Dosing device and dosing system for dosing calcium hypochlorite into a water system

Abstract

Dosing device for dosing a calcium hypochlorite solution or a calcium hypochlorite suspension into a water system, in particular swimming pool water, comprising a dosing pump (9) and a dosing line (6) connected to the dosing pump (9) and the water system, wherein the dosing line (6) has a first line section (6a) which is oriented at least substantially vertically, and the dosing pump (9) is connectable to a mixing tank (1) or a storage tank for the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension in order to pump the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into the dosing line (6), characterized in that the dosing pump (9) is connected to the first line section (6a) of the dosing line (6) via a supply line (5) which is at least partially non-vertical, wherein a collecting device (60) is immediately connected downwards to the first line section (6a).which includes a collection container (61) connected to the first pipe section (6a) and / or a second pipe section (6b) that is directly connected to the first pipe section (6a) and does not run vertically at least in sections.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dosing device for dosing calcium hypochlorite into a water system and a dosing system which contains at least one such dosing device.

[0002] From DE 10 2020 108 167 B4, a dosing and mixing system for producing a chlorine-containing solution or suspension from a chlorine-containing, free-flowing solid, which may in particular be calcium hypochlorite granules, is known. The known dosing and mixing system comprises a mixing vessel with a water inlet and a material inlet for the free-flowing solid, through which, in particular, calcium hypochlorite granules can be fed into the mixing vessel and reacted therein with water introduced via the water inlet to form an aqueous solution or suspension. The chlorine-containing aqueous solution or suspension produced in this way can then be supplied to a water system, for example, swimming pool water, for treatment and, in particular, for disinfection and sterilization of the water.Depending on the solubility of the solid added to the process water, an aqueous solution or a suspension of the solid is formed in the mixing vessel. If calcium hypochlorite is used as the solid, an aqueous solution or a suspension of the calcium hypochlorite is formed in the process water, depending on the solubility of the specific calcium hypochlorite composition used. The solubility of the added calcium hypochlorite granules depends, among other things, on the composition of the calcium hypochlorite-containing solid.

[0003] Calcium hypochlorite compositions, suitable for water treatment such as disinfection and sterilization of swimming pool water, are known from the prior art. Known calcium hypochlorite compositions contain up to 10 wt% lime (calcium carbonate) in addition to calcium hypochlorite. The lime content can extend the release time of chlorine from the calcium hypochlorite into the process water. However, the addition of lime to calcium hypochlorite compositions causes significant problems when used in dosing and mixing systems for converting the calcium hypochlorite into an aqueous solution or suspension. In particular, the high lime content and the resulting excess of calcium in the aqueous solutions or suspensions can lead to the precipitation of sparingly soluble calcium compounds, such as calcium carbonate (lime), calcium sulfate (gypsum), or calcium hydroxide.Undissolved or poorly soluble calcium compounds in aqueous solution or suspension can cause malfunctions in the dosing and mixing system, as the undissolved particles of these calcium compounds can clog the pipes or conveying equipment of the dosing and mixing system, such as pumps. These blockages in pipes or other components of the dosing and mixing system lead to dosing interruptions. This results, on the one hand, in insufficient disinfection of the treated water and, on the other hand, requires considerable effort to eliminate the dosing interruptions and the blockages in the dosing and mixing system.

[0004] When precipitates, particularly limescale, form in the calcium hypochlorite suspension, they can accumulate, especially on components of the dosing system, such as pumps and valves, as well as in constrictions and flow shadows within the dosing system's piping. These deposits can even become embedded, leading to blockages. Accumulations of solid deposits frequently occur, particularly at the vertical outlets of dosing lines, especially on components such as check valves, and in the dosing pump. These deposits can impair the function of these system components. Furthermore, the deposits can lead to sedimentation in the piping or other system components, reducing the flow cross-section and thus increasing flow resistance and energy consumption of the pumps used in the system.

[0005] Blockages in the dosing and mixing system can occur, in particular, if the calcium hypochlorite compositions used to produce the aqueous chlorine solution or suspension are of poor quality. Poor quality calcium hypochlorite compositions are indicated, for example, by a low active chlorine content in the produced solution or suspension (with the same quantity of calcium hypochlorite composition used) and a high content of water-insoluble calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and lime (Ca(CO₃)) in the composition. Foreign substances, such as abrasion from the manufacturing process, additives, or sand, may also be present in the solution or suspension.

[0006] The poor quality of calcium hypochlorite compositions increases material consumption and leads to the formation of chlorine sludge, which settles and accumulates particularly at the bottom of the mixing tank where the aqueous solution or suspension is produced, as well as in dosing lines and components such as check valves or injection points. The chlorine sludge is kept in suspension during solution preparation, for example, by an agitator located in the suspension tank. When the solution or suspension is mixed into a water system flow, for example, via a bypass, delayed precipitation of chlorine sludge can occur, especially due to an abrupt change in the pH value of the solution / suspension upon introduction into the water system.

[0007] It has been observed, particularly when using calcium hypochlorite compositions of insufficient quality, that insoluble or poorly soluble calcium compounds increasingly deposit in the form of plates on the walls of the mixing tank or other containers or components, as well as on the walls of dosing lines in a dosing and mixing system. These plates can flake off the walls during operation of the dosing and mixing system, and the detached plates can cause damage or blockages in the pumps or other components of the system.

[0008] Against this background, the invention aims to provide a dosing device for adding calcium hypochlorite to a water system, as well as a dosing system with such a dosing device, which cost-effectively, energy-efficiently, and permanently prevents blockages in the dosing system and its components, particularly in dosing lines through which the aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension is supplied to the water system. This is intended to be achieved especially when using lower-quality calcium hypochlorite compositions with a high proportion of impurities and dust. Furthermore, the invention aims to improve occupational safety, reduce the energy consumption of the dosing system, and minimize the number of operating and dosing media required.

[0009] These tasks are solved by the dosing device with the features of claim 1 and by a dosing system with the features of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the dosing device and the dosing system are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] The dosing device according to the invention for dosing a calcium hypochlorite solution or a calcium hypochlorite suspension into a water system, such as swimming pool water, comprises a dosing pump and a dosing line connected to the dosing pump, wherein the dosing line comprises a first line section which is oriented at least substantially vertically, and the dosing pump can be connected to a mixing container or a storage container for the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension in order to pump the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into the dosing line.To prevent chlorine sludge and solid precipitates, especially lime precipitates, from clogging the components of the dosing device, and in particular the dosing line or the dosing pump, the dosing pump is connected to the first, vertical section of the dosing line via a supply line that is at least partially non-vertical, and a collection device is provided that connects directly downwards to the first section of the line, the collection device comprising a collection tank connected to the first section of the line and / or a second section of the line that is directly connected to the first section of the line and is at least partially non-vertical.

[0011] Because the feed line is not, or at least not completely, vertical, and in particular because it opens into the vertical first section of the metering line at an angle preferably between 10° and 90°, and because of the arrangement of the collection device on the vertical first section of the metering line, undissolved particles, especially chlorine sludge and solid precipitates, can fall downwards from the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension due to gravity in the vertical first section and collect in the collection device, which is directly connected to the vertical first section. In this way, undissolved particles such as chlorine sludge and solid precipitates can be removed from the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, thus preventing these particles from accumulating in the metering device and its components, such as...can accumulate or adhere to the walls of the metering line and valves arranged therein, in particular a check valve arranged in the metering line, and thereby cause blockages.

[0012] The precipitates collected in the collection device, as well as other solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components, can be easily removed from the device periodically. For this purpose, the collection device is provided, for example, with a closable opening through which the collected precipitates, solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components can be removed. Alternatively or additionally, the collected precipitates, solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components can also be flushed out of the collection device, for example, by passing a flushing fluid through the device at predetermined intervals, during which the collected precipitates, solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components are flushed out with the flushing fluid.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the metering device, the supply line runs horizontally or obliquely to the first or second line section, at least in sections, and particularly in a terminal section that opens into the first or second line section of the metering line. Specifically, the supply line can open into the vertical first or second line section at an angle in the range of 10° to 90°, preferably at an angle in the range of 20° to 90°, and most preferably at an angle in the range of 30° to 60°. This ensures that no precipitates or other solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components of the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension can enter the supply line when they settle downwards in the vertical first line section of the metering line due to gravity.

