System and method for providing dynamic water quality determination of a water system

Abstract

A system and method for dynamically determining the water quality of a water system are disclosed. A controller includes and / or has access to electronically stored thresholds that separate regions representing the state of the water system. One of the thresholds (“composite threshold”) is specific to a composite water quality measure (“CWQM”), and multiple thresholds (“characteristic thresholds”) are each specific to a corresponding characteristic of a sample of the water system. The controller receives data from sensors for measuring the characteristic and, for each characteristic, determines the proximity of an associated measurement to an associated characteristic threshold. The controller uses the determined proximity to adjust the CWQM and, based thereon, determines the current state of the water system relative to the composite threshold. This representation of the state is transmitted to electronic devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for providing dynamic water quality measurements for water systems, particularly water purification systems. Background Technology

[0002] Clean, high-quality water is essential for a wide range of applications, including non-restrictive examples such as drinking water, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing (e.g., semiconductors), and power generation (e.g., for steam production). At least some of these applications are critical enough to warrant enhanced regulation, control, and / or certification. For example, in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, water purity standards are typically defined, at least in part, by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Similar national regulatory agencies control water purity standards and their implementation in foreign pharmaceutical manufacturing. In addition to government regulatory bodies, water quality standards are often defined by industry groups, and most purified water manufacturers maintain proprietary internal water quality standards to optimize process control in their manufacturing facilities and usage loops. To ensure regulatory compliance, industry compliance, and internal quality compliance, water system operators employ various analytical techniques to control the generation and maintenance processes of purified water.

[0003] For example, the USP has set limits on the composition of sufficiently pure water for safe use in life science production facilities. These limits include maximum concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), live organisms and endotoxins, maximum conductivity (representing ionic impurities), and requirements for preventing the addition of substances such as sodium bisulfite and ozone. Other pharmacopoeias have similar requirements, while some have other acceptance criteria.

[0004] To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, life science manufacturers typically need to meet specific acceptance criteria for sensors, analyzers, and all measuring devices used in these high-purity water applications to guarantee their performance, such as accuracy, lifespan, and repeatability. Measurements of these specific chemical, microbiological, and physical properties may also have specific limitations. These limitations generally range from voluntary (e.g., from industry) to recommended to mandatory (e.g., from the USP or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission).

[0005] In the microelectronics water sector, controls are typically not regulatory-driven, but rather enacted by industry trade bodies and specified by individual users to meet their specific needs. In microelectronics, ultrapure water is commonly used, as a non-restrictive example, to rinse semiconductor wafers or to prepare chemical solutions. Any chemical substance (organic, ionic, metallic, etc.), microorganism, or particulate residue remaining on the wafer can impair its performance, such as causing short-circuit risks due to contamination. Measurements of these chemicals / particles are sometimes performed using data collection from various sensors and analyzers. Unfortunately, this data is often used only as a lagging indicator of water quality and serves more as a reactive process control, sometimes only becoming relevant after a production batch has been compromised.

[0006] Key analyses used for water purification, distribution, and water quality vary depending on the application. Common water treatment processes and systems include three general functions: pretreatment, purification, and storage and distribution (sometimes with additional purification). Traditional approaches to process analysis for water purification, storage, and distribution present several challenges, including, but not limited to, those further described herein.

[0007] Interpreting process analysis data and subsequently translating it into corrective actions requires considerable skill. Effective water system operators must possess in-depth knowledge of their water system and each purification step within it, be adept at analyzing large datasets, have process and compliance expertise, and possess strong technical root cause analysis (RCA) skills. This skill set is difficult to find and is often scattered across multiple functions. Furthermore, the lack of standardized, comprehensive metrics to measure overall purified water quality leads to variability in water quality across different locations and industries.

[0008] Studying previous raw measurement data provides a historical view of water quality, leading to a reactive rather than proactive approach to process control. Even though limit alerts are triggered almost instantaneously, they are still lagging indicators of water quality and typically require immediate action. If the root cause of exceeding water parameters is not addressed immediately, purified water manufacturers may find themselves non-compliant with industry, regulatory (e.g., government), or internal compliance requirements. This can result in costly production delays, product losses due to low yields, and occasionally, costly product recalls.

[0009] Not all water analysis measurements produce online, real-time, and continuous data, resulting in a discontinuous data stream that further complicates rapid response to water quality anomalies. Some techniques are inherently slow, such as microbial detection via growth-promoting plate counting, which can take several days to produce results, and frequent testing can be costly. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This public information reduces the complexity of water system diagnostics and provides solutions to all three challenges, among other benefits. By providing a holistic water quality metric that takes into account many or all of the water purification, storage, and distribution analyses, the health and compliance status of the water treatment system can be understood immediately. Furthermore, by providing predictive indicators for water quality and compliance status, optionally including recommended actions for users and / or automated process controllers to correct and / or control water quality and / or compliance status, process control shifts from reactive procedures to action-based, predictive, and proactive procedures. This allows users to take preventative measures against identified root causes, improve system uptime, and minimize events leading to non-compliant operation, among other benefits. Optionally, by allowing the inclusion of online and offline data, water quality indicators and operation logs are driven by up-to-date data, providing end users with real-time, continuous, and actionable feedback.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, data from sensors or sensors for water systems are collected in real-time or at least substantially in real-time (e.g., taking into account normal transmission and processing times, such as no intentional delay exceeding 10 minutes) and continuously (e.g., continuously, every X seconds, minutes, etc.). Data from each of the sensors is analyzed to determine measurements of water characteristics (e.g., chemical, physical, and / or microbiological). Each of the measurements is compared to a corresponding one associated with a characteristic-specific threshold (characteristic threshold), as these thresholds are typically different for various characteristics (e.g., acceptable levels of TOC may differ from acceptable levels of bioburden, and / or both may be measured in different units). Each of the thresholds separates regions such that each of one or more measurements for a corresponding one of the characteristics falls into one of at least two regions. Each region may correspond to the state of the corresponding characteristic. In this way, the state of each characteristic can be determined based on the measurements. The regions are preferably arranged in a critical progression. Optionally, multiple thresholds may be provided for each characteristic, for example, to define three or more regions, and measurements of the corresponding characteristic can be compared relative to the multiple associated thresholds.

[0012] For each characteristic, the proximity of the current set of one or more measurements to an associated critical characteristic threshold (or (second)most critical characteristic threshold) is determined. Weights can be determined based on the proximity to the associated critical characteristic threshold (or (second)most critical characteristic threshold), for example, such that measurements less close to the associated critical characteristic threshold or (second)most critical characteristic threshold are weighted more heavily, and vice versa. In one embodiment, but not limited to, proximity can be determined relative to the second most critical threshold in a critical progression toward the critical or most critical threshold. As further described herein, the measurements can be converted into “scores” before or after comparison with the threshold. Proximity analysis is further described herein. Weights are applied to the measurements or scores, and the resulting weighted measurements or scores are numerically combined, for example, by summation, to derive a composite water quality measure (CWQM). The CWQM is compared to a composite-specific threshold (composite threshold) or threshold to determine the current state of the water system (e.g., a water purification and / or distribution system). In this way, the overall health of the water system can be assessed, for example, to determine which area the system is in.

