Method for operating a water treatment device

The vertical arrangement of components in a connecting intermediate piece with a throughflow limiter optimizes the use of water treatment devices in horizontal pipelines, addressing inefficiencies in existing systems by ensuring complete exhaustion and efficient utilization of cartridges with different sizes and treatment processes.

DE102015203753B4Active Publication Date: 2025-10-30JUDO WASSERAUFBEREITUNG
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102015203753
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2015-03-03
Publication Date
2025-10-30
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing water treatment devices in horizontal pipelines face inefficiencies due to the risk of incomplete exhaustion or 'traveling over' when using cartridges of different sizes or with varying treatment processes, leading to suboptimal utilization.

Method used

A method involving a connecting intermediate piece with a vertical arrangement of components, including a closure element as a throughflow limiter, allows for efficient use of water treatment devices by monitoring and controlling water flow and quality through sensors and a servomotor, ensuring optimal utilization of cartridges with different sizes and kinetics.

Benefits of technology

Enables space-saving installation and efficient use of water treatment devices by preventing incomplete exhaustion and optimizing water treatment processes, particularly for cartridges with different sizes or treatment processes, enhancing cartridge utilization and ensuring high-quality treated water delivery.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Method for operating a water treatment device (1, 1') for installation in a horizontal pipeline (5), wherein the water treatment device comprises: - a connector (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) for connection to the pipeline (5), - a volume flow meter (10), - a water treatment device (7) with a treatment port (23) that is directed upwards during operation and - a shut-off device (11) for isolating the water treatment device (7) from the pipeline (5), wherein a connecting piece (6, 6') is provided for connecting the water treatment device (7) to the connecting piece (2), wherein the connecting piece (6, 6') has the following elements: - a first connection (21) for connecting the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') to the connecting piece (2), - a second connection (22) for connecting the water treatment device (7) to the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6'), - an inlet channel (8) for supplying untreated water from the inlet (3) into the water treatment device (7), - a drainage channel (9) for discharging treated water from the water treatment unit (7) to the drain (4), - an electronic control device (12) and an actuator (26) for closing or opening the locking element (11), wherein the volume flow meter (10) and the closure device (11) are arranged in the inlet channel (8) and / or in the outlet channel (9) of the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') and wherein the connecting piece (2), the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') and the water treatment device (7) are arranged vertically one above the other in the state mounted on the horizontal pipe (5), wherein in the method an element (10, 14, 15) of the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') generates electrical measurement signals and transmits them to the electronic control device (12) and the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closing or opening of the closure element (11) when an exhaustion limit stored in the control device (12) is exceeded or fallen below, wherein reaching the exhaustion limit indicates the exhaustion of a water treatment unit (20) of the water treatment device (7) or the complete filling of a water circuit, characterized in that the closure element (11) is used as a flow restrictor.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a water treatment device for installation in a horizontal pipeline, comprising a connector with an inlet and an outlet for connection to the pipeline, a volume flow meter, a water treatment device with a treatment connection directed upwards during operation, and a shut-off device for isolating the water treatment device from the pipeline.

[0002] A water treatment device for installation in a horizontal pipeline is, for example, sold as JUDO HEIFI-REPURE 5000 by the company Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH.

[0003] For the pretreatment of water that is to be filled into a heating circuit, it is known to install fittings in pipelines that, in addition to a shut-off valve and a water meter, also have a connection option for a water treatment device.

[0004] Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH offers such a fitting under the name GENO-therm ® on. For the installation of the GENO-therm ® For the fitting, a section of the pipeline corresponding to the length of the fitting is cut out and the fitting is inserted into the pipeline at this point, so that in the installed state the various elements (shut-off device, pressure gauge, water meter, conductivity meter, connection for water treatment device) are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the pipeline.

[0005] The cutout in the pipeline required for installation of the JUDO HEIFI-REPURE 5000 filling water desalination unit must also be adapted to the length of the fitting.

[0006] DE 10 2010 005 459 A1 describes a shut-off valve for connection to a water treatment unit, which is installed in a horizontal pipeline via a connecting piece. The shut-off valve comprises a flow meter and a ball valve for isolating the water treatment unit from the pipeline, which is controlled by a motor. The connecting piece, the shut-off valve, and the water treatment unit to which it can be connected are arranged horizontally next to each other when installed. A conductivity sensor and the motor for controlling the ball valve are arranged perpendicular to this horizontal arrangement.

