Drinking water filter core with slow-release health care function, preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a drinking water filter cartridge with slow-release health benefits, its preparation method, and its applications. The drinking water filter cartridge comprises an ultrafiltration layer, a filter media layer, and a functional powder layer stacked sequentially. The filter media layer contains filter media, encapsulants, and traditional Chinese medicine extracts. The traditional Chinese medicine extracts and encapsulants are combined to form capsules, which are adsorbed onto the filter media. The functional powder layer contains functional powders. The filter cartridge of this invention has multiple functions, including purifying drinking water, optimizing the taste of drinking water, continuously imparting health benefits to drinking water, and preventing scale from entering the human body. Furthermore, the filter cartridge has a detachable structure, is regenerable, has a simple regeneration process, readily available raw materials, and broad application prospects.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a drinking water filtering device, in particular to a drinking water filter core with slow-release health care function and a preparation method and application thereof, and belongs to the technical field of water treatment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Water is an important part of the human body and the main component of body fluid, and is an important material for the formation of cells, interstitial fluid and plasma. As a medium for all chemical reactions in the body, water is a platform for the transport of various nutrients and substances, and is also a necessary medium for metabolism. About half of the water consumed by the human body needs to be supplemented directly by drinking, therefore, the nutrients and substances in drinking water play an important role in the human body. The source of drinking water is generally clean natural spring water, well water, river water and lake water, etc. These water sources cannot be directly drunk, but need to be treated before drinking. At present, the water treatment medium used by people generally includes zeolite, water treatment membrane and other substances, and in the field of water treatment, the water treatment medium generally only has a single treatment function. For example, CN110368916A discloses a heavy metal composite adsorption material and a preparation method and application thereof, in which a beta-cyclodextrin / acrylic acid / artificial zeolite composite hydrogel is prepared by using beta-cyclodextrin and acrylic acid monomer as raw materials, artificial zeolite as filler, N, N'-methylene bisacrylamide as crosslinking agent, and potassium persulfate as initiator. The composite hydrogel can effectively adsorb heavy metal ions such as uranium to achieve the purpose of reasonably treating wastewater.

[0003] At the same time, the current focus is mainly on the purification treatment of wastewater, and less on the functional treatment of daily drinking water. CN109568563A provides a composition of zeolite loaded with natural extract and a preparation method thereof, which directly loads the composition of pueraria peptide, puerarin, ginsenoside and / or cactus polysaccharide in zeolite, which cannot play the role of slow release of long-term effect, and the main function of the prepared composition is to treat diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases, and the water treated by the composition is not suitable for normal people to drink. SUMMARY

[0004] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a drinking water filter core with slow-release health care function and a preparation method and application thereof, in order to overcome the deficiency of the prior art that there is no water treatment device with normal drinking water purification and health care functions.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the application, the technical scheme adopted by the present application comprises:

[0006] The first aspect of this invention provides a drinking water filter cartridge with sustained-release health benefits, comprising an ultrafiltration layer, a filter media layer, and a functional powder layer stacked sequentially. The filter media layer comprises filter media, an encapsulating agent, and a traditional Chinese medicine extract. The traditional Chinese medicine extract and the encapsulating agent are combined to form a capsule-like encapsulating agent, which is adsorbed onto the filter media. The functional powder layer comprises functional powder. The filter media includes natural carbonaceous porous materials and natural zeolite, etc. The encapsulating agent is selected from compounds having a molecular cavity structure and containing multiple hydroxyl groups.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing the drinking water filter element, comprising the following steps:

[0008] S1. Dissolve the herbal extract in an ethanol-water solution, stir thoroughly and let stand, then heat, add the water-soaked encapsulant, heat and stir the resulting mixture, then continue stirring and cooling, ultrasonically disperse, and then freeze-dry to obtain the capsule encapsulant.

[0009] S2. After ultrasonically immersing the filter material in dilute hydrochloric acid solution, rinse it thoroughly with distilled water, then add it in batches to the aqueous solution of the capsule contents for ultrasonication, then separate the filter material adsorbed with the capsule contents, and dry it.

[0010] S3. The filter material containing the adsorbed capsules is evenly spread on the ultrafiltration membrane to form a filter material layer. Then, the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer are sequentially covered on the filter material layer, and the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer are separated by natural zeolite. Then, the mixture of functional powder and sweet potato powder is evenly spread on the second non-woven fabric layer to form a functional powder layer. Then, the third non-woven fabric layer is covered on the functional powder layer to form a filter element preform structure. Then, the filter element preform structure is fully moistened with pure water, and then compacted and dried.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention provides a drinking water filtration device, an external support structure for the filter element, and the drinking water filter element having a slow-release health function.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for regenerating the drinking water filter cartridge, comprising:

[0013] The filter media layer and the functional powder layer are separated from the filter element.

