Water installation system, its use and methods for the treatment of drinking water

Abstract

Water installation system (1) with a draw-off point (38), wherein the water installation system (1) has a flow direction (D) towards the draw-off point (38) and, viewed in the flow direction (D), has at least a chemical germ barrier (200) upstream of the draw-off point (38), wherein the chemical germ barrier (200) comprises at least one alkalizing and / or oxidizing material and wherein the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material is positioned on the flow side immediately upstream of a membrane package (4) with capillary membranes (3) for micro- or ultrafiltration.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a water installation system, in particular a drinking water system, its use, and a method for treating drinking water. Background of the invention

[0002] Drinking water can be supplied from different sources depending on the application situation, including a tank or a water pipe.

[0003] In particular, there is a risk that germs or microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or algae will multiply in pipes during periods of stagnation. A stagnation period is a time when no water is drawn. The term "microorganisms" used below refers to both algae and organisms such as bacteria and fungi that can cause harmful processes.

[0004] Drinking water systems must be designed so that the quality of the water within the system does not deteriorate over time due to the ingress of microorganisms. Microorganisms can enter the drinking water supply via non-potable water. To prevent this, safety devices such as backflow preventers or a so-called "free outlet" can be installed at vulnerable points of use. Backflow preventers consist of chambers connected in series, with a non-return valve between each chamber. With a free outlet, the water inlet exits at a distance from the highest possible level of non-potable water, similar to a conventional sink. This creates an unobstructed flow path that prevents backflow of water that has already flowed out of the pipe, even if negative pressure develops in the pipe system.

[0005] However, microorganisms can also multiply in the drinking water that is yet to be drawn during the stagnation phase. This can progress to the formation of biofilms. Therefore, in addition to the risk of microorganisms being introduced from non-potable water, there is also the risk of so-called back-contamination.

[0006] For softening or desalination, and possibly further treatment such as targeted mineralization, drinking water is sometimes passed through treatment devices installed between the house water connection and the point of use. These devices include filter cartridges with ion exchangers, remineralization units, or reverse osmosis systems. The pipes in the connecting sections between such devices, the water source, and the point of use are also at risk of backflow contamination.

[0007] To counteract the proliferation of microorganisms, it is common practice to heat the water in the reservoir of, for example, water dispensers, in order to kill microorganisms. This can be done periodically by heating the entire water reservoir. This procedure is complex and energy-intensive. Furthermore, microorganisms can also form, particularly near the spout of a water dispenser, which are naturally not reached by the heated water but are flushed out when the dispenser is activated.

[0008] To remove microorganisms from drinking water, devices and methods for ultrafiltration and microfiltration are known. For example, bacteria generally cannot pass through an ultrafilter. Microfiltration is a process for filtration through membranes with a pore size between 0.1 µm and 1 µm, which also prevents most bacteria from passing through a microfiltration membrane. In contrast, the pore size in ultrafiltration is less than 0.1 µm. In particular, capillary membranes are known as filter media for ultrafiltration or microfiltration, where the wall of the capillary forms the membrane.

[0009] During ultrafiltration or microfiltration, increased bacterial growth and biofilm formation can occur on the concentrate side. In this process, microorganisms adhere to the membrane during filtration and become embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPS are produced by microorganisms and released into their environment. The composition of the EPS depends on the species involved in the biofilm. The EPS ensure the adhesion of the microorganisms to the membrane surface and provide mechanical and chemical stability to the biofilm. As the biofilm thickness increases, the membrane's filtration efficiency decreases. Furthermore, the increased bacterial growth on the concentrate side can lead to uncontrolled backflow contamination into the pipe network.

[0010] Document DE 10 2015 112 778 A1 shows a filter cartridge with mineral-containing granules. A fine filter retains detached particles, thus increasing the effective surface area of ​​the granules. Document DE 3218636 C2 shows a heating system using magnesium oxide and calcium oxide as neutralizing agents. Document WO 2014 / 001 506 A1 shows a filter cartridge with a silver coating. Document DE 10 2012 105 723 A1 shows an ultrafilter. Document DE 20 2014 003 627 U1 shows a backflow preventer for a reverse osmosis system using silver. Document DE 198 51 345 A1 shows the use of alkaline earth peroxides for water treatment. Document DE 10 2015 011 752 A1 shows a filter cartridge with a microfilter that includes activated carbon. Document US 2008 / 0105618 A1 shows a membrane filter with outlet-side filter layers. Object of the invention

[0011] Against this background, the invention aims to provide water, particularly drinking water, that is as germ-free as possible. In particular, it is an object of the invention to increase the service life and safety of a water installation system while simultaneously protecting the pipe system from bacterial back-contamination.