[0007] DE 20 2009 001 946 U1 discloses an ion exchange cartridge which can be connected to a fitting. The ion exchange cartridge may have a threaded opening at one end.

[0008] DE 34 44 578 C1 describes a connection fitting for water treatment plants, which in particular has a compact design.

[0009] US Patent 2011 / 0132818 A1 discloses a control device for retrofitting to an existing water treatment unit in an installation, wherein the exhaustion state of the water treatment unit can be monitored by means of a control unit. A signal from a conductivity sensor or a flow meter is sent to the control unit, which, when the water treatment unit is exhausted, controls a regeneration valve to introduce a regeneration solution, a blending valve to set a desired blended water hardness, and a shut-off valve to shut off the water supply in case of a leak. Corresponding limit values ​​are stored in the control unit.

[0010] DE 20 2010 008 759 U1 discloses a multi-part valve assembly comprising a first valve part for connection to a pipeline, a second valve part, and a third valve part which can be connected between the first and second valve parts and serves to connect an ion exchanger. A shut-off valve of the first valve part can, in particular, assume a flow-through position or a shut-off position according to a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor, in the shut-off position, remains subjected to the system pressure of a heating system fluidically downstream of the valve assembly. In a third valve position, all connections are finally interrupted. A control and evaluation unit determines the flow volume that has flowed into the ion exchanger. The control and evaluation unit serves to control a motor that actuates the shut-off valve.To prevent the heating system from being filled with unsoftened water, the control and evaluation unit generates a control signal when a threshold is reached, which closes the shut-off valve.

[0011] A disadvantage of known operating methods for comparable water treatment devices is that with water treatment cartridges of different sizes or with different water treatment processes and associated different kinetics, there is a risk that they will either not be completely exhausted or that they will be "overrun" and therefore cannot be used optimally. Object of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is to propose a method for operating a water treatment device which enables the optimal use of the water treatment device. Brief description of the invention

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by using the closure element as a flow restrictor.

[0014] The water treatment device includes a connecting piece for connecting the water treatment device to the connecting piece, the connecting piece comprising the following elements: - a first connection for connecting the connecting piece to the connecting piece, - a second connection for connecting the water treatment device to the connecting piece, - an inlet channel for supplying untreated water from the inlet into the water treatment device, - a drainage channel for removing treated water from the water treatment unit to the drain, - an electronic control device and an actuator for closing or opening the closure device, wherein the volume flow meter and the closure device are arranged in the inlet channel and / or in the outlet channel of the connecting piece, and wherein the connecting piece, the connecting piece and the water treatment device are arranged vertically one above the other in the state mounted on the horizontal pipeline.

[0015] The water treatment unit, flow meter, and shut-off valve are arranged in series perpendicular to the pipeline, while the inlet and outlet, as tubular sections of the connector, run parallel to the pipe. This results in a vertical arrangement of the connector, its various components (flow meter, shut-off valve, electronic control unit), and the water treatment unit when installed. This allows for space-saving installation of the water treatment unit relative to the pipe direction. The connector can be designed in various ways, and additional components can be incorporated. This arrangement makes it possible to connect connectors of different sizes (and consequently, with different numbers or sizes of components) to the connector without requiring any modifications to the pipeline.In particular, large connecting pieces with many components can be used even in tight installation situations.

[0016] The connector and the connecting piece form a water fitting to which various water treatment devices can be connected. The first and second connections of the connecting piece are positioned opposite each other, with water flowing into and out of the water treatment device from above. To allow the water treatment device to be mounted directly onto the connecting piece without the need for pipes, the treatment connection of the water treatment device is adapted to the second connection of the connecting piece.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet channel and the outlet channel run transversely, preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the inlet and outlet in the connecting intermediate piece. This means that, when the water treatment device is mounted on the horizontal pipeline, the inlet channel and the outlet channel run at least approximately vertically.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting piece has a blending device for mixing treated and untreated water.

[0019] In another embodiment, the connector has at least one vent valve.

[0020] In a further development of this embodiment, a vent valve is arranged in the area of ​​the treated water and another vent valve is arranged in the area of ​​the untreated water.

[0021] Preferably, at least one vent valve is designed as a sampling tap for taking water samples.

