Method for predicting replacement time of ion exchange resin in non-regenerative ion exchange device

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a method for predicting the replacement time of an ion exchange resin filled in a non-regenerative ion exchange device that constitutes a sub-system of an ultrapure water production device for a specific user, the prediction method using an information processing means. A method for predicting replacement time in which a database is added to an information processing means, the method comprising: a step in which the database receives information relating to an ion exchange resin filled in a non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user, and records the received information; and a step in which the information processing means predicts the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device by the specific user on the basis of the information recorded in the database. According to the method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin, the replacement of the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user can be appropriately managed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resins filled in a non-regenerative ion exchange device, and particularly to a method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resins that can appropriately manage the replacement (particularly replacement with regenerated ion exchange resins) of the filled ion exchange resins. Background Art

[0002] Ultrapure water mainly used in the electronic field is manufactured by treating raw water using an ultrapure water manufacturing system, which is composed of a pretreatment device, a primary pure water manufacturing device, and a secondary pure water manufacturing device (subsystem). For example, as Figure 1 shown, the subsystem 1 is composed of a sub-tank 2 for storing primary pure water W1, a liquid supply pump 3 for supplying primary pure water W1 from the sub-tank 2, a heat exchanger 4 for recovering the heat of primary pure water W1, an ultraviolet oxidation device 5 for decomposing organic substances in primary pure water W1, a membrane degassing device 6, a non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, and an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane 8 as a membrane separation device. And, the secondary pure water (ultrapure water) W2 manufactured using such a subsystem 1 is supplied from a supply path 9 to a water usage point 10, and the unused ultrapure water W2 flows back to the sub-tank 2 from a return path 11. The non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 used in this subsystem 1 has a lifespan, and its performance deteriorates if a specified amount of ions is exchanged. Therefore, the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 needs to be replaced and maintained regularly.

[0003] The performance of this non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 can be restored by removing the used ion exchange resins and filling new or regenerated ion exchange resins. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, although a mixed resin of an anion exchange resin and a cation resin is usually filled as the ion exchange resin, there are various grades in the anion exchange resin and the cation resin due to differences in ion exchange groups, substrates, or ion exchange capabilities, etc. Further, depending on the treated water quality and required water quality (guaranteed water quality) of the customers using the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, the filling amount of the ion exchange resin and the ratio of the anion exchange resin / cation exchange resin may also be different. As a result, since the ion exchange resins replaced in the ultrapure water manufacturing systems of each user are different, it is very time-consuming to replace the ion exchange resins in the non-regenerative ion exchange devices 7 in the ultrapure water manufacturing systems of multiple users, and it is difficult to manage them efficiently.

[0006] In recent years, especially from the perspective of environmental load, there has been a continuous search for reducing the amount of waste ion exchange resin, and efforts are being made to regenerate ion exchange resin for reuse. However, not only does the most suitable regeneration process for ion exchange resin vary depending on the type of ion exchange resin, but it is also inevitable to incur losses associated with the regeneration of ion exchange resin. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the inevitably discarded portion of ion exchange resin with new ion exchange resin. At this time, the ratio of how much the regenerated ion exchange resin is reused and how much new ion exchange resin is replenished also varies according to the required water quality of the user's ultrapure water production system.

[0007] Thus, it has been difficult to manage the replacement of ion exchange resin filled in a non-regenerative ion exchange device according to each specific user's specific ultrapure water production system. If the regenerated ion exchange resin can be appropriately replaced in the non-regenerative ion exchange device, the amount of waste ion exchange resin can be significantly reduced, which is also preferable from the perspective of environmental load.

[0008] The present invention has been completed in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device, which can appropriately manage the replacement of ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device in each specific user's ultrapure water production system, especially the replacement with regenerated ion exchange resin.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device. The method is for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin filled in a non-regenerative ion exchange device, and the non-regenerative ion exchange device constitutes a subsystem of a specific user's ultrapure water production device. The prediction method uses an information processing mechanism, and a database is additionally provided in the information processing mechanism. The prediction method includes: a step in which the database receives information related to the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user and records the received information; and a step in which the information processing mechanism predicts the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user based on the information recorded in the database. The information related to the ion exchange resin includes the following (1) to (4) (Invention 1).

[0011] (1) Information related to the grades (types) of anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device.

[0012] (2) The filling amount of the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device.

[0013] (3) The ratio (volume ratio) of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device.