[0012] The invention is intended to provide a device and a method which enables the extraction of drinking water without contamination by microorganisms, even after a prior period of stagnation in the extraction. Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the invention is already achieved by a water installation system with the features of claim 1, by its use and by a method for treating drinking water with the features of claim 7.

[0014] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0015] The invention provides a water installation system, in particular a drinking water system, with a draw-off point, wherein the drinking water system has a flow direction towards the draw-off point and, viewed in the flow direction, has at least a chemical germ barrier upstream of the draw-off point.

[0016] The germ barrier is located on the flow side before the sampling point, the so-called "point of use".

[0017] A germ barrier can prevent backflow contamination against the direction of flow into the installation system.

[0018] Secondly, contamination running along a pipe wall, in particular the formation of a biofilm, in the direction of a component following the flow side, especially a filter, can be avoided.

[0019] For the sake of simplicity, the water installation system will be referred to as the "drinking water system" in the following.

[0020] The drinking water system is supplied by a drinking water source. The drinking water system is bounded by an inlet to the drinking water source, from which drinking water enters the system, and by the point of use, upstream of which, according to the invention, the chemical barrier is arranged. Preferably, the drinking water system is a single, easily handled component that can be connected to the water supply, for example, in a household. The drinking water system can consist of several components.

[0021] The term "chemical germ barrier" is used in contrast to a "mechanical germ barrier." A mechanical germ barrier is a particle barrier, such as a filter, which retains germs due to their size differences. A chemical germ barrier, on the other hand, includes at least one substance that has a lethal effect on microorganisms; that is, it is a biocidal contact material. A "biocidal contact material" is understood to be a material that, upon contact with water, has a bactericidal and / or fungicidal and / or algicidal effect.

[0022] The chemical barrier, positioned before the point of use, reliably ensures that, even during stagnation, germ growth in the water being drawn is reduced and any introduced germs are killed, compared to drinking water systems without a chemical barrier. Therefore, even water drawn from the drinking water system according to the invention after a stagnation period is advantageously low in germs.

[0023] The germ barrier is designed in such a way that, during a stagnation phase, the water in a section of the flow path is chemically treated to kill microorganisms within that section. Specifically, the germ barrier prevents the growth of microorganisms along a wall against the flow direction.

[0024] The chemical germ barrier is particularly effective during a stagnation phase.

[0025] The chemical germ barrier is selected from the group comprising at least one alkalizing and / or oxidizing material. This can be, in particular, a carbonate, oxide, or peroxide material, or combinations thereof. Thus, within the scope of the invention, several chemical germ barriers are available for the drinking water system, depending on the application and external conditions.

[0026] In particular, peroxide granules are suitable for a germ barrier, as will be explained in detail below.

[0027] A biocidal effect can be achieved, for example, by increasing the pH value above 9, in particular to a pH value above 10, but preferably below 13, via the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material.

[0028] Furthermore, the material can have an oxidizing effect, in particular by forming an oxidizing substance, such as hydrogen peroxide.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the chemical germ barrier comprises an alkalizing and / or oxidizing material, which contains at least one material selected from the group comprising carbonates, oxides and peroxides.

[0030] Calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide and zinc peroxide, as well as mixtures of at least two of the aforementioned materials, are particularly suitable for use in accordance with the invention.

[0031] Agglomerated materials, which largely prevent dust formation, are particularly easy to handle. In particular, the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material can be at least partially in granular form. Preferably, the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material has particles with a particle size of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, most preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 10 mm, and most preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0032] The particle sizes specified above refer to the initial state of the respective alkalizing and / or oxidizing material. The upper limit for the particle size is determined in particular by the desired dissolution kinetics. In principle, the use of powder is also possible within the scope of the invention. Preferably, alkalizing and / or oxidizing materials with particles larger than 20 micrometers, and particularly preferably larger than 200 micrometers, are used within the scope of the invention, so that the flow resistance of the material is reduced compared to a bed of smaller particles.