[0013] Data from sensors that provide measurement values ​​may be processed or further processed, for example, into “fractions,” before, during, and / or after weights are applied to the measurements, and / or before, during, and / or after the fractions are combined. These processed measurements may sometimes be referred to herein as “fractions” and / or “measurements.” Such processing of the data and / or measurements may include various data interpretation, manipulation, and / or normalization techniques, such as, but not limited to, unit conversion, scaling, interpretation, transformation, derivation, and combinations thereof. This processing may optionally be specific to the region in which the measurement falls.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, but not limited to, for each of the features, one or more associated with the feature thresholds are converted to one or more associated with threshold scores within a preset score range, and / or one or more associated with the measurements are converted to one or more associated with measurement scores within the preset score range, wherein the proximity of one or more associated with the measurements to one or more associated with the feature thresholds is obtained based on the difference between one or more associated with the measurement scores and one or more associated with the threshold scores.

[0015] As a non-limiting example, the zones may include compliance, alert, action, and non-compliance zones, wherein the division between zones is established by three thresholds (one threshold defines the boundary between compliance and alert, another threshold defines the boundary between alert and action, and so on). As another example, but not limited to, compliance-no-action, compliance-action, and non-compliance zones may be established using two thresholds. The number of thresholds and associated zones is preferably the same for the feature and / or relative to CWQM, although they may vary. In particular, the number of thresholds and zones may be the same for the feature and CWQM, wherein the zone associated with each feature and CWQM indicates the same state of the water system relative to the respective feature and CWQM. The thresholds and / or zones may be defined at least in part based on the requirements of various regulatory agencies, which may be geographically specific. The thresholds and / or zones may be adjusted by the users and / or geographic locations of the system.

[0016] When using a single threshold, that threshold is considered the critical threshold. When using multiple thresholds, the threshold that separates the most critical area (e.g., non-compliance) is considered the most critical threshold, and the next threshold encountered in the critical or most critical progression toward the critical threshold is the next most critical threshold.

[0017] Weighting can be provided such that when one or more measurements in the first subset of characteristics (e.g., those regulated by relevant authorities; sometimes referred to herein as “required measurements” or “required parameters”) fall on the unfavorable side of the associated critical characteristic threshold (or the second most critical characteristic threshold, as appropriate), the resulting CWQM necessarily falls on the unfavorable side of the composite threshold (or the (second) most critical composite threshold). As a non-limiting example, in one exemplary embodiment, this can be achieved by applying 100% weight to the least close (i.e., the most unfavorable measurement) among the measurements associated with the first subset of characteristics that falls on the unfavorable side of the associated threshold. In this respect, for the purpose of determining the CWQM, the proximity of measurements falling on the favorable side of the associated threshold can optionally be ignored or disregarded.

[0018] Furthermore, weighting can be provided such that if all measurements of the first subset of characteristics fall on the favorable side of the associated critical characteristic threshold (or (second)most critical characteristic threshold), the resulting CWQM will necessarily fall on the favorable side of the composite threshold (or (second)most critical composite threshold). As a non-limiting example, this can be achieved by weighting each measurement based on its proximity to the critical characteristic threshold (or (second)most critical characteristic threshold). Furthermore, weighting can be provided such that even if one or more, or even all, measurements of the second subset of characteristics (e.g., those that are not regulated; sometimes referred to herein as “supplementary measurements” or “supplementary parameters”) fall on the unfavorable side of the critical characteristic threshold (or (second)most critical characteristic threshold), the resulting CWQM will necessarily still fall on the favorable side of the critical composite threshold (or (second)most critical composite threshold) as long as all measurements of the first subset of characteristics fall on the favorable side of the corresponding critical characteristic threshold (or (second)most critical characteristic threshold). In other words, only the measurements of features in the first subset can drive CWQM to the unfavorable side of the critical composite threshold (or (second)most critical composite threshold). Measurements of features in the second subset may still affect CWQM, for example, in non-most critical regions. This can be achieved, for example, but not limited to, establishing and applying minimum values ​​to the measurements or scores of the second feature subset.

[0019] The unfavorable side of a threshold can be the side associated with the critical or (second, depending on the case) most critical region in the criticality progression (e.g., a non-compliant region or closer to a non-compliant region) (e.g., above or below, or located inside / outside). The favorable side of a threshold can be the side associated with the least critical or second least critical region in the criticality progression (e.g., a compliant region or further away from a non-compliant region) (e.g., above or below, or located inside / outside). While thresholds are sometimes discussed, other boundary parameters that are not necessarily thresholds can also be utilized.

[0020] Optionally, the naming conventions for the regions and / or thresholds of the first and second feature subsets can be different, such that the regions and / or thresholds of the second subset do not have non-compliant regions or associated thresholds, even if they are associated with multiple regions and / or thresholds (e.g., alarm and action regions and associated thresholds, but without non-compliant regions or thresholds).

[0021] Analysis can be performed continuously (e.g., every X seconds, minutes, etc.) in real time or at least substantially real time. Data from various sensors associated with various water system components, such as a part of an active use system, can be utilized. In this way, the health status of the system and / or its various characteristics can be determined dynamically.

[0022] This document further provides a list of certain embodiments, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] The further features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of this disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] In addition to the features described above, other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout the plurality of views refer to the same, similar, or equivalent features, and wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary water system; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of exemplary components of a water system; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary water system with an exemplary dynamic water quality monitoring system, such as with... Figure 1-2 Used together with water systems and components; Figure 4 This is a plan view of an exemplary system for providing dynamic water quality measurement, such as for... Figure 1-2 Water system; Figure 5 It has the function of operation Figure 4 Systems or included Figure 3 A flowchart of exemplary logic in a water system; Figure 6 It is used for Figure 5 Methods and / or operations Figure 3 A flowchart of another exemplary logic for the system of 4 and / or 4; Figure 7 It is used for Figure 5-6 Methods and / or operations Figure 3 A flowchart of another exemplary logic for the system of 4 and / or 4; Figure 8A yes Figure 3-7 A plan view of exemplary graphical output of the system and method; Figure 8B This is another example of a floor plan of graphical output; Figure 8C This is another example of a floor plan of graphical output; Figure 8D This is another example of a floor plan output; and Figure 8E This is another example of a floor plan output. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details (e.g., detailed configurations and components) are provided only to aid in an overall understanding of these embodiments of the invention. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures have been omitted.

[0026] This document describes embodiments of the invention with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). Therefore, variations in the illustrated shapes are expected due to factors such as manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Consequently, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to specific shapes within the areas shown herein, but rather include, for example, shape deviations caused by manufacturing processes.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary prior art water system 10 is illustrated, including various exemplary pretreatment 12, purification 14, and storage and distribution 16 subsystems and / or steps thereof.