[0014] Preferably, the supply line opens into the first or second pipe section above the collection device. This ensures that precipitates, as well as other solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components of the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, which settle downwards in the vertical first pipe section of the dosing line due to gravity, only enter the collection device and can be collected there, thus removing them from the aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension that is supplied to the water system via the dosing line.

[0015] A first check valve is expediently or necessarily arranged in the metering line. This first check valve protects the metering pump hose from being pressurized with a flushing fluid during flushing intervals and also prevents the solution or suspension from flowing back from the metering line to the metering pump. In the metering device according to the invention, the first check valve is preferably arranged in the supply line, and specifically in the area of ​​the outlet section where the supply line opens into the metering line. This prevents solids such as precipitates, particles, or undissolved suspension components, which trickle downwards in the vertical first section of the line, from entering the supply line and the metering pump, where they could cause blockages or malfunctions.

[0016] The collection device, in particular the collection container or the second pipe section, expediently has a sufficient collection volume to accommodate the aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension with the precipitates, solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components contained therein, wherein the collection volume is preferably between 0.01 dm³ 3 and 0.10 dm 3 A sufficiently large collection volume prevents frequent emptying of the collection device. Smaller collection volumes can also be chosen. However, in this case, the frequency or duration of emptying processes, e.g., flushing intervals in which the collection device is rinsed with a flushing fluid, must be increased.

[0017] In one embodiment of the dosing device, the collecting unit is formed by a collection container that is directly connected to and in contact with the vertical first pipe section. For this purpose, the collection container expediently has an opening on its upper side that is fluidically connected to the first pipe section.

[0018] The collection container preferably has a cross-sectional diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first pipe section. Preferably, the collection container is removable within the dosing unit. Additionally or alternatively, the collection container has an opening at its base through which it can be emptied. This opening is advantageously closable with a removable lid or a valve. This allows for easy and quick emptying of the collection container by removing the lid or opening the valve. If the collection container is removable within the dosing unit, it can be removed and manually rinsed and cleaned.

[0019] In another embodiment of the metering device, the collecting unit is formed by the second pipe section, which runs horizontally or is bent, at least in part. In particular, the second pipe section can run completely horizontally or be bent in a loop. The second pipe section can also run only partially horizontally or obliquely, particularly at an angle, to the vertical first pipe section, the angle between the first and second pipe sections preferably being in the range of 10° to 90°, and more preferably between 30° and 90°, and more particularly between 30° and 60°. Advantageously, at least the connection area of ​​the second pipe section with the first pipe section, which immediately adjoins the first pipe section, includes an angle between 10° and 90°, and more preferably between 30° and 90°, and more particularly between 30° and 60°.In further sections of the second pipe segment that connect to the connection point, the second pipe segment can run horizontally. It is advantageous if these further sections of the second pipe segment that connect to the connection point are geodetically lower than the connection point. This ensures that the second pipe segment forms a collection volume in which solids can accumulate due to gravity, sedimenting from the vertical first pipe segment into the adjoining second pipe segment and depositing in the lowest geodetic area there. The second pipe segment can also be designed as a spiral hose, preferably lying below the first pipe segment along its entire length.In order to provide a sufficiently large collection volume, the second conduit section preferably has a length of at least 50 cm and in particular a length in the range of 50 to 250 cm with a preferred inner diameter of 4 to 20 mm and in particular of 4 to 12 mm.

[0020] Preferably, the collection device is connected directly or indirectly to a flushing line so that a flushing fluid can be directed into and through the collection device to flush out the precipitates, solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components collected in the device. For this purpose, the flushing line can be coupled to a flushing device to pump a flushing fluid, in particular water, and preferably water from the water system, under pressure through the flushing line into and through the collection device.

[0021] A flushing valve, in particular a 2 / 2-way valve, is advantageously arranged in the flushing line to allow the flushing line to be opened and closed. For each flushing interval, the flushing line can be opened by opening the flushing valve to direct the flushing fluid through the open flushing line into and through the collecting device. A second check valve is advantageously and preferably arranged at the downstream end of the flushing line to protect the flushing valve from contamination by particles or undissolved suspension components.

[0022] Advantageously, the flushing line is connected to the supply line via a bypass line that can be closed by means of a bypass valve. In this way, the flushing fluid can also be routed through a section, particularly the outlet section, of the supply line and through the first check valve located therein during a flushing interval, in order to flush these components of the metering device as well. It is particularly advantageous if an adjusting valve, a pressure reducer, or a control valve is provided in the bypass line, with which the pressure or flow rate of the flushing fluid flowing through it during a flushing interval can be adjusted. This allows the supply line and the first check valve located therein to be flushed at a lower pressure or a lower flow rate.

[0023] The invention further relates to a dosing system comprising at least one dosing device according to the invention and a mixing vessel for producing the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension by mixing a solid calcium hypochlorite composition with process water, wherein the mixing vessel has a water inlet for supplying the process water and a composition inlet for adding the calcium hypochlorite composition to the process water. Such a dosing system utilizes the aforementioned advantages of the dosing device contained therein. Several such dosing devices can also be provided in the dosing system, each dosing device having its own dosing pump with which the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension produced in one mixing vessel can be drawn in and dosed into the water system via the dosing line of each dosing device.

[0024] In the dosing system according to the invention, for dosing calcium hypochlorite into a water system, such as swimming pool water, an aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension is preferably first produced by adding a solid composition containing calcium hypochlorite to process water. The aqueous solution or suspension is then introduced into the water system via the dosing line of the at least one dosing device. The solution or suspension produced in the mixing tank of the dosing system is drawn from the mixing tank by the dosing pump of each dosing device and fed via the supply line into the vertical first section of the dosing line of the respective dosing device. From there, it is introduced into the water system, for example via injection points, to disinfect the water contained therein with the chlorine-containing solution or suspension.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the dosing system, a container or a flow-through fitting is arranged in the water inlet, wherein the container or flow-through fitting contains granules of a medium which causes a catalytic precipitation of hardness-forming ions dissolved in the process water introduced into the container or flow-through fitting by the water inlet through the process water by forming seed crystals, in particular calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate crystals.

[0026] Instead of a container at least partially filled with the granules of the medium, an alternative flow-through fitting at least partially filled with the granules of the medium can be provided, which is located, in particular, in the water inlet that supplies the process water to the mixing tank in which the calcium hypochlorite-containing composition is reacted with the process water to form a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension. When the following text refers to a container at least partially filled with the granules of the medium, this also includes the flow-through fitting.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, the formation of seed crystals in the process water during its passage through the container causes the precipitation of hardness-causing minerals contained in the process water, in particular calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate. If the process water passing through the container is water from the water system that is to be treated and disinfected by the method using the addition of calcium hypochlorite, this process water contains a significant excess of calcium ions due to prior disinfection with a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension. Therefore, in this case, calcium carbonate is the primary mineral that precipitates in the process water.

[0028] It has been shown that the formation of seed crystals by catalytic precipitation of hardness-causing ions from the process water, in particular to calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate crystals on the surface of granular particles of the medium, which detach from the granular particles of the medium after reaching a certain size and are carried away with the process water flowing through the container, can improve the solubility of the calcium hypochlorite composition subsequently added to the pretreated process water.Therefore, the use of a container filled with granules of the medium in the dosing system according to the invention, in conjunction with the dosing device according to the invention, is advantageous because, on the one hand, the proportion of undissolved components of the calcium hypochlorite suspension is reduced, and on the other hand, the agglomerates of the precipitates that have accumulated on the seed crystals can be collected more effectively in the collection unit. Furthermore, the properties of the resulting chlorine sludge are improved insofar as the tendency to clog is significantly reduced. This allows the precipitates, in particular the calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate crystals, to be collected and flushed out more effectively in the collection unit, and the service life of the system can be significantly extended.

[0029] The agglomerates of precipitates produced by the seed crystals—unlike in the prior art, where no pretreatment of the process water with seed crystals takes place—consist essentially of a soft limestone with a different crystalline structure than boiler scale. These precipitates, which are significantly softer than conventional chlorinated sludge, can therefore be collected more effectively in the dosing unit's collection chamber. This is because the soft and sometimes very large agglomerates settle more readily due to gravity in the vertical first section of the dosing line and accumulate in the collection chamber. Furthermore, these soft limestone precipitates are easily flushed out hydromechanically and can therefore be removed from the collection chamber simply, for example, by rinsing.In this process, foreign substances, which are particularly prevalent in calcium hypochlorite suspensions produced from a poor-quality calcium hypochlorite composition, can also be incorporated into the agglomerates of the precipitates and thus also washed away.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, this prevents or at least reduces blockages in the pipelines and other components of the system, thus avoiding interruptions in a continuous dosing process. Furthermore, the improved solubility of the solid calcium hypochlorite composition in the process water enhances the efficiency of water disinfection because a higher proportion of the chlorine from the calcium hypochlorite composition is available as active chlorine for disinfection in the solution or suspension. Additionally, greater (storage) stability of the prepared solution or suspension is achieved, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced chlorate formation.

