5 ml of brine solution is needed, based on the same valence of approximately 11.2°dH. The conductivity of this water would then be approximately 600 μS / cm.

[0035] The distribution is performed by measuring the differential pressure generated as the flow passes through the resistance layer. The resistance layer can be any type of particle, such as a packed bed. For a packed bed, particles with a size of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, particularly with a minimum extension distance of 1 cm in the flow direction, can be used.

[0036] For example, ion exchangers, activated carbon, or other particles (glass beads with an effective hydraulic particle size of approximately 0.1 mm to 2 mm) can be considered.

[0037] Example: If a flow rate of 1.0 L / min is applied through a resistance layer with a particle size of 0.15 mm at a flow rate of 70 mm height and 80 mm flow diameter, a pressure differential of approximately 100 mbar will be generated along the height of the resistance layer (see also the Kozeny-Carman equation). However, the absolute magnitude of the resistance can only be predicted inaccurately for different particles, as the resistance depends to a large extent on both the shape and compaction of the particles.

[0038] Therefore, in the proposed scheme, it is preferable that the resistance layer of the main flow and the resistance layer of the feed flow use the same type of particles.

[0039] The conductivity of the water between the inlet and outlet is preferably increased by at least 100 μS / cm to 2000 μS / cm, preferably 600 μS / cm.

[0040] To achieve this, the feed tube extends into the resistance layer, preferably filled with the same particles as those in the main flow's resistance layer. The feed ratio between the feed stream and the main flow can thus be adjusted by the area ratio and the effective height of both the main flow's and the feed stream's resistance layers.

[0041] The desired feed ratio of brine concentrate to the mainstream (untreated, unmineralized water) can be obtained using the following formula: (Cross-sectional area of ​​the feed pipe / Effective height of the feed pipe resistance layer) / (Cross-sectional area of ​​the main stream / Effective height of the main stream resistance layer).

[0042]

[0043] Example: To achieve a dosing ratio of 0.001, meaning 1 ml of concentrate per 1000 ml of water, if the filter's inner diameter is 80 mm (equivalent to the diameter of the main flow resistance layer), the effective height of the main flow resistance layer is 70 mm, and the effective height of the dosing flow resistance layer is 90 mm, the diameter of the dosing pipe can be estimated using the following formula:

[0044]

[0045] Among them, A HS =5026mm 2V D =0.001,H HS =70mm,H DR =90mm. A is obtained. DR =6.5mm 2 Thus, the inner diameter of the distribution pipe is approximately 3mm.

[0046] If the feed pipe is through a concentrated salt solution, then the resistance of the feed pipe must be adapted to the dynamic viscosity of the concentrated salt solution, relative to the dynamic viscosity of water.

[0047] This needs to be considered for high-concentration salt solutions with a salt content greater than 250 g / L. Thus, concentrated CaCl2 solutions with salt contents as high as 740 g / L have a significantly higher dynamic viscosity than pure water. The dynamic viscosity of salt concentrates can be approximately four times higher than that of water. Accordingly, to compensate for the increased dynamic viscosity, the dispensing cross-section must be increased to approximately four times to achieve the desired dispensing ratio.

[0048] This effect facilitates uniform dispensing throughout the filter cartridge's lifespan, as the salt solution in the brine chamber gradually dilutes with the incoming raw water as the cartridge nears the end of its lifespan. This dilution of the salt concentrate reduces its viscosity, allowing for a higher dispensing rate. However, overall, at least roughly, the amount of salt added remains approximately the same until its eventual depletion due to the interplay of dilution, reduced viscosity, and a higher dispensing rate.

[0049]

[0050] To determine the dosage, use the equations above regarding the dynamic viscosity of water: ηw and ηs – the dynamic viscosity of the salt solution.

[0051] Resistance paths can also be formed via capillaries instead of feed tubes filled with particles. If particles with a size of 0.1 to approximately 1 mm are used for the main resistance path, it has been shown that the inner diameter of the capillary should be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly between 0.15 mm and 0.4 mm, to form the resistance path for dispensing the salt solution.

[0052] It is important to emphasize that other resistances, especially in the feed stream, will arise. These include, for example, air bubbles that must be squeezed out by a grid structure or wire mesh. Therefore, the feed rate must be reduced until no air bubbles are present in the feed stream piping. Thus, at the filter's specified minimum flow rate, the main flow resistance layer must generate a differential pressure at least as large as the height of the feed chamber, including the feed pipe, in terms of the hydrostatic pressure of the medium water. Practice has also shown that, compared to theory, the diameter of the feed pipe needs to be increased by approximately 1 mm due to the additional resistance to achieve the target feed ratio.