[0028] The key components and / or steps of a conventional water system 10 vary depending on the application. However, most water systems 10 include three general stages and / or subsystems: pretreatment 12, purification 14, and storage and distribution 16, sometimes with additional purification steps. Unused water may be returned to storage and distribution, or further upstream in the purification system. Each phase / subsystem includes multiple water treatment (e.g., purification) steps and / or components. For example, as a non-limiting example, typical pretreatment 12 steps and / or components include: filtration via a multi-media filter, water softening via a water softener, and impurity adsorption via granular activated carbon (GAC). As a non-limiting example, typical purification steps and / or components include: reverse osmosis, single-bed or mixed-bed deionization, and viable microbial reduction (e.g., via UV exposure). As a non-limiting example, typical storage and distribution steps and / or components include: additional purification steps, pharmacopoeia measurement, distribution and flow control, and further microbial reduction. Depending on quality, unused purified water is typically returned to pretreatment 12, water purification 14, and / or storage and distribution 16 for reuse. Wastewater can be returned to pretreatment 12 and / or water purification 14 for further purification and reuse. A single water treatment solution can supply multiple distribution loops and / or end applications.

[0029] To determine the efficiency and effectiveness of each treatment step, offline and / or online analysis is sometimes employed. For example, to test the effectiveness of bacterial reduction (e.g., via UV exposure, ozonation, or heat treatment), offline techniques such as plate counting (measuring the number of microbial colonies formed by living organisms in a given volume of water) can be used, or online techniques such as photoinduced fluorescence detection (measuring the autofluorescence of the organisms, expressed in units of autofluorescence—AFU per unit volume) can be used. Other analyses for testing treatment effectiveness include conductivity (a measure of ions or ionic impurities), TOC, particle count, flow rate, and temperature, as well as individual ionic impurity detection, which measures the concentrations of silica, sodium, chloride, sulfate, oxygen, ozone, etc., in the water via an analyzer. The foregoing examples are not intended to be limiting. These measurements, along with optional additional chemical, physical, and microbiological measurements, constitute the parameters that determine water quality. Water quality affects standards such as safety, product performance, and process efficiency.

[0030] Figure 3 An exemplary water system 100 is shown (e.g., as per [reference]). Figure 1-2 The water system 10 shown and / or described (or different types and / or kinds of water systems) includes an exemplary system 102 (also referred to herein as the "system") for providing dynamic water quality measurements, more specifically in Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. System 102 includes an analysis subsystem 110 according to any embodiment further disclosed below. Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the system 102 shown includes an analysis subsystem 110 comprising a controller 111 and a communication device 113. The communication device is configured to enable communication between the analysis subsystem 110 (particularly the controller 111), sensors 114, 116, 118, and optionally various components of the water system 100 (as described in further detail below), and an electronic device 119 for presenting the results of dynamic water quality measurements, particularly the current state of the water system. Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the system 102 shown also includes one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices 115, and a communication device 113 is configured to enable communication between the controller 111 and the one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices 115. Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, at least one of the non-transitory electronic storage devices 115 is located away from the analysis subsystem 110 to enable remote control of parameters (e.g., thresholds) required for dynamic water quality determination. Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of system 102 shown also includes one or more processors 117, which may be part of the analysis subsystem 110, for example, by acting as or being part of controller 111. The one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices 115 may include software instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 117 and / or other processors, cause the functions shown and / or described herein to be performed by such processors and / or associated components, algorithms, thresholds, parameters, historical data (e.g., regulated parameter data for subsequent audits, data from other sensors 114, 116, 118, operational data from other water systems 10, 100, combinations thereof, etc.), tensors, combinations thereof, etc. As described above, communication device 113, the one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices 115, and / or the one or more processors 117 may be part of the analysis subsystem 110, or may be remote and wired and / or wirelessly connected to the analysis subsystem 110. As a non-limiting example, communication device 113 can facilitate remote access to data, operation of water systems 10 and 100, operation of analysis subsystem 110 (e.g., required parameters, thresholds, status information, historical data review, combinations thereof, etc.), and combinations thereof. Such communication can be direct or through one or more intermediate components (e.g., a PLC).

[0031] As an example, system 102 can be applied to existing water systems, provided as part of a new water system, and / or as part of an upgrade to an existing water system. In exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, purified water can be provided from a water purification subsystem 108, which may include some or all components of known water systems 10 and / or methods and / or utilize some or all steps of known water systems 10 and / or methods, for example, by way of non-limiting examples. Figure 1-2 Those shown and / or described herein. Purified water may be stored in one or more storage tanks 112. Various sensor and / or analyzer devices (sometimes collectively referred to herein as “sensors” or “analyzers”) may be provided to measure various characteristics of the water at various stages of the water system 100. For example, but not limited to, a bioburden analyzer 114 may be provided, which measures the bioburden of water from the water purification subsystem 108 supplied to and / or located at the storage tank 112. All or some of the various sensor and / or analyzer devices may be part of the system 102, particularly when the water system does not include the sensors and / or analyzers required to generate measurements indicating the characteristics on which the water quality determination is based.

[0032] Water stored in storage tank 112 can be supplied to point-of-use (POU) subsystem 126 via pressurized supply line 124, for example, for use. Sensors (such as, but not limited to, a bioburden analyzer 114, a conductivity analyzer 118, and / or a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer 116) can be provided along supply line 124 or otherwise fluidly connected to supply line 124. Optionally, one or more water treatment devices, such as, but not limited to, ultraviolet light source 120 and / or heat exchanger 122, may be provided. These devices may alter the properties of the water during use. Return line 128 (e.g., for unused water) can be provided from POU subsystem 126 and / or end application to storage tank 112. One or more sensors (such as, but not limited to, a bioburden analyzer 114, a conductivity analyzer 118, and / or a TOC analyzer 116) can be provided along return line 128 or otherwise fluidly connected to return line 128.

[0033] The number, type, and / or arrangement of the components of water system 100 (including components for storing, distributing, and / or treating water, and for sensing water quality) are exemplary and not intended to be limiting. For example, but not limited to, multiple water purification subsystems 108, storage tanks 112, supply lines 124, return lines 128, POU subsystems 126, and / or end-use applications may be utilized. As a further example, but not limited to, water system 100 may include one or more pipes, lines, valves, pumps, etc. Figure 1-2 Any or all components, combinations thereof, etc., shown and / or described are provided as non-limiting examples. Alternatively or additionally, various types, kinds, and / or arrangements of sensors 114, 116, 118 may be utilized. For example, but not limited to, sensors 114, 116, 118 may include conductivity analyzer 118, ozone sensor, TOC analyzer 116, bioburden analyzer 114, pressure sensor, flow rate sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, combinations thereof, etc., as provided as non-limiting examples.

[0034] Sensors 114, 116, and 118 may be electronically connected to the analysis subsystem 110. In exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, sensors 114, 116, and 118 include those sensors associated with user-designated and / or certified portions of the water system 100 to demonstrate regulatory compliance.