[0014] (4) The last replacement time of the ion exchange resin.

[0015] According to the above invention (Invention 1), based on the information of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device for a specific user, that is, the information including the following (1) to (4), it is possible to predict the replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device next time.

[0016] In the above invention (Invention 1), preferably, the prediction method further includes: the step in which the information processing mechanism instructs the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device according to the predicted replacement time (Invention 2).

[0017] According to the above invention (Invention 2), determine the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin that meet the conditions, and respectively prepare a specified amount of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin that meet the conditions in advance according to the predicted replacement time, and supply them to a specific user. Thus, it is possible to appropriately manage the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device.

[0018] In the above invention (Invention 2), preferably, the information further includes the following (5) (Invention 3).

[0019] (5) Whether to select either all new ion exchange resins or ion exchange resins mainly composed of regenerated products as the ion exchange resin to be replaced.

[0020] According to the above invention (Invention 3), as the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device to be replaced by a specific user, according to whether new products or regenerated products are selected, it is possible to prepare new products or regenerated products of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin that meet the conditions in combination with the replacement resin time of the ion exchange resin next time. It should be noted that in the case of selecting regenerated products, since there will be a part of waste loss during regeneration, it is only necessary to supplement new anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin or the remaining previous regenerated products.

[0021] In the above invention (Invention 3), preferably, the information further includes the following (6) (Invention 4).

[0022] (6) The guaranteed water quality information of the ultrapure water manufacturing device of the specific user.

[0023] According to the above invention (Invention 4), predict the replacement time of the ion exchange resin so as to meet the guaranteed water quality (required water quality) of the ultrapure water production device for a specific user, and be able to prepare the anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin for replacement to meet the predicted conditions.

[0024] In the above invention (Invention 3), preferably, the prediction method further includes: the ion exchange resin indicated by the information processing mechanism to be replaced is all new ion exchange resin, and according to the prediction of the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user by the information processing mechanism, the information processing mechanism indicates the step of preparing new ion exchange resin (Invention 5).

[0025] According to the above invention (Invention 5), when a specific user hopes for new products at the time of replacement, or when it is necessary to use new ion exchange resin starting from the required water quality, predict the next replacement time from the previous replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device, the treated water volume and filling amount of the ion exchange resin, and respectively prepare a specified amount of new anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin of a specified grade in advance according to the predicted replacement time and supply them to the user. Thus, the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device can be appropriately managed.

[0026] In the above invention (Invention 3), preferably, the prediction method further includes: the ion exchange resin indicated by the information processing mechanism to be replaced is mainly regenerated ion exchange resin, and according to the prediction of the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user, the information processing mechanism indicates the step of preparing regenerated ion exchange resin, which is the ion exchange resin regenerated from the ion exchange resin recovered from the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user (Invention 6).

[0027] According to the above invention (Invention 6), when a specific user hopes for regenerated products at the time of replacing the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device, predict the next replacement time from the previous replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device, the treated water volume and filling amount of the ion exchange resin, and respectively regenerate the anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin recovered from the non-regenerative ion exchange device using a specified method according to the predicted next replacement time and supply them to the user. Thus, the replacement of the regenerated ion exchange resin can be appropriately managed.

[0028] In the above invention (Invention 6), preferably, the ion exchange resin mainly composed of recycled products is an ion exchange resin obtained by supplementing new ion exchange resin to recycled ion exchange resin (Invention 7).

[0029] According to the above invention (Invention 7), when the ion exchange resin recovered from the non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user is regenerated, losses occur due to breakage of the ion exchange resin, entanglement of the ion exchange resin at the interface when separating the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin, etc., and the amount of ion exchange resin that can be reused becomes less than the recovered amount. Therefore, by filling the reduced part of the ion exchange resin with new ion exchange resin according to the information related to the ion exchange resin, the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device can be appropriately managed.

[0030] In the above invention (Invention 2), preferably, an information identifier is additionally provided in the non-regenerative ion exchange device, and the information identifier records information related to the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user. When replacing the ion exchange resin, the information identifier is recognized by using a reading mechanism, thereby establishing the association between the information (4) and the information (1), the information (2), and the information (3) (Invention 8).