[0053] Using the aforementioned equipment, a feed ratio between untreated water and brine can be achieved during operation that is largely independent of flow rate. In the example above, this feed ratio is between 0.5 L / min and approximately 3 L / min.

[0054] However, in practical use of this method, it has been shown that significant brine overfeeding occurs, especially after longer periods of inactivity (stagnation), during the initial 0.5 to 1 L of mineralized water.

[0055] This is especially true because a small amount of air inclusions are always present in the brine container. Furthermore, pressure fluctuations occur, for example, along the water pipes within the mineralization filter housing. These pressure fluctuations generate a minimum flow rate of unmineralized water into the brine container, which enters the container via the dispensing outlet. Similarly, a minimum flow rate of brine into the filter is generated during depressurization. If these fluctuations occur frequently, they are equivalent to a pumping process that pumps brine into a pressure vessel.

[0056] As a result, for example, the first half liter, after resting overnight, does not have the required 600 μS / cm, but rather, for example, 2000 μS / cm. According to another preferred embodiment, a storage container is therefore connected between the brine container outlet extending from the dispensing chamber and the brine dispensing section as a brine temporary storage device.

[0057] This allows the brine solution to be temporarily stored in a brine reservoir between its outlet from at least one storage container or dispensing chamber and the brine dispensing point into the main stream water. This brine reservoir is preferably made of a flexible material and is arranged substantially horizontally, particularly at the operating position of the water filter cartridge. This horizontal orientation relates to the operating position of the treatment device, for example, the filter cartridge of a filter that can be connected to a pipelined filter head.

[0058] The container or brine reservoir could be, for example, a flexible hose with a length of approximately 150 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 1 mm. In this way, under fluctuating ambient pressure, the brine in the hose is simply pushed back and forth without any fresh brine being discharged from the brine container.

[0059] Preferably, a tubing with a filling volume of 0.05 ml to 0.3 ml can be used as the saline reservoir.

[0060] Particularly preferred is a flexible tube with a length of 5 cm to 30 cm and, in particular, a diameter of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, which can be used as a saline reservoir.

[0061] Because the water filter cartridge can operate at pressures from 0.2 bar to 8.0 bar, it can be connected to all common water supply lines without any problems.

[0062] When using a tapered tube with d1 (input) and d2 (output), the formula for determining the equivalent diameter of the cylinder is:

[0063] d1 - Large diameter

[0064] d2 - Small diameter

[0065] dR - Equivalent diameter of the cylindrical tube

[0066]

[0067] According to a second aspect, a pipeline-connected water filter cartridge is proposed, comprising a housing in the form of a pressure vessel, an inlet for water, and an outlet for water. The water filter cartridge is characterized in that...

[0068] A main pipeline for guiding the main water flow is installed inside the pressure vessel; this main water flow should be supplied with minerals, and

[0069] Install a dispensing line to guide the dispensing flow of the concentrated salt solution.

[0070] The distribution pipelines branch off from the main pipeline.

[0071] It also includes a storage container with a constant volume containing a salt solution composed of sulfates, chlorides, and / or bicarbonates, wherein the portion of the distribution line extending from the storage container is connected to the main flow line at the distribution point via a distribution opening having a constant flow cross-section.

[0072] Furthermore, the resistance path in the main pipeline is arranged along the flow direction before the dispensing point, and preferably entirely or partially after the branches of the dispensing pipeline. Its flow resistance is adjusted to create a differential pressure between the main flow and the dispensing flow.

[0073] The differential pressure causes the salt solution to flow through the feeding opening into the mainstream, resulting in a volumetric flow that is substantially proportional to the mainstream.

[0074] The water filter cartridge with pipeline connection may include a dispensing path, or a dispensing flow with a resistance path, the resistance path being in the form of a packing bed of particles and / or capillaries and / or other porous flowable resistance components, such as resistance components made of sintered particles, which preferably have an inner diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly between 0.17 mm and 0.35 mm.

[0075] More preferably, a salt bed consisting of sulfates, chlorides and / or bicarbonates may be present in the storage container, thus a storage volume flow of concentrated salt solution exists downstream of the salt bed along the flow direction.

[0076] With this device, mineralization can be achieved in an easy-to-operate manner by adding desired minerals such as magnesium to water that is actually devoid of minerals (e.g., from a reverse osmosis unit) or conventionally mineralized water such as tap water.

[0077] The water filter cartridge with a pipeline connection may include a dispensing path, or a dispensing flow with a resistance path, which may take the form of a packing bed and / or capillaries made of particles, the capillaries preferably having an inner diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly between 0.17 mm and 0.35 mm.