[0035] The analysis subsystem 110 may optionally be electronically connected to various components of the water system 100, such as pumps, valves, disinfection devices and / or subsystems, thermal control devices and / or subsystems, physical security devices (e.g., door locks), combinations thereof, etc., which control the operation of the water system 100 and / or its water purification subsystem 108. In this way, the analysis subsystem 110 may optionally be configured to operatively control the flow of water within at least a portion of the water system 100 and / or the operation of the water purification subsystem 108, thereby providing the ability to stop production and / or use, as a non-limiting example. For example, but not limited to, the analysis subsystem 110 may be configured to operate one or more of the pumps, valves, disinfection devices and / or subsystems, thermal control devices and / or subsystems, physical security devices (e.g., door locks), combinations thereof, etc., to stop production, isolate water, isolate access, combinations thereof, etc., such as when it is determined that the current state of the water system is on the unfavorable side of a CWQM threshold.

[0036] System 102, particularly the analysis subsystem 110, can be configured to control water systems (e.g., regarding...). Figure 1-3 The water quality of the publicly disclosed water system, such as in a more efficient and reliable manner, is assessed. For example, but not limited to, the analysis subsystem 110 may be configured to change or indicate changes in the operating parameters or settings of the water system, such as, but not limited to, at least one of the following: the status of pumps, valves, disinfection devices and / or subsystems, thermal control devices and / or subsystems, physical safety devices (e.g., door locks, combinations thereof, etc.).

[0037] Typically, the sensors 114A, 116A, 118A associated with the required parameters are those set along return pipeline 128, as these readings are usually needed to indicate compliance. Data from the remaining sensors 114B, 116B, 118B, and / or 114C (if any) are associated with supplementary parameters. However, this is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In an exemplary embodiment, the analysis subsystem 110 will be programmed to associate readings with certain sensors 114, 116, 118, as supplementary or necessary, for example, on a user-specified basis according to the user's compliance certification scheme.

[0038] Figures 5 to 7 Exemplary logic for operating a system 102 for providing dynamic water quality measurements for a water system (particularly, or specifically, its analytical subsystem 110) is shown. Data can be received at the analytical subsystem 110 from various sensors 114, 116, 118. The data can be stored at one or more databases in the analytical subsystem 110 or electronically connected to the analytical subsystem 110.

[0039] Sensors 114, 116, and 118 can collect data points for use as measurements / parameters for water quality. All parameters can be defined as variables, such as P1 to Pn, where n is the total number of available parameters. Data from sensors 114, 116, and 118 can be processed as needed to derive measurements of the characteristics of the analyzed sample. Such processing can include, but is not limited to, scaling, transformation, filtering, combination, and combinations thereof. Such processing can be performed at sensors 114, 116, and 118 and / or the analysis subsystem 110. Data from one or more sensors 114, 116, and 118 can be used to provide a given measurement of a given characteristic. For example, but not limited to, parameters can be measurements of a single characteristic (e.g., pH); combined measurements, such as the pressure difference (Pout–Pin) across a component (e.g., a filter) of a water system 100; measurement statistics over a period of time (e.g., operating average or standard deviation); calculated time-based measurements, such as trend lines; or calculations of future values ​​(or states) of measurements, or calculations of the future time of an expected adverse event.

[0040] The analysis subsystem 110 can be configured to take into account the time delay between data points from various sensors 114, 116, 118, thereby analyzing the same or substantially the same flow samples.

[0041] The measurements can be described as a set of time-dependent orthogonal vectors, where the direction of the vectors is associated with a characteristic (e.g., a unique water quality or process quality attribute, such as the type of contaminant, or a process attribute, such as flow rate), and the magnitude of the vectors describes the severity of water quality or process quality degradation. The magnitude of 0 can describe an ideal state, and deviations from 0 in either the positive or negative direction can be proportional to the degree of change in water quality or process control. Each vector can serve as a proxy for water quality or process quality, and the combination of vectors provides a composite measure of water quality. Each of these vectors can be time-dependent, and each updated parameter measurement can update the associated vector. All vectors combined span a space that defines the composite water quality.

[0042] Following data collection, all data (e.g., vectors) can be mapped to tensors stored in the database. As discussed further herein, certain measurements can be associated with characteristic thresholds designated as required (in this document, such thresholds are sometimes described as required thresholds, and measurements are sometimes described as required measurements) and can be grouped together, while other measurements can be associated with characteristic thresholds designated as supplementary (in this document, such thresholds are sometimes described as supplementary thresholds, and measurements are sometimes described as supplementary measurements) and can be grouped separately. The analysis subsystem 110 can utilize this database to obtain information about the current state and individual water quality and process quality parameters as a function of time, and generate a CWQM as discussed further herein.

[0043] Each new tensor can be processed by a Water Quality Analysis Module (WQAM), which may include an Expert System Algorithm (ESA). The WQAM can be configured to transform the tensors into a single CWQM based on a fusion of the net contributions of each measurement to water quality relative to predefined thresholds. In an exemplary embodiment, the operation of the WQAM can be as described in particular regarding... Figure 5-7 Any of the examples shown and / or described and / or further elaborated herein, but not limited thereto.

[0044] The analysis subsystem 110 and / or one or more associated databases may store predefined thresholds. One of these thresholds may be specific to CWQM (composite threshold). Some or all of the remaining thresholds may each be specific to a corresponding characteristic (characteristic threshold).

[0045] Required thresholds and / or associated water quality characteristics (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “regulated water characteristics”) can be those set by users or authorities. Required thresholds and / or regulated water characteristics can reflect regulated and / or critical water quality characteristics and / or requirements for purified water (e.g., bioburden levels, total organic carbon; hereinafter sometimes referred to as “regulated water characteristics of purified water”). Required thresholds and / or regulated water characteristics of purified water can be geographically specific. For example, but not limited to, required thresholds and / or regulated water characteristics of purified water can reflect those issued by the USP and / or enforced by the FDA and / or other global regulatory agencies and / or pharmacopoeias. Other standards may be used. These required thresholds and / or regulated water characteristics of purified water are generally, but not necessarily, associated with one or more of the following characteristics: TOC, conductivity, bioburden, endotoxins, and the concentration of any added substances (such as dissolved ozone). Required thresholds and / or regulated water characteristics of purified water can be predetermined, although they can also be alternatively or additionally set and / or modified manually.

[0046] Supplemental thresholds can reflect unregulated and / or less critical water quality characteristics. Supplemental thresholds can be geographically specific. For example, but not limited to, supplemental thresholds can reflect those issued by various industry associations. Other standards may be used. Supplemental thresholds can be associated with those of the same type as those associated with the desired threshold, but can also be associated with sensor readings at non-critical locations in the water system (e.g., conductivity measured before and after two resin beds during the purification phase, or TOC measurements during the purification process). Alternatively or additionally, the supplemental thresholds can be associated with one or more of the following characteristics: other chemical properties, such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, etc., and physical properties, such as water temperature, particle concentration, flow rate, pressure, tank level, etc. Supplemental thresholds can be predetermined, although they can be alternatively or additionally set and / or modified manually.

[0047] Each of the thresholds can be divided into regions, which can be arranged in a progressive order of importance. For example, each threshold can define two regions for each feature and / or CWQM (e.g., compliant, non-compliant). Alternatively, multiple thresholds can be associated with each feature and / or CWQM to define three or more regions for each feature and / or CWQM (e.g., violation, action, alert, compliance; non-compliant, compliance - take action; compliance - no action). In this regard, while this document sometimes shows and / or describes a single threshold, such as to define two regions, multiple thresholds for a given feature or CWQM can be utilized.

