METHOD FOR PRODUCING MINERAL WATER FROM TAP WATER

Description

[0001] The invention is in the field of domestic production of still or sparkling mineral water.

[0002] In particular, every dwelling, and more generally every building used for housing people, whether for private or professional purposes, is connected to a water distribution network for its supply of running water, also called mains water, mains water, or tap water. Generally, in many countries, this tap water is potable, meaning it is safe to consume without risk to health.

[0003] However, it is common for the taste of this water to be less than ideal. An unpleasant chlorine taste, resulting from disinfection treatments, often lingers. This taste is bothersome not only when the water is consumed directly but also persists in preparations using this water, such as tea or coffee.

[0004] To address this problem, households buy bottles of spring water or natural mineral water, choosing water with a taste and flavor they prefer. It is indeed well known that each mineral water has unique taste properties, depending on the ratios of the different minerals it contains. However, with the recommended daily intake being one and a half liters of water per person, the volume to transport from the store to the home can represent a real burden.

[0005] To avoid buying large quantities of bottled water, many households use water filter pitchers to improve the taste of their tap water. This type of pitcher is designed so that a volume of tap water is drawn, by gravity, through a filter cartridge, usually containing activated carbon. The filtered water is generally free of unpleasant tastes, as well as most of its minerals. The filter cartridge has a limited lifespan and must be replaced regularly, usually monthly. The taste and mineral content of the water filtered in this type of pitcher are not constant throughout the cartridge's lifespan, depending on whether the cartridge is new or nearing the end of its life. Furthermore, the filtered water is not available instantly.Because of the carafe's design, you must wait until all the collected water has been filtered before pouring it into a glass; otherwise, the unfiltered water will leak out.

[0006] More sophisticated systems are also available, generally for commercial use. A unit containing a filter cartridge is connected to the water supply. Typically, this unit is equipped with a pump to ensure a water flow independent of gravity, a cooling unit to provide chilled water alongside room-temperature water, and possibly a gas cartridge to also provide carbonated water. The filter cartridge here also has a limited lifespan, and the harder or more chlorinated the tap water, for example, the faster the cartridge will wear out.

[0007] A more sophisticated system, described in patent applications NL1019544, WO2004 / 103097, and WO2014 / 093049, allows for the reconstitution of a specific mineral water by adding a concentrated mineral stock solution to a certain volume of previously purified tap water in a tank. This system also includes at least one other tank in which the mixture is stored until use. The possibility of bacterial and / or algae growth, or the formation of solid mineral particles in the tanks during storage, is mitigated by a recirculation system through a filter to ensure a consistent supply of water of a specific quality. However, the presence of tanks makes this system bulky and energy-intensive due to the recirculation of the produced mineral water between the tanks.Furthermore, the mineral elements used here are primarily chlorides and sulfates, chosen for their ease of dissolution, which is undesirable from a taste perspective. The use of chlorides and sulfates comes at the expense of carbonates, which are naturally present in commercial mineral waters and would be preferable from both a taste and digestive standpoint.

[0008] It was therefore deemed necessary by the applicant to develop a process allowing the instant production, on demand, of mineral water of chosen composition and taste. Solution to the invention

[0009] To this end, the present invention proposes a method for the instantaneous production of mineral water, having a predefined mineral content, from tap water having an unsuitable mineral content and a known pH and containing impurities, a method comprising the following steps: • The mineral content of the mineral water to be produced is predefined (I); • The mineral content and pH of the tap water are analyzed (J); • The predefined content and the content of the tap water are compared (K) in order to determine the excess minerals to be removed and the deficient minerals to be added in order to determine a demineralization method and the nature and quantity of the mineral elements to be added, said mineral elements to be added comprising at least calcium and / or magnesium; • The pH of the desired mineral water and the pH of the tap water are compared to determine the necessary pH adjustment; • At least one concentrated solution, a synthetic powder and / or aragonite comprising mineral elements to be added, the nature and quantity of which have been determined, is prepared; then, each time a consumer wishes to collect mineral water: (A) the production process is triggered; (B) the impurities of the city water are removed to obtain purified water; (C) the purified water is demineralized at least in part by selectively removing some of the minerals by selective partial or total mineral removal previously determined; the pH of the demineralized water is adjusted by injecting carbon dioxide; (D) the demineralized water is remineralized by injecting a predetermined volume of a concentrated solution, a synthetic powder and / or aragonite comprising at least the deficient mineral elements whose nature has been previously determined, to readjust its content to said predetermined content, the synthetic powder being a powder of mineral salts, at least partially amorphous, and comprising at least calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide;• Remineralized water is collected (E); • Mineral water production is stopped; process characterized by the fact that, during mineral water production: a determined quantity of water is continuously flowed, the water having a flow rate; said volume is regularly injected until the end of the water flow.