[0078] Preferably, a brine reservoir is provided between the brine discharge section, also known as the output section, of at least one storage container and the brine dispensing section, which is preferably arranged substantially horizontally in the working position of the water filter cartridge connected to the pipeline.

[0079] The technical effect is that this prevents water in the main flow of the filter cartridge from concentrating during periods of stagnation, especially when pressure fluctuates repeatedly in the piping system and / or when entrained air is degassed.

[0080] Because the brine buffer causes the brine within to oscillate during pressure fluctuations, the concentration of the brine stored in its outlet area—also known as the dispensing area—cannot be increased again after the dilution effect from the mains water intake. This is because it would require proximity to the brine reservoir to dissolve other salts. However, this is precisely prevented by the intermediate brine reservoir and the brine within it acting as a barrier.

[0081] The saline reservoir can be a flexible tube, preferably having a filling volume of 0.05 ml to 0.3 ml. The advantage of designing it as a flexible tube is that the saline reservoir can be designed, for example, as a spiral portion arranged within a plane of the filter cartridge.

[0082] Therefore, it is essentially unnecessary to overcome pressure and, consequently, additional resistance, to discharge brine from the brine buffer. A related technical effect is that, after the filter cartridge starts up, control of brine discharge remains largely unaffected by the brine buffer.

[0083] It has been shown that the hose is 5cm to 30cm long and has a diameter of 0.5mm to 3mm.

[0084] If the resistance layer of the feed flow and the resistance layer of the main flow (also known as the filtrate flow) are composed of the same particles, then particularly simple control of the feed can be achieved. This is because the two resistance layers have the same specific resistance, and the resistance ratio of the flow path can be adjusted by the cross-section and length of the flow path. Attached Figure Description

[0085] The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 1 An exemplary and schematic plan view of a water filter cartridge is shown, with the drawn longitudinal section AA and horizontal section / cross section BB.

[0087] Figure 2 Exemplary and illustrative in the first embodiment according to Figure 1 Section AA shows a cross-sectional view of the water filter cartridge;

[0088] Figure 3 Exemplary and schematic illustration is shown in the form of a horizontal section / cross section BB according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the water filter cartridge;

[0089] Figure 4 and 5 Exemplary and schematic representations are shown in longitudinal section AA or in horizontal section / cross section BB according to Figure 1 Two cross-sectional views of a second embodiment of a water filter cartridge;

[0090] Figures 6 to 8 Further details for constructing a water filter cartridge are shown exemplarily and schematically;

[0091] Figure 9 and 10 Similarly, two other embodiments are illustrated, exemplarily and schematically, which have a comparative effect with... Figures 2 to 8 The internal structure, which was designed to operate under pressure, has been modified to operate on a suction principle. Detailed Implementation

[0092] Therefore, Figure 1 A water filter cartridge 1 with a housing 2 and a pipeline connection is shown, which includes a wall 2.1, a bottom 2.2, a top cover 2.3 and a neck 2.4.

[0093] Three fixing components 2.4.1 are shown on the neck 2.4, which are arranged, for example, around the neck. By means of these fixing elements, the filter cartridge 1 can be secured within a complementary, conduit-connected connector (not shown) after its insertion into the connector, and subsequently put into operation.

[0094] Protective cap 3 covers and Figure 1 The connection area of ​​the removable sealed filter cartridge (see) Figure 2 ).

[0095] Along the longitudinal axis 1.1 extending through the housing of the filter cartridge, a vertically extending section line AA is shown, and transversely to it, at approximately one-third of the way up the housing, a horizontally extending section line BB is shown. These are important for the other figures.

[0096] Figure 2 The image shows the filter cartridge 1 according to... Figure 1 A sectional view taken along section line AA. Here shown in the sectional state are: housing 2, wall 2.1, bottom 2.2, and top cover 2.3, which is located on the end opposite the bottom and has a neck 2.4 connected thereto.

[0097] Within the neck 2.4, a tubularly protruding outlet 5 is centrally located inside for discharging water to be treated by the filter cartridge. An inlet 4 for the water to be treated coaxially surrounds the outlet and extends into the cylindrical filter cartridge 1, defined by the outer wall 2.4.2 of the neck 2.4. Arrows 4.1 and 5.1 indicate the direction of water flow.

[0098] The removable protective cap 3 protects the input and output areas 4, 5 of the filter cartridge 1, thereby protecting, for example, the connection structure and / or sealing structure from contamination and / or damage.