[0048] The number and type of thresholds and regions are preferably the same in all features and CWQM, although they can differ. A variety of numbers and names of regions can be used.

[0049] The measured value of each characteristic can be compared with its associated characteristic threshold. The proximity of each characteristic's measured value to its associated threshold can be determined.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, for each feature (or at least each feature associated with the desired parameter), proximity is determined relative to a critical or most critical threshold associated with the worst-performing feature. For example, but not limited to, if there are four features (features #1-4), each of which is in one of a “compliance” zone, an “alert” zone, an “action” zone, or a “violation” zone, and feature #3 is the worst-performing feature at a given point in time and is in its “alert” zone, then the relevant feature thresholds for all features can still be considered as feature thresholds separating the “violation” zone from the “action” zone. In this way, proximity is standardized.

[0051] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, but not limited to, proximity may be determined relative to the second most critical threshold associated with the worst performance characteristic, wherein the second most critical threshold is the next characteristic threshold encountered in the criticality progression before reaching the critical or most critical threshold. In the foregoing example, but not limited to, this would be the characteristic threshold separating the "alert" area from the "action" area, the "action" area being the next threshold encountered en route to the "violation" area. Then, for each of characteristics #1-4, the "proximity" of the associated characteristic threshold separating the "alert" area from the "action" area is determined. In this way, proximity is simplified and / or determined more accurately.

[0052] Supplementary thresholds can be established such that supplementary measurements can fall on the unfavorable side of the supplementary threshold. However, in exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, the weights are established such that any one or more (up to all) of the supplementary measurements fall on the unfavorable side of the supplementary threshold (e.g., closer to non-compliance), or, when using multiple supplementary thresholds, the most critical of the supplementary thresholds cannot (at least by itself) cause the CWQM to fall on the unfavorable side of the composite threshold (e.g., leading to a non-compliant CWQM determination) or the most critical composite threshold. In other words, only the desired measurement can drive the CWQM to the unfavorable side of the composite threshold (or the most critical composite threshold). Supplementary measurements can affect the CWQM, for example, in non-critical regions. In exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, this can be achieved by establishing and applying a minimum of supplementary measurements above the critical or most critical threshold and / or transforming supplementary measurements into scores having a minimum above the critical or most critical threshold. This can be performed as previously described and / or as part of a weighting process and / or before and / or as part of a combination process to determine the CWQM. In another exemplary embodiment, but not limited to, this can be achieved by establishing a scale and converting supplementary parameter measurements into scores based at least in part on said scale, for example as part of a process for determining the composite CWQM, such that a zero score is provided to correspond to a supplementary measurement falling on or above the unfavorable side of a critical threshold (or (second) least critical threshold) of the composite threshold. This prevents such unfavorable supplementary parameter measurements from affecting the CWQM score. In this way, as an example, supplementary parameter measurements can, for example, fall into, for example, a non-compliant region without causing the CWQM score to similarly fall outside the compliant region. Alternatively or additionally, this can provide a smoother change in CWQM as the measurements change over time.

[0053] like Figure 7As illustrated schematically, for a specific, non-limiting situation where one or more (up to all) of the required measurements fall on the unfavorable side of an associated critical characteristic threshold or (as the case may be) the most critical characteristic threshold, the worst-performing required measurement—that is, the one falling on the unfavorable side and furthest from the critical or most critical threshold among the unfavorable required measurements (sometimes referred to herein as the worst-performing measurement)—can be used by the analysis subsystem 110 as an output or the basis for an output, and / or can be assigned up to 100% of the available weight. This may necessarily result in the CWQM falling on the unfavorable side of a composite threshold, thus providing a non-compliant CWQM and / or water system status determination. In this way, a single worst-performing characteristic can individually drive the CWQM and / or water system status determination, at least until another characteristic performs worse, and / or until all required measurements fall on the favorable side of the associated threshold.

[0054] Alternatively, the analysis can be performed in advance so that, for at least all characteristics, there is no need for weighting, referencing supplementary measurements, and / or numerical combinations of measurements.

[0055] If all required measurements fall on the favorable side of the associated critical characteristic threshold (or, depending on the case, the second most critical characteristic threshold) (e.g., compliance), weights can be applied based on the corresponding proximity of each measurement to the associated critical characteristic threshold (or (second) most critical characteristic threshold).

[0056] For example, but not limited to, in any case where a desired parameter falls on the unfavorable side of an associated threshold that separates the most favorable region (typically a "compliant" region) from subsequent less favorable regions, up to 100% of the available weight is allocated to the worst-performing desired measurement. Depending on the number and type of regions, the subsequent less favorable regions can be, for example, "alert" regions or "violation / non-compliance" regions. In this way, whenever at least one desired characteristic is outside the most favorable region, a single worst-performing desired characteristic can drive CWQM independently, and if another desired characteristic begins to perform worse, the single worst-performing desired characteristic driving CWQM independently can be changed. Finally, if all desired characteristics are again in the most favorable region, CWQM can be stopped from being driven by a single worst-performing desired characteristic.

[0057] Optionally, the naming conventions for the regions and / or thresholds of the required measurement and the supplementary measurement can be different, such that the supplementary measurement does not have non-compliant regions or associated thresholds, even if it is associated with multiple regions and / or thresholds.

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, the weights can be scaled differently depending on whether the corresponding measurement falls above or below an associated threshold. For example, but not limited to, a higher degree of sensitivity can be utilized for measurements that fall on the favorable side of the associated threshold (or the next threshold).

[0059] The weighted measurements or scores can be numerically combined, for example, by summation. The analysis subsystem 110 can use the combined weighted measurements or scores as output.

[0060] like Figure 6 The diagram illustrates, for a specific, non-limiting case, that an output, such as a CWQM, can be compared to a composite threshold. The state of the water system can be determined based on the position (above or below) and / or proximity of the CWQM relative to the composite threshold. The output can be transmitted to one or more electronic devices. The output can be displayed directly (e.g., as a numerical fraction) and / or graphically, such as its location within one of two or more regions.

[0061] The water quality status of the analyzed sample relative to each characteristic can be determined based on the position (above or below) and / or proximity of the characteristic-specific output relative to a characteristic threshold. This water quality status can be used as a substitute for the status (e.g., compliant, non-compliant) of the provided water, water system 100, and / or water purification subsystem 108. The output can be transmitted to one or more electronic devices. The output can be displayed directly (e.g., as a numerical score) and / or displayed in various graphical forms, such as a position located within one of two or more regions, as further described herein.

[0062] For example, a violation alarm can be triggered if the CWQM exceeds a preset violation limit, such as in the form of one or more electronic notifications sent by the analysis subsystem 110 to one or more remote electronic devices. Alternatively or additionally, a water quality action report can be displayed and / or transmitted. For example, a water quality action report can be displayed and / or transmitted if a composite water quality metric exceeds other preset limits (e.g., alarm, action). Alternatively or additionally, a water quality action report can be displayed and / or transmitted if data trends indicate that user action will be required, such as within a predetermined future time period (e.g., days, weeks, etc.). Extrapolation, regression analysis, integral analysis, derivative analysis, and combinations thereof can be used to determine data trends. Trend analysis can be performed on a measurement and / or characteristic-specific basis, and / or specifically for the CWQM.