[0010] The impurities referred to here may be soluble impurities, for example traces of organic micro-pollutants, such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, or traces of heavy metals such as cadmium or lead.

[0011] Impurities can also be insoluble, such as debris from microorganisms, precipitated heavy metals, or mineral aggregates.

[0012] The remineralization of remineralized water can also involve passing the water through a mineral column and / or an ion-exchange resin. A mineral column is a filter or cartridge containing solid salts that form a network and partially dissolve as the water passes through it. Advantageously, the mineral column contains elements with low solubility in water and that are difficult to dissolve in sufficient quantities in concentrated solutions. These poorly soluble elements are generally calcium and magnesium in carbonate form. The column might, for example, contain dolomite, which is a mixed calcium and magnesium carbonate, or calcite, which consists primarily of calcium carbonate.

[0013] A powder containing at least one deficient mineral element refers here to a synthetic powder or micronized aragonite. These powders are very fine, composed of particles with diameters on the order of a few microns, for example 5 to 200 microns, which exhibit high fluidity and whose volume can be measured in a way very similar to liquid solutions.

[0014] Aragonite is the polymorphic form of calcium carbonate that is stable under high temperature and pressure; the other two polymorphs stable under ambient conditions are calcite and vaterite. Marine oolitic aragonite is notably found in the Bahamas and Florida.

[0015] Synthetic powders here refer to specific mineral salts, such as calcium carbonate, obtained by precipitation under particular conditions that give the particles specific dimensions and properties. For example, the article by Brečević, L. and Kralj, D. (2007; on calcium carbonates: from fundamental research to application. Croatica Chemica Acta, 80(3-4), 467-484) reviews techniques for obtaining polymorphic forms of calcium carbonate. This article describes in particular the formation of amorphous calcium carbonate, which is less stable than crystalline (calcite, vaterite) or hydrated forms, but has a higher dissolution rate and can be advantageously used in the implementation of the process of the invention. Aragonite can also be obtained by synthesis.Synthetic powders of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide may be used, for example, or a mixture thereof, preferably at least partly in amorphous form.

[0016] Mesoporous synthetic powders, such as those described in application WO2017174458, can also be advantageously used to implement the invention. Since these powders are largely amorphous, they exhibit interesting dissolution properties.

[0017] Synthetic powders are therefore not micronized or ground powders like those found in industrial remineralization systems, but powders of mineral salts, at least partly amorphous.

[0018] Synthetic powders offer the advantage of being even more concentrated than concentrated solutions, allowing the use of more compact cartridges. Dispensing small quantities of powder, i.e., a few microliters, is possible using technologies developed for laser or 3D printing, where layers of powder are deposited. However, those skilled in the art can use any suitable technology for dispensing fine powders. Synthetic mineral powders and aragonite, particularly amorphous powders, due to their morphology, particle size, and / or degree of hydration, have much faster dissolution rates than commercial crystalline forms such as calcite.They allow for near-instantaneous dissolution. By "regularly" or regular injection, we mean that a few microliters or milliliters of concentrated solution, synthetic powder, and / or aragonite are injected at a frequency determined by the flow rate of water to be remineralized. The injected volume is determined to obtain effective mixing with the demineralized water to ensure homogeneity of mineral concentrations over time at the process outlet.

[0019] In some cases, the pH of the city water being far from the pH of the mineral water to be produced, the pH of the remineralized water must be adjusted.

[0020] In some cases, it is also necessary to adjust the pH of the demineralized water before remineralization to optimize the dilution of the concentrated solution in the demineralized water and, where applicable, of the elements of the mineral column.

[0021] pH adjustment can be achieved through acidification or alkalization. Acidification is accomplished by injecting carbon dioxide prior to remineralization. Alkalization can be achieved, for example, by adding a volume of basic solution.

[0022] To prepare sparkling mineral water, carbon dioxide is injected, preferably after remineralization.