[0099] In the top cover 2.3, a passage 4.2 for water located in the cross-section AA is shown in the right half between the inlet 4 and the interior of the filter cartridge 1. This passage is preferably one of a plurality of through holes constructed around the outlet 5 in the top cover 2.3. These through holes open into a preferably circumferential recess 4.3 inside the top cover 2.3 toward the neck structure, so that the incoming water to be treated can be distributed therein in its upper region inside the water filter cartridge and flow uniformly toward the associated subsequent downstream flow path or flow line in the filter cartridge.

[0100] In this embodiment, these flow paths or lines are the main flow line 6 and the distribution flow line 7. Here, arrows 6.1 and 7.1 also indicate the direction of water or related flow lines.

[0101] The main flow line 6 extends in the upper quarter of what is called the particle chamber 8 in the embodiment shown here of the filter cartridge 1, and extends along the entire surface of the internal space of the filter cartridge in cross-section, except for the conduits arranged therein, the feed pipe 7.2 for the feed flow line 7 and the output pipe 5.2 for the output flow line 5.

[0102] The particle chamber 8 is defined downstream by a particle chamber bottom 8.1. The particle chamber bottom may include a filter screen, a grid, and / or the like. The particle chamber bottom traps particles disposed in the particle chamber 8.

[0103] The particles act as resistance layers for the flowing water in the two flow paths 6 and 7, respectively, and manifest as the accumulation of particles 6.3 in the main flow path 6 or particles 7.3 in the feed flow path 7. The particles or resistance layers form resistance paths 6.5 in the main flow path 6 or 7.5 in the feed flow path 7. These are preferably identical particles, which correspondingly have the same specific flow resistance, and thus generate the same pressure difference per centimeter in the flow direction. This facilitates the adjustment of the feed ratio between the main flow path 6 and the feed flow path 7 based on this pressure difference (see the description in the general section of the specification).

[0104] The granular layer, i.e., the resistance path 6.5 of the main flow path 6 or the resistance path 7.5 of the distribution flow path 7, is flowed from top to bottom.

[0105] Downstream, and in Figure 2 In the view, below the particle chamber 8, a dispensing chamber 9 is provided in the form of a salt and brine container 9. The container includes an outer dispensing chamber wall portion 9.1, a dispensing chamber bottom portion 9.2, an inner dispensing chamber wall portion 9.3, and a top cover 9.4.

[0106] The dispensing chamber 9 is designed as a hollow cylinder with an axial recess for the output pipe 5.2. This dispensing chamber thus surrounds the longitudinal axis 1.1 of the filter cartridge and... Figure 2 In the view, the filter cartridge extends to the left and right sides of its longitudinal axis, with the left and right sides connected to each other.

[0107] The dispensing pipe 7.2 passes through the bottom 8.1 of the particle chamber and through the top cover 9.4 of the dispensing chamber, thus connecting the particle chamber 8 and the dispensing chamber 9.

[0108] After the distribution pipe 7.2, the distribution pipe 9.5 extends from the top cover 9.4 of the distribution chamber to the bottom 9.2 of the distribution chamber in the flow direction 7.1, so that the water flowing through the distribution path 7 during the operation of the filter cartridge 1 flows out of the distribution chamber 9 near the bottom.

[0109] Salt 10 is located in a dispensing chamber 9, also known as a storage container 9, which serves as a brine container 9. The salt is dissolved into brine 11 by water flowing through the filter cartridge during operation. The brine 11, as a concentrated salt solution 11, is then located above the salt 10 in the dispensing chamber 9, up to the lower side of the dispensing chamber top cover 9.4.

[0110] To improve flow guidance in the dispensing chamber 9 (see arrow 9.6), and especially for its ventilation, the dispensing chamber top cover 9.4 is positioned in the working position of the filter cartridge, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, when viewed in cross-section, it is designed to slope downwards. The sloping cap of the dispensing chamber 9 makes it easier for bubbles, especially small bubbles, to migrate toward the outlet 9.7 of the dispensing chamber.

[0111] The outlet 9.7 is opened in the higher region of the dispensing chamber 9, and takes the form of a passage leading out of the dispensing chamber 9. In this embodiment, two outlets are shown exemplarily, one on the left and one on the right in the figure.

[0112] In the first embodiment, outlet 9.7 can be used as a dispensing point 9.8 for the concentrated brine solution 11 entering the main stream 6. The brine mixes with the main stream 6 and flows together with the main stream between the wall 2.1 of the housing 2 and the outer wall 9.1 of the dispensing chamber. Figure 2 In the view, it flows downwards, towards the output pipe 5.2, and further towards the outlet 5.

