Water quality detector with pre-filter backwashing system and detection method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a water quality detector with a pre-filter backwashing system and a detection method thereof, and relates to the field of water quality detection. The water quality detector comprises at least one filter, the filter comprises a sampling water inlet, a sampling water outlet, a flushing port and a blowdown port, the sampling water inlet is communicated with a water inlet pipe section of a washing water sampling pipeline, the sampling water outlet is communicated with a sampling pipe section of the washing water sampling pipeline, and the blowdown port is communicated with a blowdown pipe section of the washing water sampling pipeline. The backwashing medium supply unit is arranged, liquid and gaseous flushing media are simultaneously provided, backwashing is carried out in a pulse alternating mode, strong mechanical stripping and flushing effects can be generated, stubborn dirt such as gypsum crystals and mud attached to the filter core can be effectively removed, the flushing effect is more thorough compared with a single water washing mode, and the service life of the filter core is significantly prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water quality testing technology, specifically to a water quality tester and its testing method with a pre-filter backwashing system. Background Technology

[0002] Ship exhaust scrubbers generate scrubbing water containing large amounts of gypsum crystals, suspended solid particles, oil, and biological slime during operation. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, the discharge of this scrubbing water requires strict monitoring. Therefore, online water quality monitoring instruments need to continuously sample and test the scrubbing water. To protect the internal sensors and flow cells of the instrument from wear or contamination by particulate matter, a pre-filter is typically installed at the front end of the sampling pipeline to filter out solid impurities.

[0003] However, in existing pre-filters, the high alkalinity of the washing water makes it easy for gypsum crystals and slime to adhere to the filter element surface, leading to frequent clogging. Furthermore, in marine environments, manually disassembling and cleaning the filter is not only difficult but also extremely labor-intensive. Secondly, some filters with backwashing functions rely solely on water backwashing, which is ineffective at removing firmly adhering crystals and slime, resulting in incomplete rinsing and a short filter element lifespan.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a water quality tester that can eliminate the problems of easy clogging of pre-filters and poor backwashing effect has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of easy clogging of the pre-filter and poor backwashing effect in existing water quality analyzers, this application provides a water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system and its testing method.

[0006] This invention is implemented as follows: A water quality analyzer and its detection method with a pre-filter backwashing system, connected to a wash water sampling pipeline, comprising: At least one filter, the filter including a sampling water inlet, a sampling water outlet, a rinsing port and a drain outlet, the sampling water inlet being connected to the inlet section of the washing water sampling pipeline, the sampling water outlet being connected to the sampling section of the washing water sampling pipeline, the drain outlet being connected to the drain section of the washing water sampling pipeline, and the sampling section being connected to the drain section; A backwashing medium supply unit, the backwashing medium supply unit including a liquid flushing medium output section and a gaseous flushing medium output section both connected to the flushing port; A valve assembly, comprising multiple valves disposed at various connection points between the washing water sampling pipeline and the backwashing medium supply unit; A sensor array, wherein the sensor array is disposed in the sampling section of the washing water sampling pipeline; The controller is electrically connected to the backwashing medium supply unit, the valve group, and the sensor group.

[0007] Furthermore, the liquid flushing medium output unit provides flushing water, and the gaseous flushing medium output unit provides compressed air.

[0008] Furthermore, the flushing water and compressed air are delivered to the filter in an alternating pulse manner.

[0009] Furthermore, the at least one filter includes a first filter and a second filter arranged in parallel.

[0010] Furthermore, the sensor group includes a flow transmitter, and the controller is equipped with a triggering unit, which is used to trigger a backwashing procedure when a set flow threshold or time threshold is reached.

[0011] Furthermore, the controller is equipped with a verification unit to determine whether the traffic flow is lower than the verification value.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an alarm unit, which sounds an alarm when the verification unit determines that the value is lower than the verification value.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensor group includes a pH sensor, a PHA sensor, and a turbidity sensor.