[0014] The filter media layer is backwashed with dilute hydrochloric acid solution, then the filter media layer is sandwiched between two layers of potato slices and placed in a container. Water is added and the mixture is boiled. The regenerated filter media is then separated.

[0015] The functional powder layer is sandwiched between two potato slices and placed in a container. Water, baking soda and EDTA in a mass ratio of 3-5:1:1 are added to submerge the functional powder layer and potato slices. The mixture is then boiled, the water is removed, and lemon juice is added to form a mixture. After boiling again, the powder is separated, washed and dried to obtain the regenerated functional powder.

[0016] According to the method for preparing the drinking water filter element, the regenerated filter material and the regenerated functional powder are respectively made into a filter material layer and a functional powder layer.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are at least as follows:

[0018] (1) This invention encapsulates herbal extracts containing health-promoting substances such as ginsenosides in a cavity-structured container, then loads the container onto a porous filter media, and finally applies it to a drinking water filter cartridge. On the one hand, this allows the filter cartridge to filter impurities in drinking water and purify the water source; on the other hand, it improves the taste and mouthfeel of the drinking water, enhancing its comfort. Simultaneously, it allows the slow release of health-promoting substances with low solubility into the water, avoiding the waste caused by the rapid release and loss of these substances in a short period of time, and achieving a long-term continuous supply. This allows users to continuously obtain these health-promoting substances from drinking water, thereby maintaining vitality and improving immunity. Furthermore, by adding functional powder to the drinking water filter cartridge, it can promote the regeneration of zeolite and act as a scale inhibitor to prevent substances that easily form scale from entering the human body, thus avoiding the formation of stones caused by scale. It can also prevent scale from entering the pores of the porous filter media, preventing scale blockage and filtration failure, and ensuring the smooth and continuous release of health-promoting substances.

[0019] (2) The drinking water filter element of the present invention has a detachable structure, which is not only easy to prepare, but also uses natural and environmentally friendly raw materials. Furthermore, it is renewable, with readily available renewable raw materials, simple processes, and broad application prospects. Detailed Implementation

[0020] As mentioned earlier, there are few drinking water treatment media in the prior art that combine water purification with water health-promoting functions. Therefore, the inventors of this invention, focusing on improving the functionality of drinking water while treating it to achieve benefits for the human body, have developed this technical solution through long-term research and extensive practice. The main feature is a drinking water filter cartridge with slow-release health-promoting functions. This cartridge not only purifies drinking water but also provides long-term health-promoting benefits, making it suitable for continuously providing healthy and comfortable drinking water to the general population in daily life, thus improving the user's vitality and enhancing their immunity.

[0021] The technical solution of the present invention will be explained in more detail below.

[0022] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a drinking water filter cartridge with a slow-release health care function, which comprises the following components by weight: 45-60 parts of filter media, 10-20 parts of inclusion material, 5-10 parts of traditional Chinese medicine extract, and 10-20 parts of functional powder.

[0023] Furthermore, the filter element has a multi-layer assembly structure, is separable and replaceable, and is regenerable.

[0024] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a drinking water filter cartridge with a slow-release health care function, comprising an ultrafiltration layer, a filter media layer, and a functional powder layer stacked sequentially; wherein, the filter media layer comprises filter media, an encapsulant, and a traditional Chinese medicine extract, the traditional Chinese medicine extract and the encapsulant being combined to form a capsule encapsulant, the capsule encapsulant being adsorbed onto the filter media; the functional powder layer comprises functional powder; and the mass ratio of the filter media, the encapsulant, the traditional Chinese medicine extract, and the functional powder contained in the filter cartridge is 45-60:10-20:5-10:10-20.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of natural carbonaceous porous material to natural zeolite is 1:2 to 2:1. This not only fully utilizes the multiple functions of natural zeolite, such as adsorption, ion exchange, and pH adjustment, and the unique advantages of activated carbon in adsorbing pigments, removing organic matter, and removing odors, but also ensures that the two materials are evenly distributed and work synergistically to fully achieve the purpose of purifying water and removing odors and pigments.

[0026] The natural carbonaceous porous material includes at least one of peanut shell lignocellulose, fruit shell powder, bamboo charcoal, etc., but is not limited to this.

[0027] The natural zeolite includes, but is not limited to, at least one of analcime, chalcogenide, calcium zeolite, hematite, sodium zeolite, mordenite, and sphalerite.

[0028] Preferably, the filter media has a particle size of 0.8 to 1.60 mm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the inclusion compound is selected from compounds having a molecular cavity structure and containing hydroxyl groups, particularly a large number of hydroxyl groups. Exemplarily, the inclusion compound includes, but is not limited to, at least one or a derivative thereof of α-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, and starch.

[0030] Furthermore, the starch includes, but is not limited to, at least one of tapioca starch, wheat starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, and corn starch.