[0033] These granulated alkalizing and / or oxidizing materials dissolve so slowly in water that the pH value of the water treated with the chemical germ barrier according to the invention is only increased during the stagnation phase, thus enabling the desired biocidal effect. Therefore, with the aid of the invention, biofilm formation and algae growth in the water treatment system, as well as the release of microorganisms into the water drawn immediately after the stagnation phase, can be reduced or even almost completely prevented compared to devices without a germ barrier according to the invention.

[0034] Influence of pH value on bacterial growth: All microorganisms have a pH range within which growth is possible, or rather, an optimal pH range. Most natural environments have a pH between 4 and 9, and there are many microorganisms whose optimum pH lies precisely within this range. The most common bacteria found in drinking water, such as Legionella, Pseudomonas, E. coli, and Enterococci, have their optimum pH in exactly this range. bacterium pH optimum pH range in which growth is possible E. coli 7-7, 5 5, 5-9 Enterococci 7,5 4, 6-9, 9 Legionella 7 5-8,1 Pseudomonas ae. 7,0-7,5 4,5-9,5

[0035] While the extracellular pH influences bacterial growth, the intracellular pH must remain close to neutral (exception: extremely acidophilic or alkaliphilic bacteria), as DNA is acid-labile and RNA is alkali-labile. If the extracellular pH falls outside the optimum range or the range in which growth is still possible (see table), the bacteria are no longer able to stabilize the intracellular pH. This slows down or stops bacterial growth, or leads to bacterial death.

[0036] As soon as water is drawn through the drinking water system according to the invention, the hydrogen peroxide formed during the preceding stagnation phase is flushed out and is therefore present in an extremely low concentration in relation to the total amount of water drawn.

[0037] The water that has been standing during the stagnation phase is mixed with fresh water when it is taken out, thereby lowering the pH value of the water taken out, which is increased by the alkalizing material.

[0038] In particular, the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material is configured such that after a stagnation phase of 5 hours the OH- concentration increases to such an extent that the pH value rises to 10 to 13.

[0039] Furthermore, an amorphous silicate material can be added to the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material. The silica dissolved in water stabilizes the pH value on the filtrate side.

[0040] Calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide and zinc peroxide are particularly suitable for use in accordance with the invention, which are produced as agglomerates by pressing or baking the corresponding powder - possibly with the addition of excipients - into a molded body and subsequently breaking the molded body.

[0041] Such materials are described, for example, in DE 102 48 652 A1. Compared to the corresponding non-agglomerated peroxides, these are less prone to clumping or dusting and are therefore easier to dose.

[0042] According to the invention, a chemical germ barrier is provided in a surprisingly simple manner, the biocidal effect of which is based on increasing the pH value and / or on the release of oxygen upon contact of the peroxide material with water. The corresponding decomposition occurs via oxygen radicals. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide is present in water, which is generally cytotoxic and has a disinfectant effect on many prokaryotic microorganisms. Hydrogen peroxide is particularly suitable for combating algae in drinking water.

[0043] Increasing the pH value and, if necessary, releasing hydrogen peroxide, particularly prevents the growth of a biofilm in the membrane filter.

[0044] According to the invention, the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material is positioned directly in front of the membrane assembly. The phrase "positioned directly in front of the membrane assembly" means that no other major components, in particular no pipe sections, are located between the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material and the membrane assembly. This excludes a retaining grid or a water-permeable fleece, which may be arranged between the membrane assembly and the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material.

[0045] The invention enables the provision of germ-free drinking water by means of an alkalizing and / or oxidizing material positioned upstream of the membrane assembly for micro- or ultrafiltration. According to the invention, the filtration of the drinking water simultaneously counteracts the growth of biofilms within the filter. Furthermore, it allows for the reliable extraction of drinking water free of microorganism contamination, even after a period of stagnation.

[0046] In one embodiment, the chemical germ barrier can be provided with a housing with an internal volume in the range of 10 ml to 200 ml, preferably an internal volume in the range between 15 ml and 50 ml, and can therefore be extremely compact.

[0047] In particular, the chemical germ barrier is designed as an attachment such that, after a stagnation phase of 5 hours, the OH- concentration increases to such an extent that the pH value rises to 10 to 13, and / or the concentration of hydrogen peroxide within the peroxide attachment is below 50 mg / l, but above 1 mg / l.

[0048] The disclosure also provides a water dispenser comprising a drinking water system as described above, the drinking water system in particular forming the outlet of the water dispenser.