[0023] The mineral water production process of the invention is preferably applicable to domestic, rather than industrial, use. The quantity of mineral water to be produced remains limited to the consumption of a household, or even a small business. It allows for the instantaneous production of clear mineral water with a taste chosen by the user, a taste implying a specific composition.

[0024] By "instantaneous," we mean immediately, within seconds. This process differs from those in which an internal reservoir is first filled and mixed with a mineral concentrate before mineral water can be drawn. It also differs from processes involving minerals in the form of solid salts, the dissolution of which can take several minutes or hours to produce clear mineral water. The process of the invention makes it possible to obtain clear mineral water in a few seconds using solid salts of certain morphologies, ranging in size from 5 to 200 microns, and employing powder microdosing systems and / or concentrated mineral solution microdosing systems that allow for regular injection.

[0025] The apparatus described below is not part of the present invention. It is a domestic appliance comprising a water circulation circuit from an inlet to at least one outlet, said inlet being equipped with an inlet valve to be connected to a mains water supply point and said outlet being equipped with an outlet valve, the circuit passing in series through a filtration unit, a demineralization unit and a remineralization unit, the apparatus being characterized in that said remineralization unit includes at least one secondary inlet, connected to a fluidic microdosing device, downstream of which a portion of the circuit is a static mixer, and the inlet valve and outlet valve are arranged to operate in parallel and simultaneously.

[0026] By "operating in parallel," we mean that when one valve is open, the other is also open to prevent water from accumulating in the circuit. This feature distinguishes the device from systems where demineralized water is first stored in an internal tank before being mixed with a concentrated mineral solution.

[0027] By "domestic," we mean here that the device is not designed for industrial production and has a production capacity and dimensions that allow it to be installed in a private home or workplace to provide mineral water to a limited number of people. The device can also be adapted for the hospitality industry or placed in public areas.

[0028] Advantageously, the static mixer is a helical insert, allowing the creation of turbulence in the water flowing through it in order to optimize the mixing between the demineralized water, if applicable carbon dioxide, and the volume of added minerals. Advantageously, the fluidic microdosing device is a micro-dosing pump or valve or a microdosing device for micronized powder, such as an ultrasonic system with a dosing nozzle with a diameter of 100 to 400 microns, or a system similar to those used in 3D printing, such as those described by X Lu, S Yang and JRG Evans (Microfeeding with different ultrasonic nozzle designs; - Ultrasonics, 2009; Dry powder microfeeding system for solid freeform fabrication: Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, Austin, TX, 2006; Metering and dispensing of powder: the quest for new solid freeforming techniques, Powder Technology, 178(1), 56-72. DOI: 10.1016 / j.powtec.2007.04.004).

[0029] In some cases, to limit the risk of precipitation of mineral elements during mixing, it is preferable to install several secondary inlets in series, each connected to a fluidic microdosing device, in order to carry out a sequential mixing of the minerals.

[0030] The fluidic microdosing device dispenses micro-volumes of concentrated solution or powders, depending on the flow rate of the water passing through the remineralization unit. The frequency at which the concentrated solution or powders are dispensed, as well as the volume dispensed, is predetermined based on the flow rate of the water to be remineralized. This optimizes the efficiency of the helical insert and ensures that the water at the system outlet has a virtually constant concentration over time.

[0031] The remineralization unit may also include a mineral column and / or an ion exchange resin.

[0032] Sequential mixing means that a first micro-volume of a concentrated solution containing certain mineral elements is injected into demineralized water to produce partially remineralized water. Then, a second micro-volume of a second concentrated mineral solution is added, and possibly a third micro-volume, and so on. Each concentrated solution can have a different composition, meaning it may contain different mineral elements or the same elements at different concentrations. The concentrations of these solutions are adjusted according to the compatibility of the different mineral elements in terms of solubility.

[0033] The use of concentrated mineral solutions, rather than the injection of solid salts, eliminates the dissolution time of such solids, which would compromise the instantaneous nature of the process. However, the use of certain synthetic powders allows for near-instantaneous dissolution. The injection of concentrated solutions, synthetic powders, or aragonite can nevertheless be complemented by, or combined with, one or more columns of mineral salts and / or one or more ion-exchange resins to optimize the remineralization sequence.

[0034] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description of several embodiments of the invention, with reference to the attached drawing, in which: there figure 1 is a block diagram of the process of the invention; the figure 2 is a diagram of the device which is not part of the present invention; the figure 3is a perspective view of the device of the figure 2 , and the figure 4 is a diagram of another device which is not part of the present invention.