[0031] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, the formation of chlorine sludge, which can settle particularly in the mixing tank of the dosing system at the bottom of the tank or in other components of the dosing system, and especially in the dosing line and the check valve located therein, is influenced in such a way that the lime deposits are converted into more easily removable or flushable crystal or lime modifications, such as calcite and / or portlandite (calcium hydroxide). This conversion reduces blockages, especially in the dosing lines of the system, because this form of lime deposit is softer than limescale and less prone to adhering to surfaces. This allows the intervals between cleaning processes required for cleaning the dosing system and, in particular, for removing chlorine sludge, to be extended.Specifically, the formation of plate-like deposits on the walls of the mixing tank of the dosing system and in the dosing line of the dosing devices, which can then flake off during operation and lead to damage and blockages in the pumps, pipes, and components of the dosing system, can therefore be largely avoided by pretreating the process water with the granules of the medium. This extends the service life of the dosing system and the pumps used to convey the process water and the generated calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension.

[0032] Due to the precipitation of the hardness-causing substances contained in the process water, particularly calcium and carbonate ions, into calcium carbonate crystals, the calcium in the pretreated process water is present in a bound form in the preferred embodiment of the dosing system. Therefore, surprisingly, it apparently does not lead to the formation of limescale deposits and conventional chlorine sludge, which are difficult to remove from the dosing system. In the preferred pretreatment of the process water, the chlorine sludge precipitates are in a different crystalline form than limescale, specifically a soft calcite form, which is less prone to blockages and adhesion to the walls and pipes of the system, particularly the dosing lines.This improves the efficiency of collecting the precipitates in the collection unit and makes it possible to remove the resulting precipitates from the dosing system by emptying the collection unit from time to time or by hydromechanically rinsing them at predetermined intervals.

[0033] In the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, the primary method used is not the conversion of hardness-causing minerals in the process water by means of seed crystal formation, as known from the prior art, but rather a secondary effect of the seed crystals, which, upon addition of a calcium hypochlorite composition to the process water, bind the massive Ca generated by the addition of the calcium hypochlorite composition. 2+-Excess to the already formed seed crystals. Due to the manufacturing process, when a solution or suspension is prepared by adding a calcium hypochlorite composition to water, larger quantities of calcium ions and very large quantities of calcium carbonate (lime) are introduced into the aqueous solution or suspension. These unavoidable impurities are present as a result of the calcium hypochlorite production process.

[0034] Media such as those used in the preferred embodiment of the dosing system for the catalytic precipitation of the hardness-causing minerals contained in the process water, and which are filled in granular form into the container through which the process water is passed before the addition of the calcium hypochlorite composition, as well as methods for their production, are known from the prior art, e.g. from EP 0 957 066 B1 and EP 3 581 273 A1. These media are used to prevent limescale deposits in water-bearing systems, pipelines and hot water heaters. The underlying principle of the mechanism of seed crystal formation is also referred to and explained in the literature by the terms “template assisted crystallization” (TAC) or “nucleation assisted crystallization” (NAC), as e.g. in WO 2023 / 205558 A1, EP 3 888 775 B1, EP 3 500 532 B1 and WO 2021 / 155110 A1.

[0035] These media, also known as "TAC media," which are primarily in granular form with small particles, especially spheres with diameters ranging from 100 µm to 2 mm, generate seed crystals on their porous surface due to a catalytic effect upon contact with water containing hardness-causing ions such as calcium and / or magnesium ions, as well as carbonate and / or bicarbonate ions. This occurs through a catalytically triggered recombination of the hardness-causing ions, for example, into calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate crystals. The seed crystals that form on the surface of the granules continue to grow to a certain size and then detach from the surface. They then have a different crystalline form than limescale, such as calcite or portlandite, and do not adhere to surfaces as limestone.The seed crystals formed can therefore be washed away by the water flow that is passed through the granules of the medium.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, the medium, which is filled into the container in granular form, is, for example, a polymer, in particular polyacrylate or polystyrene. Specifically, the medium is a granular, modified ion exchange material, in particular a weakly acidic ion exchange material, in which, in particular, a carboxylate group of the ion exchange material is bonded to cations of sparingly soluble salts, especially calcium. 2+ -ions and / or Mg 2+ - ions, is loaded. The ion exchange material then exists in the cation form, e.g. in the Ca 2+-form. Due to the electrostatic and stereochemical properties of the modified ion exchange material, this conditioning of the ion exchange material allows calcium and magnesium ions, as well as carbonate ions, to recombine on the surface of the granule particles to form calcium and / or magnesium carbonate through a catalytic reaction, thereby forming seed crystals.

[0037] The granules of the medium consist in particular of granules with a particle size distribution in which over 66% of the granules have a diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm and / or in which the mean particle size is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. To retain the granules in the container, a filter with a mesh size adapted to the size of the granule particles of the medium is preferably arranged downstream of the container in the water inlet and / or at an outlet of the container. Preferably, a filter screen is arranged in the water inlet, particularly downstream of the container, and / or at an outlet of the container, wherein the filter screen retains particles with a diameter of more than 0.1 mm or preferably more than 0.2 mm in the container.

[0038] The seed crystals flushed out of the container with the process water can act as a reservoir in the process water, serving as nucleation sites for the further deposition of hardness-causing crystals, particularly calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate crystals. They can bind the hardness-causing minerals in the process water within numerous seed crystals, thereby creating a reservoir effect that, in turn, binds the significantly higher quantity of calcium ions introduced by the calcium hypochlorite composition. In this way, the entire quantity of hardness-causing minerals (especially calcium ions) contained in the process water is bound in the form of crystals or agglomerates of particles.The ions bound in crystals are then apparently no longer available for the formation of chlorine sludge in the conventional, difficult-to-remove form, but instead a different, softer form of chlorine sludge is formed (especially in a calcite form or another crystal modification of the precipitated calcium components), which does not lead to adhesion to surfaces or at least less does, and therefore avoids blockages and can be collected better in the collection system.

[0039] The described depot effect creates an additional capacity in the process water (in addition to the water's absorption capacity within the solubility product) through the formation of seed crystals, which is able to bind the excessive hardness introduced by the metered addition of the calcium hypochlorite composition (especially with regard to carbonate ions and calcium ions, which have a concentration 5-50 times higher than that of the process water used) in more easily collectible crystals (especially calcium carbonate crystals).

[0040] This binding effect is greater the larger the number of seed crystals formed. The advantage of this effect is therefore particularly noticeable when process water from the water system is used that has already been disinfected with the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, as this water already has an excess of calcium ions. The (depot) effect can be further enhanced by increasing the hardness of the process water. This is especially advantageous when (soft) drinking water from the public water supply is used as process water.

[0041] Due to the very high concentration of calcium ions in the process water, the seed crystals on the granular particles of the medium can grow to a size that inevitably leads to precipitation. This improves the efficiency of collecting the precipitate in the dosing system's collection unit. The altered crystal structure of the precipitates, resulting from the addition of the calcium hypochlorite composition to the process water, prevents them from adhering to and growing in pipes and on the tank walls of the dosing system. This avoids blockages in the system and its components, and allows for more efficient collection and removal of the precipitates from the system.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, in which the process water is pretreated by catalytic precipitation of hardness-causing ions dissolved in the process water, resulting in the formation of seed crystals, the process water is preferably passed through the container in a water stream at a predetermined flow rate. The water stream can be passed through the container continuously or discontinuously (i.e., batchwise). This allows the seed crystals formed in the container by the catalytic precipitation to detach more readily from the granular particles of the medium and then be flushed out with the water stream of the process water flowing through the container.The seed crystals flushed out with the process water can optimally exert their depot effect because they serve as nucleation sites for the further deposition of crystals, particularly calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate crystals, in the process water that has passed through the tank. In this way, the entire amount of hardness-causing substances, especially calcium ions, contained in the process water can be bound in crystal form. This is particularly advantageous when the process water originates from a water system with a high excess of calcium ions compared to other hardness-causing cations, because the very high excess of calcium ions introduced by the calcium hypochlorite composition is bound by the seed crystals previously formed in the process water, thus preventing the precipitation of limescale, which cannot be removed or flushed out.at least it will be delayed.