[0014] A method for testing water quality using a water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system includes the following steps: S1: The controller triggers the backwashing program according to preset conditions, disconnects the connection between the sampling water inlet and the inlet pipe section, and the connection between the sampling water outlet and the sampling pipe section, and opens the connection between the backwashing medium supply unit and the flushing port, and the connection between the drain outlet and the drain pipe section. S2: The backwashing medium supply unit introduces liquid and gaseous backwashing medium into the filter in a pulse manner, and the backwashing waste liquid is discharged from the drain outlet to the drain pipe section; S3: After the predetermined flushing time is reached, disconnect the backwashing medium supply unit from the flushing port and disconnect the drain outlet from the drain pipe section. S4: Connect the sampling water inlet to the inlet pipe section and the sampling water outlet to the sampling pipe section, and continue to detect the sampling water through the sensor group.

[0015] Furthermore, two filters are set up. In step S1, when the connection between the sampling water inlet of one filter and the inlet pipe section is disconnected, the connection between the sampling water inlet of the other filter and the inlet pipe section is opened.

[0016] Furthermore, the sensor group includes a flow transmitter, and in S1, the preset conditions include reaching a preset time or falling below a flow threshold.

[0017] Furthermore, a verification unit and an alarm unit are set up. In S4, the verification unit determines whether the traffic meets the standard. If it does, the detection continues; if it does not meet the standard, the alarm unit sounds an alarm.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By setting up a backwashing media supply unit to simultaneously provide liquid and gaseous backwashing media and performing backwashing in an alternating pulse manner, this invention can generate a powerful mechanical stripping and scouring effect, effectively removing stubborn contaminants such as gypsum crystals and sludge adhering to the filter element. Compared with a single water washing method, the rinsing effect is more thorough, significantly extending the service life of the filter element and reducing the frequency of manual maintenance. Simultaneously, by setting up a first and second filter in parallel, the sampling water path can be switched to the other filter while backwashing one filter, thus ensuring the continuity of water quality testing and solving the problem of monitoring interruption caused by filter maintenance or cleaning, meeting the requirements of maritime regulations for continuous monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water quality tester with a pre-filter backwashing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a water quality testing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 100, water quality analyzer; 110, filter; 120, valve assembly; 130, controller; 140, backwash media supply unit; 150, pH sensor; 160, PHA sensor; 170, turbidity sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0023] Before providing a further detailed description of the embodiments of this application, some of the nouns and terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained. The nouns and terms involved in the embodiments of this application are subject to the following interpretations.

[0024] (1) Wash water sampling pipeline: refers to the pipeline system used to extract water samples from the wash water source (such as the ship desulfurization tower) and transport them to the sensor group for detection. It includes an inlet pipe section, a sampling pipe section and a drain pipe section. The inlet pipe section is responsible for introducing the water sample to be tested, the sampling pipe section carries the filtered clean water sample to the sensor group, and the drain pipe section is used to discharge the waste liquid generated during the backwashing process.

[0025] (2) Backwashing media supply unit: refers to a device for providing one or more flushing media to backwash the filter, which includes at least a liquid flushing media output section and a gaseous flushing media output section. This unit is the core of achieving automatic filter cleaning. By reverse-flowing high-pressure or pulsed fluid into the filter, it strips and flushes away contaminants attached to the filter element.

[0026] (3) Triggering unit: This refers to the functional module inside the controller, which monitors one or more preset conditions (such as the sampled water flow rate being lower than a threshold or reaching a preset running time) and starts a preset program (such as a backwashing program) when the conditions are met. This unit enables the backwashing process to be started intelligently according to the actual working conditions, rather than being executed in a fixed and indiscriminate manner, thereby improving the adaptability and efficiency of the system.

[0027] (4) Verification Unit: This refers to the functional module inside the controller, which is used to determine whether the system status has returned to normal after a specific program (such as a backwashing program) is executed (e.g., whether the sampled water flow rate has returned to the normal value) in order to verify the program execution effect. This unit provides a closed-loop feedback for the backwashing operation, ensuring the effectiveness of the cleaning operation and avoiding the situation where the system remains blocked after ineffective cleaning without anyone knowing.

