Water filter for removing magnetite

Abstract

A water filter (1) for removing magnetite from a water circuit comprises at least one permanent magnet (7) which is inserted into a flow chamber (11) of a filter housing (2) and is designed as a sphere (6) or is inserted into a sphere (6) which has a partial surface (9) recessed relative to the peripheral circumference of the sphere and is rotatably mounted in the filter housing (2) such that the partial surface (9) is located in the flow chamber (11) in one position of the sphere (6) and outside the filter housing (2) in another position of the sphere (6). A screw cap (21) covering the sphere (6) with at least one cleaning element (22, 25) is associated with the filter housing (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a water filter for removing magnetite from a water circuit with at least one permanent magnet, which is inserted into a flow chamber of a filter housing and is designed as a sphere or is inserted into a sphere which has a partial surface set back from the peripheral circumference of the sphere and is rotatably mounted in the filter housing such that the partial surface is arranged in one position of the sphere in the flow chamber and in another position of the sphere outside the filter housing.

[0002] The water introduced into a district or central heating system during commissioning meets the requirements of VDI 2035 "Prevention of damage in hot water heating systems". However, during operation, corrosion on the inner pipe walls leads to particle detachment, which can impair heating performance and cause system malfunctions.

[0003] To avoid such problems, various dirt separators have been proposed. A significant component of the contamination is magnetite sludge. The water introduced during initial filling or the make-up water is enriched with oxygen if thermal degassing is inadequate. This oxygen reacts with the iron surfaces of the pipes or other system components. Iron oxides are formed, which not only cause sludge buildup but can also lead to corrosion on the inner walls of the system components, similar to galvanic cells. Therefore, when selecting a dirt separator, the primary focus should be on its effectiveness in removing magnetite sludge.

[0004] Magnetite sludge separators equipped with permanent magnets are known in practice. These separators comprise a filter housing through which the water of a hot water circuit, particularly a heating circuit, flows. At least one rod, fitted with one or more permanent magnets, is inserted into the housing and is surrounded by the water. Magnetite, consisting largely of iron oxides, or magnetite sludge, is deposited on these permanent magnets. The magnetite-contaminated permanent magnets must be removed from the filter housing and cleaned periodically.

[0005] Removing the magnetic rod from the filter housing is difficult because the corresponding water circuit must be shut off. This is problematic because the heating operation must be interrupted for the duration of the cleaning process, and removing the rod results in a loss of water in the circuit, which then needs to be refilled.

[0006] In conjunction with a particularly energy-efficient circulation pump, a so-called high-efficiency pump, the use of a magnetite filter—that is, a water filter with a magnetic magnetite sludge separator—is essential to extend the pump's lifespan. This is because these pumps are operated by relatively strong permanent magnets to which magnetite, i.e., iron oxides, adhere. Furthermore, magnetite deposits on control elements such as thermostatic valves, balancing valves, mixing valves, and the like impair their control behavior, leading to significantly increased energy consumption in heating systems.

[0007] A high-efficiency pump is suitable as a circulation pump not only for heating systems in single-family homes, but also for domestic hot water circulation.

[0008] From DE 10 2015 119 703 A1, a water filter for removing magnetite from a water circuit is known, comprising at least one permanent magnet inserted into a flow chamber of a filter housing. The permanent magnet is designed as a sphere or inserted into a sphere, which has a partial surface recessed relative to the peripheral circumference of the sphere and is rotatably mounted in the filter housing such that, in one position of the sphere, the partial surface is located within the flow chamber, and in another position, it is located outside the filter housing. This water filter cannot be cleaned without contaminating the outgoing water, as the water is forced outside the filter housing when the sphere is rotated into the cleaning position due to the partial surface deviating from the spherical geometry, leading to contamination of the filter housing and the surrounding area.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of creating a water filter of the type mentioned above that is easy to clean without contamination or water leakage from magnetite deposits.

[0010] According to the invention, the problem is solved by providing the filter housing with a screw cap covering the sphere and containing at least one cleaning element.

[0011] The cleaning element inside the screw cap can, for example, have water-absorbing properties and thus capture the water that escapes from the filter housing when the ball is turned to clean the section, preventing contamination of the filter housing and / or the surrounding area. Naturally, the screw cap is sealed to the filter housing.

[0012] In this embodiment, the at least one cleaning element can be positioned in its cleaning position within the working unit, with the recessed partial surface of the sphere designed as a flattened area of ​​the sphere's surface or a concave collecting trough, and can be rotated relative to this partial surface. The cleaning element can be designed and dimensioned, and positioned within the screw cap, such that when the screw cap is rotated on the filter housing, it removes magnetite contaminants from this partial surface. For example, the screw cap can be rotated back and forth on an external thread of the filter housing, causing the cleaning element to move relative to the partial surface of the sphere. In a corresponding axial position relative to this partial surface, the cleaning element is subjected to a greater or lesser contact pressure on the sphere. During this movement, the cleaning element can, for example, be compressed or deformed and sweep across the partial surface.