[0043] The increased calcium content of the process water is actually beneficial, as it increases the number of seed crystals formed and thus the reservoir effect in the process water. To utilize this effect even when the process water used is soft water (e.g., soft water from the public drinking water supply), it is advisable to first harden the process water before it is introduced into the container with the medium for the preferred pretreatment.

[0044] In order to enable the most uniform distribution possible of the seed crystals formed in the container, as well as efficient removal of the seed crystals with the water flow of the process water, it is advantageous if, in the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, the granules of the medium in the container are fluidized by introducing the process water.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, the container, which is preferably designed as a pressure vessel, has a predetermined volume, preferably in the range of 5 to 50 liters and particularly preferably between 10 and 40 liters. To enable fluidization of the granules of the medium when the process water is introduced into the container, preferably only a portion of the container volume, e.g., 5% to 70%, particularly preferably 10% to 50%, and especially between 10% and 30% of the container volume, is filled with the granules of the medium. This ensures complete fluidization of the granules of the medium in the process water.Simultaneously, the flow of process water through the container at a predetermined rate promotes the detachment of seed crystals from the surface of the medium's granule particles. These detached seed crystals are then efficiently flushed out of the container by the water flow and can be collected in the downstream collection device. Fluidization is improved at smaller fill levels, such as 50% or less of the container volume. However, at very small fill levels of less than 10% of the container volume, the amount of medium present is insufficient to generate a sufficient number or concentration of seed crystals in the process water to bind the high concentration of calcium ions in the process water into crystals.Therefore, preferably a proportion of the container volume of 10% to 70%, in particular of 10% to 50%, and especially preferably of 10% to 30%, and in particular between 15% and 30% of the container volume, is filled with the granules of the medium.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the dosing system, the process water is drawn from the water system. This offers advantages in terms of increasing the solubility product due to a low pH value, which is already established by the water system and, according to DIN 19643, lies between 6.5 and 7.5 for swimming pool water, preferably in the range of 6.8 to 7.2. The resulting disadvantages, such as supersaturation of the process water drawn from the water system with calcium ions (and possibly also with magnesium ions) and the associated water hardness of the process water, are not only compensated for by the preferred pretreatment of the process water in the tank for the precipitation of the hardness-causing calcium and magnesium ions, but are even beneficial due to the increased formation of seed crystals and the resulting reservoir effect, thus preventing blockages and the formation of chlorine sludge deposits.

[0047] As an alternative to this preferred embodiment, fresh water, in particular drinking water, e.g. from a drinking water connection, or process water, e.g. from a process water reservoir, can also be used as process water. For this purpose, the water inlet of the dosing system is connected to a fresh water inlet.

[0048] Preferably, the water used as process water, especially in soft water areas, is hardened in the preferred embodiment of the dosing system before passing through the container with the medium in order to generate a high quantity of seed crystals and thereby achieve a sufficient depot effect of the seed crystals in the process water.

[0049] In the dosing system according to the invention, the aqueous solution or suspension is preferably generated in the mixing vessel of the dosing system. The process water is supplied to the mixing vessel via the water inlet, and the solid calcium hypochlorite composition is supplied via the composition inlet. For example, a stream of process water at a predetermined flow rate, preferably in the range of 20 to 55 liters per minute, is fed into the mixing vessel via the water inlet. A quantity of the composition, adapted to the flow rate or volume of the mixing vessel and preferably between 2 and 80 grams per liter of process water, is fed into the process water via the composition inlet. This enables optimal dosing by adjusting the quantity of calcium hypochlorite composition supplied to the required dosage and the quantity of aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension required per unit of time, thus conserving material.For example, a dosage required for the disinfection of swimming pool water has a dose of 2 to 80 grams of the calcium hypochlorite composition per liter of process water.

[0050] Advantageously, in the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, the process water is introduced into the container through an inlet connected to the water supply and discharged from the container through an outlet connected to the mixing vessel, with the process water preferably flowing through the container from bottom to top against gravity. This promotes fluidization of the granules of the medium within the container volume, ensuring homogeneous mixing of the formed seed crystals throughout the container volume and efficient removal of the seed crystals, which have detached from the surface of the granule particles of the medium, from the container via the flow of process water.

[0051] The process water preferably has a minimum concentration of hardness-causing minerals to ensure the generation of a sufficient quantity of seed crystals in the preferred embodiment of the dosing system. Assuming a sufficient quantity of the medium's granules is present in the process water, the more seed crystals can be generated and the greater the residual effect. Water from the water system that has already been disinfected with the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension is therefore particularly suitable due to its high calcium content (enrichment of calcium ions through the addition of the calcium hypochlorite composition). Optimization can be achieved through targeted hardening (i.e., increasing the total / carbonate hardness of the process water), which is especially relevant when using drinking water from the public water supply in soft water regions.

[0052] To enable water from the water system to be directed via the tank into the mixing tank of the dosing system as process water, the water inlet is preferably connected to the water system. This allows water from the water system to be supplied as process water for the preparation of the dosing system. Furthermore, the water from the water system can also be used to rinse the at least one dosing unit of the dosing system if the water inlet is additionally connected to the rinsing unit.

[0053] Preferably, the dosing system is equipped with automatic or manually controlled flushing devices for flushing the dosing lines and other components of the system. In the preferred embodiment of the dosing system, flushing with process water achieves not only a hydromechanical flushing effect but also a chemical effect through the introduction of further seed crystals. These crystals bind to other hardness-causing substances present in the lines of the dosing system or chemically dissolve and remove existing deposits. In particular, the collection unit is preferably connected, either directly or indirectly, to a flushing line, which is coupled to a flushing device, in order to convey a flushing fluid, especially water and preferably water from the water system, via the flushing line into the collection unit.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment of the dosing system, it comprises a flushing device which is in fluidic communication with the collecting device in order to supply pressurized water to the collecting device. This allows the collecting device to be flushed with the supplied water at predetermined intervals in order to remove the precipitates collected in the collecting device, as well as other solids, particles, and undissolved suspension components.

[0055] The water inlet is fluidically connected to the flushing line to direct pressurized water through the flushing line to the collection unit, thereby flushing the collection unit at predetermined intervals with water from the water inlet. Advantageously, the flushing unit includes a flushing line connected to the water inlet, which is either indirectly connected to the collection unit via the supply line or directly. This allows the water from the water system to be used as the flushing fluid.

[0056] Preferably, the dosing system comprises a circulation pump and / or a delivery pump to pump water from the water system into the mixing tank, wherein the circulation pump and / or the delivery pump is expediently also configured to direct water from the water system, in particular via the flushing line, to the collection device in order to flush the collection device with the water from the water system at predetermined flushing intervals.

[0057] An electronic control unit is advantageously provided to control the flushing intervals. This unit is configured, for example, to direct a pressurized flushing fluid, particularly water, and preferably water from the water system or fresh water from a fresh water supply, through the flushing line and into the collection unit at predetermined intervals to flush the unit. The control unit is specifically designed to electronically control the flushing valve of each dosing unit. To initiate a flushing interval, the control unit opens the flushing valve of a dosing unit. If the dosing system preferably comprises several dosing units, one of the dosing units can be flushed during a single flushing interval while the other dosing units continue to operate and dose the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into the water system.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic control unit is configured such that during a flushing interval, the flushing valve is periodically opened and closed alternately to pulse the pressurized flushing fluid through the collection device. This improves the flushing effect by directing pressure pulses of the flushing fluid through the collection device, which can more effectively loosen and flush away deposits and adhesions on the walls of the collection device. The flushing valve is preferably switched periodically under the pressure of the flushing fluid to generate both pressure pulses and mechanical impulses on the metering line being flushed.

[0059] In a practical embodiment of the dosing system, the flushing device comprises a central flushing line to which several flushing lines from dosing devices according to the invention can be connected via branches. Preferably, a flushing valve for all connected dosing devices is provided in the central flushing line, with the flushing valve being located upstream of the branch of the flushing lines of the individual dosing devices. Preferably, a check valve is provided in each flushing line to prevent a short circuit between the flushing lines of the individual dosing devices (via the central flushing line of the flushing device). Additionally, a (further) check valve can be provided in the central flushing line downstream of the flushing valve to protect the flushing valve.