[0113] To ensure that the water supplied by filter cartridge 1 leaves the filter cartridge sterile, the water can be guided along a corresponding filter 12, such as an activated carbon filter. This filter is, for example, located below the dispensing chamber 9. Figure 2 The middle section is shown as another hollow cylinder. The inner recess of the filter leads into the output pipe 5.2.

[0114] In contrast, according to the second preferred embodiment, the outlet 9.7 of the dispensing chamber 9 can be connected to another storage container 13 or a brine reservoir 13 for the buffer. This brine reservoir 13 can, for example, be designed in the form of a flexible hose, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In Figure 1 The view in section BB illustrates this, relative to the view based on Figure 2 In this embodiment, it passes laterally through the filter cartridge 1 and rotates 90 degrees clockwise.

[0115] The dispensing points 9.8 for the brine 11 entering the main stream 6 are, in this case, outlets 13.2 of either a storage container 13 or a brine temporary reservoir 13, which are respectively designed as hoses. The hose 13 is located in or above the cross-section BB in a generally helical shape. The connector 13.1 of the hose 13 passes through the bottom 8.1 of the particle chamber and enters the dispensing chamber 9, preferably by a bend.

[0116] The storage container 13 ensures that, in stagnant conditions, i.e., when the filter cartridge is not being flowed through, excessive concentration will not occur during mineralization due to unintentional pumping processes, such as pressure fluctuations / pressure shocks, and / or, for example, the escape of air from the system (see explanation above). Elsewhere, the same reference numerals denote the same features as in other figures.

[0117] Figure 4 Another exemplary embodiment of the filter cartridge 1 is shown. The same reference numerals also denote the same features as in the previous figures.

[0118] Unlike Figure 2Two dispensing chambers are designed here: a dispensing chamber 9 on the left and a dispensing chamber 9' on the right, each with its corresponding dispensing tube 7.2 or 7.2'. Each dispensing chamber 9, 9' can be filled with the same salt, or, as exemplarily shown, filled with a different salt 10 or 10' than the corresponding dispensing chamber 9', 9'. Accordingly, two identical salts are formed, or, as shown here, two different brine solutions 11 and 11' are formed.

[0119] The working principle for distributing minerals, i.e., the corresponding brine 11 or 11', into the main stream 6 is similar to that in Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 It can be implemented as in the example.

[0120] Here, particle layers are also provided in the particle chamber 8 and in the supply pipes 7.2 and 7.2', respectively. These particle layers are preferably composed of the same particles so as to form the same resistance value for each path segment.

[0121] The effective height of the resistance layer or particle layer 6.3 in the main 6 extends from the inlet height of the distribution pipe 7.3 or 7.3' to the bottom of the particle chamber 8.1.

[0122] The effective height 7.4 or 7.4' of the resistance layer or particulate layer 7.3 or 7.3' in the corresponding feed stream 7, 7' also extends from the inlet height of the corresponding feed pipe 7.3 or 7.3' to its end, which is located in the bottom 9.4 of the feed chamber.

[0123] The right-hand feed pipe 7.2' is designed differently from the left-hand feed pipe, for example. This can, for example, result in different feed ratios between the left and right feed streams. For example, for sulfate 10' on the left and bicarbonate 10' on the right.

[0124] Similar to Figure 3 , Figure 5 The filter cartridge 1 is shown in Figure 1 The view in the section plane BB. But relative to according to Figure 4 In this embodiment, it passes laterally through the filter cartridge 1 and rotates 90 degrees clockwise.

[0125] The lower half of this view is shown in a top view. Figure 4 The right half. The upper half here shows... Figure 4 The left half of the figure. Here, the same reference numerals also denote the parts in the aforementioned figures, particularly those related to... Figure 4 They share the same characteristics.

[0126] For ease of understanding, Figures 6 to 8 A supplementary view is shown.

[0127] then, Figure 6 A longitudinal sectional view of the filter cartridge 1 with housing 2 is also shown. Here, the same place reference numerals indicate the same features as in other figures. Thus, for example, 6 indicates the main flow, 7 and 7' indicate the dispensing flow path, and 6.1, 7.1, 7.1' indicate arrows indicating the relevant flow direction. Positions 9.7 and 9.7' indicate outlets from the two dispensing chambers 9 or 9', serving as dispensing points for dispensing brine to the main flow 6, which can also be called mixing points, and 10, 10' indicate the corresponding salt, and 11, 11' indicate the relevant brine or brine supernatant. Inlets or inputs into the dispensing path are indicated by 7.2.1 or 7.2.1'.