[0035] With reference to the figure 1 The process of instantaneously producing mineral water, having a predefined mineral content, for a consumer, from city water, having a known mineral content and pH and containing impurities, the city water containing minerals at an inappropriate level, comprises several steps.

[0036] In a first step A, a consumer expresses their desire to collect mineral water, which triggers the production process.

[0037] In stage B, impurities are removed from the municipal water supply to obtain purified water. The specific techniques used in this purification stage depend on the quality of the municipal water. The purification stage aims to remove suspended solids, residual chlorine, and other components such as heavy metals.

[0038] In step C, the purified water is demineralized by partial mineral removal to eliminate undesirable components not removed by the initial purification step. These components are primarily monovalent and divalent ions. The demineralization step can be carried out using ion-exchange resin(s), which allows for selective demineralization. The choice of technique is again determined by the composition of the tap water and the mineral water to be produced.

[0039] In step D, the demineralized water is remineralized by injecting a volume of concentrated solution or a volume of synthetic powder or aragonite containing at least one deficient mineral element to readjust its concentration to the predetermined level. This volume can be divided into several volumes of concentrated solutions and / or powders with different mineral compositions or concentrations, which are added at successive points in the circuit, regardless of whether these volumes are injected regularly at a predetermined frequency.

[0040] The water can also pass over one or more columns of minerals and / or ion exchange resin, this passage causing the dissolution of solid minerals in the column and / or the exchange of ions with the resin in order to complete the remineralization.

[0041] Carbon dioxide, in gaseous form, is injected into the circuit between step C and step D for pH regulation purposes. This step may be necessary to promote the dissolution of minerals in step D or to significantly acidify the demineralized water, when the pH of the mineral water to be produced is relatively acidic and carbonate ions cannot be supplied solely by species dissolved in the concentrated mineral solution.

[0042] In step E, the consumer dispenses the amount of remineralized water they need, for example, for personal consumption or to fill a carafe. Once the consumer has dispensed the required amount, the mineral water production process stops; that is, the mains water supply to the filtration stage ceases. This means there is no water accumulation during production. All stages take place "in-line," meaning the water circulates continuously. Remineralization must therefore be instantaneous.

[0043] Several optional steps are also inserted here between remineralization D and sampling E.

[0044] In the case where the mineral water to be produced is carbonated water, a gasification step H is introduced after re-mineralization.

[0045] The consumer can choose to draw hot water, room temperature water, or chilled water. Heating (F) or cooling (G) stages may then take place. Cooling (G) may optionally be implemented before or after carbonation (H).

[0046] These steps A to H will therefore be implemented each time a consumer wishes to collect remineralized water.

[0047] However, a number of preliminary steps must be completed to enable the production of the desired mineral water.

[0048] In step I, the consumer must first define the mineral water they wish to produce at home, that is, its taste and mineral content. They can, in particular, draw inspiration from commercially available natural mineral waters.

[0049] Furthermore, in step J, the mineral content and pH of the municipal water supply in the area where the mineral water is to be produced must be analyzed. This information is generally available, as regulatory analyses are required to be carried out regularly.

[0050] The predefined mineral content and the municipal water content are then compared in step K to determine the excess minerals to be removed and the deficient minerals to be added. Based on this determination, the demineralization method, total or partial, in step C is determined, as well as the nature and concentration of the mineral elements to be added in the remineralization step D.

[0051] Similarly, comparing the pH of the desired mineral water and the distributed city water allows us to determine the necessary pH adjustment.

[0052] For example, table 1 details the composition of the city water distributed in the municipality of Uccle and compares it to that of the registered trademark Evian water. Table 1. Mineral element Uccle city water (ppm) Evian (ppm) difference Ca 2+< 6.6 78 71.4 Mg 2+< 5.2 24 18.8 Na +< 25.9 5 -20.9 K +< 3.1 1 -2.1 HCO3-< 175.3 357 181.7 SO 4 2-< 65.8 10 -55.8 Cl -< 18.9 4.5 -14.4 NO 3 -< 12,0 3.8 -8.2 Total dissolved matter 400 357 pH 7.98 7.2

[0053] The comparison indicates that the tap water contains an excess of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), sulfate (SO42-), chloride (CF4), and nitrate (NO3-) ions, and a deficiency of calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) ions. The difference in bicarbonate levels is partly responsible for the difference in pH between the two water samples.