[0063] Water quality action reports can indicate actions that should be taken. These actions can be determined by WQAM. For example, but not limited to, when data from specific sensors 114, 116, 118 exceeds a threshold, the analysis subsystem 110 can determine that associated actions are needed (e.g., replacing a specific filter, resin bed, flushing system, maintenance pump, or a combination thereof). These associated actions can be predetermined based on stored expert knowledge and retrieved through query / return analysis. In exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, such actions can be performed on an automated basis, for example, under the operational control of the analysis subsystem 110.

[0064] As a non-limiting example, an exponential score of 0 to 100 can be used for CWQM. For each WQAM transformation, CWQM can be updated, resulting in a time-dependent CWQM function. To more easily interpret CWQM, its entire range can be divided into preset zones. For example, the range can be divided into zones indicating the following states of composite water quality: compliant, alert, action, and non-compliant. As a more specific example, but not limited to, the non-compliant zone can span scores of 0-5, the action zone can span scores of 5-20, the alert zone can span scores of 20-40, and the compliant zone can span scores of 40-100. Other division methods can be used, including having more or fewer zones. These zones can be consistent with the zones recommended by pharmacopoeias worldwide for each parameter.

[0065] The net contribution of each feature to CWQM can be determined for each WQAM transformation based on its proximity to an associated feature threshold. For desired parameters, these thresholds can conform to local regulatory standards or internal quality standards. As each desired parameter gets closer to its threshold, its weight in the WQAM transformation can be dynamically increased. This ensures that CWQM is driven by the worst-performing desired parameter. Similar to desired parameters, the weights of supplementary parameters can also be dynamically controlled by their proximity to predefined thresholds. The contribution of supplementary parameters to CWQM can be limited to specific regions. For example, supplementary parameters may only affect CWQM scores in compliant regions, while other regions may only be accessible through the performance of desired parameters. Thresholds can be predefined and / or updated by the user.

[0066] In other exemplary embodiments, but not limited to, WQAM can be configured to allocate all weights to the worst-performing desired parameter and / or utilize only the worst-performing desired parameter, for example, without weighting and / or referencing other parameters. This ensures that CWQM is entirely driven by a single worst-performing parameter.

[0067] Data collection and / or analysis can be performed on a continuous basis (e.g., every X seconds, minutes, etc.), such as in real time or substantially in real time. In this way, water quality can be dynamically determined over time. Sensors 114, 116, and 118 can be configured to measure the active flow of water system 100. For example, but not limited to, sensors 114, 116, and 118 can be placed along a sampling line or a portion of the main flow line of water system 100 and continuously measure as the flow continues.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, but not limited to, the graphical representation 130 generated at least in part by the analysis subsystem 110 can be as follows: Figures 8A to 8E One or more of them (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E respectively) are shown. The output may include only a composite indication of the status of the water system 100 and / or the water purification subsystem 108 (e.g., Figure 8A , 8B ), and the specific states of some or all of the characteristics / components of the water system 100 and / or the water purification subsystem 108 (e.g., Figure 8D ), and historical indications of the aforementioned content (e.g., Figure 8C , 8E ; such as based on composite and / or characteristic / component-specific basis), and its future predicted state (e.g., Figure 8A , 8C , 8E), and their combinations, etc. In Figure 8B In this context, shading can be used to indicate the movement of arrows over time. Areas and / or states can be color-coded and / or marked. Figure 8C In this example, as a non-limiting example, the slider can display the current time and / or a user-selected time on a time scale. This can include future times, which can be predicted using data extrapolation techniques such as, but not limited to, regression and / or extrapolation. Figure 8A In the middle, trend data and accompanying directional arrows can be provided.

[0069] Data received over time, such as data based on CWQM and / or characteristic-specific data, can be extrapolated to predict the future state of a water system or characteristic (e.g., Figure 8A , 8C (8E). A preemptive alarm may be issued if the state and / or characteristics of the water system are expected to change and / or move relative to an associated threshold within a predetermined time period (e.g., one minute or more, one hour or more, one day or more, one week or more, etc.). The triggering conditions and / or type of such alarm may be predefined and / or user-specified.

[0070] As a non-limiting example, alarms may be provided as electronic notifications and / or reports. These notifications and / or reports may include any one or more of the outputs shown and / or described herein. These notifications and / or reports may be sent to one or more remote electronic devices, such as smartphones, computers, servers, tablets, industrial controllers (e.g., PLCs / DCS), combinations thereof, etc. Data transmission and / or reporting may be carried out via one or more conventional relay devices. Alternatively or additionally, any or all of the outputs and / or reports shown and / or described herein may be accessed on an on-demand basis, such as via one or more such remote electronic devices.

[0071] The analysis subsystem 110 can be configured to accept simulation data, such as to determine the state of simulation characteristics and / or CWQM. This can be used to simulate a variety of conditions that may be experienced, and may be particularly useful for, but not limited to, determining sensitivity and / or establishing user-modified thresholds.

[0072] Enumeration of Specific Embodiments — The following provides an enumeration of specific, non-limiting examples of embodiments of the technology.

[0073] A1. A system for dynamically determining the water quality of a water system, the system comprising: A controller, the controller including and / or capable of accessing one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices, the one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices comprising: thresholds, wherein one of the thresholds (“composite threshold”) is specific to a composite water quality measure (“CWQM”), and a plurality of the thresholds (“characteristic thresholds”) are each specific to a corresponding characteristic of a sample of the water system, wherein each of the characteristic thresholds segregates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to an associated characteristic, wherein the composite threshold segregates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to the CWQM; and software instructions, the software instructions, when executed, configuring one or more processors to: Receive data from the sensor for measuring the characteristic, the data indicating the measured value of the characteristic; For each of the characteristics, determine the proximity of one or more of the measurements to one of the characteristic thresholds; Adjust CWQM using the determined proximity; The current state of the water system is determined based on an adjusted CWQM relative to the composite threshold; and The current state of the water system is transmitted to one or more electronic devices.

[0074] A2. The system according to embodiment A1, wherein: one or more of the characteristic thresholds are associated with one or more regulated water characteristics, particularly with regulated water characteristics of purified water.

[0075] A3. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A2, wherein: when the software instructions are executed, the one or more processors are also configured to: associate each of one or more of the measurements with a corresponding one of a plurality of feature subsets.

[0076] A4. The system according to embodiment A3, wherein: the plurality of feature subsets include a first feature subset associated with regulated water features and a second feature subset associated with unregulated water features.

[0077] A5. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A4, wherein: when the software instructions are executed, the one or more processors are also configured to: adjust the contribution of the characteristic to CWQM based on a proximity determined by one or more of the measurements associated with one of the characteristic thresholds.

[0078] A6. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A5, wherein: the software instructions, when executed, also configure the one or more processors to: for each of the characteristics, determine the proximity of the characteristic with respect to the proximity determined for the other characteristics, so as to determine the contribution of the characteristic to the composite water quality measure.