[0031] According to the above invention (Invention 8), by additionally providing an information identifier such as a barcode, a quick response code (QR code) (registered trademark), etc. in the non-regenerative ion exchange device, information such as the assumed treatment water volume per unit time, the filling amount of the ion exchange resin, the ratio of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin, and the grades of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin at the time of designing the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user is pre-assigned to the information identifier. When replacing the ion exchange resin, the information identifier is read, thereby determining the replacement time of the ion exchange resin, saving / managing this information in a database, and through an information processing mechanism linked to the database, not only the replacement time of the previous ion exchange resin, but also information on the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device such as the grade, amount, or regeneration method of the recovered ion exchange resin is associated. Thus, the next replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device can be appropriately managed.

[0032] In the above invention (Invention 2), preferably, a measuring mechanism provided with a wireless information transmission mechanism can measure the water quality of the treated water of the non-regenerative ion exchange device, and the prediction method further includes: the step of the database receiving, via the wireless information transmission mechanism, the water quality information of the treated water of the non-regenerative ion exchange device from the measuring mechanism, and recording the received information; and the step of the information processing mechanism correcting the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin according to the water quality information of the treated water measured using the measuring mechanism (Invention 9).

[0033] According to the above invention (Invention 9), by continuously or intermittently measuring the water quality of the treated water of the non-regenerative ion exchange device and transmitting this information to a remote database and information processing mechanism via a wireless information transmission mechanism, thus, according to the water quality of the non-regenerative ion exchange device, the information processing mechanism can correct the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin to the most appropriate time, and can appropriately manage the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user.

[0034] In the above invention (Invention 2), preferably, an optical sensor additionally provided with a wireless information transmission mechanism can measure the packed resin height of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device, and the prediction method further includes: the step of the database receiving, via the wireless information transmission mechanism, the packed resin height information of the ion exchange resin from the optical sensor, and recording the received information; and the step of the information processing mechanism correcting the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin according to the packed resin height information of the ion exchange device measured using the optical sensor (Invention 10).

[0035] According to the above invention (Invention 10), since the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device increases or decreases in particle size while performing ion exchange, the packed height of the resin also increases or decreases. By continuously or intermittently measuring the packed height of the resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device with an optical sensor and transmitting this information to a remote database and information processing mechanism via a wireless information transmission mechanism, thus, according to the usage condition (ion exchange condition) of the non-regenerative ion exchange device, the information processing mechanism can correct the replacement time of the ion exchange resin to the most appropriate time, and can appropriately manage the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user.

[0036] In the above invention (Invention 2), preferably, a color sensor with a wireless information transmission mechanism can measure the color of the ion exchange resin. The prediction method further includes: the database receiving, via the wireless information transmission mechanism, the color information of the ion exchange resin measured by the measurement mechanism using the color sensor, and recording the received information; and the information processing mechanism correcting the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user according to the colorimetric information of the ion exchange resin measured using the color sensor (Invention 11).

[0037] According to the above invention (Invention 11), the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device becomes lighter or darker in color while performing ion exchange. By transmitting the information on the colorimetric value of the ion exchange resin measured using the color sensor to a remote database and an information processing mechanism via a wireless information transmission mechanism, it is possible to correct the replacement time of the ion exchange resin to the most appropriate time by the information processing mechanism according to the usage status (ion exchange situation) of the non-regenerative ion exchange device, and to appropriately manage the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a subsystem of an ultrapure water production device showing a method for predicting the replacement time of an ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0039] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing an application example of a method for predicting the replacement time of an ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the foregoing embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for predicting the replacement time of an ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the foregoing embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] [First Embodiment]

[0042] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a method for predicting the replacement time of an ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0043] The method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the present embodiment is a method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device by using an information processing mechanism. The non-regenerative ion exchange device constitutes a subsystem of the ultrapure water production device of a user (hereinafter simply referred to as a "specific user") provided with an ultrapure water production device. And a database is additionally provided in this information processing mechanism.

[0044] (Subsystem)

[0045] The secondary pure water production device (subsystem) of the ultrapure water production device to which the method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the present embodiment can be applied, for example, can use the device having the structure shown in the foregoing Figure 1 Therefore, its detailed description is omitted.

[0046] (Non-regenerative ion exchange device)

[0047] In the present embodiment, the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 is a device usually filled in a state of mixing an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin. If a specified amount or specified time of water to be treated is passed through, each non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 is replaced, or the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 is replaced with a new product or an ion exchange resin that has completed the regeneration process. The present embodiment does not apply to the case of replacing each non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, but applies to the case of replacing the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 with a new product or an ion exchange resin that has completed the regeneration process.