[0028] (5) Alarm unit: This refers to a device that issues a warning signal by sound, light or other means when a system abnormality or fault is detected (e.g., the result of the verification unit is not up to standard). This unit is an important guarantee of system reliability, and can promptly notify operators of hard faults that cannot be resolved by self-cleaning, preventing the fault from escalating or the data from becoming invalid for a long time.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a technical solution for a water quality analyzer 100 with a pre-filter backwashing system. The aim is to address the technical problems of existing water quality analyzers when processing water samples containing large amounts of crystals, suspended particles, and viscous substances (such as scrubbing water from ship desulfurization towers). These problems include easy clogging of the pre-filter, difficulty in manual maintenance, poor cleaning effect, and inability to guarantee continuous monitoring. This solution integrates sampling, filtration, automatic backwashing, status verification, and fault alarm functions into a single integrated design, achieving long-term, reliable, and continuous online monitoring of water quality.

[0030] In a basic implementation, the core of the water quality analyzer 100 lies in its internal fluid processing and control logic. The system includes at least one filter 110, which is a key component for water sample pretreatment. The filter 110 is designed to intercept solid impurities in the water sample to protect the expensive and sensitive downstream sensor array. The filter 110 has four key interfaces: a sampling water inlet, a sampling water outlet, a flushing port, and a drain port, each corresponding to a different fluid path, providing the physical basis for complex flow path switching.

[0031] To achieve automatic cleaning of the filter 110, this solution includes a backwash media supply unit 140. This unit utilizes the fluid impact force, opposite to the normal filtration direction, to remove contaminants from the filter element. Its unique feature is its ability to provide two different phases of backwash media: liquid and gaseous, supplied through liquid and gaseous outlets respectively. This dual-media design lays the foundation for more efficient cleaning strategies (such as the air-water pulse cleaning described later) and solves the problem of insufficient cleaning capacity with a single media.

[0032] The entire system's flow path switching and action execution rely on a precision valve assembly 120. This valve assembly 120 consists of multiple valves strategically arranged at various branch points of the wash water sampling pipeline, as well as at the connection between the backwash media supply unit 140 and the filter 110. These valves can be precisely opened or closed according to control signals, thereby guiding the water sample, backwash media, and wastewater to flow in the correct paths, achieving seamless switching between sampling mode and backwash mode.

[0033] Real-time acquisition of water quality parameters is accomplished by a sensor array installed in the sampling pipe section. This sensor array is located downstream of filter 110, ensuring that it comes into contact with a clean water sample that has been effectively filtered, representing the true water quality without destructive impurities. This directly affects the data accuracy and sensor lifespan of the entire detection system. As the brain of the entire system, controller 130 (e.g., a PLC control system) provides centralized control and data acquisition of the backwash media supply unit 140, valve group 120, and sensor array via electrical connections. The logic program embedded within controller 130 determines when and how the system performs backwashing, and how it handles various normal and abnormal operating conditions; it is the core of achieving fully automatic and intelligent system operation.

[0034] This application embodiment also provides a corresponding detection method. The method begins with a triggering step S1, whereby the controller 130, based on preset conditions, determines that the filter 110 needs cleaning and initiates a backwashing procedure. At this time, the controller 130 operates the valve group 120, first disconnecting the connection between the sampling water inlet and the inlet pipe section, and simultaneously disconnecting the connection between the sampling water outlet and the sampling pipe section, thereby isolating the filter 110 from the main sampling circuit and the sensor group, preventing flushing media and contaminants from entering the detection system. Immediately afterwards, the backwashing media supply unit 140 is connected to the flushing port, and the drain outlet is connected to the drain pipe section, preparing for backwashing.

[0035] In step S2, controller 130 activates backwash media supply unit 140, introducing both liquid and gaseous backwash media into the flushing port of filter 110. These media flow into the filter element in the opposite direction to normal filtration, and their kinetic energy and physical effects (such as shear force and vibration) effectively peel off and loosen dirt adhering to the filter element surface. The flushed dirt, along with the flushing waste liquid formed by the flushing media, is smoothly discharged into the drain pipe section through the drain port and eventually discharged from the system, for example, directly overboard.

[0036] After the predetermined rinsing time (step S3), the controller 130 determines that the cleaning is complete and commands the backwash medium supply unit 140 to stop working. It also operates the valve assembly 120 to disconnect the supply unit from the rinsing port and the drain port from the drain pipe section. At this point, the entire backwashing process is complete, and the filter 110 returns to standby mode.