[0054] To produce a mineral water very similar to Evian water, using water from the town of Uccle, it is possible to demineralize it by reverse osmosis. This process removes 99.5% of the ions contained in Uccle's town water. The demineralization is virtually complete.

[0055] To properly remineralize reverse osmosis water, the mineral composition of the concentrated solution is then calculated. Since these minerals are not available in their pure ionic form, it is important to select the appropriate salts or anion-cation pairs.

[0056] The concentrated mineral ion solution is then prepared in two stages.

[0057] Initially, seven "monosaline" solutions were prepared, each containing a single salt dissolved at a concentration below its saturation concentration. Table 2 details the characteristics of each salt used and the concentration of the prepared "monosaline" solutions. Table 2 Solution Salt Maximum solubility (g / 100 mL) Concentration (g / 100 mL) 1 Ca(HCO3)2 16.1 at 0°C and 16.6 at 20°C 10 2 Mg(HCO3)2 2.0-3.1 [1]< 2 3 NaHCO3 6.9 at 0°C and 9.6 at 20°C 5 4 KHCO3 33.7 at (20°C) 20 5 NaCl 35.9 20 6 Ca(NO3)2.4H2O 129.0 at 20°C 50 7 MgSO4.7H2O 26.9 at 0°C and 35.1 at 20°C 10

[0058] Magnesium is supplied here by several salt species: magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) heptahydrate and magnesium bicarbonate (Mg(HCO₃)₂). Calcium is also supplied as nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂) and bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂). Sodium is supplied as chloride (NaCl) and bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), and potassium as bicarbonate (KHCO₃). Since the Uccle municipal water needs to be slightly acidified to achieve the desired result, bicarbonate salts, which impart a certain acidity, were preferred over hydroxides.

[0059] Once the "monosaline" solutions have been prepared, the volume of each of these solutions that must be taken to reconstitute one liter of Evian water is calculated, as indicated in the second column of Table 3. Then, these volumes are multiplied by 90 and combined to prepare a single solution, concentrated 90 times, which will be injected into the circuit, as detailed in the third column of Table 3. Table 3 Concentrated "monosaline" solution Volume to be taken for 1 L of Evian Volume (L): 90x concentrated solution 1 0.003105 0.279487 2 0.006463 0.581709 3 0.000152 0.013694 4 0.000013 0.001152 5 0.000037 0.003338 6 0.000014 0.001303 7 0.000257 0.023092

[0060] A small amount of CO2 is also added to bring the pH of the remineralized water to 7.2 (approx. 0.0011 mol CO2 per liter).

[0061] Naturally, the concentrated solution will be added in small amounts to the demineralized water. Since the solution is concentrated 90 times, it must be diluted by a factor of 90 to reconstitute Evian-type water. For example, 1 mL can be injected for every 89 mL of demineralized water circulating in the system. For greater efficiency, it is preferable to add 0.1 mL for every 8.9 mL of demineralized water circulating in the system, or even smaller volumes at a higher frequency. The frequency here refers to the number of times an injection occurs per unit volume of demineralized water to be remineralized. The frequency must be adapted to the mixer's capacity and optimized to obtain, at the outlet, water with a virtually constant mineral concentration.

[0062] It is also possible to treat the water from Uccle to obtain water similar to the Gerolsteiner branded water.

[0063] The composition of Gerolsteiner water is compared to that of the water from the city of Uccle in table 4. Table 4. Mineral element Uccle city water (ppm) Gerolsteiner (ppm) Ca 2+< 6.6 348 Mg 2+< 5.2 108 Na +< 25.9 118 K +< 3.1 10.8 HCO3-< 175.3 1816 SO 4 2-< 65.8 38.7 Cl -< 18.9 39.7 NO 3 -< 12,0 5.1 Total dissolved matter 400 2488 pH 7.98 5.9

[0064] The same concentrated “monosaline” solutions as those described in Table 2 are prepared.

