Device for treating a liquid, in particular water, for industrial and / or home applications

Abstract

Device for treating a liquid, in particular water, for industrial and / or home applications, comprising - a flowable chamber (22) with a wall (14) and with means (24) for treating the water, - an inlet (28) for supplying water to the chamber (22), - a drain (30) for draining the water from the chamber (22), - a connecting line (38) branching off upstream of the chamber (22) from the inlet (28) and opening downstream of the chamber (22) into the outlet (30) for conveying differently treated water from the inlet (28) to the outlet (30), wherein a filter unit (68) for differently treating the water is arranged in the connecting line (38), - a regulating device (40) for regulating the ratio of the volume flows of the water flowing through the connecting pipe (38) and through the chamber (22) and - a control unit (42) for controlling the regulating device (40) depending on one or more selectable parameters, wherein the device comprises a further connecting line (70) branching upstream of the chamber (22) from the inlet (28) and opening downstream of the chamber (22) into the outlet (30) for conveying untreated water from the inlet (28) to the outlet (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for treating a liquid, in particular water for industrial and / or domestic applications, comprising a flowable chamber with a wall and with means for treating the water, an inlet for supplying the water into the chamber, an outlet for discharging the water from the chamber, a connecting line branching off upstream of the chamber from the inlet and opening downstream of the chamber into the outlet for conveying untreated or differently treated water from the inlet to the outlet, and a regulating device for regulating the ratio of the volume flows of the water flowing through the connecting line and through the chamber, wherein the device comprises a further connecting line branching off upstream of the chamber from the inlet and opening downstream of the chamber into the outlet for conveying untreated water from the inlet to the outlet.

[0002] The invention is described below using the treatment of water as an example, but can also be used for other liquids, for example aqueous solutions.

[0003] Devices of the type mentioned above are used for many different applications, for example, for demineralizing process water in heating and hot water systems where water is used as a heat transfer medium. The hardness, and in particular the carbonate hardness, of the water used plays an important role in this process. In heating and hot water systems, the water is circulated for extended periods, being repeatedly heated and cooled. This repeated temperature change can lead to malfunctions caused by limescale deposits (boiler scale). Particularly in heat exchangers, such limescale deposits reduce the efficiency of the heating and hot water systems.

[0004] Furthermore, the hardness affects the taste of beverages prepared with the water, such as tea or coffee.

[0005] Devices of the type mentioned above can be used to adjust the water hardness to a level appropriate for the specific application. For this purpose, the hardness of the untreated water present in the water supply line, for example, is measured with an external measuring device during installation of the device, and the regulating mechanism is adjusted manually accordingly. The desired hardness can be achieved by adjusting the ratio of the flow rates through the chamber and the connecting pipe using a blend of treated, differently treated, and untreated water. In this context, differently treated water refers to water that has been processed in a different way than the water treated in the chamber.

[0006] DE 10 2010 003 636 A1 discloses a method for monitoring a water treatment plant, in particular a recirculating filling plant.

[0007] DE 10 2008 001 635 A1 discloses a blending valve with at least one inlet channel and at least two outlet channels, as well as an adjusting element for setting flow cross-sections. Furthermore, a device for treating liquids is disclosed.

[0008] DE 199 58 648 A1 discloses a water filter device for cleaning and at least partially softening raw water.

[0009] DE 10 2007 013 203 A1 discloses a device for water treatment with a housing that is watertight during operation.

[0010] Typically, the established ratio of the flow rates is not changed. Since hardness measurements of the untreated water are often not performed correctly, the desired hardness of the water leaving the device is not achieved. Furthermore, if the process parameters change, particularly the hardness of the existing untreated water, the desired hardness will again not be reached, even if the hardness of the original water was correctly determined. The water hardness can change, for example, if the water supplier uses different water sources. This can also lead to an overload or underloading of the water treatment agent if the device is not manually readjusted. Moreover, it cannot be determined whether and when the water treatment agent is exhausted.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a device which at least reduces the disadvantages discussed and makes it possible to achieve the desired properties of the treated water even if the properties of the untreated water change during the operation of the device.

[0012] The problem is solved by a device according to claim 1, which comprises a control unit for controlling the regulating device depending on one or more selectable parameters. The control unit is preferably electrically or electronically operated and includes a processing unit that can process the selectable parameters. The selectable parameter(s) can, for example, be a time at which the regulating device is controlled and the ratio of the volumetric flow rate of the untreated water flowing through the connecting line and through the chamber is changed. This can be advantageous if it is known that the water changes its properties at regular intervals, for example, if the water is treated with a disinfectant at regular intervals.Should the disinfectant have an adverse effect on the water treatment agent, a larger portion or even all of the untreated water can be routed through the connecting pipe, thus protecting the agent.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the control unit comprises a measuring unit for determining one or more parameters characterizing the water. One parameter can, for example, be the pH value, wherein the means for treating the water are then preferably designed to adjust the pH value. If the pH value of the untreated water changes, the desired pH value can still be maintained by regulating, for example, by increasing or decreasing the volume flow of the untreated water through the connecting line.