[0013] Following further training, a cleaning element is movably mounted on the screw cap. Therefore, cleaning the partial surface of the ball requires not twisting the screw cap, but rather moving the cleaning element. Naturally, to prevent the escape of water and / or dirt, the cleaning element is sealed to the screw cap.

[0014] Advantageously, a guide bushing is attached to the screw cap, in which a shaft connected to the cleaning element is mounted. The guide bushing can, for example, be a monolithic component of the screw cap or detachably connected to it by a thread. Of course, the guide bushing can also be pressed or inserted into a corresponding bore in the screw cap and bonded, soldered, or otherwise secured. To replace or clean the cleaning element, the screw cap can be removed from the filter housing, and the cleaning element, along with its shaft, can be pulled out of the guide bushing.

[0015] Preferably, the shaft is coupled to an actuator mounted in a guide projection of the guide bushing. A user can grasp the actuator to move the cleaning element relative to the partial surface of the ball in order to remove contaminants, in particular magnetite deposits.

[0016] Advantageously, the guide bushing is sealed to the screw cap, and the shaft is sealed within the guide bushing. A stuffing box, for example, can be used as a sealing element between the shaft and the guide bushing.

[0017] To bring the cleaning element into a position farther from the partial surface in which the ball can be rotated without obstruction by the cleaning element, a compression spring is preferably used between the screw cap and the actuator.

[0018] The cleaning element is designed as a sponge, a fleece and / or a brush.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a first cleaning element, designed as a sponge or a fleece, is attached to the screw cap, and a second cleaning element, designed as a sponge, a fleece, or a brush, is attached to the shaft. The first cleaning element, which is attached to the inside of the screw cap, can absorb any water that may escape into the screw cap when the ball is turned, and the second cleaning element can be rotated relative to the recessed portion of the surface opposite the peripheral circumference of the ball in order to remove adhering contaminants.

[0020] To make cleaning efficient, the cleaning element has a diameter corresponding to at least one of the partial surfaces of the sphere.

[0021] Preferably, the cleaning element is attached in a replaceable manner so that it can be replaced after several cleaning processes if necessary.

[0022] Due to the water filter's simple and straightforward operation, any user can clean the magnetite sphere at any desired interval. Cleaning can be performed during operation, for example, while the water is circulating through the water system, particularly during heating operation, and it is not necessary to shut down the system. The two essential positions of the sphere—namely, the position in which the cleaning surface is located outside the filter housing and the position in which the surface for collecting magnetite deposits is immersed in the flow chamber—are either visually marked or can be locked in place, allowing the user to easily identify the corresponding positions and, in particular, to optimally align the surface inside the flow chamber.To allow the ball to be releasably locked in one and / or another position, spring-loaded ball assemblies that engage in small recesses in the ball's surface can be used, for example. However, it is also possible to indicate such a position with a simple optical marking.

[0023] Advantageously, the recessed section of the sphere is designed either as a flattened area of ​​the sphere's surface or as a concave collecting trough. A flattened area is advantageous for the easy insertion of a permanent magnet, but allows for a lower accumulation of magnetite from the water circulation compared to a concave collecting trough. Magnetite deposits present on the flattened area or in the collecting trough, extending across an imaginary plane of the sphere's surface, are scraped off inside the filter housing when the sphere is rotated to clean the recessed area. These scraped-off magnetite contaminants are then redeployed to the recessed area by the permanent magnet once it is back within the flow chamber. In particular, the magnetite contaminants will adhere to the sphere if it is made entirely of a magnetizable metal.After repeatedly rotating the ball back and forth and cleaning the respective area of ​​magnetite deposits using the cleaning element, a relatively large amount of magnetite is removed from the water circuit in the area of ​​the water filter.

[0024] To allow the water filter to be integrated into a water circuit typically composed of pipes with threaded fittings, the filter housing has a pipe fitting on the inlet side and is either also equipped with a pipe fitting on the outlet side or transitions into a pump housing. Accordingly, the filter housing with its two pipe fittings can be installed upstream of an existing circulation pump, particularly a high-efficiency pump, or, when installing a new circulation pump, a component is preferably installed that incorporates both the water filter and the circulation pump in a single, integrated housing.