[0022] One treatment recommended according to VDI 2035 for the fill water of a heating circuit is demineralization. Since the conductivity of the treated water increases when a demineralization cartridge is exhausted, it is particularly advantageous if the connecting piece has at least one conductivity sensor. The conductivity sensor can thus detect when the demineralization cartridge is exhausted. The conductivity sensor is therefore preferably located in the outlet channel through which the treated water flows, so that the quality of the water treatment can be monitored. Alternatively or additionally, the conductivity sensor can be located in the inlet channel, allowing the raw water quality to be determined and, given the known capacity of the connected water treatment unit, the maximum treatable water volume to be calculated.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting piece has a pressure sensor located downstream of the shut-off device in the direction of water flow. The pressure sensor can therefore be located either in the inlet channel between the shut-off device and the second connection or in the outlet channel between the shut-off device and the first connection. The shut-off device can be opened or closed depending on the pressure drop and its duration: Upon detection of a sustained high pressure drop (e.g., due to a leak), the shut-off device closes. Conversely, in the case of a low pressure drop (e.g., due to minor water losses in a heating circuit), water is added. In this case, the shut-off device remains open until a predetermined pressure is reached, after which it closes again.

[0024] For easy installation of the water treatment device onto the connecting piece, it is advantageous that the second connection of the connecting piece is designed as a threaded flange. The water treatment device is then preferably designed as a cartridge filled with a water treatment agent and featuring a matching threaded connection. The cartridge can thus be easily screwed onto the connecting piece.

[0025] Preferably, the water treatment device is a cartridge filled with ion exchange resin. This can be a demineralization cartridge with a mixed bed (anion and cation exchanger) or a softening cartridge with a cation exchanger.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous if the connecting piece includes a sensor for detecting a connected water treatment device, especially for identifying the type and capacity of the device. The sensor can automatically detect that a water treatment device is connected and preferably also identify its type and size (for example, a demineralization or softening cartridge). The sensor could, for example, be an RFID reader. The water treatment device would then be equipped with an RFID chip.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the water treatment device, the connecting piece comprises several modules that are arranged vertically one above the other when mounted on the horizontal pipeline. A module can, for example, include a blending device or a pressure sensor, which are installed only when needed. Due to its modular design, the connecting piece can be easily expanded and adapted to specific local requirements. In particular, subsequent retrofitting is straightforward and simple.

[0028] Preferably, the connector has two union nuts for connecting the inlet and outlet to the pipeline. This allows for easy installation, which is particularly advantageous for mobile use of the water treatment device, e.g., for water treatments that only need to be carried out once or infrequently (e.g., filling a heating system, etc.).

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet channel or the outlet channel is designed as a central channel, and the other channel is configured as an annular channel surrounding the central channel. Designing the channels as a central channel and annular channel allows for a space-saving, narrow design of the connecting piece. Preferably, the central channel runs at least approximately in a straight line.

[0030] For mobile use of the water treatment device, it is advantageous if a carrying handle is provided on the connection piece.

[0031] The water treatment device is preferably used in a supply line for a water circuit, in particular for the treatment of filling and make-up water in the flow line of a heating circuit.

[0032] In the inventive method for operating a water treatment device described above, an element of the connecting piece generates electrical measurement signals and transmits them to the electronic control device. Depending on the received measurement signals, the electronic control device transmits control signals to the actuator, which cause the closure element to open or close when an exhaustion limit stored in the control device is exceeded or fallen below. Reaching the exhaustion limit indicates the exhaustion of a water treatment unit of the water treatment device or the complete filling of a water circuit. Limit values ​​for various control parameters (e.g., pressure, water volume, conductivity) can be used as exhaustion limits; for example, a pressure limit, a water volume limit, or a conductivity limit.In the case of a water circuit to be filled, the volume of the water circuit can also be used as a limit value to close the shut-off device once the water circuit is completely filled.

[0033] In one variant, the flow meter generates electrical measurement signals depending on the flow rate and transmits these to the electronic control device. Based on the received measurement signals, the electronic control device transmits control signals to the actuator, which closes the shut-off valve when a first flow limit stored in the control device is exceeded. This first flow limit is the capacity of the water treatment unit. The water flow is thus stopped when the water treatment unit is exhausted. Preferably, the flow limit is selected based on the water quality of the water being treated or is set automatically by the control device.

[0034] In another variant, the water treatment device is installed upstream of a water circuit. For filling the circuit, a second flow rate limit is used as the exhaustion limit, and for refilling the circuit, a third flow rate limit is used as the exhaustion limit in the electronic control device. The second flow rate limit is higher than the third. For example, if a heating circuit is completely refilled, a considerable amount of water is required. The corresponding second flow rate limit tolerates a larger volume of water that can be treated continuously. Conversely, if water is added to an already filled heating circuit to compensate for minor water losses, a lower (third) flow rate limit is used for continuous water treatment. In this case, larger fill volumes would indicate a leak.