[0037] Finally, in step S4, the controller 130 operates the valve group 120 to restore the system to normal detection mode. Specifically, this involves reopening the connection between the sampling water inlet and the inlet pipe section, as well as the connection between the sampling water outlet and the sampling pipe section. The water sample to be tested flows through the cleaned filter 110 again, and the filtered clean water sample enters the sampling pipe section, where the sensor group performs continuous water quality detection. The entire process achieves full automation from automatic identification of blockage, automatic cleaning to restoration of normal detection.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the backflushing medium is specifically defined. The liquid backflushing medium output unit provides backflushing water, while the gaseous backflushing medium output unit provides compressed air. Backflushing water and compressed air are two readily available media on ships, and using them as backflushing media offers significant economic and convenience advantages. The backflushing water can be domestic water, freshwater tank water, or even coarsely filtered seawater, while the compressed air can be directly taken from the ship's instrument air or service air system.

[0039] Furthermore, in a more preferred embodiment, flushing water and compressed air are introduced into the filter 110 in an alternating pulsed manner. The controller 130 precisely controls the valve assembly 120 and the backwash media supply unit 140 to, for example, inject a short burst of high-pressure compressed air followed by a burst of flushing water, repeating this cycle. This alternating air-water pulsed backwashing method provides a better cleaning effect compared to simple water washing or simple air-water mixing. The technical advantage lies in the fact that the high-pressure air pulse can instantly generate a powerful mechanical peeling force on the filter element surface, like striking with an air hammer, effectively loosening tightly adhered or even crystallized dirt (such as plaster); the subsequent water pulse acts like a broom, thoroughly washing away and carrying away these loosened contaminants. Through this synergistic effect of "loosening first, then sweeping," the cleaning efficiency and thoroughness of stubborn contaminants such as slime and crystals are greatly improved, thereby significantly extending the service life of the filter element and the stable operating time of the system.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, specifically, the at least one filter 110 includes a first filter and a second filter arranged in parallel. Correspondingly, the size and complexity of the valve group 120 also increase to achieve independent control of the flow paths of the two filters. When the controller 130 detects that the first filter needs backwashing, it does not interrupt the entire detection process. During the execution of backwashing step S1, while disconnecting the sampling water inlet of the first filter from the inlet pipe section, the controller 130 immediately operates the valve group 120 to open the sampling water inlet of the second filter from the inlet pipe section, seamlessly switching the water sample flow to the standby second filter. Thus, throughout the entire cycle of backwashing and sludge discharge of the first filter, the second filter remains operational, ensuring that the sensor group always has qualified sample water flowing through it, achieving uninterrupted monitoring. This design not only solves the problem of the monitoring system having to shut down during filter maintenance but also provides a significant buffer and reliability guarantee for dealing with sudden failures.

[0041] In one alternative implementation, the backwashing triggering conditions are optimized. The sensor array includes a flow transmitter for real-time monitoring of the water sample flow rate through the sampling pipe section. Simultaneously, the controller 130 contains a triggering unit. This triggering unit is configured with dual triggering logic: one is a time-based timed trigger (e.g., forcing backwashing every 4 hours regardless of flow rate), and the other is a flow-based threshold trigger (e.g., triggering immediately when the flow meter reading drops to 80% of its normal value). The controller 130 continuously monitors these two conditions, initiating the backwashing procedure whenever either condition is met. This design balances preventative and responsive maintenance. Timed triggering prevents long-term accumulation and caking of contaminants on the filter cartridge, while flow-based triggering responds sensitively to rapid clogging caused by sudden deterioration in water quality. This intelligent triggering mechanism, compared to single timed or differential pressure triggering, is more adaptable to the complexities of variable operating conditions in the scrubbing tower, ensuring timely cleaning while avoiding unnecessary flushing, thus saving energy and flushing media.