[0128] Similar to Figure 4 , Figure 7 Accordingly, a filter cartridge 1 is shown, comprising a housing 2, a main stream 6, and feed streams 7 and 7', with an effective height 6.4 for the resistance layer of the main stream 6 and an effective height 7.4 for the feed streams 7 or 7', and corresponding cross-sections 6.2.2 for the main stream and 7.2.2 for the feed streams. Particles in the main stream are indicated by 6.3, and particles in the feed streams are indicated by 7.3.

[0129] Accordingly, for the design of directly dispensing brine from the brine chamber 9, the brine dispensing point is implemented at the outlet indicated by 9.7 and 9.7', unlike the design based on... Figure 3 and 5 The design does not include a storage container 13 or a brine temporary storage device 13.

[0130] Figure 8 Also shown in cross-sectional view is the filter cartridge 1 with housing 2. This filter cartridge is... Figure 7 The main difference in the views is that here, a storage container 13 or a brine temporary storage device 13 in the form of a flexible tube 13 is provided, corresponding to the view according to Figure 3 and 5 The relevant dispensing points 9.8 are implemented here via outlets 13.2 or 13.2' of hoses 13 or 13' respectively.

[0131] Figure 9 and 10 Two other embodiments are illustrated exemplary and schematically, which have a difference compared to the one according to... Figures 2 to 8 The internal structure has been modified to operate under pressure. In these embodiments, the particle layer, i.e., the resistance path 6.5 of the main flow 6 or the resistance path 7.5 of the feed flow 7, flows from bottom to top. Therefore, it operates based on the suction principle. The same reference numerals have the same meanings as in the previously described embodiments.

[0132] Specifically, Figure 9A water filter cartridge 1 with a housing 2 and a pipeline connection is shown, which includes a wall 2.1, a bottom 2.2, a top cover 2.3 and a neck 2.4.

[0133] Here, the packing bed composed of particles 6.3 also forms a resistance path 6.5, but this resistance path is arranged below / in the particle chamber shroud 8.3, so that in the working direction of the filter cartridge 1, the output section 5 faces upward, and the water flowing in according to arrow 4.1 flows from bottom to top. This design works based on the principle of suction.

[0134] The water to be treated 4.1 enters the distribution chamber 8.1.2 via the inlet 8.1.3 in the bottom of the distribution chamber 8.1, and from the distribution chamber enters the particle layer 6.3 via the filter and / or grid 8.1.1 for trapping particles.

[0135] Only a small portion of the water to be treated 4.1 flows with the distribution stream 7. It first passes downward through the input pipe 9.9, from the lower end of which the water enters the distribution chamber 9 which stores salt 10, and through the dissolution of the salt 10, forms brine 11 to be distributed to the main stream 6.

[0136] The brine 11 is further raised in the dispensing chamber according to the flow rate through the filter cartridge 1 and the dispensing ratio between the main flow and the dispensing flow, to the dome-shaped cover of the dispensing chamber, and is drawn into the dispensing pipe 7.2, which is structurally arranged above the dispensing chamber but functionally constructed downstream of the dispensing chamber 9, at the highest position of the dispensing chamber, until the brine dispensing section 9.8.

[0137] In this design, particles 6.3 or 7.3 can be filter stages in the form of a packed bed of carbon, especially activated carbon. However, in principle, other particles are also suitable for forming this resistance path 6.5 or 7.5.

[0138] Compared to embodiments with a layer of particles or a resistance layer that is flushed from above, this filter cartridge provides significantly better and faster ventilation. In particular, during operation, the air located between the salt particles in the salt container 9 can escape quickly via the distribution pipe 7.2 because the resistance of the distribution pipe to air is less than that to water.

[0139] The salt solution 11 is directly supplied from the resistance pipe 7.2 of the supply path 7 into the main stream 6 of the water to be treated.

[0140] Here, pressure fluctuations in the input section cause water to move in the large-sized input pipe 9.9, and the water turns into brine as it flows through the container.

[0141] Due to the suction principle, the brine supply itself remains almost constant even under external pressure fluctuations. Pressure fluctuations in the inlet section—such as those occurring when the entire filter 1 is depressurized—for example, if the water pressure before the filter drops from 2 bar to 1 bar when the tap is turned on and bubbles expand, the bubbles trapped in the salt container 9 will expand. These bubbles only push a small amount of saturated brine towards the outlet through the particle-filled supply pipe, which is difficult to pass through; however, most of the brine flows back into the large drain pipe, and in this case, it does not lead to an increase in the salinity of the mineralized water.