[0031] In some embodiments, the traditional Chinese medicine used to form the herbal extract includes at least one of ginseng, wolfberry, and Panax notoginseng, but is not limited thereto. Exemplarily, the herbal extract can be an essence obtained by processing and extracting herbal plants with health-promoting functions. The herbal extract can be prepared using various methods known in the art, for example, it can be prepared according to the scheme in ZL201210547486.1.

[0032] In some embodiments, the functional powder comprises porous powder and sweet potato powder in a mass ratio of 3 to 5:1.

[0033] The porous powder is derived from at least one of the following sources: loofah fiber powder, carbonized straw, bamboo charcoal, and activated carbon, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, the particle size of the porous powder and sweet potato powder is preferably 0.1–1 mm. Further, the porous powder and sweet potato powder have different particle sizes; preferably, the difference between the average particle size of the porous powder and the average particle size of the sweet potato powder is greater than 0.4 mm, so that the filtration efficiency of the functional powder layer formed by the two is higher.

[0034] In some embodiments, the preparation method of the capsule inclusions may include: dissolving the herbal extract in an aqueous ethanol solution, stirring thoroughly for 6-12 hours, allowing it to stand for 12-24 hours, then heating to 60-75°C, adding the inclusions soaked in water, heating the resulting mixture to 80-95°C and stirring for 3-5 hours, then continuing to stir and cooling to 60-75°C, ultrasonically dispersing at a frequency of 80-100 kHz for 20-40 minutes, and then freeze-drying.

[0035] Furthermore, the volume percentage concentration of the ethanol aqueous solution can be 60% to 80%.

[0036] In some embodiments, the thickness ratio of the ultrafiltration layer, the filter media layer, and the functional powder layer is 1:(1-3):1.

[0037] For example, the filter element structure includes an ultrafiltration membrane, a filter media layer, a first nonwoven fabric layer, a second nonwoven fabric layer, a functional powder layer, and a third nonwoven fabric layer stacked in sequence, with the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer separated by natural zeolite.

[0038] The particle size distribution of the various filter materials used in this application fully considers the requirements of drinking water filter layers for thickness and efficiency, and can further optimize the utilization of limited interlayer gaps. In particular, by adopting a distribution of particle size that decreases sequentially for various types of filter materials, the gaps between large and small particles of the filter material are fully filled. By making full use of space, the purpose of reducing filter layer thickness is achieved.

[0039] In some embodiments, the total thickness of the filter element is 3 to 5 cm.

[0040] In some embodiments, the filter element is a detachable structure.

[0041] Some embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for preparing the drinking water filter cartridge with sustained-release health function, which includes the following steps:

[0042] S1. Dissolve the herbal extract in an ethanol-water solution, stir thoroughly for 6–12 hours, then let stand for 12–24 hours. Next, heat to 60–75°C, add the water-soaked encapsulant, and heat the resulting mixture to 80–95°C with stirring for 3–5 hours. Continue stirring and cool to 60–75°C, then ultrasonically disperse at 80–100 kHz for 20–40 minutes. Finally, freeze-dry to obtain the encapsulated material. Taking ginseng extract as an example, the ginsenosides in it typically have low solubility in water. Encapsulation allows the solubilizing effect of the encapsulant to convert low-soluble or insoluble nutrients into soluble substances, releasing them into water and making them easier for the body to absorb.

[0043] S2. After ultrasonically immersing the filter material in dilute hydrochloric acid solution, rinse it thoroughly with distilled water, then add it in batches to the aqueous solution of the capsule contents, ultrasonically for more than 20 minutes, then separate the filter material adsorbed with the capsule contents and dry it.

[0044] S3. The filter material containing the adsorbed capsules is evenly spread on the ultrafiltration membrane to form a filter material layer. Then, the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer are sequentially covered on the filter material layer, and the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer are separated by natural zeolite. Then, the mixture of functional powder and sweet potato powder is evenly spread on the second non-woven fabric layer to form a functional powder layer. Then, the third non-woven fabric layer is covered on the functional powder layer to form a filter element preform structure. Then, the filter element preform structure is fully moistened with pure water, and then compacted and dried.

[0045] In some embodiments, step S2 specifically includes:

[0046] The filter media is ultrasonically immersed in a 3-5 wt% dilute hydrochloric acid solution for 5-15 minutes, and then thoroughly rinsed with distilled water to obtain acid-washed filter media.

[0047] The capsule contents are dissolved in water and sonicated at a frequency of 80-100 kHz. Then, the acid-washed filter media is added in batches and sonicated for 20-40 minutes to obtain the filter media adsorbed with the capsule contents.

[0048] In some embodiments, step S3 specifically includes: spreading the filter material containing the adsorbed capsules evenly on the ultrafiltration membrane, and then oscillating it to eliminate the gaps between the filter materials, thereby forming the filter material layer.