[0048] In the present embodiment, an information identifier is assigned to the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7. As this information identifier, two-dimensional codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks) are preferred. As the information of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 of the specific user, the following information (1) to (3) is recorded in this information identifier.

[0049] (1) Information related to the grades of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 (management numbers at the time of manufacturing the ion exchange resin, brands of the ion exchange resin, etc.).

[0050] (2) Filling of the ion exchange resin.

[0051] (3) Ratio of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 (anion exchange resin / cation exchange resin).

[0052] In addition, information on the assumed water treatment amount per unit time (standard water treatment amount) at the time of designing the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 can also be recorded.

[0053] In addition, for example, by identifying this information identifier when replacing the ion exchange resin, the identified time can be associated with the previous replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the (4) non-regenerative ion exchange device 7. Further, as other information, the following information (5) to (6) can also be recorded in the above information identifier.

[0054] (5) Whether to select either all new ion exchange resins or ion exchange resins mainly composed of regenerated products as the ion exchange resins to be replaced.

[0055] (6) The guaranteed water quality information of the ultrapure water manufacturing device for a specific user.

[0056] Here, the information in (5) is not only the wish of a specific user, but also includes the situation where all have to be replaced with new products or the situation where all are desired to be new products, starting from the guaranteed water quality (required water quality) of the ultrapure water manufacturing device for a specific user.

[0057] (Prediction method for the replacement time of ion exchange resin)

[0058] Next, a method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the present embodiment in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 having the configuration as described above will be described.

[0059] <Information recording step>

[0060] First, the database 22 attached to an information processing mechanism 23 such as a personal computer receives information related to the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 of a specific user and records the received information. The above information includes the following (1) to (4).

[0061] (1) Information related to the grades of the anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 (management number at the time of manufacturing the ion exchange resin, brand of the ion exchange resin, etc.).

[0062] (2) Filling of the ion exchange resin.

[0063] (3) Ratio of the anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 (anion exchange resin / cation exchange resin).

[0064] (4) The previous replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7.

[0065] Further, the assumed water treatment amount per unit time (standard water treatment amount) at the time of designing the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 can also be included as information.

[0066] <Prediction Step of Next Replacement Time>

[0067] Then, based on the information recorded in the database 22, the information processing mechanism 23 predicts the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 for the specific user. Specifically, if the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 is completed, as shown in Figure 2 , the operator M uses a portable terminal 21 such as a smart phone to read an information identifier (not shown) such as a bar code additionally provided on the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7. As described above, the read information includes at least the information of (1) to (4). By reading the information identifier using the portable terminal 21 at the end of the replacement of the ion exchange resin, the read time can be associated with the information of (4) the last replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 and the information of (1) to (3) above. Then, this information is sent from the portable terminal 21 to the remote management facility 24 where an information processing mechanism 23 such as a personal computer is provided. The information processing mechanism is additionally provided with a database 22. The database 22 receives this information and records the received information.

[0068] Then, the information processing mechanism 23 predicts the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin based on (1) the filling amount of the ion exchange resin, (2) the anion exchange resin / cation exchange resin (volume ratio), (3) the information related to the grades of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 (management number at the time of manufacturing the ion exchange resin, brand of the ion exchange resin, etc.), (4) the last replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 recorded in the database 22, and further based on the information of the assumed treatment water volume (standard treatment water volume) at the time of design of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 as needed.

[0069] For example, the information processing mechanism 23 calculates the filling amount A (L) of the anion exchange resin and the filling amount B (L) of the cation exchange resin from (i) the filling amount of the ion exchange resin and (ii) the anion exchange resin / cation exchange resin ratio respectively, and calculates the ion exchange capacity (anion exchange capacity, cation exchange capacity) per unit volume or per unit mass of the ion exchange resin from (iii) the grades of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin filled in the ion exchange device 7 respectively.

[0070] Next, the information processing unit 23 calculates the anion load and cation load per unit time from the anion load and cation load per unit volume of water quality of the assumed primary pure water W1 and the assumed water treatment volume per unit time (standard water treatment volume) at the time of designing the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7. Then, by dividing the anion exchange capacity by the anion load per unit time and dividing the cation exchange capacity by the cation load, the breakthrough prediction times of the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin are calculated respectively. Then, by dividing the shorter breakthrough prediction time by the average operation time of the sub-system 1 per day, the number of days until the ion exchange resin reaches breakthrough (breakthrough prediction days) is estimated. Further, in order to prevent ion leakage from the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, etc., the information processing unit 23 can predict the next replacement time based on the number of days obtained by multiplying the estimated number of days until breakthrough by a safety factor (for example, around 0.8 to 0.9).