[0142] Figure 10 Showing a kind of Figure 9 A similar implementation, but with two brine dispensing devices, for example, for a variety of possibilities.

[0143] The working methods are the same, therefore, it is similar to that used for... Figure 9 The same content also applies to the same location labels. Therefore, for clarity, please refer to the section specifically for... Figure 9 The above explanation.

[0144] Therefore, only items related to the additional components shown below for the second brine dispensing device will be described. The part numbers of the relevant components of the second brine dispensing device are supplemented with "'".

[0145] The design includes two dispensing chambers 9 and 9', containing salt 10 and 10' and brine 11 and 11', respectively. These brine solutions are dispensed into the main stream 6 of the water to be treated via two dispensing pipes 7.2 and 7.2' at corresponding brine dispensing points 9.8 and 9.8'. Preferably, the salts are different, for example, to allow the dispensing of two different minerals. The dispensing ratios can also be different, for example, depending on the required amount of each salt to be dispensed.

[0146] List of reference numerals

[0147] 1. Filter cartridge

[0148] 1.1 Filter cartridge longitudinal axis

[0149] 2. Shell

[0150] 2.1 Wall

[0151] 2.2 Bottom

[0152] 2.3 Top Cover

[0153] 2.4 Neck

[0154] 2.4.1 Fixing components

[0155] 2.4.2 Outer wall

[0156] 3. Protective cap

[0157] 4 entrances

[0158] 4.1 Arrows

[0159] 4.2 Access

[0160] 4.3 Concave

[0161] 5. Exports

[0162] 5.1 Arrow

[0163] 5.2 Output tube

[0164] 6 Mainstream Routes

[0165] 6.1 Arrows

[0166] 6.2.2 Mainstream cross-sections

[0167] 6.3 particles

[0168] 6.4 Effective height of the resistance layer or particle layer

[0169] 6.5 Resistance Path

[0170] 7. Distribution Flow Line

[0171] 7.1 Arrows

[0172] 7.2 Distribution Pipe

[0173] 7.2.1 Input / Inlet Section into the Distribution Pipe

[0174] 7.2.2 Cross-section of the feed flow

[0175] 7.3 particles

[0176] 7.4 Effective height of the resistance layer or particle layer

[0177] 7.5 Resistance Path

[0178] 8 Particle cavity

[0179] 8.1.1 Filters and / or grilles

[0180] 8.1 Bottom of the particle cavity

[0181] 8.2 Particle Chamber Cover

[0182] 8.3 Withholding documents

[0183] 9. Dispensing chamber (also known as brine container or storage container)

[0184] 9.1 Dispensing cavity wall section

[0185] 9.2 Bottom of the dispensing chamber

[0186] 9.3 Dispensing cavity wall section

[0187] 9.4 Dispensing chamber top cover

[0188] 9.5 Distribution Piping

[0189] 9.6 Arrow

[0190] 9.7 Exports

[0191] 9.8 Salt solution preparation site

[0192] 9.9 Input tube

[0193] 10 Salt

[0194] 11. Salt water

[0195] 12 Filters

[0196] 13 Storage Containers

[0197] 13.1 Connector

[0198] 13.2 Exports

Claims

1. A method for operating a water filter cartridge (1) connected to a water pipe, the water filter cartridge having a housing (2) in the form of a pressure vessel, an inlet (4) for water, and an outlet (5), the method being characterized in that: Inside the pressure vessel, the main pipeline (6) guides the main flow of minerals. Furthermore, the concentrated salt solution is guided through a distribution pipeline. in, The distribution pipeline branches off from the main pipeline (6); The solution is guided through a storage container (9) with a constant volume, in which a concentrated salt solution consisting of sulfates, chlorides, and / or bicarbonates is located. The portion of the dispensing line extending from the storage container (9) is introduced into the main flow at the dispensing point (9.8) via a dispensing opening with a constant flow cross-section. The flow resistance in the main stream is adjusted by a packing bed composed of particles—forming a resistance path arranged along the flow direction before the feeding section (9.8) in the main stream—and the flow resistance in the feeding stream is adjusted by separate resistance paths in the form of resistance layers (7.4) and / or capillaries, thereby generating a differential pressure between the main stream and the feeding stream, wherein the input of the separate resistance path extends into the preceding packing bed. This differential pressure causes the concentrated salt solution to flow through the feeding opening into the mainstream, resulting in a volumetric flow proportional to the mainstream. In the working direction of the water filter cartridge, with the outlet facing upwards, based on the suction principle, the main flow from the inlet is guided upwards to the bottom side of the resistance path. The concentrated salt solution is directly supplied to the mainstream of the water to be treated from the resistance path of the supply route. Here, pressure fluctuations in the input section cause water to move in a large-diameter input pipe, and the water turns into brine as it flows through the storage container. Here, even under conditions of external pressure fluctuations, the brine supply itself remains constant due to the suction principle.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the pressure fluctuates at the input, the air bubbles trapped in the storage container will expand.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bubbles only push a small amount of saturated brine toward the outlet through a particle-filled distribution path that is difficult to pass through; however, most of the brine flows back into the large downpipe, thus preventing an increase in the salt content of the mineralized water.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A salt bed (10) consisting of sulfates, chlorides and / or bicarbonates is located in the storage container (9), thereby forming a storage volume of concentrated salt solution after the salt bed (10) along the flow direction.

5. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The resistance path formed in the feeding path or the feeding flow is formed in the form of a packed bed and / or capillaries composed of particles.

6. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The capillary has an inner diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

7. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The capillary has an inner diameter between 0.15 mm and 0.4 mm.

8. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the working direction of the water filter cartridge (1), with the outlet (5) facing upward, the main flow from the inlet (4) is guided to the bottom side of the resistance path, so that it flows through the resistance path from bottom to top.

9. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Use at least one concentrated salt solution consisting of a sulfate, chloride, or bicarbonate, with a solubility of at least 2 g / L at 20°C.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The solubility of the concentrated salt solution is at least 50 g / L at 20°C.

11. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The solubility of the concentrated salt solution is 740 g / L at 20°C.

12. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one concentrated salt solution is dispensed into the main stream at a volume fraction of 0.05% to 2%.

13. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, For the packed bed, particles with a size of 0.1 mm to 2 mm are used, which have a minimum extension distance of 1 cm in the flow direction (6.4; 7.4).

14. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The conductivity of the water between the inlet (4) and the outlet (5) increases from 100 μS / cm to 2000 μS / cm.

15. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The conductivity of the water between the inlet (4) and the outlet (5) is increased by 600 μS / cm.

16. A pipeline-connected water filter cartridge (1), comprising a housing (2) in the form of a pressure vessel, an inlet (4) for water, and an outlet (5), characterized in that, Inside the pressure vessel is a main pipeline (6) for guiding the main flow of water to be supplied with minerals. A dispensing line is provided to guide the dispensing flow of the concentrated salt solution. Among them, the distribution pipeline branches off from the main pipeline (6), It also includes a storage container (9) with a constant volume containing a concentrated salt solution composed of sulfates, chlorides, and / or bicarbonates, wherein the portion of the distribution line extending from the storage container (9) is connected to the main flow at the distribution point (9.8) via a distribution opening having a constant flow cross-section. Furthermore, in the main pipeline (6), a packing bed composed of particles forming resistance paths is arranged along the flow direction before the feeding section (9.8), forming separate resistance paths in the feeding flow, which take the form of resistance layers (7.4) and / or capillaries. The input of these separate resistance paths extends into the preceding packing bed, and their flow resistance is adjusted to generate a differential pressure between the main flow and the feeding flow. This differential pressure causes a volumetric flow of the concentrated salt solution flowing through the feeding opening that extends into the main stream, which is proportional to the main stream volumetric flow. The concentrated salt solution is temporarily stored in a temporary storage container between its outlet from at least one storage container (9) and the dispensing point in the main stream of water into which the concentrated salt solution enters. in, The temporary reservoir for the concentrated salt solution is made of a flexible material as a hose and is arranged horizontally in the working position of the water filter cartridge; and The temporary container used for the concentrated salt solution is a tubular tube with a filling volume of 0.05 ml to 0.3 ml.

17. The water filter cartridge with pipeline connection as described in claim 16, characterized in that, A salt bed (10) consisting of sulfates, chlorides and / or bicarbonates is located in the storage container, thereby providing a storage volume of concentrated salt solution downstream of the salt bed (10) along the flow direction.

18. The water filter cartridge with pipeline connection as described in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The formation of a feeding path or a resistance path for the feeding flow includes the form of a packed bed and / or capillary composed of particles.

19. The water filter cartridge with pipeline connection as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The capillary has an inner diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

20. The water filter cartridge with pipeline connection as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The capillary has an inner diameter between 0.17 mm and 0.35 mm.

21. The water filter cartridge with pipeline connection as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The hose is 5cm to 30cm in length and has a diameter of 0.5mm to 3mm.

22. The water filter cartridge with pipeline connection as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The resistance path of the feed flow and the resistance path of the main flow are composed of the same type of particles.

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