[0049] Some embodiments of the present invention also provide a drinking water filtration device, including an outer support structure for the filter element and a filter element, wherein the filter element is the drinking water filter element with slow-release health care function.

[0050] In some embodiments, the two opposite sides of the drinking water filter element along the thickness direction can be defined as the front and back sides, respectively, and after marking the front and back sides, they are then installed in the filter element's outer support structure.

[0051] Some embodiments of the present invention also provide a regeneration method for the drinking water filter cartridge with slow-release health care function, the principle of which is as follows: first, rinsing with dilute hydrochloric acid to remove metal or metal oxide impurities from the scale; then boiling in sodium bicarbonate with added surfactant to activate and desorb the adsorbed scale; and finally, using potato slices with high starch content to re-adsorb and remove the desorbed scale. The regeneration method specifically includes the following steps:

[0052] The filter media layer and the functional powder layer are separated from the filter element.

[0053] The filter media layer is backwashed with a 3-5 wt% dilute hydrochloric acid solution. Then, the filter media layer is sandwiched between two layers of potato slices and placed in a container. Water is added and the mixture is boiled for 20-40 minutes. The regenerated filter media is then separated.

[0054] The functional powder layer is sandwiched between two potato slices and placed in a container. Water, baking soda and EDTA in a mass ratio of 3-5:1:1 are added to submerge the functional powder layer and potato slices. The mixture is then boiled for 20-40 minutes. The water is removed and lemon juice is added to form a mixture. After boiling again, the powder is separated. After washing and drying, the regenerated functional powder is obtained.

[0055] The method for preparing a drinking water filter cartridge with slow-release health care function is used to prepare the regenerated filter material and the regenerated functional powder as the filter material layer and functional powder layer of the filter cartridge, respectively.

[0056] In some embodiments, the regeneration method specifically includes:

[0057] The regenerated filter media is ultrasonically immersed in a 3-5 wt% dilute hydrochloric acid solution for 5-15 minutes, and then thoroughly rinsed with distilled water to obtain acid-washed filter media.

[0058] The capsule contents are dissolved in water and sonicated at a frequency of 80-100kHz. Then, the acid-washed filter media is added in batches and sonicated for 20-40 minutes to obtain the filter media adsorbed with the capsule contents.

[0059] The filter media containing the adsorbed capsules is evenly spread on the ultrafiltration membrane to form a filter media layer. Then, a first non-woven fabric layer and a second non-woven fabric layer are sequentially covered on the filter media layer, and the first and second non-woven fabric layers are separated by natural zeolite. Then, the mixture of the regenerated functional powder and sweet potato powder is evenly spread on the second non-woven fabric layer to form a functional powder layer. Then, a third non-woven fabric layer is covered on the functional powder layer to form a filter element preform structure. The filter element preform structure is then fully moistened with pure water, compacted and dried.

[0060] The filter element of the present invention has multiple functions such as purifying drinking water, optimizing the taste of drinking water, continuously imparting health benefits to drinking water, and preventing scale from entering the human body. Furthermore, the filter element has a detachable structure, is regenerable, and the regeneration process is simple and the raw materials are readily available.

[0061] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to several preferred embodiments. These embodiments are implemented on the premise of the technical solution of the invention, and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes. However, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0062] Unless otherwise specified, the experimental materials used in the examples below can be purchased from conventional biochemical reagent companies. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, all "parts" in the following examples refer to parts by weight, and the herbal extracts used were prepared according to the method of patent 201210547486.1.

[0063] Example 1 This example provides a method for manufacturing a drinking water filter cartridge with sustained-release health care function, comprising the following steps:

[0064] 1. Complexes of inclusion compounds and extracts from traditional Chinese medicine

[0065] Five parts of ginseng extract were dissolved in a 60% v / v ethanol aqueous solution and stirred thoroughly for 6 hours. The solution was then allowed to stand for 24 hours. The ethanol solution was then heated to 60°C. Ten parts of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin were moistened with a small amount of water and added to the ethanol solution. The resulting mixture was then heated to 80°C and stirred for 5 hours. The mixture was then stirred and cooled to 60°C and ultrasonically dispersed at 100 kHz for 20 minutes. The mixture was then freeze-dried to obtain hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-encapsulated ginseng extract (referred to as the capsule encapsulant) for later use.

[0066] 2. Adsorption of capsule contents and filter media

[0067] (1) Take 15 parts of peanut shell lignocellulose with an average particle size of 1.60 mm and 30 parts of zeolite with an average particle size of 0.8 mm, mix them, then soak them in 3 wt% dilute hydrochloric acid for 10 min by ultrasonication, then filter and rinse with distilled water 3 times, filter again to obtain acid-washed filter material for later use.