[0049] The water dispenser typically comprises a water reservoir and an operating mechanism for dispensing drinking water. Furthermore, the water dispenser may include a device for cooling and / or heating the dispensed water. The water dispenser usually includes a stand and can thus be installed, particularly in commercial settings, so that customers can dispense water. The invention prevents the release of germs that may form in the reservoir or adjacent pipes.

[0050] The drinking water system is specifically designed as an outlet, so that during operation the water flows directly from the system into the user's container. By using the drinking water system as the final component in the water path, it is ensured that no germs are released into the user's container.

[0051] In a further development of the invention, the outlet is surrounded by a protective barrier. In particular, a wall is provided that extends from above at least to the height of the outlet, thus protecting the outlet against accidental contact. This prevents the formation of germs on the only surface facing the permeate.

[0052] The disclosure also concerns the use of the water installation system for a shower toilet.

[0053] The shower toilet includes a nozzle that directs a jet of water towards the user's buttocks. Preferably, the shower toilet includes a heater to provide a warm water jet.

[0054] The nozzle is preferably designed to be extendable in order to reach precisely under the user's buttocks.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the nozzle is controlled via a control panel, which is arranged in particular next to a toilet seat.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the chemical germ barrier is located between the nozzle and a building-side connection of the shower toilet.

[0057] The chemical germ barrier prevents back-contamination into the installation system.

[0058] The chemical germ barrier preferably comprises a replaceable cartridge with a filling that prevents the growth of microorganisms.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cartridge connection is located on the toilet bowl. This connection can be positioned, in particular, on the back of the underside or, on the wall side, also on the top of the toilet bowl.

[0060] The water installation system is designed for shower toilets, which are equipped with a nozzle as standard. The nozzle is located on the toilet bowl.

[0061] However, it is also intended that the germ barrier will be part of a retrofittable attachment for a toilet bowl.

[0062] In this version, the nozzle is part of the attachment, which may include the toilet seat, a control panel and / or a heater to warm the water dispensed through the nozzle.

[0063] In addition to being integrated into the toilet, the cartridge can also be part of a module that is positioned between the toilet's entrance and a building's water outlet.

[0064] The cartridge can be located in a recess in the toilet seat and / or the toilet bowl.

[0065] In particular, the cartridge is concealed and therefore cannot be directly seen by the user.

[0066] It has been shown that even cartridges with a relatively small volume are large enough to act effectively as a germ barrier.

[0067] The cartridge can have an internal volume of between 10 ml and 1 liter, particularly preferably between 20 and 100 ml and most preferably between 30 and 40 ml.

[0068] The disclosure also provides a drinking water filter cartridge comprising a drinking water system, wherein the filter cartridge is specifically designed for use as a filter cartridge for a table water filter, for a machine for preparing hot and / or cold beverages and / or for an under-counter water filter.

[0069] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for treating water, in particular drinking water, using a water installation system described above, wherein the water is provided in a water source, in particular a water pipe or a water tank. The method for treating water has a stagnation phase in which the water does not flow from the water source, and a withdrawal phase in which the water is withdrawn and replenished from the water source.

[0070] During the extraction phase, the drinking water passes through the chemical germ barrier.

[0071] The germ barrier is effective at least during the stagnation phase.

[0072] The germ barrier is formed by an alkalizing and / or oxidizing material which, during stagnation, reacts with OH in the water within the germ barrier. - -ions and / or enriched with hydrogen peroxide.

[0073] The method according to the invention can, for example, be carried out in addition to providing essentially germ-free drinking water for the production of a hot or cold beverage.

[0074] In a further development of the process, an alkalizing and / or oxidizing material is used as a chemical germ barrier, which is selected from the group that includes carbonates, oxides and peroxides.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking water during the stagnation phase has a pH value in the range of 9 to 13, in particular of more than 10 and less than 13, and / or a hydrogen peroxide concentration of a maximum of 50 mg / l. Description of the drawings:

[0076] The invention is illustrated in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Identical and similar components are designated with the same reference numerals, and the features of the different exemplary embodiments can be combined.

[0077] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of the provision of drinking water with a drinking water filter according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic view of a first embodiment of a chemical germ barrier as a peroxide attachment, Fig. 3 a schematic view of an embodiment of a drinking water filter according to the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic view of a water dispenser and Fig. 5 a schematic view of a filter cartridge. Fig. 6 A schematic representation of a drinking water system with a reverse osmosis tank. Fig.Figure 7 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a shower toilet. Fig. Figure 8 shows a connector with a cartridge for the shower toilet.