[0025] Circulating pumps typically used in water circuits, with a capacity sufficient for installation in a single-family or two-family house, have an installation length of approximately 180 mm and are installed in the water circuit's piping system, particularly the heating water circuit, using appropriate fittings up to a size of approximately 2 inches. If such a 180 mm long circulating pump is to be replaced, it is known to use a circulating pump with a shorter installation length of approximately 130 mm and to additionally install a water filter with a filter housing having a total length of 50 mm. Accordingly, the water filter with a coupled circulating pump, especially a so-called high-efficiency pump, has a total length of preferably 180 mm and can be installed with minimal effort in a standard installation situation.

[0026] When the ball is turned to clean the partial surface or collection trough, escaping heating medium, for example in the form of spray water, splash water or spray mist or the like, can be collected in a controlled manner in the screw cap, and injury to the user, in particular from the cleaning element arranged in the screw cap in the form of a sponge, fleece or felt or similar absorbent material, can be avoided.

[0027] When cleaning the partial surface or collection trough of the sphere, it typically reaches an elevated temperature. The second cleaning element can be operated from outside the screw cap, so the user does not come into contact with warm components of the water filter.

[0028] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims.

[0029] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated drawing.

[0030] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic exploded partial view of a water filter according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of the water filter according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 an enlarged partial view of the water filter according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 a representation of the water filter according to Fig. 2 in an alternative design.

[0031] The water filter 1 comprises a filter housing 2, which is equipped with pipe fittings 3 on both sides to facilitate easy installation in a water circuit piping system, particularly a heating water circuit. Direct coupling to a pump (not shown), which may be a high-efficiency pump, is also possible. To integrate the water filter 1 into an existing installation, the filter housing 2 has a length of, for example, 50 mm, and the attached pump preferably has a length of 130 mm. Thus, the combination of water filter 1 and pump presented here can replace a state-of-the-art circulation pump, which is typically dimensioned to have a length of approximately 180 mm when used in a single-family or two-family house. Of course, it is also possible to design the filter housing 2 and a pump housing as a single unit.

[0032] To separate magnetite or magnetite-containing impurities from the water, a sphere 6 is inserted into the filter housing 2, which is either itself permanently magnetic, or made of a magnetic material, or as in Fig. 1 The figure indicates a permanent magnet 7 is held in a corresponding opening 8 of the sphere 6, the sphere 6 having a partial surface 9 which is set back from the ideal spherical circumference and is formed by a flattening or a concave collecting trough 10. The end face of the permanent magnet 7 facing outwards is essentially flush with the partial surface and is oriented in a position of the sphere 6 for collecting magnetic impurities, i.e., in particular for separating magnetite or magnetite-containing impurities from the water into a flow chamber 11 of the filter housing 2.

[0033] To mount the ball 6 in a sealed manner within a projection of the filter housing 2, which is arranged between the two pipe fittings 3 and oriented approximately perpendicular to the pipe fittings 3 or the main flow direction of water within the filter housing 2, a sealing cone 13 is arranged between a ball seat 12 on the filter housing side of the ball 6 and the ball 6 itself. The ball 6 rests circumferentially within this sealing cone. The ball 6 is held in place on the sealing cone 13, and thus within the filter housing 2, by means of an annular screw-in element 14. The screw-in element 14 is screwed to the filter housing 2, and the ball 6 projects partially beyond the screw-in element 14 or protrudes beyond its free upper edge 15.

[0034] The sphere 6 is connected to a handle 17 designed as a rotary lever 16, wherein a pivot axis 18 of the handle 17 extends through an opening in a corresponding wall of the filter housing 2, which is provided with a stuffing box. The pivot axis is fixedly held in the sphere 6, and the pointer-shaped rotary lever 16 points, for example, in a direction parallel to the collection trough 10 for optical verification of the position of the collection trough 10 or of the sphere 6 in the filter housing 2.

[0035] To clean the collection tray 10, the user rotates the ball 6 using the rotary lever 16 so that the collection tray 10 moves out of the flow chamber 11 and thus enters a cleaning position. During this rotation, a small amount of water is expelled from the filter housing 2. Due to the prevailing system pressure in the filter housing 2, this may result in atomization, which, if handled carelessly, could lead to injury to the user from the heated water.

[0036] To prevent contamination of the surrounding area and a sudden release of hot or warm water, the filter housing 2 is closed with a screw cap 21 that covers the top of the sphere 6. The inner surface of the screw cap 21 is fitted with a first cleaning element 22. The cleaning element 22 is absorbent and designed as a sponge 23 or a fleece, absorbing the water in the space 24 formed between the sphere 6 and the screw cap 21. Alternatively, contrary to the illustration, the sponge 23 can fill the entire space 24 and is, in particular, removable from the screw cap 21. A second cleaning element 25 is located in the center of the screw cap 21, connected to a shaft 26 and movably arranged within the screw cap 21.For this purpose, the screw cap 21 is provided in its center with a guide bushing 27, which includes a guide projection 28 aligned concentrically with the shaft 26. A hat-shaped actuator 29 is captive mounted in this projection with its circumferential rim 30. The actuator 29 is fixedly coupled to the shaft 26, and a compression spring 31 is arranged between the actuator 29 and the screw cap 21. A type of stuffing box may be arranged between the shaft 26 and the guide bushing 27. Due to the action of the compression spring 31, the second cleaning element 25 is located in its uncompressed initial position in a recess 32 of the first cleaning element 22, which has a bore for the shaft 26.