[0068] (2) Dissolve the capsule contents in water, sonicate at 80kHz, then add the acid-washed filter material in batches, sonicate for 20 minutes, filter and dry to obtain filter material adsorbed with capsule contents for later use.

[0069] 3. Filter element assembly

[0070] The filter media containing the adsorbed capsules is evenly spread on an ultrafiltration membrane made of cellulose. The membrane is shaken to fill the gaps between the filter media particles, forming a filter media layer. Two layers of non-woven fabric are then laid on the filter media layer, with a small amount of zeolite separating the two layers. Then, 10 parts of a functional powder made by mixing loofah fiber powder with a particle size of about 1 mm and sweet potato powder with a particle size of about 0.5 mm in a mass ratio of 3:1 are spread evenly on the second layer of non-woven fabric, forming a functional powder layer. After even distribution, another layer of non-woven fabric is placed on the outermost layer. The filter is then fully moistened with pure water, compacted, and dried to obtain the filter element. The total thickness of the filter element is about 3 cm, and the thickness ratio of the ultrafiltration membrane, filter media layer, and functional powder layer is about 1:1:1.

[0071] Furthermore, the filter element can be marked with its front and back sides and then installed in the filter element external support structure.

[0072] 4. After long-term use, the drinking water filter element of this embodiment can be regenerated through the following process, specifically including:

[0073] 1) First, separate the filter media layer and the functional powder layer from the filter element. Then, backwash the filter media layer with dilute hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 3wt%. Next, cut the potato into thin slices and put them into a container. Then, place the filter media on top, add another layer of potato slices on top, add water and boil for 20 minutes. Then, repeat the above steps 2 for recycling.

[0074] 2) For the functional powder layer, slice the potatoes thinly and place them in a container. Then place the functional powder layer on top, add another layer of potato slices, fill with water, and add baking soda and EDTA, making the mass ratio of water, baking soda, and EDTA 3:1:1. Boil for 20 minutes, then discard the water. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil again. Let it stand, filter, wash with clean water, and dry. The capsule contents can then be re-adsorbed and the functional powder layer reassembled according to steps 2 and 3 above for reuse.

[0075] Example 2 This example provides a method for manufacturing a drinking water filter cartridge with slow-release health care function, which includes the following steps:

[0076] 1. Complexes of inclusion compounds and extracts from traditional Chinese medicine

[0077] Ten parts of wolfberry extract were dissolved in an 80% v / v ethanol aqueous solution and stirred thoroughly for 12 hours, then allowed to stand for 24 hours. The ethanol solution was then heated to 75°C, and 20 parts of β-cyclodextrin were moistened with a small amount of water and added to the ethanol solution. The resulting mixture was then heated to 95°C and stirred for 4 hours, followed by stirring and cooling to 75°C. The mixture was then ultrasonically dispersed at 80 kHz for 40 minutes and freeze-dried to obtain β-cyclodextrin-encapsulated wolfberry extract (referred to as capsule encapsulation) for later use.

[0078] 2. Adsorption of capsule contents and filter media

[0079] (1) Take 30 parts of fruit shell powder with an average particle size of 0.8 mm and 30 parts of calcium zeolite with an average particle size of 1.60 mm, mix them, and then soak them in dilute hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 5 wt% for 20 min by ultrasonication. After that, filter them and rinse them three times with distilled water to obtain acid-washed filter material for later use.

[0080] (2) Dissolve the capsule contents prepared in step 1 in water, sonicate at 100kHz, and then add the above-mentioned acid-washed filter material in batches. After sonicating for 40 minutes, filter and dry to obtain filter material adsorbed with capsule contents for later use.

[0081] 3. Filter element assembly

[0082] The filter media containing the adsorbed capsules is spread evenly on an ultrafiltration membrane made of cellulose acetate. The membrane is shaken to fill the gaps between the filter media particles, forming a filter media layer. Two layers of non-woven fabric are then laid on the filter media layer, separated by a small amount of zeolite. Then, 15 parts of carbonized straw with a particle size of about 0.5 mm and sweet potato flour with a particle size of about 1 mm are mixed in a mass ratio of 4:1 to form a functional powder layer, which is spread evenly on the second layer of non-woven fabric. After even distribution, another layer of non-woven fabric is placed on the outermost layer. The filter is then fully moistened with pure water, compacted, and dried to obtain the filter element. The total thickness of the filter element is about 4 cm, and the thickness ratio of the ultrafiltration membrane, filter media layer, and functional powder layer is about 1:2:1.

[0083] Furthermore, the filter element can be marked with its front and back sides and then installed in the filter element external support structure.