[0060] In a variation of this variant, a separate flushing valve can be provided in each flushing line of the connected dosing devices in order to control the flushing of the individual dosing devices individually (with regard to the frequency and duration of the flushing intervals as well as the flow of the flushing fluid through the individual flushing lines).

[0061] These and further advantages, as well as advantageous and preferred features of the invention, will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the drawings, which each merely illustrate preferred embodiments of the dosing device and the dosing system according to the invention for dosing calcium hypochlorite into a water system. The drawings show: Fig. 1: Schematic representation of a dosing device according to the invention for dosing a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into a water system in a first embodiment; Fig. 2: Schematic representation of a dosing device according to the invention for dosing a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into a water system in a second embodiment; Fig. 3: Schematic representation of a dosing device according to the invention for dosing a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into a water system in a third embodiment; Fig. 4: Schematic representation of a dosing device according to the invention for dosing a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into a water system in a fourth embodiment; Fig. 5: Schematic representation of a system for treating water from a water system with a dosing system according to the invention in a first embodiment; Fig. 6: Schematic representation of a system for treating water from a water system with a dosing system according to the invention in a second embodiment; Fig. 7 Cross-sectional view of a container filled with granules of a medium, used in the dosing systems of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is used, whereby in Fig. 7a shows the container filled with granules, without water flowing through it and Fig. 7b shows the container in a state through which water flows.

[0062] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show different embodiments of the dosing device D according to the invention, which are identical except for the design of the collecting device 60. Therefore, the common features of the different embodiments of the dosing devices D are described first. Fig. 1 to 3 are explained and then the design of the respective collecting device 60 is described separately for each embodiment.

[0063] The dosing devices D are used to dose a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into a water system and comprise a dosing pump 9 and a dosing line 6, through which an aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension is supplied to the water system. The dosing pump 9 draws the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension from a mixing container 1, in which the solution or suspension has been prepared, or from a storage container filled with a ready-made calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, and pumps the solution or suspension into the dosing line 6 via a supply line 5, which is connected to the dosing line 6. The dosing line 6 has a vertical first section 6a, which is oriented at least substantially vertically, whereby the solution or suspension is conveyed vertically from bottom to top in the direction of the arrow in the vertical first section 6a, against gravity.The dosing line 6 may include further line sections not shown here. In particular, the dosing line 6 may include further line sections that connect to the first line section 6a in a downstream direction (i.e., in the delivery direction of the dosing pump).

[0064] In the supply line 5 a safety device 70 with a return line R leading to the mixing container 1 or the storage container and a pressure relief valve V3 is provided, via which, in the event of a hose break or a leak in the metering line 6 or the supply line 5, the solution or suspension is directed back into the mixing container 1 or into the storage container.

[0065] As from the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the supply line 5 comprises a vertically extending line section 5a and a connecting outlet section 5b, which opens into the first line section 6a of the metering line 6. The outlet section 5b opens into the vertical first line section 6a of the metering line 6 at an angle which, in the illustrated embodiment, is approximately 45° and preferably lies in the range between 10° and 90°, more preferably in the range between 20° and 90°, and particularly between 30° and 60°.

[0066] A first check valve RV1 is arranged in the supply line 5. Preferably, the first check valve RV1 is located in the vertical pipe section 5a of the supply line 5.

[0067] The dosing devices D of the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 comprise a flushing line 65, which opens into the supply line 5 above the check valve RV1. A second check valve RV2 is arranged in the flushing line 65. The flushing line 65 can be connected to a flushing unit 64, which includes a pump 8 for conveying a flushing fluid into a central flushing line 65'. To connect the metering unit D to the flushing unit 64, the flushing line 65 of the metering unit D can be connected to the central flushing line 65' of the flushing unit 64. A further check valve RV3 is arranged in the central flushing line 65', which prevents the flushing fluid from flowing back to the pump 8. Additional flushing lines 65 from further metering units can be connected to the central flushing line 65' (as shown in the figures). Fig. 1 to 3 indicated by the symbol [...]), in order to supply several dosing devices with the rinsing fluid.

[0068] In the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 3 a collecting device 60 is arranged below the vertical first line section 6a of the dosing line 6 and is fluidically connected to the lower end of the first line section 6a.

[0069] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The collection device 60 comprises a removable collection container 61 with an internal collection volume which is connected to the lower end of the first line section 6a via an upper opening in the collection container.

[0070] The collection container 61 has an internal collection volume of preferably 0.01 dm³ 3 up to 0.10 dm 3The collection volume serves to collect solids, such as precipitates, particles, or undissolved components of the solution or suspension, which settle downwards in the vertical first pipe section 6a due to gravity. To remove the solids collected in the collection container 61, the collection container can be manually removed from the dosing unit D, and the collected solids can be extracted from the collection volume of the container through the upper opening. The collection container 61 can also be rinsed with a liquid, for example, sprayed in via a hose.

[0071] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2. The collection device 60 comprises a collection container 61, which is connected to the lower end of the first pipe section 6a via an upper opening and additionally has a lower opening 62, which is closed by a valve 63 or a removable lid. By opening the valve 63 or by removing the lid, the lower opening of the collection container can be released so that the collected solids can be removed from the collection container 61. This can also be conveniently done automatically, for example, by having the valve 63 opened by an electronic control unit from time to time, and in particular after a predetermined operating time of the dosing device D. To discharge the solution or suspension that flows out, containing the solids collected in the collection container 61, a discharge line is advantageously connected to the valve 63, which leads into a wastewater drain.At the same time, the rinsing process can be supported by starting the rinsing device.

[0072] As in the embodiment of the Fig. 1. The collection container 61 has an internal collection volume which, compared to the embodiment of the Fig. 1. Due to the possibility of automatic emptying via valve 63, it may be slightly smaller and, for example, preferably 0.005 dm³. 3 up to 0.050 dm 3 is.

[0073] Particularly in the embodiment of Fig. 2. The solids collected in the collection volume of the collection container 61 can be flushed out of the collection container 61, particularly at predetermined flushing intervals, by means of the flushing device 64 coupled to the metering device D. For this purpose, the flushing device 64 pumps a flushing liquid, which may be water and preferably water from the water system, via the flushing lines 65 and the supply line 5 into the first section 6a of the metering line 6 and from there, with the valve 63 open or the lid removed, through the collection volume of the collection container 61. The first section 6a of the metering line is advantageously closed with a shut-off element (not shown here) so that the flushing liquid can flow into and through the collection container 61.

[0074] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 The collecting device 60 comprises a second line section 6b, which is directly connected to the first line section 6a of the metering line 6 and does not run vertically, at least in sections. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the second pipe section 6b is curved and, in particular, contains a semicircular loop. Due to the bend, the second pipe section 6b has at least some sections that are not vertical. The curved second pipe section 6b is connected at one end to the lower end of the vertical first pipe section 6a and at the other end to a terminal section 5b of the supply pipe 5, the terminal section 5b being located in the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the second pipe section 6b runs horizontally. The loop-shaped second pipe section 6b forms a collection volume for the collection device 60, in which the solids that settle downwards from the vertical first pipe section 6a can be collected. A shut-off element 67 is advantageously arranged in the second pipe section 6b, particularly at the transition to the outlet section 5b of the supply line, with which the second pipe section 6b can be closed. The shut-off element 67 serves to prevent the metering line from draining during maintenance of the check valves RV1 and RV2. Furthermore, it also allows for action to be taken in the event of a malfunction of the check valves RV1 and RV2 at an injection point, or of the check valve RV during a pump hose change, to prevent the solution or suspension from flowing back.

[0075] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 The internal volume of the second conduit section 6b forms the collection volume of the collection device. Preferably, the second conduit section 6b has a length in the range of 50 cm to 250 cm and an internal diameter of 4 mm to 12 mm. The internal diameter of the second conduit section 6b can correspond to the internal diameter of the first conduit section 6a and / or the internal diameter of the supply line 5. The second conduit section 6b can transition directly and without interruption into the first conduit section 6a at its downstream end. As in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 can also be in the embodiment of Fig. 3. The collecting unit 60, in the form of the second pipe section 6b, is flushed by means of the flushing device 64 coupled to the metering unit D. For this purpose, with the shut-off element 67 open, a flushing fluid is conveyed via the flushing lines 65, 65' and the supply line 5 into the second pipe section 6b, which connects downstream. The flushing fluid, preferably under pressure, flushes the solids collected in the internal volume of the second pipe section 6b into the first pipe section 6a of the metering line, which connects downstream, and from there into the water system.