[0078] In Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment for the provision of drinking water. Water is provided in a water source 30, for example a water tank or via a water pipe in the building. The incoming water 3000 flows through a pipe 35 to the point of use 38. The water drawn at this point of use is referred to as the outgoing water 3100.

[0079] If the incoming water 3000 remains in the water source and the pipe 35 to the point of use, microorganisms can multiply in it. The invention addresses this problem by arranging a chemical germ barrier 200 directly at the point of use 38 in this embodiment, so that the outgoing water 3100 is taken directly from the drinking water system 1 according to the invention.

[0080] The drinking water system 1 has a withdrawal point 38 and a flow direction D towards the withdrawal point. Viewed in the flow direction D upstream of the withdrawal point 38, the drinking water system 1 has at least one chemical germ barrier 200.

[0081] The chemical germ barrier 200 is selected from the group which includes an alkalizing and / or oxidizing material and combinations thereof.

[0082] In Fig.Figure 2 shows a chemical germ barrier 200 with an alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2100. Like the drinking water system 1, the chemical germ barrier 200 generally has a flow direction D, with the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2100 positioned upstream of the point of use in the flow direction D.

[0083] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section of an embodiment of a drinking water system 1, which, in addition to the chemical germ barrier 200, includes a water treatment unit 100 designed as a membrane package for ultra- or microfiltration. The chemical germ barrier 200 comprises an alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2100 and is also referred to as the pre-filter.

[0084] The alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2100 is provided in a sleeve 2040. The sleeve 2040 is preferably made of plastic. The alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2100 is preferably an oxide, carbonate, peroxide granulate, or a mixture of these materials. The material is provided as a filling in the interior of the sleeve 2040 of the attachment 200 and is designated by reference numeral 2100 in the figures.

[0085] The attachment 200 has an inlet side 2140 and an outlet side 2410. In operation, incoming water enters the drinking water system 1 through the inlet side 2140 of the attachment 200 and leaves it through the tap 38 at the “point of use”.

[0086] In the Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the attachment 200 is provided with a water-permeable material at the inlet side 2140 to prevent the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2100 from falling out during handling of the drinking water system 1. A retention grid or fleece 2200 can be used for this purpose.

[0087] Depending on the area of ​​application, but also during assembly, the chemical germ barrier 200 can be filled with alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2100 and then installed without the inlet side 2140 being provided with a retention material.

[0088] This also applies to the in Fig.Figure 2 shows the embodiment of the chemical germ barrier 200. In order to be able to handle the chemical germ barrier 200 separately and independently of an optionally available water treatment unit, the chemical germ barrier 200 in these variants has a retention grid or fleece 2200 and 2210 on both its inlet side 2140 and its outlet side 2410. This keeps the fill material 2100 away from downstream components even during operation.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiments, the chemical germ barrier 200 has fastening means 2610 on its inlet side 2140 and also fastening means 2600 on its outlet side 2410. These can be designed, for example, as a flange or thread. The chemical germ barrier 200 can be connected to the outlet of a source or line for inlet water 30 using the fastening means 2610 on its inlet side 2140.

[0090] The chemical germ barrier 200 is connected to a downstream water treatment plant by means of the fastening means 2600 on its output side 2410.

[0091] One such example is in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the invention using the example of a micro- or ultrafilter. A membrane pack for micro- or ultrafiltration is arranged in a sleeve 4, which is preferably made of plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the membranes of the membrane pack are designed as capillary membranes 3. These are bent over in the sleeve 4 and embedded on the permeate side in a potting compound 5. The open end of the capillary membranes 3 thus forms the outlet from the drinking water system 1. In a further embodiment, the capillary membranes 3 can also be operated in the opposite direction. In all embodiments of the invention, the outlet can be the direct point of withdrawal for drinking water.

[0092] The sleeve 4 includes fastening elements 6, which can be designed, for example, as a bayonet fitting or as a thread. This allows the sleeve 4 to be connected around the membrane package to the chemical germ barrier 200 in conjunction with its fastening elements 2600.