[0035] In another variant, the conductivity sensor generates electrical measurement signals depending on the conductivity of the treated water and transmits these to the electronic control unit. Based on the received measurement signals, the electronic control unit then transmits control signals to the actuator, which closes the shut-off valve when a conductivity limit stored in the control unit is exceeded. Closing the shut-off valve when the conductivity limit is exceeded prevents inadequate water treatment due to the water treatment unit becoming exhausted.

[0036] Another variant provides that the pressure sensor detects electrical measurement signals depending on the pressure in a water circuit downstream of the water treatment device and transmits electrical measurement signals to the electronic control device, and that the electronic control device transmits control signals to the actuator depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closure device to close if an upper pressure limit stored in the control device is exceeded as an exhaustion limit, or cause the closure device to open if a lower pressure limit stored in the control device is undershot.In this way, it can be ensured that if pressure drops due to small water losses in a circuit, water is replenished until the pressure reaches a set value again, while in the event of a leak (repeated pressure drop despite replenishment) the shut-off device is closed.

[0037] Preferably, different exhaustion limits for various control parameters are assigned to different water treatment devices and stored in the control device. The sensor for detecting a connected water treatment device transmits information about the connected water treatment device to the control device, and the exhaustion limits assigned to the connected water treatment device are then enabled for the transmission of control signals to close or open the shut-off device. The sensor detects the type and size of the water treatment device. For example, if it is detected that a demineralization cartridge is connected to the connecting piece, conductivity and / or water volume can serve as control parameters. In this case, the conductivity sensor is activated. As soon as a conductivity limit stored in the control device is reached, the exhaustion limit is triggered.When the water volume limit is reached, the water treatment is stopped by closing the shut-off valve. This prevents insufficiently treated water from flowing into the downstream installation, e.g., the heating circuit.

[0038] Furthermore, limit values ​​regarding the maximum current flow rate and the maximum duration of continuous water withdrawal can also be stored in the control device and used to control the closing mechanism.

[0039] According to the invention, the closure element of the water treatment device is used as a flow restrictor; that is, in addition to fully opening and closing the closure element, it can also merely reduce the flow rate without completely stopping it. For this purpose, the closure element can, for example, be designed as a ball valve. This is particularly advantageous when water treatment cartridges of different sizes or with different water treatment processes and associated different flow rates are to be used with the water treatment device, since different maximum flow rates are permitted depending on the cartridge size of a descaling or demineralization cartridge (the smaller the water treatment device, the smaller the permissible maximum flow rate). In this way, it can be avoided that a water treatment device is "overloaded".

[0040] It is particularly advantageous if the flow rate is reduced by means of the shut-off device as soon as a first throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the first throttling limit indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit has fallen below preferably 10% to 30% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit, and more specifically below 20% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit. This allows for better utilization of the water treatment unit's capacity. Preferably, the flow rate is reduced by 50% to 70% compared to the flow rate during normal operation.

[0041] Furthermore, it can also be advantageous for the shut-off device to close briefly as soon as a second throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the second throttling limit, in particular, indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit has fallen below preferably 10% to 30% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit, and more specifically, below 20% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit. The brief closure of the shut-off device results in a longer contact time between the water to be treated and the water treatment unit, which leads to the release of residual capacity. Preferably, the shut-off device is closed for 1 minute to several minutes.

[0042] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawing. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those described in more detail below can each be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather serve as examples for illustrating the invention. Detailed description of the invention and drawing Fig. Figure 1 shows a water treatment device with pressure and conductivity sensor and open blending device. Fig. Figure 2 shows a water treatment device with pressure and conductivity sensor and closed blending device. Fig. Figure 3 shows a representation of the water treatment device rotated by 90°. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 shows a water treatment device with a carrying handle.

[0043] Fig. Figures 1-4 show a water treatment device 1 with a connector 2, which is connected to a horizontal pipe 5 via an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. In this example, the connection of the connector 2 to the pipe 5 is achieved by means of union nuts 18a, 18b. The connecting piece 6 is connected to the connector 2 via a first connection 21 and to a water treatment device 7 with a water treatment unit 20 via a second connection 22. The water treatment device 7 is typically a cartridge containing ion exchange resin (e.g., water softener cartridges or demineralization cartridges). Venting valves 19a, 19b in the form of sampling taps are arranged on the connector 2 for venting and taking water samples.