[0076] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 The metering device comprises a metering line 6 with a vertical first line section 6a and a second line section 6b connected to the first line section 6a, as well as a metering pump 9, which is connected to the metering line via a supply line 5. The supply line 5 includes a vertically oriented section 5a and a terminal section 5b, which is inclined to the vertical first line section 6a, in particular at an angle between 30° and 60° and specifically as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows the line running at an angle of 45°. The inclined outlet section 5b of the supply line 5 opens into the vertical first line section 6a of the metering line. A first check valve RV1 is arranged in the supply line 5, and specifically in the outlet section 5b of the supply line 5, which protects the metering pump 9 from contamination and prevents overpressure. As in the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 3 in the supply line 5 a safety device 70 with a return line R leading to the mixing tank 1 or the storage tank and a pressure relief valve V3 is provided.

[0077] In the embodiment of the Fig. In the first section 6a of the metering line 6, a further valve V4 is arranged, with which the metering line 6 can be shut off and / or the flow through the metering line 6 can be adjusted. Such a valve V4 can also be expediently provided in the embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the dosing line 6.

[0078] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 A second pipe section 6b is directly connected to the lower end of the first pipe section 6a of the metering line 6, wherein the second pipe section 6b does not run vertically, at least in some sections. The second pipe section 6b forms a collection device 60 for collecting solids that settle downwards in the first pipe section 6b due to gravity. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 4, the second pipe section 6b has a connection area 6b' directly connected to the lower end of the first pipe section 6a and an adjoining horizontal area 6b'', wherein the connection area 6b' forms an angle of approximately 45° with the vertical first pipe section 6a, and the horizontal area 6b'' runs horizontally and is thus perpendicular to the first pipe section 6a. The internal volume of the second pipe section 6b forms a collection volume for the collection device 60 for collecting the sedimented solids.

[0079] In the embodiment of the second line section 6b, the Fig. 4 A flushing line 65 is connected, in which a second check valve RV2 and a flushing valve V1 are arranged. The flushing line 65 can be opened and closed by means of the flushing valve V1, which is preferably designed as an electronically switchable valve V1. For automatic opening of the flushing line 65 during a flushing interval, the valve V1 can expediently be controlled by an electronic control device. The flushing line 65 is connected to a flushing device 64, with which a flushing fluid can be pumped into the flushing line 65 by means of a pump 8. With the flushing valve V1 open, the flushing fluid flows during a flushing interval from the flushing line 65 into the first line section 6b and from there into the first line section 6a, whereby the solids collected in the second line section 6b are flushed out.

[0080] The flushing line 65 is connected to the outlet section 5b of the supply line 5 in the embodiment of the Fig. 4 is connected via a bypass line 66, in which a bypass valve V2 is arranged, with which the bypass line 66 can be opened and closed. The flow of a flushing fluid through the bypass line 66 can conveniently be adjusted by means of the valve V2. With the flushing valve V1 and the bypass valve V2 open, a flushing fluid can flow from the flushing line 65 via the bypass line 66 into the supply line 5 to flush it and the check valve RV1 located therein.

[0081] As in the embodiment of the Fig. 3 can also be in the embodiment of Fig. 4. The collecting unit 60, in the form of the second pipe section 6b, is flushed by means of the flushing device 64 coupled to the metering unit D. For this purpose, with the flushing valve V1 open, a flushing fluid is pumped via the flushing line 65 into the second pipe section 6b, which connects downstream. The flushing fluid, which is appropriately pressurized, flushes the solids collected in the internal volume of the second pipe section 6b into the first pipe section 6a of the metering line, which connects downstream, and from there into the water system. With the bypass valve V2 open, the flushing fluid can also flow into the supply line 5 via the bypass line 66. In a partial flow (adjusted via the opening degree of the valve V2), the flushing fluid can flow through the check valve RV1 into the first pipe section 6a of the metering line 6 to flush it.The supply line 5 is closed by the pump (rotor pressure at the pump hose) and the valve V2 causes a pressure reduction and thus protects the pump and the connected pump hose.

[0082] In Fig. Figure 5 is a system for treating water from a water system, with a first embodiment of a dosing system for dosing calcium hypochlorite into the water system shown in a schematic and not-to-scale representation. The dosing system serves to produce and dose an aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension and to supply the solution or suspension into the water system, wherein the dosing system comprises at least one dosing device D in an embodiment according to the Fig. Contains 1 to 4. In which in Fig. In the embodiment shown in section 5, only one dosing system D is provided. In the Fig. However, the extension of the central flushing line 65' by the symbol [...] already indicates in Figures 1 to 3 how several dosing devices of the respective embodiment can be connected to the flushing device 64 in parallel to each other. When several dosing devices D are used in parallel to each other, each dosing device D has its own dosing line 6 leading into the water system, and each dosing device D is connected to the water inlet 2 of the dosing system via the central flushing line 65' in order to be able to flush the dosing device D hydromechanically with water from the water inlet 2.

[0083] The water system can be, for example, as in the example of the Fig. Figure 1 shows a swimming pool 10 filled with bath water. The swimming pool 10 is connected to a raw water tank 12 via a drain line 11. The raw water tank 12 has a fill water connection 13 for filling and replenishing it with water, in particular process or drinking water. The fill water connection 13 can, for example, be connected to a drinking water line. To introduce water from the raw water tank 12 into the swimming pool 10, an inlet line 16 is connected to both the raw water tank 12 and the swimming pool 10. A circulation pump 14 is arranged in the inlet line 16 to pump the water from the raw water tank 12 into the swimming pool 10. A filter system 15 is also arranged in the inlet line 16 to filter the water introduced into the swimming pool 10.

[0084] The dosing system is integrated into the water circuit for treating the water from raw water tank 12. Filtrate (i.e., water taken between the filter and the disinfection injection point) is used as process water.

[0085] The dosing system comprises a mixing system M with a mixing tank 1, which is connected to the supply line 16 via a water supply 2, and a dosing device D according to the invention for supplying a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension S produced in the mixing system M into the supply line 16. Fig. Figure 5 shows the dosing device D only schematically, including the dosing pump 9, the supply line 5, and the dosing line 6. For details of the dosing device D, please refer to the embodiments described above. Fig. Reference is made to 1 to 4. To convey the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension S into the supply line 16, the dosing device D comprises a dosing pump 9 (e.g. a jet pump and / or a peristaltic pump), which draws the solution or suspension from the mixing container 1, as well as the supply line 5 and the dosing line 6.

[0086] The in the Fig. The flushing device 64 shown in 1 to 4 is, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. The pump 8 is connected to the water inlet 2 and the flushing line 65, which in turn connects the pump 8 to the dosing line 6 via the water inlet 2. To flush the dosing unit D at predetermined intervals, the pump 8 pumps water from the water system, specifically water taken from the inlet line 16, via the water inlet 2 and the connected flushing line 65 to the dosing line 6. The initiation of a flushing interval is expediently carried out by an electronic control unit of the dosing system.

[0087] A valve for opening and closing the water inlet 2 is provided in the water inlet 2. A pump 8 is arranged in the water inlet 2, with which process water can be pumped from the inlet line 16 into the mixing tank 1 of the mixing plant M.

[0088] The in the Fig. The flushing device 64 shown in 1 to 4 is, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. The system consists of the pump 8 located in the water inlet 2 and the flushing line 65 with a flushing valve V1 located therein, the flushing line 65 connecting the water inlet 2 to the dosing device D. To flush the dosing device D at predetermined intervals, the pump 8 pumps water from the water system (specifically water taken from the inlet line 16) via the water inlet 2 and the connected flushing line 65 to the dosing device D. A flushing interval is advantageously initiated by an electronic control unit of the dosing system by opening the flushing line 65, in particular by opening the flushing valve V1, so that water can be pumped from the water system via the flushing line 65 to the dosing device D and, in particular, through the collecting unit 60. The duration and frequency of the flushing intervals can be selected as required.Preferably, two volume flushes per day are performed, each lasting at least 10 seconds per meter of dosing line, flushing the entire dosing line 6, including the supply line 5. In addition, regular flushes can be performed at intervals of 60 to 360 minutes, with 1 to 8 repetitions of 3 seconds each.