[0065] Geroldsteiner water contains significantly more minerals by weight than Evian water, particularly calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. Therefore, the volume of "monosaline" solutions 1 and 2 required to reconstitute one liter of Geroldsteiner water is substantial, a factor that must be considered in the remineralization sequence. It is thus proposed to prepare a solution 18 times concentrated in minerals, as described in Table 5. The concentrated mineral solution can then be injected sequentially in two successive stages. Table 5. Concentrated "monosaline" solution Volume (L): Gerolsteiner Volume (L): Gerolsteiner 18x concentrated 1 0.014010 0.252177 2 0.029596 0.532724 3 0.006742 0.121360 4 0.000138 0.002489 5 0.000327 0.005890 6 0.000019 0.000350 7 0.000983 0.017688

[0066] A quantity of CO2 is also added to bring the pH to 5.9 (approx. 0.13 mol CO2 per liter).

[0067] It would be possible, however, to add less calcium and magnesium by injecting concentrated mineral solutions and compensating by passing the water through a filter (cartridge, column) filled with dolomite whose composition allows for the desired ion concentration. Alternatively, the partially mineralized water can be passed through an ion-exchange resin to add magnesium or bicarbonate (HCO3-). Another option is to add a second microdosing device to inject a synthetic powder containing magnesium and / or magnesium.

[0068] The choice of process can therefore depend on several parameters, in particular the desired composition, the cost, the compactness of the system, etc.

[0069] Having described the steps of the process, an example of a system enabling its implementation will now be presented, but the system is not part of the present invention.

[0070] With reference to the figure 2The device 100 includes a connection port 1 for connecting the inlet of circuit 2 to the municipal water supply. Circuit 2 passes through a granular activated carbon cartridge 3, a reverse osmosis unit 4, and a remineralization unit 5. A pump 6 and a carbon dioxide diffuser 7, connected to a carbon dioxide cylinder 8 via a valve 9, are inserted between the remineralization unit and the remineralization unit 5. At the outlet of the remineralization unit, circuit 2 splits into two sub-circuits, 2a and 2b. Sub-circuit 2a passes through a heating unit 10 before reaching the hot mineral water outlet valve 12. Sub-circuit 2b passes through a cooling unit 11 before splitting again into two sub-circuits, 2c and 2d.Sub-circuit 2c leads to the outlet valve 13 for chilled water and sub-circuit 2d passes through the gasification unit 15, connected to the carbon dioxide bottle 8 by a valve 19, before reaching the outlet valve 14 for chilled carbonated water.

[0071] In the remineralization unit 5, the circuit passes through a first static mixer 18a, at the inlet of which is connected a first fluidic microdosing device 17a, which is linked to a reservoir 16a containing a first concentrated mineral solution. The circuit then passes through a second static mixer 18b, at the inlet of which is connected a second fluidic microdosing device 17b, which is linked to a reservoir 16b containing a second concentrated mineral solution. The fluidic microdosing device dispenses micro-volumes of concentrated solution, depending on the flow rate of the water passing through it. The frequency at which the concentrated solution is dispensed, as well as the volume dispensed, is predetermined according to the flow rate of the water to be remineralized.

[0072] With reference to the figure 3The entire assembly of the appliance is contained within a housing 20, which has on its surface a connection port 1 (not shown), preferably at the rear of the housing, and a control panel 21 on the front of the housing, on which are located a button 22 for controlling chilled or iced still water, a button 23 for controlling chilled sparkling water, and a button 24 for controlling hot water. The front of the housing includes a recess forming a platform 25.

[0073] The apparatus described above is an example of an apparatus enabling the implementation of the process of the invention for the production of water resembling Evian brand water from the city water of Uccle whose contents are described in Table 1. Steps I, J and K described above made it possible to determine the composition and concentration of the stock solution to be poured into tanks 16a and / or 16b.

[0074] A user or consumer places a glass on the device's platform 25 and activates the water production by pressing one of the buttons 22 to 24, as selected. The connection port 1, in this case a solenoid valve, opens to allow mains water to enter circuit 2.

[0075] The tap water first passes through cartridge 3, which contains granular activated carbon, where it is purified by removing residual chlorine and other pollutants such as lead. A micron filter (not shown) is used with this cartridge to remove any particles that may be suspended in the tap water.

[0076] The purified water then passes through unit 4, which contains one or more reverse osmosis cartridges, removing 99.5% of its minerals. Pump 6, located downstream of demineralization unit 4, provides the water flow and pressure differential necessary for the operation of the reverse osmosis cartridges.

[0077] The demineralized water then passes through a carbon dioxide diffuser 7. Since the pH needs to be slightly lowered before remineralization, the valve 9 connecting the diffuser 7 to the carbon dioxide cylinder 8 is opened to allow the continuous injection, during production, of a precise flow rate of CO2, which, once dissolved, forms part of the required bicarbonate. Lowering the pH here not only allows the desired pH value to be reached, but also facilitates the dissolution of salts downstream of the CO2 injection.