[0084] 4. After long-term use, the drinking water filter element of this embodiment can be regenerated through the following process, specifically including:

[0085] 1) First, remove the filter element and separate the filter media layer from the functional powder layer. Then, rinse the filter media layer with dilute hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 4wt%. Next, cut the potato into thin slices and put them into a container. Then, place the filter media on top, add another layer of potato slices on top, add water and boil for 40 minutes. Then, repeat step 2 above to recycle and reuse the filter media.

[0086] 2) For the functional powder layer, similarly, slice potatoes thinly and place them in a container. Then, place the functional powder layer on top, add another layer of potato slices, fill with water, and add baking soda and EDTA, making the mass ratio of water, baking soda, and EDTA 5:1:1. Boil for 40 minutes, then discard the water. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil again. Let it stand, filter, wash with clean water, and dry. The resulting mixture can then be reused after re-adsorbing the capsule contents and assembling the functional powder layer according to steps 2 and 3 above.

[0087] Example 3 This example provides a method for manufacturing a drinking water filter cartridge with slow-release health care function, which includes the following steps:

[0088] 1. Complexes of inclusion compounds and extracts from traditional Chinese medicine

[0089] Eight parts of Panax notoginseng extract were dissolved in a 70% v / v ethanol aqueous solution and stirred thoroughly for 9 hours, then allowed to stand for 18 hours. The ethanol solution was then heated to 70°C, and 15 parts of tapioca starch were moistened with a small amount of water and added to the ethanol solution. The resulting mixture was then heated to 85°C and stirred for 3 hours, followed by continued stirring and cooling to 65°C. The mixture was then ultrasonically dispersed at 90 kHz for 30 minutes and freeze-dried to obtain tapioca starch-encapsulated Panax notoginseng extract (referred to as capsule encapsulation) for later use.

[0090] 2. Adsorption of capsule contents and filter media

[0091] (1) Take 36 parts of bamboo charcoal with an average particle size of 1.40 mm and 18 parts of sodium zeolite with an average particle size of 1 mm, mix them, and then soak them in dilute hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 4 wt% for 15 min by ultrasonication. Then filter them and rinse them three times with distilled water to obtain acid-washed filter material for later use.

[0092] (2) Dissolve the capsule contents prepared in step 1 in water, sonicate at a frequency of 90 kHz, and then add the above-mentioned acid-washed filter material in batches. After sonicating for 30 min, filter and dry to obtain filter material adsorbed with capsule contents for later use.

[0093] 3. Filter element assembly

[0094] The filter media containing the adsorbed capsules is spread evenly on an ultrafiltration membrane made of polycarbonate. The membrane is shaken to fill the gaps between the filter media particles, forming a filter media layer. Two layers of non-woven fabric are then laid on the filter media layer, with a small amount of zeolite separating the two layers. Then, 20 parts of bamboo charcoal with a particle size of about 0.6 mm and sweet potato powder with a particle size of about 0.1 mm are mixed in a mass ratio of 5:1 to form a functional powder layer, which is spread evenly on the second layer of non-woven fabric. After even distribution, another layer of non-woven fabric is placed on the outermost layer. The filter is then fully moistened with pure water, compacted, and dried to obtain the filter element. The total thickness of the filter element is about 5 cm, and the thickness ratio of the ultrafiltration membrane, filter media layer, and functional powder layer is about 1:3:1.

[0095] Furthermore, the filter element can be marked with its front and back sides and then installed in the filter element external support structure.

[0096] 4. After long-term use, the drinking water filter element of this embodiment can be regenerated through the following process, specifically including:

[0097] 1) First, remove the filter element and separate the filter media layer from the functional powder layer. Then, rinse the filter media layer with dilute hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 5wt%. Next, cut the potato into thin slices and put them into a container. Then, place the filter media on top, add another layer of potato slices on top, add water and boil for 30 minutes. Then, repeat step 2 above to recycle and reuse the filter media.

[0098] 2) For the functional powder layer, similarly, slice potatoes thinly and place them in a container. Then, place the functional powder layer on top, add another layer of potato slices, fill with water, and add baking soda and EDTA, making the mass ratio of water, baking soda, and EDTA 4:1:1. Boil for 30 minutes, then discard the water. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil again. Let it stand, filter, wash with clean water, and dry. The capsule contents can then be re-adsorbed and the functional powder layer reassembled according to steps 2 and 3 above for reuse.

[0099] Compare with Example 1

[0100] The method for manufacturing a drinking water filter cartridge provided in this comparative example is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that step 1 is omitted and the capsule contents are replaced with 5 parts of ginseng extract in step (2). That is, the ginseng extract is directly adsorbed into the filter media.

[0101] Compare with Example 2

[0102] The method for manufacturing a drinking water filter element provided in this comparative example is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that the operation of making the functional powder layer is omitted in step 3.

[0103] Compare with Example 3

[0104] The method for manufacturing a drinking water filter element provided in this comparative example is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that 45 parts of peanut shell lignocellulose with an average particle size of 1.60 mm are used in step (2), instead of zeolite.