[0089] Furthermore, a container 4 is preferably arranged in the water inlet 2, in which a granulate of a medium is contained which causes a catalytic precipitation of the hardness-forming ions dissolved in the process water introduced into the container 4 by the water inlet 2 through the formation of seed crystals.

[0090] The following commercially available products may be included, for example, as a medium in granular form in container 4: Limescale protection Maicat® from Woegerbauer, AquonPure® from AQON Water Solutions, the product “Fluid Dynamics” from Fluid Dynamics International Ltd., BIOCAT® KLS from Watercryst, EagleSorb® ES3 Anti-Scale, OneFlow®, Next-ScaleStop™ or Filtersorb® SP3 from WatchWater.

[0091] The mixing vessel 1 of the mixing plant M also contains a composition inlet 3 for adding a composition containing calcium hypochlorite. The calcium hypochlorite composition is expediently in powder or granular form and stored in a composition container 7. The composition container 7 can, for example, be a container of calcium hypochlorite granules.

[0092] To produce an aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, a flow of process water at a rate of, for example, 40 to 55 liters per minute is directed through the water inlet 2, through the tank 4, and into the mixing tank 1. Simultaneously or subsequently, the calcium hypochlorite composition is drawn from the composition tank 7 via a suction device and fed into the mixing tank 1 via the composition inlet 3, where it is introduced into the process water. The calcium hypochlorite composition is added to the process water at a predetermined dosage, for example, a dose of 2 grams per liter to 20 grams per liter of process water. In the mixing tank 1, the calcium hypochlorite composition is added to the process water and converted into an aqueous calcium hypochlorite suspension, preferably dissolved by means of an agitator.In this way, a solution or suspension of calcium hypochlorite in water at a defined concentration is produced in the mixing vessel 1.

[0093] The dosing device D allows the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension to be pumped from the mixing tank 1 into the supply line 16. For this purpose, the solution or suspension is drawn from the mixing tank 1 by the dosing pump 9 and introduced into the supply line 16 via the feed line 5 and the dosing line 6. The dosing line 6 opens into the supply line 16 at an injection point, where a check valve (not shown) is advantageously installed.

[0094] A heating device, which can be designed as a heat exchanger 17, is preferably provided in the inlet line 16 for heating the process water.

[0095] Swimming pool 10 is expediently equipped with an additional drain line 20, which is connected to a measuring and control system 18. A pump 19 is installed in this additional drain line 20 to pump water from swimming pool 10 into the measuring and control system 18. The measuring and control system 18 is used to analyze the water from the water system (swimming pool 10). The measuring and control system 18 is connected via a control line 21 to a control unit for the dosing system in order to transmit the current control level to the dosing system for adjusting the target value (chlorine content).

[0096] In mixing plant M, the water from the water system (swimming pool 10) is used to produce the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the water from the water system (swimming pool 10) is used as process water and is employed in the mixing plant M to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension. The process water used to produce the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension is preferably pretreated before being introduced into the mixing tank 1 of the mixing plant M by passing the process water through the water inlet 2 and through the container 4 filled with the granules of the medium. Due to catalytic precipitation triggered by the granular medium in the container 4, the hardness-causing ions dissolved in the process water are precipitated by the formation of seed crystals, particularly in the form of calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate crystals. The seed crystals formed on the granular particles of the medium dissolve after a certain time or…Once the seed crystals reach a certain size, they detach from the surface of the granule particles in the medium and are washed away by the process water flow, which is directed through the water inlet 2, container 4, and mixing container 1.

[0097] There, the seed crystals formed in the process water bind the amount of hardness-causing minerals (mainly Ca) introduced during manufacturing via the calcium hypochlorite composition, which is many times higher (factor 5 to 50) than the process water. 2+ -ions), and convert the precipitates into a non-adherent or at least less adhering form of calcium carbonate crystals.

[0098] In Fig. Figure 6 is a system for treating water from a water system, with a second embodiment of a dosing system for dosing calcium hypochlorite into the water system shown in a schematic and not-to-scale representation. The dosing system of the second embodiment comprises – as in the first embodiment of the Fig. 5 - a mixing plant M for the production of an aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, and a dosing device D according to the invention for dosing this solution or suspension into the water system.

[0099] In the second embodiment of the dosing system, unlike in the first embodiment, Fig. 5 - Instead of water from the water system (swimming pool 10), drinking or process water from the fill water connection 13 is used to prepare a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension. Apart from this difference and a different dosage of the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, the following is correct: Fig. 6 shown embodiment with the embodiment of Fig. 5 agree. In Fig. Therefore, the corresponding components of the system in 6 are the same reference symbols as in Fig. 5 used. Insofar as components of the dosing system of Fig. 5 in Fig. Items 6, which are not explicitly shown, are integrated into the dosing system in a non-visible manner. The composition feed 3 of the mixing system M is shown in the exemplary embodiment by Fig. 6. Manually filled with a suction station or with a measuring cup containing the calcium hypochlorite composition.

[0100] In the embodiment of Fig. 6 is used as process water for the production of the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension. Drinking or process water from the filling water connection 13 is used. For this purpose, the filling water connection 13 is connected to the water inlet 2 via a system separator BA. The process water, e.g., drinking water from the public drinking water supply, is fed through this inlet to the mixing plant M and, in particular, to the mixing tank 1, preferably at a flow rate of 20 to 45 liters per minute. As in the embodiment of Fig. 5 is also in the embodiment of Fig. 6. A container 4 is preferably arranged in the water inlet 2, the container being at least partially filled with granules of a medium which causes catalytic precipitation of the hardness-causing ions in the process water introduced into the container 4 through the water inlet 2 by forming seed crystals. The process water treated by the catalytic precipitation of the hardness-causing ions in the container 4 is – as in the embodiment of Fig. 1 - A powdered or granular calcium hypochlorite composition is introduced into mixing vessel 1 and fed manually via a filling dosing unit with a composition inlet 3, either via a suction station or using a measuring cup, to form a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension. In the mixing vessel, the calcium hypochlorite composition is hydromechanically dissolved by means of a turbulator, thereby producing a calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, e.g., at a concentration of 10 to 80 grams of calcium hypochlorite per liter of process water. The solution or suspension produced in mixing vessel 1 is conveyed by the dosing device D via the supply line 5 and the dosing line 6 into the inlet line 16.

[0101] Since in the example of Fig. 6. If drinking water or process water is used as process water for the production of the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension, it may not have sufficient hardness depending on the quality of the drinking or process water. It is therefore advantageous if the process water is preconditioned by hardening before being introduced into container 4, in particular to generate an excess of calcium ions. Hardening can be achieved, for example, by adding calcium carbonate.

[0102] The in the Fig. The flushing device 64 shown in 1 to 4 comprises, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6 the filling water connection 13, which provides pressurized drinking or process water. For flushing the dosing device D, the water supplied by the filling water connection 1 is directed to the dosing device at predetermined flushing intervals via a flushing line 65 connected to the water inlet 2, with a flushing valve V1 arranged therein, by opening the flushing valve V1, preferably automatically controlled by the control unit.

[0103] In Fig. Figure 7a shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the container 4 of the dosing system. The container 4 comprises a pressure vessel 46, which is designed, for example, in the form of a cartridge and is interchangeably arranged in a base 48. A connection and valve head 42 is inserted into an opening in the pressure vessel 46 on the top side of the container 4. The connection and valve head 42 includes a vent valve 41, an inlet 4a (supply) and an outlet 4b (drain), a downpipe 44 connected to the inlet 4a, and an annular channel 43 extending around the downpipe 44 in the area of ​​the connection and valve head 42, which is connected to the outlet 4b. The container 4 is connected to the water inlet 2 of the dosing system. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 The connection and valve head 2 is connected to the water inlet 2 in such a way that the process water for the production of the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension flows into the container 4 through the inlet 4a (inlet) and out of the container 4 through the outlet 4b (outlet) to the mixing container 1 of the mixing device M.

[0104] At the lower end of the downpipe 44, which extends substantially over the entire height of the container volume 45, an inlet filter 49 is arranged, located just above the bottom of the container 4. A granular medium G is filled into the container 4 to a predetermined fill level h. The fill level h of the medium granules G is preferably selected such that between 10% and 70%, and particularly preferably between 10% and 30%, of the total fill volume of the container 4 (container volume 45) is filled with the granular medium.