[0071] However, since the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 is a device for treating primary pure water W1, the ion load of primary pure water W1 is extremely small compared to that of pre-treated water, etc., so the breakthrough prediction days become very long, reaching more than 800 days, and in particular, sometimes more than 1000 days. If we consider the maintenance and update of the customer's device, it is not realistic to manage it with such a long number of days. Therefore, it is preferable to set an upper limit for the breakthrough prediction days. For example, if 2 years or 3 years, etc. are set as the upper limit and the replacement of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 is managed, it will also be easier for the customer to manage.

[0072] In addition, according to other requirements, the information identifier may further include the information in the following (5) and (6). These are the information used to determine the ion exchange resin to be prepared in advance at the time of the next replacement of the ion exchange resin.

[0073] (5) Whether to select either all new ion exchange resins or ion exchange resins mainly composed of regenerated products as the ion exchange resins to be replaced.

[0074] (6) The guaranteed water quality information of the ultra-pure water manufacturing device of a specific user.

[0075] <Instruction step for the replacement time of the ion exchange resin>

[0076] Corresponding to the predicted next replacement time, the information processing unit 23 gives an instruction by displaying the information that the replacement time of the ion exchange resin is approaching on a display mechanism such as a display (not shown).

[0077] Then, according to the information related to the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 of a specific user recorded in the information processing mechanism 23, it is only necessary to prepare and deliver a specific grade and quantity of replacement ion exchange resin in advance. According to this method, by reading the information identifier of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, the operator M can prevent incorrect replacement with different ion exchange resins by confirming the information of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 and matching it with the ion exchange resin being carried in. Therefore, it also has the effect of not requiring the operator M to be proficient.

[0078] Specifically, the following Figure 3 shown process can be used for judgment. That is, if the replacement time of the next ion exchange resin is predicted, first, as the ion exchange resin to be replaced in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 of a specific user who owns an ultrapure water manufacturing device, it is judged whether the prepared ion exchange resin is a new product or a regenerated product according to the condition of which one of the new product and the regenerated product is selected.

[0079] <Instruction step for preparing new ion exchange resin>

[0080] Then, in the case of selecting to replace with new anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin, consider the replacement time of the ion exchange resin based on the inventory information of the anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin of the same grade as the filled resin, and confirm it in advance. If it is about to be insufficient, the information processing mechanism 23 uses a display or the like to display and instruct it so as to purchase ion exchange resin to ensure the necessary quantity at the replacement time. Then, the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 can be replaced with new anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin.

[0081] <Instruction step for preparing regenerated ion exchange resin>

[0082] On the other hand, in the case of selecting to replace with ion exchange resin mainly composed of regenerated anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin, the ion exchange resin recovered from the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 of a specific user is taken back, and the anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin are separated in the separation process in the regeneration plant, and then regenerated by performing a regeneration process according to the grade of the ion exchange resin recorded in the information processing mechanism 23. It should be noted that although these separation processes and regeneration processes can be carried out in the regeneration plant after recovering from the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, they can also be regenerated on-site by configuring a regeneration device at the installation site of the ultrapure water manufacturing device when replacing the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7.

[0083] At this time, when regenerating the ion exchange resin recovered from the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, losses occur due to breakage of the accompanying ion exchange resin, breakage of the ion exchange resin caused by swelling / shrinking of the ion exchange resin, entanglement of the ion exchange resin at the interface when separating the anion exchange resin and the cation exchange resin, etc. As a result, the amount of regenerated ion exchange resin that can be used becomes less than the recovered amount. Therefore, by calculating this loss amount and filling it with new ion exchange resin, the replacement of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 can be appropriately managed. At this time, the newly added anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin are arranged on the downstream side (the lower side in the case of flowing downward) of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, so that the water quality of the treated water in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 can be maintained well. It should be noted that the replenishment amount of the newly added anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin is set to 40% or less, especially about 30% or less. Thus, the amount of discarded ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 can be suppressed to the minimum.