[0014] Preferably, the measuring unit is designed as a conductivity measuring device for determining conductivity. The hardness, particularly of the untreated water, can be determined by measuring the conductivity. In this case, the means are expediently designed for demineralizing the water. Then, depending on the hardness of the untreated water, the regulating device can be controlled so that the desired hardness of the treated water is achieved and maintained. The measuring unit is preferably arranged in the inlet, which allows for a compact device design and short pipe runs.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the measuring unit comprises a flow meter for determining the volume of water flowing through the device. The flow meter preferably measures the volume of water flowing through the device and is arranged upstream of the branch point of the connecting line from the inlet or downstream of the connection point of the connecting line into the outlet. Tables are stored in the control unit, which, using the measured value of the volume flowing through the device, the conductivity, and the position of the regulating device, allow the remaining capacity of the means in the chamber to be determined. The higher the proportion of the volume flowing through the means and the more demineralized the water becomes, the faster the capacity decreases.If the position of the regulating device is changed or the conductivity of the water entering the device changes, the remaining capacity is recalculated, taking into account the capacity already used. This process repeats with every change in the measured parameters, so that the remaining capacity is constantly recalculated based on the current parameter values, considering the capacity already used. This provides the user with information about the volume that can still be treated by the device before its capacity is exhausted. Thus, the regulating device can be operated without the risk of exceeding the device's capacity, which could damage downstream components. Alternatively, the flow meter can also be installed in the connecting pipe.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit includes an actuator for controlling the regulating device. The regulating device can, for example, be designed as a rotary valve, which opens a larger or smaller flow cross-section depending on its position. The actuator can move a shaft to which the valve body of the rotary valve is attached. This allows for the simple creation of an automated device. It is preferred that the actuator drives the regulating device via a gear connection. Gear connections have proven to be very robust and reliable, and are also simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Alternatively, the actuator can be a linear motor, thus eliminating the need for the gear connection.

[0017] Preferably, the control unit includes an input unit for entering data related to water treatment. This input unit can be implemented, for example, as a keyboard or a touch-sensitive display. This allows for flexible and quick modification of selectable parameters to respond to changing requirements. For instance, if the water hardness needs to be reduced to a lesser extent for a specific period, this can be easily entered via the input unit. This also allows for efficient use of the water treatment agent.

[0018] To reduce hardness, an ion exchange material is usually used, which, for example, contains Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ -ions against H +The water exchanger exchanges ions. Eventually, the ion exchange material becomes exhausted, and the hardness can no longer be reduced. The larger the volume of water passed through the chamber, the sooner the ion exchange material becomes exhausted. By adjusting the target hardness value of the treated water, the ion exchange material can be operated for a longer period before it needs regeneration, thus reducing operating costs.

[0019] In a further development, the control unit includes an additional measuring unit located downstream of the connecting pipe's inlet in the outlet for determining a parameter characterizing the water. This allows a target value for a parameter characterizing the treated water, such as hardness or pH value, entered via the input unit to be compared with the measured actual value. The control unit is capable of detecting deviations and generating a corresponding signal, for example, an audible or visual warning signal. In properly functioning systems, the additional measuring unit is not required, as the desired value can be achieved with sufficient accuracy and reliability by selecting the appropriate ratio of the volumetric flow rate through the chamber and the connecting pipe, provided the value of the relevant parameter in the untreated water is known.However, if, for example, the ion exchange material is exhausted, the desired value can no longer be achieved. The control unit registers a deviation between the target and actual values ​​and generates a corresponding warning signal. Furthermore, the ion exchange material may no longer perform the ion exchange to the original extent, for example, due to loading-dependent steric constraints or changes in porosity. According to the invention, the ratio of the volumetric flow rates through the chamber and the connecting line can be modified so that the desired value is still achieved. The ion exchange material is thus utilized optimally.

[0020] Preferably, the device comprises a connection head that can be detachably attached to the chamber, in which the control unit, the connecting line, and the regulating device are arranged. This allows existing water treatment chambers to be retrofitted without significant additional effort. Furthermore, the connection head can be easily replaced if the control unit or the regulating device should become defective. Removing the connection head also facilitates easier replacement of the ion exchange material, should this be necessary.