[0105] In Fig. Figure 7a shows the container 4 with the granules G of the medium filled into it in a state not through which water flows, with the filling height h being shown.

[0106] The process water supplied to the container 4 for pretreatment via inlet 4a flows through inlet 4a into the downpipe 44 and at the lower end of the downpipe 44 from the inlet filter 49 into the granule bed G of the medium. Fig. Figure 7b shows container 4 containing the medium granules G in a state through which water flows. This inflow of process water fluidizes the medium granules G within the volume of container 4, as shown in Fig. 7b shown. Due to the water pressure with which the process water is pumped through the inlet 4a of the container 4, the process water flows upwards against gravity in the container 4, as shown by arrows 47 in Fig.7b is indicated. The upward-flowing process water flows through the annular channel 43 of the connection and valve head 2 to the outlet 4b of the container 4. A filter screen is advantageously arranged in the annular channel 43, the mesh size of which is designed such that the granular particles of the medium are retained in the container volume 45 of the container 4. The process water flowing through the annular channel 43 to the outlet 4b (drain) of the container 4 is finally directed into the mixing container 1 via the water inlet 2 connected to the outlet 4b. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 108 167 B4 EP 0 957 066 B1

[0034] EP 3 581 273 A1

[0034] WO 2023 / 205558 A1

[0034] EP 3 888 775 B1

[0034] EP 3 500 532 B1

[0034] WO 2021 / 155110 A1

[0034]

Claims

[1] Dosing device for dosing a calcium hypochlorite solution or a calcium hypochlorite suspension into a water system, in particular swimming pool water, comprising a dosing pump (9) and a dosing line (6) connected to the dosing pump (9) and the water system, wherein the dosing line (6) has a first line section (6a) which is oriented at least substantially vertically, and the dosing pump (9) is connectable to a mixing tank (1) or a storage tank for the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension in order to pump the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension into the dosing line (6), characterized by, that the metering pump (9) is connected to the first pipe section (6a) of the metering line (6) via a supply line (5) which is at least partially non-vertical, wherein a collecting device (60) is immediately connected downwards to the first pipe section (6a), which comprises a collecting container (61) connected to the first pipe section (6a) and / or a second pipe section (6b) which is directly connected to the first pipe section (6a) and which is at least partially non-vertical. [2] Dosing device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the supply line (5) runs at least section by section and in particular in a terminal section (5b) which opens into the first line section (6a) or into the second line section (6b) of the metering line (6) horizontally or obliquely to the first line section (6a) or to the second line section (6b), in particular at an angle in the range of 10° to 90° to the first line section (6a) or to the second line section (6b), preferably at an angle in the range of 20° to 90° and particularly preferably at an angle in the range of 30° to 60°. [3] Dosing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the supply line (5) above the collecting device (60) leads into the first line section (6a) or into the second line section (6b). [4] Dosing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the collecting device (60) is formed by the second line section (6b), which runs horizontally or is curved at least in sections. [5] Dosing device according to claim 4, characterized by , that the collection device (60) includes a collection volume for receiving the aqueous calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension containing precipitates, wherein the collection volume, in particular the internal volume of the collection container (61), is preferably between 0.010 dm 3 and 0.10 dm 3 is located and / or the second line section (6b) has a length of at least 50 cm and preferably a length in the range of 50 cm to 250 cm and an inner diameter of 4 to 20 mm. [6] Dosing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the collecting device (60) comprises the collecting container (61), wherein the collecting container (61) has a cross-sectional diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the first pipe section (6a) and / or has an opening (62) preferably arranged at the bottom and closable with a removable lid or a valve (63) for emptying the collecting container (61). [7] Dosing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a first check valve (RV1) is arranged in the supply line (5). [8] Dosing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the collecting device (60) is connected directly or indirectly to a flushing line (65) which can be coupled to a flushing device (64) in order to convey a flushing liquid, in particular water and preferably water from the water system, via the flushing line (65) into the collecting device (60). [9] Dosing device according to claim 8, characterized by , that a second check valve (RV2) and / or a flushing valve (V1), in particular a 2 / 2-way valve, is arranged in the flushing line (65), wherein the flushing line (65) is preferably connected to the supply line (5) via a bypass line (66) which can be closed by means of a bypass valve (V2). [10] Dosing system comprising at least one dosing device (D) according to one of the preceding claims and a mixing vessel (1) for producing the calcium hypochlorite solution or suspension by mixing a solid calcium hypochlorite composition with process water, wherein the mixing vessel (1) has a water inlet (2) for supplying the process water and a composition inlet (3) for adding the calcium hypochlorite composition to the process water. [11] Dosing system according to claim 10, characterized by, that a container (4) or a flow fitting is arranged in the water inlet (2), wherein the container (4) or the flow fitting contains granules of a medium which causes a catalytic precipitation of hardness-forming ions dissolved in the process water introduced into the container (4) or the flow fitting by the process water inlet (2) by the formation of seed crystals, in particular calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate crystals. [12] Dosing system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the container (4) has a predetermined container volume, which is preferably in the range of 5 liters to 50 liters and particularly preferably between 10 liters and 40 liters, wherein a proportion of the container volume of 5% to 70%, preferably 10% to 50% and particularly between 10% and 30% of the container volume is filled with the granules of the medium. [13] Dosing system according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by , that the process water is directed into the container (4) or the flow fitting through an inlet (4a) connected to the water inlet (2) and discharged from the container (4) or the flow fitting through an outlet (4b) connected to the mixing container (1), wherein the process water preferably flows at least partially through the container (4) or the flow fitting from bottom to top against gravity. [14] Dosing system according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by that the medium is a polymer, in particular polyacrylate or polystyrene, or a modified ion exchange material, in particular a weakly acidic ion exchange material, in which in particular a carboxylate group of the ion exchange material is combined with cations of sparingly soluble salts, in particular with Ca 2+ - ions and / or Mg 2+ - Ions, is charged, is involved. [15] Dosing system according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by , that the granules of the medium have a particle size distribution in which over 66% of the particle size has a diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm and / or in which the mean particle size is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, wherein a filter with a retention capacity adapted to the particle size of the granules is arranged in the water inlet (2), in particular downstream of the container (4) or the flow fitting, and / or at an outlet (4b) of the container (4) or the flow fitting in order to retain the particle size in the container (4), wherein the filter in particular comprises a filter screen which retains particles with a diameter of more than 0.1 mm or preferably more than 0.2 mm in the container (4) or the flow fitting. [16] Dosing system according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized by, that the water inlet (2) is connected to the water system or to a fresh water inlet. [17] Dosing system according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized by a flushing device (64) which is in fluidic communication with the collecting device (60) in order to supply pressurized water to the collecting device (60) in order to flush the collecting device (60) with the supplied water at predetermined flushing intervals. [18] Dosing system according to claim 17, characterized by , that the flushing device (64) comprises a flushing line (65, 65') connected to the water inlet (2), which is connected either indirectly via the supply line (5) or directly to the collecting device (60), wherein a flushing valve (V1) is preferably arranged in the flushing line (65, 65'). [19] Dosing system according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized by, that the dosing system includes at least one pump (8, 14) to pump water from the water system into the mixing tank (1), wherein at least one pump (8) is simultaneously configured to direct water from the water system, in particular via the flushing line (65), to the collecting device (60) in order to flush the collecting device (60) with the water from the water system at predetermined flushing intervals. [20] Dosing system according to one of claims 10 to 19, characterized by , that the water inlet (2) is in fluidic connection with the flushing line (65) in order to convey pressurized water via the flushing line (65) to the collecting device (60) and thereby flush the collecting device (60) at predetermined flushing intervals with the water from the water inlet (2). [21] Dosing system according to one of claims 10 to 20, characterized byan electronic control device which is configured such that, at predetermined flushing intervals, a pressurized flushing fluid, in particular water and preferably water from the water system or fresh water from a fresh water supply, is directed through the flushing line (65) through the collecting device (60) in order to flush the collecting device (60), wherein the control device in particular electronically controls the flushing valve (V1) and opens it to initiate a flushing interval. [22] Dosing system according to claim 21, wherein the electronic control device is configured such that during a rinsing interval the rinsing valve (V1) is periodically opened and closed alternately in order to pulse the rinsing fluid through the collecting device (60).

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