[0105] Compare with Example 4

[0106] The method for manufacturing a drinking water filter element provided in this comparative example is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that 45 parts of zeolite with an average particle size of 0.8 mm are used in step (2), instead of peanut shell lignocellulose.

[0107] Compare with Example 5

[0108] The method for manufacturing a drinking water filter element provided in this comparative example is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that step (1) is omitted, and in step (2) 15 parts of peanut shell lignocellulose with an average particle size of 1.60 mm and 30 parts of zeolite with an average particle size of 0.8 mm are used to replace the acid-washed filter material.

[0109] Compare with Example 6

[0110] The method for manufacturing a drinking water filter element provided in this comparative example is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that only 10 parts of loofah fiber powder are used in step 3 to form the functional powder layer.

[0111] The filter cartridges of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-6 were tested. The test items included: taste, solubility of the herbal extract, weight gain of the filter cartridge after one month, bacterial count in the water, and filtration effect after regeneration. The test results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0112] Table 1. Test results of filter elements in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-6

[0113] Taste (flavor) Ginsenoside solubility mg / mL mg / m2 for one month 3 ]] Total number of colonies CFU / ml Example 1 No off-flavor 3.87 172 Not detected Comparative Example 1 Distinct off-flavor 0.32 168 Not detected Comparative Example 2 Almost no off-flavor 3.41 78 3 Comparative Example 3 Almost no off-flavor 3.42 120 5 Comparative Example 4 Almost no off-flavor 3.57 145 4 Comparative Example 5 Almost no off-flavor 3.48 156 Not detected Comparative Example 6 Almost no off-flavor 3.54 118 Not detected

[0114] Table 2 shows the test results of the filter elements in Examples 2 and 3.

[0115] Taste (flavor) mg / m2 after one month 3 ]] Total number of colonies CFU / ml Example 2 No off-flavor 160 Not detected Example 3 No off-flavor 152 Not detected

[0116] Tests showed that all other water quality indicators met the required standards.

[0117] The filter elements of Examples 1-3 were regenerated 5 times. After each regeneration, the performance of the filter element was tested as before. The results showed that as the number of regenerations increased, the filter element’s filtration effect on scale gradually decreased. However, after the 5th regeneration and re-adsorption of capsule contents and reassembly of the functional powder layer, the filter element’s odor removal function and scale filtration function still remained above 80% of the initial performance.

[0118] The filter cartridges of Examples 1 to 6 were regenerated according to the method described in Example 1, and their performance was tested after each regeneration. The test items were as before. The results showed that: in Example 1, the ginseng extract was directly adsorbed into the filter media without encapsulation, resulting in a strong taste in the drinking water and causing an unpleasant mouthfeel; in Example 2, the absence of a functional powder layer meant that scale was not adsorbed and removed to the maximum extent and entered the drinking water; in Examples 3 and 4, the use of porous materials with only a single particle size resulted in poor filtration of scale and microorganisms in the water; in Example 5, the lack of an acid washing process led to incomplete regeneration of the filter media and a reduced lifespan; and in Example 6, the absence of sweet potato powder resulted in poor scale filtration.

[0119] In addition, the inventors of this case also conducted experiments with other raw materials, process operations, and process conditions described in this specification, referring to the aforementioned embodiments, and obtained relatively ideal results in all cases.

[0120] Although the invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various other changes, omissions, and / or additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that elements of the described embodiments can be substituted with substantially equivalents. Furthermore, many modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention. Therefore, this invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention, but rather is intended to encompass all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drinking water filter cartridge having a slow-release health function, characterized in that, The filter core comprises, in sequence, an ultrafiltration layer, a filter material layer, and a functional powder layer; the filter material layer comprises filter material, inclusions, and Chinese herbal medicine extract, the Chinese herbal medicine extract is compounded with the inclusions to form capsule inclusions, and the capsule inclusions are adsorbed on the filter material; the functional powder layer comprises functional powder; and the mass ratio of the filter material, the inclusions, the Chinese herbal medicine extract, and the functional powder in the filter core is 45-60:10-20:5-10:10-20; The filter material comprises natural carbonaceous porous material and natural zeolite at a mass ratio of 1:2-2:1, and the particle size of the filter material is 0.8-1.60 mm; the inclusions are selected from compounds having a molecular cavity structure and containing hydroxyl groups; the Chinese herbal medicine used to form the Chinese herbal medicine extract comprises at least one of ginseng, medlar, and sanchi; and the functional powder comprises porous powder and taro powder at a mass ratio of 3-5:

1. The preparation method of the capsule inclusions comprises the following steps: dissolving the Chinese herbal medicine extract in an ethanol aqueous solution, stirring sufficiently for 6-12 hours, then standing for 12-24 hours, then heating to 60-75 DEG C, adding the inclusions soaked in water, heating the formed mixture to 80-95 DEG C and stirring for 3-5 hours, then continuing to stir and cooling to 60-75 DEG C, and then ultrasonic dispersion at a frequency of 80-100 kHz for 20-40 minutes, and then freeze-drying.

2. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The natural carbonaceous porous material comprises at least one of peanut shell lignocellulose, shell powder, and bamboo charcoal.

3. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The natural zeolite comprises at least one of analcite, chabazite, calcium zeolite, hematite, sodium zeolite, mordenite, and sphalerite.

4. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The inclusions comprise at least one of alpha-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, and starch, or derivatives of at least one thereof.

5. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 4, wherein: The starch comprises at least one of cassava starch, wheat starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, and corn starch.

6. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The source of the porous powder comprises at least one of loofah powder, carbonized straw, bamboo charcoal, and activated carbon.

7. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The particle size of the porous powder and the taro powder is 0.1-1 mm.

8. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The difference between the average particle size of the porous powder and the average particle size of the taro powder is 0.4 mm or more.

9. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The volume percentage concentration of the ethanol aqueous solution is 60%-80%.

10. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The thickness ratio of the ultrafiltration layer, the filter material layer, and the functional powder layer is 1:(1-3):

1.

11. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The filter core comprises, in sequence, an ultrafiltration membrane, a filter material layer, a first non-woven fabric layer, a second non-woven fabric layer, a functional powder layer, and a third non-woven fabric layer, and the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer are separated by natural zeolite.

12. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The total thickness of the filter core is 3-5 cm.

13. The drinking water filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The filter core is of a detachable structure.

14. The method for preparing a drinking water filter cartridge with sustained-release health care function according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: S1, dissolving Chinese herbal medicine extract in aqueous ethanol solution, fully stirring for 6-12h, then standing for 12-24h, then heating to 60-75℃, and adding the inclusions soaked in water, then heating the formed mixture to 80-95℃ and stirring for 3-5h, then continuing to stir and cooling to 60-75℃, and ultrasonic dispersion at 80-100kHz for 20-40min, then freeze-drying to obtain capsule inclusions; S2, ultrasonic immersion washing the filter material in dilute hydrochloric acid solution, then fully rinsing with distilled water, then adding the aqueous solution of the capsule inclusions in batches, ultrasonic for 20min or more, then separating the filter material adsorbed with the capsule inclusions and drying; S3, evenly laying the filter material adsorbed with the capsule inclusions on the ultrafiltration membrane to form a filter material layer, then covering the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer on the filter material layer in turn, and separating the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer with natural zeolite, then evenly laying the mixture of functional powder and taro powder on the second non-woven fabric layer to form a functional powder layer, then covering the third non-woven fabric layer on the functional powder layer to form a filter core embryo structure, then fully wetting the filter core embryo structure with pure water, and then compacting and drying.

15. The method for preparing a drinking water filter cartridge with sustained-release health care function according to claim 14, characterized in that, Step S2 specifically comprises: ultrasonic immersion washing the filter material in dilute hydrochloric acid solution with a concentration of 3-5wt% for 5-15min, then fully rinsing with distilled water to obtain the filter material after pickling; dissolving the capsule inclusions in water and ultrasonic, then adding the filter material after pickling in batches, ultrasonic for 20-40min, then separating to obtain the filter material adsorbed with the capsule inclusions.

16. The method for preparing a drinking water filter cartridge with sustained-release health care function according to claim 14, characterized in that, Step S3 specifically comprises: evenly laying the filter material adsorbed with the capsule inclusions on the ultrafiltration membrane, then oscillating to eliminate the gaps between the filter materials, thereby forming the filter material layer.

17. A drinking water filter apparatus comprising a filter cartridge outer support structure and a filter cartridge, characterised in that: The filter core is the drinking water filter core with slow-release health care function according to any one of claims 1-13.

18. The method of regenerating a drinking water filter cartridge having a slow release health function according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein, Comprises: separating the filter material layer and the functional powder layer from the filter core respectively; reverse flushing the filter material layer with dilute hydrochloric acid solution with a concentration of 3-5wt%, then sandwiching the filter material layer between two layers of potato slices and placing it in a container, then adding water and boiling for 20-40min, then separating the regenerated filter material; sandwiching the functional powder layer between two layers of potato slices and placing it in a container, then adding water, baking soda and EDTA with a mass ratio of 3-5:1:1 to immerse the functional powder layer and potato slices, then boiling for 20-40min, then removing the water and adding lemon juice to form a mixture, then boiling again, then separating the powder therefrom, then washing, drying to obtain the regenerated functional powder; using the method according to any one of claims 14-16 to prepare the regenerated filter material and the regenerated functional powder as the filter material layer and the functional powder layer of the filter core respectively.