[0078] The demineralized water then enters the remineralization unit 5. The first fluidic microdosing device 17a, here a micro-dosing pump, connected to the reservoir 16a containing the concentrated mineral solution described in Table 1, is activated as soon as a water flow appears in the circuit, i.e., as soon as the inlet valve 1 opens. The micro-dosing pump thus injects a flow of concentrated mineral solution from reservoir 16a into circuit 2, either continuously or in micro-volumes at regular intervals. The micro-dosing pump can manage flow rates on the order of microliters or nanoliters per second with high precision. The concentrated solution mixes with the demineralized water at the static mixer 18a, here a helical insert, which ensures sufficient turbulence in circuit 2 to homogenize the remineralized water, without causing precipitation of salts.

[0079] After remineralization, depending on the initial choice of the consumer, the water goes to one of the outlet valves 12, 13 or 14.

[0080] If the user has pressed button 22 to obtain chilled still water, valve 13 is open. The water then flows through sub-circuit 2b and passes through an aluminum thermoelectric module, which cools the water to between 5°C and 10°C. The cooled water then flows through sub-circuit 2c before exiting through valve 13.

[0081] If the user has pressed key 23, valve 14 is open. As described previously, the water is first cooled and then passes through a saturator 15 into which high-pressure gaseous carbon dioxide is injected. The flow of carbon dioxide is controlled by valve 19 and is injected either continuously or in pulses at regular intervals. The carbon dioxide dissolves in the cooled mineral water before exiting sub-circuit 2d through valve 14.

[0082] If the user has pressed key 24, valve 12 is open. The remineralized water travels through sub-circuit 2a, passing through an electric heating module, in order to reach a temperature between 80°C and 95°C, before exiting sub-circuit 2a through valve 12.

[0083] The outlets corresponding to valves 12, 13 and 14 are preferably pipes gathered together, either in a single opening, or juxtaposed, above platform 25. Their opening is arranged vertically downwards so that the water produced falls into the glass placed by the consumer on the platform.

[0084] Since production is instantaneous, pressing one of the control buttons simultaneously opens the inlet valve 1 and an outlet valve 12, 13 or 14.

[0085] A fourth outlet valve can also be considered, allowing the supply of tempered water, i.e., water at room temperature. In this case, the remineralized water passes directly from the remineralization unit to the tempered water outlet valve.

[0086] It can be planned that the cooling and heating units will operate continuously, so that cold or hot water is instantly available.

[0087] It can also be configured, for energy-saving purposes, that these units operate only on demand. In this case, a short delay can be programmed between the moment the user presses their chosen button and the moment mineral water production begins, in order to allow the heating or cooling unit to reach the required temperature.

[0088] With reference to the figure 4A device 101 may include a remineralization unit 50 slightly different from that described for device 100. The circuit 2 here passes through a static mixer 180, at the inlet of which is connected a fluidic microdosing device 170, which is connected to a reservoir 160 containing a concentrated mineral solution. The concentrated mineral solution does not allow for the supply of all the elements. The circuit then passes through a salt column 26, which may, for example, be made of dolomite. Magnesium, calcium, and bicarbonate ions dissolve as the water flows through, which then reaches an ion-exchange resin 27. This resin may, for example, allow the exchange of sodium ions for calcium if the required calcium concentration is particularly high. It may also allow the exchange of chlorides for carbonates if necessary.

[0089] The fluidic microdosing devices 17a, 17b and 170 described in reference to figures 2 And 4 These are micro-dosing pumps connected to tanks 16a, 16b and 160 containing concentrated mineral solutions. These pumps can be replaced, at least in part, by powder microdosing systems, or cartridges.

[0090] The various components of the device are ideally arranged to minimize the total volume of the circuit in order to avoid dead space. Indeed, dead space is conducive to the growth of algae or bacteria, which is undesirable.

[0091] A purging function could also be provided, in order to "clean" the system after prolonged disuse, or when replacing certain parts of the device.

[0092] Indeed, the activated carbon and reverse osmosis cartridges must be replaced periodically. Similarly, the concentrated mineral solution tanks must be regularly refilled.

[0093] The various components of the device can be replaced with any other component or system having the same function and achieving the same result.