[0021] Preferably, the device according to the invention comprises a mechanical adjustment unit for manually adjusting the regulating device. The mechanical adjustment unit is, for example, coupled to the shaft so that the valve body can be rotated and thus the ratio of the volume flows through the connecting line and the chamber can be manually changed. Should the typically electrically or electronically operated control unit fail, for example due to a loss of power, it is still possible to change the ratio of the volume flows manually. Furthermore, the device can also be operated completely manually if it is not possible to provide a power source.

[0022] The device according to the invention is characterized in that a filter unit for treating the water in different ways is arranged in the connecting line. In this context, "different treatment" refers to a treatment of the water that differs from that carried out in the chamber. Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to treat the water in different ways and to adjust the ratio of the volume flows of the treated water and the differently treated water. For example, the water can be chemically demineralized in the chamber, while it is physically purified in the connecting line using a bed of activated carbon. According to this design, the treated water leaving the device can be specifically processed so that both its chemical and physical properties can be adjusted.

[0023] The device according to the invention has a further connecting line branching off upstream of the chamber from the inlet and opening into the outlet downstream of the chamber for conveying untreated water from the inlet to the outlet. This further connecting line allows the untreated water to be conveyed directly from the inlet to the outlet when, for example, the chemicals or the filter unit need to be replaced. To ensure that the untreated water can pass completely through the further connecting line, a blocking element can be provided at a suitable location, for example, upstream of the chamber and downstream of the branch of the further connecting line from the inlet. The blocking element engages, for example, when the chamber is removed from the device to replace the chemicals.Therefore, the flow of water through the device does not need to be interrupted when the agent or filter unit needs to be replaced.

[0024] A non-inventive method for treating process water, particularly for industrial and / or domestic applications, comprises the following steps: - Feeding the untreated water into a chamber via an inlet, - Treating the water in the chamber with agents, - Draining the treated water from the chamber via a drain, - simultaneous routing of untreated water from the inlet to the outlet through a connecting pipe branching off upstream of the chamber from the inlet and opening downstream of the chamber into the outlet, - Regulating the ratio of the volume flows of the water flowing through the connecting pipe and through the chamber with a regulating device and - Controlling the regulatory device by means of a control unit depending on one or more selectable parameters.

[0025] The specified sequence of process steps does not imply any binding commitment. The advantages presented for the exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention apply equally to the non-inventive method.

[0026] The non-inventive method is further developed by the following steps: - Determining one or more parameters characterizing the water, in particular the conductivity or the volume of the untreated water flowing through the device, by means of a measuring unit, in particular a conductivity measuring device and a flow measuring device, and - Controlling the regulating device by means of the control unit depending on the specific parameter(s), in particular the specific conductivity and the volume of the water flowing through the device.

[0027] For design reasons, it is advantageous to arrange the flow meter and the conductivity meter in close proximity or even to combine them into a single component. When determining the conductivity of the untreated water, the volume of the untreated water as well as the total volume of water flowing through the device are determined. It is important to know the volume that has flowed through the chamber so that the remaining capacity of the means for treating the water can be calculated. It is sufficient to determine the volume at any point within the device according to the invention, since the ratio of the volume flow through the chamber to the volume flow through the connecting line is known from the position of the regulating device.

[0028] Once the volume of fluid flowing through the chamber is determined, the user can be shown the remaining volume that can be treated with the available capacity of the fluid. However, it is not possible to calculate exactly when the remaining capacity will be exhausted. This is not a disadvantage, as the system allows for consideration of both the capacity and the total operating time of the fluid, which must not be exceeded. In the first extreme case, the fluid must be replaced even if only a small volume has flowed through it, resulting in a large remaining capacity, but the maximum operating time has already expired. In the second extreme case, the fluid is subjected to a high volume of fluid, so that the capacity is exhausted well before the maximum operating time is reached.The refrigerant must therefore be replaced whenever either its capacity is exhausted or its maximum operating time is reached. The measuring unit emits a signal as soon as either of these two events occurs.

[0029] The non-inventive method is further developed by the following steps: - Input of data relating to the treatment of water using the input unit, in particular the desired value of the parameter(s) characterizing the treated water and especially the conductivity of the treated water, - Determining the value of the parameter(s) characterizing the treated water, in particular the conductivity of the treated water, using a further measuring unit, in particular a further conductivity measuring device, - Comparing the desired value with the determined value and generating a corresponding signal using the processing unit, and - Controlling the regulating device by means of the control unit based on the signal generated by the computing unit.