[0084] When filling the insufficient part with new ion exchange resin, according to the required water quality of the user (guaranteed water quality), the mixing ratio of the regenerated ion exchange resin and the new ion exchange resin can be adjusted to be more than the loss part of the ion exchange resin. The ratio of the regenerated / new can also be recorded in the database 22 as inherent information for the user and delivered to a specific user corresponding to the next replacement time. Further, the ratio of the regenerated / new can also be changed according to the number of regeneration times of the ion exchange resin.

[0085] [Second Embodiment]

[0086] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, in the Figure 1 subsystem 1 shown, a specific resistance meter as a water quality measuring mechanism is provided at the rear stage of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7. The database 22 receives the measurement value of this specific resistance meter, that is, the information of the specific resistance value of the treated water volume of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, via the wireless information transmission mechanism, and records the received above information (information recording step). Based on the above information recorded in the database 22, the information processing mechanism 23 can correct the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin by matching the information identifier of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 (replacement time correction step).

[0087] Specifically, when monitoring whether the specific resistance value is not lower than 18.2 MΩ·cm and the specific resistance value approximates 18.2 MΩ·cm due to a decreasing trend over a specified period (e.g., about 1 to 3 days), by correcting to shorten the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin and performing the "step of instructing the preparation of the ion exchange resin", the specific resistance value can be managed to be not lower than 18.2 MΩ·cm.

[0088] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the specific resistance value of the water to be treated by the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 and the replacement time of the initial ion exchange resin can be corrected to be the most appropriate. Thereby, the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user can be appropriately remotely managed. Also, the amount of discarded ion exchange resin can be reduced.

[0089] [Third Embodiment]

[0090] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, in the Figure 1 subsystem 1 shown, an optical sensor for measuring the packed resin height of the ion exchange resin is provided in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7. The database 22 receives the packed resin height information measured using this optical sensor via a wireless information transmission mechanism and records the received information (information recording step). Since the volume of the ion exchange resin expands or contracts with ion exchange, the packed resin height of the ion exchange resin changes. Therefore, based on the information recorded in the database 22, the information processing mechanism 23 can correct the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin (replacement time correction step) by combining the information of the information identifier if the displacement of the height of the ion exchange resin exceeds a specified value.

[0091] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, by estimating the time when the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 reaches breakthrough based on the packed resin height of the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 and comparing it with the initially predicted breakthrough time, the predicted value of the replacement time of the ion exchange resin can be corrected to be the most appropriate. Thereby, based on the change over time of the packed resin height of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, the replacement time of the ion exchange resin can be corrected to be the most appropriate, so that the replacement of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user can be appropriately remotely managed. Also, the amount of discarded ion exchange resin can be reduced.

[0092] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0093] Furthermore, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, in the Figure 1In the auxiliary system 1 shown, a chromaticity sensor for measuring the color of the ion exchange resin is provided in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7. The database 22 receives the chromaticity information of the ion exchange resin measured using this chromaticity sensor via a wireless information transmission mechanism, and records the received information (information recording step). The ion exchange resin changes color as ion exchange occurs. Therefore, based on the information recorded in the database 22, if the chromaticity of the ion exchange resin exceeds a specified change, the information processing mechanism 23 can correct the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin in combination with the information of the information identifier (replacement time correction step).

[0094] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the time when the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7 reaches breakthrough is estimated based on the color of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, and by comparing it with the initially predicted breakthrough time, the predicted value of the replacement time of the ion exchange resin can be corrected to the most appropriate. Thus, based on the change over time of the chromaticity of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, the replacement time of the ion exchange resin can be corrected to the most appropriate, so that the replacement of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of a specific user can be appropriately remotely managed. Also, the amount of waste ion exchange resin can be reduced.

[0095] In the method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the present invention exemplified in the above-described embodiments, it can be executed according to the entrustment of the user by presenting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin to a specific user each time. However, it can be particularly appropriately applied when a practitioner responsible for replacing the ion exchange resin comprehensively or individually accepts the maintenance management of the ultrapure water production device of a specific user and regularly executes it as maintenance.

[0096] As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings and according to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but various modifications can be made. The feature of the present invention is that by remotely and appropriately managing the replacement time of the non-regenerative ion exchange devices 7 of a plurality of specific customers, for example, although an information identifier such as a barcode is given to the non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, it is not necessarily required to give an information identifier, but customer information can also be input into the database 22 in advance, and the operator M can directly input the previous replacement time. In addition, the auxiliary system 1 is not limited to Figure 1 the structure shown, and as long as it has a non-regenerative ion exchange device 7, it can be applied to auxiliary systems of various structures.