[0037] For cleaning, the ball 6 is rotated into its cleaning position using the handle 17, in which the collection trough 10 points towards the second cleaning element 25. The second cleaning element 25, which has a diameter substantially corresponding to that of the collection trough 10, is designed as a brush, sponge, or the like, and is moved axially and / or radially relative to the ball in accordance with the double arrows 33 to remove deposits from the collection trough 10. Upon releasing the actuator, the second cleaning element 25 returns to its initial position due to the action of the compression spring 31. The user can then rotate the ball 6 so that the collection trough 10 again assumes a position inside the filter housing 2 and is open to water flow.

[0038] In a simpler alternative embodiment, only the first cleaning element 22 is located in the screw cap 21, which is rotated in the cleaning position on the filter housing 2 to clean the collection trough 10 of impurities, so that the first cleaning element, designed as a sponge 23, sweeps over the collection trough 10 or the corresponding partial surface 9 of the sphere 6.

[0039] To collect non-magnetic impurities in the filter housing 2 and thus prevent damage to the pump 4, a filter fabric 20 is inserted into the filter housing 2. This fabric can be removed from the filter housing 2, for example, after removing the ball 6. For this purpose, the water filter 1 must be shut off by means of fittings (not shown), which may be provided on the pipe connections 3.

[0040] It is evident to the person skilled in the art that the arrangement of an additional seal between the ball 6 and the filter housing 2 or the screw-in element 14 is not necessary if the corresponding ball seat 12 is manufactured with sufficient accuracy, i.e., with low tolerances in form, position and dimensions.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention includes replacing water with any liquid. Reference sign 1. Water filter 27. guide bushing 2. Filter housing 28. Leadership approach 3. Pipe fitting 29. Actuator 4. 30. edge 5. 31. Compression spring 6. Bullet 32. recess 7. Permanent magnet 33. Double arrow 8. opening 9. sub-area 10. Collection container 11. Flow chamber 12. Ball seat 13. Sealing cone 14. Screw-in element 15. Top edge of 14 16. Rotary lever 17. handling 18. axis of rotation 19. 20. Filter fabric 21. Screw cap 22. Cleaning element 23. sponge 24. space 25. Cleaning element 26. shaft

Claims

1. Water filter (1) for removing magnetite from a water circuit, comprising at least one permanent magnet (7) which is inserted into a flow chamber (11) of a filter housing (2) and is designed as a ball (6) or is inserted into a ball (6) which has a partial surface (9) set back from the peripheral circumference of the ball and is rotatably mounted in the filter housing (2) such that the partial surface (9) is arranged in the flow chamber (11) in one position of the ball (6) and outside the filter housing (2) in another position of the ball (6), characterized in that a screw cap (21) which covers the ball (6) and has at least one cleaning element (22, 25) is assigned to the filter housing (2).

2. Water filter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one cleaning element (22, 25) can, in its cleaning position, be brought into operative contact with the recessed partial surface (9) of the ball (6), which is designed as a planar flattened portion of the ball surface or a concave collecting trough (10), and can be rotated relative to the partial surface (9).

3. Water filter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a cleaning element (25) is movably arranged on the screw cap (21).

4. Water filter (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a guide bushing (27) is attached to the screw cap (21), in which guide bushing a shaft (26) connected to the cleaning element (25) is mounted.

5. Water filter (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the shaft (26) is coupled to an actuator (29) mounted in a guide projection (28) of the guide bushing (27).

6. Water filter (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the guide bushing (27) is connected to the screw cap (21) in a sealed manner and the shaft (26) is mounted in the guide bushing (27) in a sealed manner.

7. Water filter (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a compression spring (31) is effective between the screw cap (21) and the actuator (29).

8. Water filter (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cleaning element (22, 25) is designed as a sponge (23), a fleece and / or a brush.

9. Water filter (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a first cleaning element (22) designed as a sponge (23) or a fleece is assigned to the screw cap (21) and a second cleaning element (25) designed as a sponge (23) or a fleece or a brush is assigned to the shaft (26).

10. Water filter (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cleaning element (22, 25) has at least one diameter corresponding to the partial surface (9) of the ball (6).

11. Water filter (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cleaning element (22, 25) is replaceably attached.

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