[0093] Fig.Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a water dispenser 11. The water dispenser 11 comprises a water reservoir 12, which is inserted into a housing 13. An actuating element 14 is arranged on the housing, which the user can press. Water then flows through the spout 15 into the user's cup 16, which can be placed in a base on the housing 13. The spout 15 is designed as a sleeve 18 with a chemical germ barrier 200 and a micro- or ultrafilter. The filtered water thus flows directly from the filter. A touch guard 17 in the form of a surrounding wall is arranged in front of the spout 15, by means of which the user does not unintentionally touch the spout 15 and contaminate it with bacteria.

[0094] The chemical germ barrier 200 also prevents the growth of a biofilm, which forms from microorganisms retained by the membrane filter, into the membrane filter or backwards into the water container 12.

[0095] Fig. Figure 5 shows a filter cartridge 20, which includes a chemical germ barrier 200. The filter cartridge 20 is designed as a filter cartridge 20 that can be inserted into a supply line and includes an inlet 22 and an outlet 23. The water to be treated flows into the housing 21 of the filter cartridge 20 via the inlet 22 and exits the housing 21 through the outlet 23. The path of the water is indicated by arrows. Such a filter cartridge 20 is also commonly referred to as a "filter candle".

[0096] After passing through the inlet 22, the water to be treated first flows through a layer of activated carbon 24. After leaving the activated carbon layer 24, a portion of the water to be treated passes through a layer of an ion exchange material 25. The water then reverses its flow and passes through a filter 26 into a riser pipe 27 to be directed to the outlet 23. Above the ion exchange material 25, the riser pipe 27 includes a bypass 28, which can, for example, be designed as an opening in the riser pipe. The bypass 28 ensures that a portion of the water to be treated does not pass through the ion exchange material 25, but instead reaches the outlet 23 without ion exchange taking place. In this way, the water hardness can be easily adjusted by mixing softened water with unsoftened water. The chemical germ barrier 200 is located downstream of the riser pipe 27 and upstream of the outlet 23.This one has a slightly larger diameter than the riser pipe 27.

[0097] In Fig.Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the invention with a drinking water system 1, which comprises two chemical germ barriers 200 and a water treatment system 100. A domestic drinking water system 1, an under-counter unit, is arranged under a kitchen worktop 408. This under-counter unit comprises a water treatment unit 100 with a reverse osmosis tank 402. Incoming water from a water source 30 is supplied to the water treatment unit 100. During operation, treated water can be drawn from the water treatment unit 100 through the outlet line 403. The reverse osmosis tank 402 has a first chamber 421 and a second chamber 422. A semipermeable membrane 411 is arranged between the chambers 421 and 422. During operation, the incoming water is pumped through the semipermeable membrane 411. In the first chamber 421, dissolved substances in the incoming water are retained, resulting in a concentrate.

[0098] The concentrate can be discharged via concentrate line 406 and disposed of via wastewater line 407. There is a risk of backflow contamination from wastewater line 407, even though a so-called "free outlet" is usually provided here. To counteract such backflow contamination, a chemical germ barrier 200 is installed in concentrate line 406.

[0099] During operation, water with a significantly reduced concentration of dissolved substances enters the second chamber 422. This permeate is supplied as treated water via a line 403 to the outlet 38, which is designed as a tap. To prevent back-contamination, a second chemical barrier 200 is installed in the outlet line 403.

[0100] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a shower toilet 1' with a germ barrier 200.

[0101] The shower toilet 1' includes a toilet bowl 2' with a toilet seat 3' on which the user can sit.

[0102] In this embodiment, the toilet bowl is designed as a wall-hung toilet bowl 2', which is suspended on a wall 7' already present on the building, in particular on a mounting bracket (not shown).

[0103] The shower toilet 1' is connected to the building's water supply via a water connection 8'.

[0104] In this embodiment, a shower toilet 1' is shown, which includes an extendable nozzle 4' that can be extended from the toilet bowl 2'.

[0105] To control the nozzle 4' and its water output, there is a control panel 5' next to the toilet seat 3', which can be used to control various functions of the shower toilet 1', in particular the extension of the nozzle 4' and the water output.

[0106] Furthermore, the shower toilet 1' can include a heater to warm the water delivered via the nozzle 4', a heater for the seat 3' and / or a warm air blower to dry the user's cleaned buttocks.

[0107] The control panel 5' is connected via an electrical cable to an existing electrical connection 6' on site.

[0108] In this embodiment, a removable cartridge 9' containing an oxidizing and / or alkalizing agent, which acts as a chemical germ barrier 200, is located in a recess between the toilet seat 3' and the toilet bowl 2'.