[0097] Explanation of reference numerals

[0098] 1: Auxiliary system.

[0099] 2: Auxiliary tank.

[0100] 3: Liquid delivery pump.

[0101] 4: Heat exchanger.

[0102] 5: Ultraviolet oxidation device.

[0103] 6: Membrane degassing device.

[0104] 7: Non-regenerative ion exchange device.

[0105] 8: Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane (membrane separation device).

[0106] 9: Supply path.

[0107] 10: Water usage point.

[0108] 11: Ultra-pure water.

[0109] 21: Portable terminal.

[0110] 22: Database.

[0111] 23: Information processing mechanism.

[0112] 24: Management facility.

[0113] W1: Primary pure water.

[0114] W2: Secondary pure water (ultra-pure water). M: Operator.

Claims

1. A method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device, which is a method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin filled in a non-regenerative ion exchange device. The non-regenerative ion exchange device constitutes a subsystem of an ultrapure water manufacturing device for a specific user. The prediction method uses an information processing mechanism, wherein, a database is additionally provided in the information processing mechanism, the prediction method includes: the step that the database receives information related to the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user and records the received information; and the step that the information processing mechanism predicts the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user according to the information recorded in the database, the information related to the ion exchange resin includes the following (1) to (4): (1) Information related to the grades (types) of anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device; (2) The filling amount of the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device; (3) The ratio of the anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device; and (4) The previous replacement time of the ion exchange resin.

2. The method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 1, wherein, the prediction method further includes: the step that the information processing mechanism instructs the replacement of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device according to the predicted replacement time.

3. The method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 2, wherein, the information further includes the following (5): (5) Whether to select either all new ion exchange resins or ion exchange resins mainly composed of regenerated products as the ion exchange resins to be replaced.

4. The method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 3, wherein, the information further includes the following (6): (6) The guaranteed water quality information of the ultrapure water manufacturing device of the specific user.

5. The method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 3, wherein, the prediction method further includes: the ion exchange resin instructed by the information processing mechanism to be replaced is all new ion exchange resins, and according to the prediction of the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user by the information processing mechanism, the information processing mechanism instructs the step of preparing new ion exchange resins.

6. The method for predicting the replacement time of ion exchange resin in a non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 3, wherein, the prediction method further includes: The information processing mechanism instructs to replace the ion exchange resin mainly with regenerated products, and based on the prediction of the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user, the information processing mechanism instructs to prepare the regenerated ion exchange resin, which is the ion exchange resin regenerated from the ion exchange resin recovered from the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user.

7. The method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 6, wherein, The ion exchange resin mainly composed of regenerated products is the ion exchange resin formed by supplementing new products in the regenerated ion exchange resin.

8. The method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 2, wherein, An information identifier is additionally provided in the non-regenerative ion exchange device, and the information identifier records information related to the ion exchange resin filled in the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user. When replacing the ion exchange resin, the information identifier is recognized by using a reading mechanism, so as to establish the association between the information (4) and the information (1), the information (2) and the information (3).

9. The method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 2, wherein, The water quality of the treated water of the non-regenerative ion exchange device can be measured by a measuring mechanism additionally provided with a wireless information transmission mechanism, The prediction method further includes: The step that the database receives the water quality information of the treated water of the non-regenerative ion exchange device from the measuring mechanism via the wireless information transmission mechanism and records the received information; and The step that the information processing mechanism corrects the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin according to the water quality information of the treated water measured by the measuring mechanism.

10. The method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 2, wherein, The filled resin height of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device can be measured by an optical sensor additionally provided with a wireless information transmission mechanism, The prediction method further includes: The step that the database receives the filled resin height information of the ion exchange resin from the optical sensor via the wireless information transmission mechanism and records the received information; and The step that the information processing mechanism corrects the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin according to the filled resin height information of the ion exchange device measured by the optical sensor.

11. The method for predicting the replacement time of the ion exchange resin in the non-regenerative ion exchange device according to claim 2, wherein, The color of the ion exchange resin can be measured by a chromaticity sensor additionally provided with a wireless information transmission mechanism, The prediction method further includes: The step of the database receiving, via the wireless messaging mechanism, the color information of the ion exchange resin measured using the color sensor, and recording the received information; and The step of the information processing mechanism correcting the next replacement time of the ion exchange resin of the non-regenerative ion exchange device of the specific user according to the chromaticity information of the ion exchange resin measured using the color sensor.

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