[0079] A7. The system according to embodiment A6, wherein: when the software instructions are executed, the one or more processors are also configured to: apply expert system algorithms to determine CWQM based on the determined relationships.

[0080] A8. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A7, wherein: the software instructions, when executed, configure the one or more processors to: for each of the features, adjust the weight assigned to the associated feature based on the proximity, such that the weight increases as the proximity decreases.

[0081] A9. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A8, wherein: the software instructions, when executed, also configure the one or more processors to: apply all weights to the most unfavorable of the one or more measurements associated with the first feature subset if one or more of the measurements associated with any one or more of the first feature subset fall on the unfavorable side of the associated threshold.

[0082] A10. The system according to any one of embodiments A8-A9, wherein: the software instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to: apply all weights to one or more of the measurements associated with the first feature subset, based on the proximity of each of the measurements to the associated feature threshold, if one or more of the measurements associated with the first feature subset fall on the advantageous side of an associated threshold; or apply all weights to one or more of the measurements, including one or more of the measurements associated with the first feature subset and one or more of the measurements associated with any one or more of the second feature subset.

[0083] A11. The system according to embodiment A9 or A10, wherein: Each of the first subset of characteristics is associated with a regulated water characteristic; and Wherein, if one or more of the measured values ​​are associated with any one or more of the second subset of characteristics, each of the second subset of characteristics is associated with an unregulated water characteristic.

[0084] A12. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A11, wherein: the software instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to: scale one or more of the measurements associated with at least one of the second feature subset, or one or more of the measurements associated with all of the first feature subset, on the favorable side of the associated threshold, or on the unfavorable side of the associated threshold, such that when the unfavorable supplementary parameter is at or on the unfavorable side of the associated threshold, the unfavorable supplementary parameter is set to a zero value.

[0085] A13. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A12, particularly A8 when including the features of A8, and the system according to any one of A9-A12, wherein: when the software instructions are executed, the one or more processors are also configured to: adjust the weights on a specific regional scale.

[0086] A14. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A13, wherein: At least two of the characteristic thresholds are associated with each of the characteristics, thereby defining at least three regions for each of the characteristics; and The region includes: Non-compliant areas, areas requiring action, and areas requiring no action; or The areas include violation, action, alert, and compliance areas.

[0087] A15. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A14, wherein: the representation includes a graphical representation of the region, wherein the current state of the water system is graphically indicated as a location within one of the regions.

[0088] A16. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A15, wherein: The data is received from the sensor on a continuous, at least substantially real-time basis; When executed, the software instructions configure the one or more processors to: upon receiving the data, analyze the current state of the water system on a continuous, at least substantially real-time, basis.

[0089] A17. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A16, wherein: When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors to: store the current state of the water system on a time-dependent basis, such that the current state of the water system is stored over time; and The representation includes a time-based historical representation of the current state of the water system.

[0090] A18. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A17, wherein: the software instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to: determine, respectively, for each of the characteristics, the current state of the corresponding characteristic based on the proximity of one or more of the measured values ​​to one of the characteristic thresholds; and For each of the aforementioned characteristics, the representation includes a representation of the current state of the corresponding characteristic.

[0091] A19. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A18, wherein: The water system includes one or more valves and pumps; The controller communicates electronically with the one or more valves and pumps; and When the software instructions are executed, they also configure the one or more processors to operate the one or more valves or pumps if it is determined that the current state of the water system is on the unfavorable side of a composite threshold.

[0092] A20. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A19, wherein: when the software instructions are executed, the one or more processors are also configured to: generate an alarm at the one or more electronic devices if it is determined that the current state of the water system is on the unfavorable side of a composite threshold.

[0093] A21. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A20, wherein: the software instructions, when executed, also configure the one or more processors to: Extrapolate the measured values ​​for some or all of the aforementioned characteristics; The predicted future state of the water system is determined at least in part based on the proximity of extrapolated measurements to thresholds of some or all of the associated characteristics; and The indication provides a forecast of the future state of the water system at the indicated location.

[0094] A22. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A21, wherein: At least some thresholds are geographically specific; and When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors to be able to: Receive, retrieve, or prompt an instruction for a desired location within the geographic region; and Apply a threshold specific to the desired geographic region.

[0095] A23. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A22, wherein: One or more of the thresholds are specified or modified by the user; and When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors to be able to: Receive, retrieve, or prompt user input from the one or more electronic devices to establish or update one or more of the thresholds; and Apply one or more of the thresholds specified in the user input.

[0096] A24. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A23, wherein: the software instructions, when executed, also configure the one or more processors to: Receive simulation data indicating some or all of the simulated measurements for the stated characteristics; The simulated state of the water system is determined at least in part based on the proximity of simulated measurements to some or all of the thresholds associated with the stated characteristics; and The display provides an indication of the simulated state of the water system.

[0097] A25. The system according to any one of embodiments A1-A24, wherein: the system includes sensors for measuring the characteristic, and the controller communicates electronically with each of the sensors.

[0098] A26. The system according to embodiment A25, wherein: The water system includes a purified water production subsystem, a storage tank, a first supply line from a purified water source into the storage tank, a second supply line from the storage tank to at least one usage output point, and a return line from the at least one usage output point back to the storage tank; and The sensor is located at least partially along one or more of the following: the return line, the first supply line, and the second supply line.

[0099] B1. A computer-based method for dynamically determining the water quality of a water system, the computer-based method comprising: The controller receives data from sensors for measuring the characteristic, the data indicating a measured value of the characteristic, wherein the controller includes and / or has access to one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices, the one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices including: thresholds, wherein one of the thresholds (“composite threshold”) is specific to a composite water quality measure (“CWQM”), and a plurality of the thresholds (“characteristic thresholds”) are each specific to a corresponding characteristic of a sample of the water system, wherein each of the characteristic thresholds separates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to an associated characteristic, wherein the composite threshold separates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to the CWQM; The controller determines, for each of the characteristics, the proximity of one or more of the measured values ​​to one of the characteristic thresholds. The controller is used to adjust the CWQM using the determined proximity. The controller determines the current state of the water system based on an adjusted CWQM relative to the composite threshold; and The controller transmits a representation of the current state of the water system to one or more electronic devices.

[0100] C1. A non-transitory electronic storage medium comprising software instructions for dynamically determining the water quality of a water system, the software instructions including and / or being able to access thresholds, wherein one of the thresholds (“composite threshold”) is specific to a composite water quality measure (“CWQM”), and a plurality of the thresholds (“characteristic thresholds”) are each specific to a corresponding characteristic of a sample of the water system, wherein each of the characteristic thresholds separates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to an associated characteristic, wherein the composite threshold separates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to the CWQM, wherein the software instructions, when executed, configure one or more processors to: Receive data from the sensor for measuring the characteristic, the data indicating the measured value of the characteristic; For each of the characteristics, determine the proximity of one or more of the measurements to one of the characteristic thresholds; Adjust CWQM using the determined proximity; The current state of the water system is determined based on an adjusted CWQM relative to the composite threshold; and The current state of the water system is transmitted to one or more electronic devices.