[0094] The demineralization step could, for example, also be carried out using an ion-exchange resin cartridge. An ion-exchange resin, generally based on zeolites or polymers with ionic groups on their chains, allows the substitution of one type of ion, for example sodium cations, with another type of ion, for example calcium cations. Depending on the resin or resin mixture used, one or more types of ions can be substituted, thus enabling selective demineralization.

[0095] The remineralization described here is possible using a single concentrated mineral solution. However, in some cases, it may not be possible, for example due to saturation, to dissolve all the elements to be added in a sufficiently concentrated manner. In this case, the mineral elements to be added are divided into two or more concentrated solutions, having the same or different compositions, and / or fine synthetic powders and / or aragonite. These two concentrated solutions and / or powders are then placed in tanks 16a and 16b and injected sequentially using the fluidic microdosing devices 17a and 17b, each injection being followed by a mixing phase in the static mixers 18a and 18b.

[0096] Alternatively, if only one concentrated solution is required, the second tank can also be filled with this solution and used when the first tank is empty, thus doubling the device's autonomy in concentrated solution.

[0097] Refillable reservoirs are described here. It is also possible to supply the concentrated solution and / or powders in the form of "consumable" bottles or capsules, i.e., those that attach directly to the fluidic microdosing valves and can be discarded when empty.

[0098] The cooling unit is not limited to an aluminum thermoelectric module. Any other technique for cooling the water circulating in sub-circuit 2b is also conceivable.

[0099] The saturator is described here downstream of the cooling unit, but it could also be integrated into this unit.

[0100] The heating unit is also not limited to the form described here.

[0101] A number of system components are advantageously connected to an electronic control unit. This is the case, for example, for all inlet and outlet valves, as well as the valves connected to the carbon dioxide cylinder and the fluid microdosing valves, pump 6, and the cooling unit 11 and heating unit 10. The electronic unit can thus manage the flow rates in the various circuits and sub-circuits, the heating or cooling temperatures, and the volumes and frequency of injection of concentrated solutions into the circuit.

[0102] In cases where it is not required to be able to carbonate the water, it is entirely possible to simplify the circuit by removing the entire part of the circuit connected to the carbon dioxide bottle.

[0103] The device can be built in a standard form including all functionalities. Depending on the composition of the municipal water supply and the desired mineral water, it can be programmed to use only certain functions.

Claims

1. A method for the instantaneous production of mineral water having a predetermined mineral content from tap water having an inappropriate mineral content and pH and containing impurities, the method comprising the following steps: • the mineral content of the mineral water to be produced is predefined (I); • the mineral content and pH of the tap water are analyzed (J); • the predefined content and the content of the tap water are compared (K) in order to determine the excess minerals to be removed and the deficient minerals to be added in order to determine a demineralization method and the nature and quantity of the mineral elements to be added; said mineral elements to be added comprising at least calcium and / or magnesium; • the pH of the desired mineral water and the pH of the tap water are compared to determine the necessary pH adjustment; • at least one concentrated solution is prepared, a synthetic and / or aragonite powder comprising mineral elements to be added, the nature and quantity of which have been determined; then, whenever a consumer wishes to withdraw mineral water: • the production method is initiated (A); • the impurities (B) are removed from the tap water to obtain purified water; • the purified water is at least partially demineralized (C) by selectively removing some of the minerals through partial or total selective removal of minerals as previously determined; • the pH of the demineralized water is adjusted by injecting carbon dioxide; • the demineralized water is remineralized (D) by injecting a predetermined volume of a concentrated solution, a synthetic and / or aragonite powder comprising at least the deficient mineral elements, the nature of which has been previously determined, in order to readjust the content to the said predefined content, the synthetic powder being a mineral salt powder, at least partially amorphous, and comprising at least calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide; • the remineralized water is collected (E); • the production of mineral water is stopped; the method characterized in that, during the production of mineral water: • a determined quantity of water is made to flow continuously, the water having a flow rate; • the said volume is injected regularly until the water until the end of the water flow.

2. The method according to claim 1, in which the step of remineralizing the remineralized water further comprises passing the water over a mineral column and / or an ion exchange resin.

3. The method according to one of claims 1 to 2, according to which carbon dioxide (H) is injected into the remineralized water to carbonate it.

4. The method according to one of claims 1 to 3, according to which the remineralized water is cooled (G) or heated (F).