[0030] The invention is described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the attached drawings. These show... Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a device not according to the invention and Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, each illustrated with a schematic diagram.

[0031] The non-inventive device 101 according to a first embodiment in Fig. The assembly comprises a container 12 with a wall 14, a side wall 16, a bottom wall 18, and a top wall 20. A chamber 22, in which the water is treated, is arranged within the container 12. The chamber 22 contains means 24 for treating the water, in this case an ion exchange material 26, which demineralizes the water. The water, which is taken, for example, from a pipe network, is fed into the chamber 22 via an inlet 28 and discharged from the chamber 22 via an outlet 30. A collection unit 32 is provided in the area of ​​the bottom wall 18, in which the water that has flowed through the means 24 is collected and fed to the outlet 30. The pressure of the pipe network causes the water to rise in the outlet 30 against the direction of gravity.

[0032] In the area of ​​the ceiling wall 20, the wall 14 has a projection 34 through which the inlet 28 and the outlet 30 pass. A connection head 36 can be detachably attached to the projection 34 of the wall 14. Sections of the inlet 28 and the outlet 30 are formed in the connection head 36. Sealing materials necessary for a tight connection are not shown. Furthermore, a connecting line 38 is arranged in the connection head 36 between the inlet 28 and the outlet 30, through which untreated water can be directed directly from the inlet 28 to the outlet 30 without flowing through the chamber 22. A regulating device 40 is arranged in the connecting line 38, with which the volume flow through the connecting line 38 can be continuously regulated. This is expediently achieved by changing the size of the cross-sectional area through which the water flows in the regulating device 40.The regulating device 40 can completely reduce the volume flow to zero in a first maximum position, or in a second maximum position, it can prevent any reduction in the flow cross-section of the untreated water flowing through the connecting line 38. The flow cross-section can be continuously varied between the first and second maximum positions.

[0033] Alternatively, the regulating device 40 can also be arranged downstream of the branch of the connecting line 38 in the inlet 28 or upstream of the junction of the connecting line 38 in the outlet 30.

[0034] Furthermore, a control unit 42 for controlling the regulating device 40 is arranged in the connection head 36. This control unit comprises a processing unit 44, an actuator 46, a measuring unit 48, and an input unit 50. In this case, the measuring unit 48 includes a conductivity measuring device 52 and a flow measuring device 53 and is arranged in the inlet 28, where it determines the conductivity and / or the volume of the untreated water. The conductivity measuring device 52 and the flow measuring device 53 are connected to the processing unit 44 via an electrical line 54, through which it can transmit signals corresponding to the measured conductivity and volume of the untreated water to the processing unit 44. However, it is equally possible to measure the volume of the treated water, so that the flow measuring unit can be arranged in the outlet 30.The actuator 46 is also connected to the computing unit 44 via an electrical line 54 and has a gear connection 56 with which a shaft 64 of the regulating device 40 can be rotated. The regulating device 40 can be designed as a rotary valve 58, wherein the cross-sectional area through which the flow can pass through the connecting line 38 can be changed by rotating the shaft 64 and the valve body connected to it, and consequently the volume flow of the untreated water through the connecting line 38 can be regulated. A linear motor (not shown) can also be used instead of the gear connection 56.

[0035] Furthermore, a mechanical adjustment unit 66 is provided, with which the shaft 64 can be manually rotated, for example, if the control unit 42 is not functioning. The adjustment unit 66 is coupled to the shaft 64, allowing the rotary valve 58 to be rotated. The adjustment unit 66 may have a recess into which a hexagonal key can be inserted for turning.

[0036] The input unit 50 allows, for example, the input of the desired conductivity or hardness that the treated water should have when leaving the device 101. Data is stored in the processing unit 44, which, using appropriate algorithms, determines the ratio of the flow rates through chamber 22 and connecting line 38 necessary to achieve the desired hardness, based on the hardness of the untreated water measured by the measuring unit 48. Accordingly, the control unit 42 controls the regulating device 40, depending on the conductivity value of the untreated water determined by the conductivity measuring device 52, to set the necessary flow rate ratio. The processing unit 44 also contains information about which position of the valve body corresponds to which flow rate ratio.

[0037] The conductivity of untreated water typically remains unchanged or changes only negligibly over a certain period. Therefore, it is not necessary to measure conductivity frequently. The frequency of conductivity measurements can also be selected via input unit 50. One measurement per week can be considered sufficiently frequent, thus saving energy.