[0101] Any embodiment of the present invention may include any features of other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to practice it. After showing and describing exemplary embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that various variations and modifications can be made to the described invention. Many of these variations and modifications will provide the same results and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention.

[0102] Some of the operations described herein can be performed by one or more electronic devices. Each electronic device may include one or more processors, electronic storage devices, executable software instructions, combinations thereof, etc., configured to perform the operations described herein. The electronic device may be a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computing device. The electronic device may include a personal computer, smartphone, tablet computer, database, server, etc. The electronic connections and transmissions described herein can be implemented through one or more wired or wireless connection components (e.g., routers, modems, Ethernet cables, fiber optic cables, telephone cables, signal repeaters, etc.) and / or networks (e.g., the Internet, intranets, cellular networks, World Wide Web, local area networks, etc.). The computerized hardware, software, components, systems, steps, methods, and / or processes described herein can be used to improve the speed of the computerized hardware, software, systems, steps, methods, and / or processes described herein. The electronic devices, including but not limited to electronic storage devices, databases, controllers, etc., may include and / or be configured to accommodate only non-transitory signals.

Claims

1. A system (102) for dynamically determining the water quality of a water system (10, 100), the system comprising: A controller (111) includes and / or is capable of accessing one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices (115), the one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices (115) including: thresholds, wherein one of the thresholds ("composite threshold") is specific to a composite water quality measure ("CWQM"), and a plurality of the thresholds ("characteristic thresholds") are each specific to a corresponding characteristic of a sample of the water system, wherein each of the characteristic thresholds separates a region indicating the state of the water system (10, 100) relative to an associated characteristic, wherein the composite threshold separates a region indicating the state of the water system (10, 100) relative to the CWQM; and software instructions, which, when executed, configure one or more processors (117) to: Data for measuring the characteristic is received from sensors (114, 116, 118), the data indicating the measured value of the characteristic; For each of the characteristics, determine the proximity of one or more of the measurements to one of the characteristic thresholds; Adjust CWQM using the determined proximity; The current state of the water system (10, 100) is determined based on the adjusted CWQM relative to the composite threshold; and The representation (130A-130E) of the current state of the water system (10, 100) is transmitted to one or more electronic devices (119).

2. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein: One or more of the characteristic thresholds are associated with one or more regulated water characteristics, particularly with regulated water characteristics of purified water.

3. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein: When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors (117) to be able to: The contribution of the characteristic to CWQM is adjusted based on the proximity of one or more of the measured values ​​to one of the characteristic thresholds. as well as For each of the aforementioned characteristics, the proximity of the characteristic is determined in relation to the proximity determined for the other characteristics, in order to determine the contribution of the characteristic to the composite water quality metric.

4. The system (102) according to claim 3, wherein: When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors (117) to: apply expert system algorithms to determine CWQM based on the determined relationships.

5. The system (102) according to claim 3, wherein: When executed, the software instructions configure the one or more processors (117) to: for each of the features, adjust the weight assigned to the associated feature based on the proximity, such that the weight increases as the proximity decreases.

6. The system (102) according to claim 5, wherein: When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors (117) to apply all weights to the most unfavorable of the one or more measurements associated with the first feature subset if one or more of the measurements associated with any one or more of the first feature subset fall on the unfavorable side of the associated threshold.

7. The system (102) according to claim 5, wherein: When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors (117) to: apply all weights to one or more of the measurements associated with the first feature subset, based on the proximity of each of the measurements to the associated feature threshold, if one or more of the measurements associated with the first feature subset fall on the favorable side of the associated threshold; or apply all weights to one or more of the measurements, including the measurements associated with the first feature subset and one or more of the measurements associated with any one or more of the second feature subset.

8. The system (102) according to claim 7, wherein: When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors (117) to: adjust the weights on a specific regional scale.

9. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein: At least two of the characteristic thresholds are associated with each of the characteristics, thereby defining at least three regions for each of the characteristics; and The region includes: Non-compliant areas, areas requiring action, and areas requiring no action; or The areas include violation, action, alert, and compliance areas.

10. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein: The water system (10, 100) includes one or more valves and pumps; The controller (111) communicates electronically with the one or more valves and pumps; and When the software instructions are executed, they also configure the one or more processors (117) to operate the one or more valves or pumps if it is determined that the current state of the water system (10, 100) is on the unfavorable side of a composite threshold.

11. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein: When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors (117) to be able to: Extrapolate the measured values ​​for some or all of the aforementioned characteristics; The predicted future state of the water system (10, 100) is determined at least in part based on the proximity of extrapolated measurements to threshold values ​​associated with some or all of the aforementioned characteristics; and Indications for the predicted future state of the water system are provided at (130A, 130C, 130E).

12. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein: When executed, the software instructions also configure the one or more processors (117) to be able to: Receive simulation data indicating some or all of the simulated measurements for the stated characteristics; The simulated state of the water system (10, 100) is determined at least in part based on the proximity of the simulated measurements to some or all of the thresholds associated with the said characteristics; as well as The display provides an indication of the simulated state of the water system.

13. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes sensors (114, 116, 118) for measuring characteristics, and a controller (111) communicates electronically with each of the sensors.

14. A computer-based method for dynamically determining the water quality of a water system (10, 100), the computer-based method comprising: The controller (111) receives data from sensors (114, 116, 118) for measuring characteristics, the data indicating the measured value of the characteristics, wherein the controller (111) includes and / or has access to one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices (115), the one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices (115) including: thresholds, wherein one of the thresholds ("composite threshold") is specific to a composite water quality measure ("CWQM"), and a plurality of the thresholds ("characteristic thresholds") are each specific to a corresponding characteristic of a sample of the water system, wherein each of the characteristic thresholds separates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to an associated characteristic, wherein the composite threshold separates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to the CWQM; Through the controller (111), for each of the characteristics, the proximity of one or more of the measured values ​​to one of the characteristic thresholds is determined; The CWQM is adjusted using the determined proximity via the controller (111); The current state of the water system is determined by the controller (111) based on an adjusted CWQM relative to the composite threshold; and The controller (111) transmits a representation (130A-130E) of the current state of the water system to one or more electronic devices (119).

15. A non-transitory electronic storage medium comprising software instructions for dynamically determining the water quality of a water system (10, 100), and the software instructions including and / or being able to access threshold values, wherein, One of the thresholds ("composite threshold") is specific to a composite water quality measure ("CWQM"), and the plurality of thresholds ("characteristic thresholds") are each specific to a corresponding characteristic of a sample of the water system, wherein each of the characteristic thresholds separates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to an associated characteristic, wherein the composite threshold separates a region indicating the state of the water system relative to the CWQM, wherein the software instructions, when executed, configure one or more processors (117) to: Data for measuring the characteristic is received from sensors (114, 116, 118), the data indicating the measured value of the characteristic; For each of the characteristics, determine the proximity of one or more of the measurements to one of the characteristic thresholds; Adjust CWQM using the determined proximity; The current state of the water system is determined based on an adjusted CWQM relative to the composite threshold; and The representation of the current state of the water system (130A-130E) is transmitted to one or more electronic devices (119).

Images