[0044] An annular channel 8 and a central channel 9 pass through the connecting piece 6, with the annular channel 8 surrounding the central channel 9 (here: concentrically). In this case, the annular channel 8 serves as an inlet channel through which untreated water is conveyed from the inlet 3 to the water treatment unit 7, and the central channel 9 serves as an outlet channel through which treated water is conveyed from the water treatment unit 7 to the outlet 4.

[0045] The connecting piece 6 has a closing device 11 with an actuator 26, which can be used to shut off the central channel 9 and thus the inflow from the pipeline 5. Furthermore, various measuring and control devices are arranged in the connecting piece 6, which serve to monitor and control the water treatment. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 1-3, the connecting piece 6 includes, for example, a volume flow meter 10 with which the current volume flow and the amount of water flowing through the volume flow meter 10 within a specified time period can be determined, and an electronic control device 12 (see 1-3). Fig. 3) for opening and closing the closure device 11, a blending device 13 for blending treated with untreated water, a conductivity sensor 14 and a pressure sensor 15.

[0046] The electronic control device 12 contains limit values ​​for various control parameters (pressure, conductivity, water quantity, current flow rate), the exceeding or falling below of which causes the closure element to close or open, respectively. According to the invention, these limit values ​​are exhaustion limits. Exhaustion limits within the meaning of this invention are limit values ​​of control parameters that indicate exhaustion of the water treatment device 7 or the water treatment unit 20 of the water treatment device 7, or a complete filling of a water circuit. Different exhaustion limits can be used for different water treatment units 20 to control the closure element 11, whereby the exhaustion limits can differ both with respect to the control parameter and with respect to the magnitude of the limit value.A sensor 25 (here: on the connecting piece 6) detects the type and size of the water treatment device 7 mounted on the connecting piece 6. The sensor 25 transmits this information to the control device 12, which then selects the previously stored control parameters and exhaustion limits for the corresponding water treatment device 7 for subsequent control and, if necessary, activates the measuring devices required to determine the corresponding control parameters. If the values ​​of the selected control parameters (pressure, current flow rate, water quantity, conductivity) are below the selected exhaustion limits, the shut-off device is opened or held open; conversely, if one of the exhaustion limits is exceeded, the shut-off device is closed or held closed.

[0047] All measuring units necessary for controlling the shut-off device 11 are arranged perpendicular to the direction of the pipeline (i.e., vertically) within the connecting piece 6, which in this case has a modular design. A first module 6a comprises the blending device 13 with a bypass 16 and a threaded connection 17 for connecting the water treatment unit 7, which has a corresponding upward-facing treatment connection 23. A second module 6b comprises the flow meter 10, the shut-off device 11, and the electronic control unit 12. A third module 6c comprises the conductivity sensor 14 and the pressure sensor 15. The modules 6a-c are connected to each other such that the annular channel 8 and the central channel 9 run perpendicular to the pipeline 5 through all modules 6a-c. Depending on the application, various modules can be added or omitted. Fig. Figure 4 shows, for example, an embodiment of the water treatment device 1' in which the connecting piece 6' comprises only two modules 6a, 6b. For ease of handling, the following is shown in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a carrying handle 24 is attached to the connecting piece 2, with which the water treatment device 1' can be conveniently transported.

[0048] Due to the vertical arrangement of the elements necessary for monitoring the water treatment and controlling the closure device within the connecting piece 6, the same connecting piece 2 can be used for connecting to the pipeline 5, regardless of the type and number of elements installed. This is particularly evident when comparing the two in Fig. 1 and Fig.This is clearly illustrated in the embodiments of the water treatment device 1, 1' shown in Figure 4. In particular, the length of the connecting piece 2 (in the direction of the pipe) can be kept short, thus ensuring space-saving installation in the direction of the pipe. Retrofitting or replacing individual modules 6a, 6b, 6c or even the entire connecting intermediate piece 6 can be carried out without disassembling the connecting piece 2 from the pipe 5. Reference symbol list 1, 1' Water treatment device 2 connector pieces 3 Inlet 4 Procedure 5 Pipeline 6, 6' Connecting piece 6a-c modules of the connecting piece 7 Water treatment device 8 Ring channel (here: inlet channel for untreated water) 9 central channel (here: drainage channel for treated water) 10 Volume flow meter 11. Closing mechanism 12 electronic control device 13 Cutting device 14 Conductivity sensor 15 Pressure sensor 16 Bypass of the cutting device 17 Threaded connection for water treatment device 18a, b Union nut 19a, b Vent valves, sampling valves 20 Water treatment unit of the water treatment device 21 First connection of the connecting piece 22 second connection of the connecting piece 23 Treatment connection of the water treatment unit 24 carrying handle 25 Sensor for detecting the water treatment device 26 Actuator