[0042] Furthermore, to ensure the effectiveness of backwashing and establish a fault early warning mechanism, a verification unit is also set up in the controller 130, and an external alarm unit is connected. After the backwashing method step S4 resumes normal detection, the verification unit will immediately read the flow meter value. It will compare this value with a preset "verification value" (e.g., 95% of the normal flow rate). If the flow rate after backwashing is greater than or equal to the verification value, it indicates that the backwashing was successful, the filter element has restored good permeability, and the system continues to operate normally. However, if the flow rate after backwashing is still lower than the verification value, the verification unit will determine that the backwashing was invalid. This may mean that the filter element has suffered irreversible severe clogging, or that the backwashing system itself has malfunctioned (such as insufficient air or water pressure). At this time, the controller 130 will immediately activate the alarm unit to warn the crew through audible and visual alarms. This design solves the problem of not being able to detect backwashing failure in a timely manner in traditional systems, realizes closed-loop control from "execution" to "verification", ensures the reliability of the entire monitoring system, and avoids the risk of long-term invalidation of monitoring data due to "false" normal operation.

[0043] In one specific implementation, the sensor array may include a pH sensor 150 for measuring the acidity or alkalinity of the water, a PHA sensor 160 for measuring the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and a turbidity sensor 170 for measuring the turbidity of the water. These sensors are crucial for assessing whether ship washing water is discharged in compliance with regulations. This invention provides a suitable working environment for these high-precision, high-value sensors through a highly efficient pre-filtration and automatic backwashing system, effectively preventing sensor drift, damage, or inaccuracy caused by particle abrasion and scaling, thereby ensuring the accuracy and validity of the final output monitoring data.

[0044] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system, characterized in that, Connected to the washing water sampling pipeline, including: At least one filter, the filter including a sampling water inlet, a sampling water outlet, a rinsing port and a drain outlet, the sampling water inlet being connected to the inlet section of the washing water sampling pipeline, the sampling water outlet being connected to the sampling section of the washing water sampling pipeline, the drain outlet being connected to the drain section of the washing water sampling pipeline, and the sampling section being connected to the drain section; A backwashing medium supply unit, the backwashing medium supply unit including a liquid flushing medium output section and a gaseous flushing medium output section both connected to the flushing port; A valve assembly, comprising multiple valves disposed at various connection points between the washing water sampling pipeline and the backwashing medium supply unit; A sensor array, wherein the sensor array is disposed in the sampling section of the washing water sampling pipeline; The controller is electrically connected to the backwashing medium supply unit, the valve group, and the sensor group.

2. The water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid flushing medium output unit provides flushing water, and the gaseous flushing medium output unit provides compressed air.

3. The water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flushing water and compressed air are delivered to the filter in an alternating pulse manner.

4. The water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one filter includes a first filter and a second filter arranged in parallel.

5. The water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor group includes a flow transmitter, and the controller is equipped with a triggering unit, which is used to trigger a backwashing procedure when a set flow threshold or time threshold is reached.

6. The water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller is equipped with a verification unit to determine whether the traffic flow is lower than the verification value.

7. The water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm unit, which sounds an alarm when the verification unit determines that the value is lower than the verification value.

8. The water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor group includes a pH sensor, a PHA sensor, and a turbidity sensor.

9. A method for testing a water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: The controller triggers the backwashing program according to preset conditions, disconnects the connection between the sampling water inlet and the inlet pipe section, and the connection between the sampling water outlet and the sampling pipe section, and opens the connection between the backwashing medium supply unit and the flushing port, and the connection between the drain outlet and the drain pipe section. S2: The backwashing medium supply unit introduces liquid and gaseous backwashing medium into the filter in a pulse manner, and the backwashing waste liquid is discharged from the drain outlet to the drain pipe section; S3: After the predetermined flushing time is reached, disconnect the backwashing medium supply unit from the flushing port and disconnect the drain outlet from the drain pipe section. S4: Connect the sampling water inlet to the inlet pipe section and the sampling water outlet to the sampling pipe section, and continue to detect the sampling water through the sensor group.

10. The detection method of the water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 9, characterized in that, Two filters are set up. In step S1, when the connection between the sampling water inlet of one filter and the inlet pipe section is disconnected, the connection between the sampling water inlet of the other filter and the inlet pipe section is opened.

11. The detection method of the water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sensor group includes a flow transmitter. In S1, the preset conditions include reaching a preset time or falling below a flow threshold.

12. The detection method of the water quality analyzer with a pre-filter backwashing system according to claim 11, characterized in that, In S4, the verification unit determines whether the traffic meets the standard. If it does, the detection continues; otherwise, the alarm unit sounds an alarm.

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