[0038] In Fig.Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the device 102 according to the invention, illustrated by a schematic diagram. Here, a further measuring unit 60, designed as an additional conductivity measuring device 62, is arranged downstream of the inlet of the connecting line 38 in the outlet 30 and is also connected to the processing unit 44 via an electrical line 54, where, for example, the conductivity of the treated water can be determined. Furthermore, the regulating device 40 is arranged in the area of ​​the branch of the connecting line 38 from the inlet 28. This arrangement makes it possible to completely interrupt the flow through the connecting line 38 or through the chamber 22. If, for example, the hardness of the untreated water already corresponds to the desired value, the flow through the chamber 22 can be completely interrupted, so that the means 24 for treating the water are not subjected to unnecessary stress.Otherwise, the structure corresponds to that of the first embodiment 101.

[0039] The second embodiment of the device 102 can be used to check whether the setpoint entered via the input unit 50, for example, the setpoint for conductivity, corresponds to the actual value of the treated water. If this is not the case, the control unit 40 can be activated accordingly to adjust the actual value to the setpoint. If the activation of the control unit 40 has no effect or not the desired effect on the actual value of the treated water, for example, due to exhaustion of the ion exchange material 26, the processing unit 44 can generate a warning signal to indicate that the device 102 is no longer able to impart the desired properties to the treated water.

[0040] Furthermore, a filter unit 68 is provided in the connecting line 38. However, the water in the connecting line 38 is treated differently than in the chamber 22, for example by means of an activated carbon bed, while in the chamber 22 the water is softened.

[0041] Furthermore, an additional connecting line 70 is provided, branching off from the inlet 28 upstream of the branch point of the connecting line 38 and entering the outlet 30 downstream of the junction of the connecting line 38. The untreated water can be routed directly from the inlet 28 to the outlet 30 via this line, for example, when the chemical 24 or the filter unit 68 needs to be replaced. A shut-off element 72 is provided for this purpose, allowing the flow to be directed through the additional connecting line 70. The shut-off element 72 can be manually closed and reopened in a mechanical manner (not shown). Reference symbol list 10 Device 12 containers 14 wall 16 side wall 18 Floor wall 20 Ceiling wall 22nd Chamber 24 means 26 Ion exchange material 28 Inflow 30 Expiry 32 collection units 34 lead 36 connection head 38 Connecting line 40 Regulatory institution 42 Control unit 44 computing units 46 Actuator 48 units of measurement 50 input units 52 Conductivity measuring device 53 Flow measuring device 54 Management 56 Gear connection 58 Rotary valve 60 additional measuring units 62 additional conductivity measuring devices 64 wave 66 mechanical adjustment unit 68 filter units 70 additional connecting lines 72 Locking element

Claims

[1] Device for treating a liquid, in particular water for industrial and / or home applications, comprising - a flowable chamber (22) with a wall (14) and with means (24) for treating the water, - an inlet (28) for supplying water to the chamber (22), - a drain (30) for draining the water from the chamber (22), - a connecting line (38) branching off upstream of the chamber (22) from the inlet (28) and opening downstream of the chamber (22) into the outlet (30) for conveying differently treated water from the inlet (28) to the outlet (30), wherein a filter unit (68) for differently treating the water is arranged in the connecting line (38), - a regulating device (40) for regulating the ratio of the volume flows of the water flowing through the connecting pipe (38) and through the chamber (22) and - a control unit (42) for controlling the regulating device (40) depending on one or more selectable parameters, wherein the device comprises a further connecting line (70) branching upstream of the chamber (22) from the inlet (28) and opening downstream of the chamber (22) into the outlet (30) for conveying untreated water from the inlet (28) to the outlet (30). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control unit (42) includes a measuring unit (48) for determining one or more parameters characterizing the water to be treated. [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the measuring unit (48) includes a conductivity measuring device (52) for determining the conductivity. [4] Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the measuring unit (48) comprises a flow measuring device (53) for determining the volume of water flowing through the device. [5] Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the measuring unit (48) is arranged in the inlet (28). [6] Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the control unit (42) includes a further measuring unit (60) arranged downstream of the inlet of the connecting line (38) in the outlet (30) for determining one or more parameters characterizing the water. [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit (42) includes an actuator (46) for controlling the regulating device (40). [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by , that the actuator (46) controls the regulating device (40) by means of a gear connection (56). [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit (42) includes an input unit (50) for entering data relating to the treatment of the water. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a connecting head (36) which can be detachably connected to the wall (14) of the chamber (22), in which the control unit (42), the connecting line (38) and the regulating device (40) are arranged. [11] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a mechanical adjustment unit (66) for manually adjusting the regulating device (40). [12] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that upstream of the chamber (22) and downstream of the branch of the further connecting line (70) from the inlet (28) a blocking element (72) is provided in order to allow untreated water to pass completely through the further connecting line (70).

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