[0109] The 9' cartridge can be filled with peroxide granules in particular.

[0110] An exemplary embodiment of such a cartridge 9' together with connecting piece is shown in Fig. 8 shown.

[0111] Fig.Figure 8 shows a connecting piece 10' which, depending on the embodiment, can be installed in different positions in the supply line of the nozzle 4', for example in the rear area between toilet seat 3' and toilet bowl 2'.

[0112] For this purpose, the connector 10' includes an input 11' and an output 12'.

[0113] Preferably a self-closing valve (not shown) is provided between the inlet 11' and the cartridge 9', which closes when the cartridge 9' is removed.

[0114] Therefore, it is not necessary to shut off the water supply to the shower toilet 1' when the cartridge 9' is replaced.

[0115] Especially when filled with peroxide granules, such a 9' cartridge is also suitable for long-term use and forms a reliable chemical germ barrier 200, which can prevent contamination of drinking water by back contamination. Reference symbol list 1 Drinking water system, water installation system 3 Capillary membrane 4 Membrane pack sleeve, sleeve 5 Potting compound 6 Fasteners 11 water dispensers 12 water containers 13 cases 14 Actuators 15 outlet 16 cups 17 Operation protection 18 Sleeve 20 filter cartridges 21 Filter cartridge housing 22 Inlet of the filter cartridge 23. Filter cartridge expiry 24 activated carbon 25 ion exchange material 26 filters 27 Riser pipe 28 Bypass 30 Water source, water tank, water pipe 35 Pipe to the extraction point, water pipe 38 Point of use 1' Shower toilet 2' Toilet bowls 3' Toilet seat 4' nozzle 5' Control panel 6' electrical connection 7' wall 8' Water connection 9' cartridge 10' connector 11' Entrance 12' Exit 100 Water treatment equipment, filters, micro / ultrafilters, membrane package for micro / ultrafiltration 200 chemical germ barrier, pre-selection 402 Reverse osmosis tank 403 Permeate line, line for treated water 406 Concentrate line 407 Wastewater 408 Kitchen worktop, table 411 semipermeable membrane 421 first chamber of the reverse osmosis tank 422 second chamber of the reverse osmosis tank 2040 sleeve 2100 alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2140 Inlet side of the sleeve, inlet side of the attachment 2200 retaining grids, nonwoven fabric 2210 Retention grid, nonwoven fabric 2410 Outlet side of the sleeve, outlet side of the attachment 2600 Fasteners, flange, thread 2610 Fasteners, flange, thread 3000 incoming water 3100 Outlet water D Flow direction

Claims

[1] Water installation system (1) with a draw-off point (38), wherein the water installation system (1) has a flow direction (D) towards the draw-off point (38) and, viewed in the flow direction (D), has at least a chemical germ barrier (200) upstream of the draw-off point (38), wherein the chemical germ barrier (200) comprises at least one alkalizing and / or oxidizing material and wherein the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material is positioned on the flow side immediately upstream of a membrane package (4) with capillary membranes (3) for micro- or ultrafiltration. [2] Water installation system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the chemical germ barrier (200) is selected from the group which includes carbonates, oxides and peroxides and combinations thereof. [3] Water installation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material is at least partially in granular form. [4] Water installation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the chemical germ barrier (200) is designed as a replaceable cartridge, preferably as a tool-free replaceable cartridge. [5] Water installation system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the water installation system (1) comprises a water treatment system (100) selected from the group which includes water filters, in particular ultrafilters and microfilters, ion exchangers and nano / reverse osmosis systems, as well as combinations of the aforementioned systems. [6] Use of a water installation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims for a shower toilet. [7] Method for the treatment of drinking water using a water installation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drinking water is provided in a water source (30), in particular a water pipe or a water tank, with a stagnation phase in which the drinking water does not emerge from the water source (30), and with a withdrawal phase in which the drinking water is withdrawn and replenished from the water source (30), wherein The drinking water passes through the chemical germ barrier (200) and the membrane package (4) during the extraction phase. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by , that as a chemical germ barrier (200) at least partially an alkalizing material is used and an increase in pH value to a value above 10 and below 13 is achieved. [9] Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by , that a peroxide material is used at least partially as a chemical germ barrier (200) and the drinking water has a hydrogen peroxide concentration of a maximum of 50 mg / l during the stagnation phase.

Images