Claims

[1] Method for operating a water treatment device (1, 1') for installation in a horizontal pipeline (5), wherein the water treatment device comprises: - a connector (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) for connection to the pipeline (5), - a volume flow meter (10), - a water treatment device (7) with a treatment port (23) that is directed upwards during operation and - a shut-off device (11) for isolating the water treatment device (7) from the pipeline (5), wherein a connecting piece (6, 6') is provided for connecting the water treatment device (7) to the connecting piece (2), wherein the connecting piece (6, 6') has the following elements: - a first connection (21) for connecting the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') to the connecting piece (2), - a second connection (22) for connecting the water treatment device (7) to the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6'), - an inlet channel (8) for supplying untreated water from the inlet (3) into the water treatment device (7), - a drainage channel (9) for discharging treated water from the water treatment unit (7) to the drain (4), - an electronic control device (12) and an actuator (26) for closing or opening the locking element (11), wherein the volume flow meter (10) and the closure device (11) are arranged in the inlet channel (8) and / or in the outlet channel (9) of the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') and wherein the connecting piece (2), the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') and the water treatment device (7) are arranged vertically one above the other in the state mounted on the horizontal pipe (5), wherein in the method an element (10, 14, 15) of the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') generates electrical measurement signals and transmits them to the electronic control device (12) and the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closing or opening of the closure element (11) when an exhaustion limit stored in the control device (12) is exceeded or fallen below, wherein reaching the exhaustion limit indicates the exhaustion of a water treatment unit (20) of the water treatment device (7) or the complete filling of a water circuit, characterized by , that the closure device (11) is used as a flow restrictor. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the volume flow meter (10) generates electrical measurement signals depending on the volume flow and transmits them to the electronic control device (12) and that the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closure device (11) to close when a first flow limit value stored in the control device (12) is exceeded as the exhaustion limit value, wherein the capacity of the water treatment device (7) is used as the first flow limit value. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by, that the water treatment device (1, 1') is upstream of a water circuit and that a second flow limit is used as an exhaustion limit for filling the water circuit and a third flow limit is used as an exhaustion limit for refilling the water circuit in the electronic control device (12), wherein the second flow limit is greater than the third flow limit. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that a conductivity sensor (14) generates electrical measurement signals depending on the conductivity of the treated water and transmits them to the electronic control device (12) and that the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closing of the closure device (11) when a conductivity limit value stored in the control device (12) is exceeded as an exhaustion limit value. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that a pressure sensor (15) detects electrical measurement signals depending on the pressure in a water circuit downstream of the water treatment device (1, 1') and transmits electrical measurement signals to the electronic control device (12) and that the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closure device (11) to close when an upper pressure limit stored in the control device (12) is exceeded as an exhaustion limit, or cause the closure device (11) to open when a lower pressure limit stored in the control device (12) is undershot. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that different exhaustion limits for different control parameters are assigned to different water treatment devices (7) and stored in the control device (12), that a sensor (25) for detecting a connected water treatment device (7) transmits information regarding the connected water treatment device (7) to the control device (12) and the exhaustion limits assigned to the connected water treatment device (7) are released for the output of the control signals to close or open the closure device (11). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the flow rate is reduced by means of the closure device (11) as soon as a first throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the first throttling limit indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit (20) falls below preferably 10% - 30% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit (20), in particular 20% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit (20). [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the closing device (11) is briefly closed as soon as a second throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the second throttling limit indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit (20) falls below preferably 10% - 30% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit (20), in particular 20% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit (20). [9] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the closing device (11) is briefly closed as soon as a second throttling limit is reached, whereby reaching the second throttling limit indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit (20) has fallen below the limit.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Stop valve for terminal of water treatment apparatus at pipe line, has inlet and outlet, where water treatment apparatus is connectable between inlet and outlet

    DE102010005459A1

  • Ion exchanger arrangement for softening water for a heating circuit

    DE202009001946U1

  • Multi-part valve assemblies

    DE202010008759U1

  • connection fitting for water treatment plants

    DE3444578C1

  • Retrofittable control unit for a softening apparatus

    US20110132818A1