Water recycling device for an autonomous solar beach shower

Abstract

The invention relates to a water recycling device comprising at least one water outlet (110, 120), a first tank (100) used to collect the water distributed by the water outlet, a first fluidic circuit (10) comprising a circulation pump (18) allowing some of the water from the first tank to circulate through filtration means (13, 14, 15) as far as the water outlet in order to provide the water outlet with recycled water. According to the main features of the invention, the device comprises a second fluidic circuit (20) independent of the first circuit, equipped with a circulation pump (28) and means (24, 26) for filtering water from the first tank, the inlet (21) and the outlet (23) of the second fluidic circuit being positioned on opposite side walls of the tank and the inlet (29) of the first fluidic circuit (10) being positioned on the same side as the outlet of the second fluidic circuit but deeper in the tank than the inlet and outlet of the second fluidic circuit, such that the surface water of the tank (100) is driven into the second fluidic circuit before being driven into the first fluidic circuit.

Description

Water recycling device suitable for a solar-powered, self-contained beach shower

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of grey water treatment devices for domestic use and relates in particular to a water recycling device suitable for a solar and autonomous beach shower. State of the art

[0002] Optimizing water consumption, especially shower water, is possible thanks to graywater recycling systems. One solution used is a closed or semi-closed loop water recycling system that includes filters to clean graywater and sensors to measure the quality of the filtered water. A certain amount of clean water must be injected into the system regularly to clean the circuit or clean the filters.

[0003] For example, the device described in document WO2019116018 comprises a wastewater tank, a wastewater recycling circuit equipped with a pump and a control unit. The wastewater is directly pumped into the tank, filtered and reinjected into the shower supply circuit.

[0004] Similarly, document FR 2 974 285 describes a shower comprising a first tank for receiving grey water. At the outlet of this tank and thanks to a first pump, the water is sent to a second tank where it undergoes a first treatment, then passes through a filter and leaves either in the second tank or to another filter. This treatment makes it possible to filter the grey water which is then stored in a tank as "clean water" which is used to supply the shower.

[0005] All these systems include a tank to collect greywater before filtering it. The water from the shower tray of the device described in document FR 2 974 285 is collected at the bottom of the tray before being sent to a tank. The disadvantage of such a system is that the shower water is mixed before reaching the tank, which also mixes the materials to be removed. On the other hand, part of the water leaving the tank is filtered and goes into a first fluid loop that filters the water. At the outlet of this first fluid loop, the water goes into a second fluid loop or is redirected into the tank. The two fluid loops in series limit the flow of water leaving the tank, which is why this water must be stored to be able to provide the quantity of water needed when using the shower.An ideal filtration and recycling system would operate in a closed loop, but in reality, recycling is not complete and external water must be reinjected into the system for it to function. These systems are semi-closed loop water recycling systems. Such systems are described, for example, in WO2018097790, where gray water from a shower is mixed with external water to achieve the desired quality or is replaced with external water.

[0006] Therefore, the aim of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a semi-closed circuit water recycling device capable of providing a maximum quantity of recycled water and a sufficient flow rate to continuously supply a water outlet.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a shower equipped with a recycling device capable of providing a maximum quantity of recycled water and a sufficient flow rate to supply the shower.

[0008] Another aim is to provide a method of operating a recycling device.

[0009] The subject of the invention is therefore a water recycling device comprising at least one water outlet, a first tank used to collect the water distributed by the water outlet, a first fluid circuit comprising a circulation pump allowing part of the water from the first tank to circulate through filtration means to the water outlet in order to supply the water outlet with recycled water.According to the main characteristics of the invention, the device comprises a second fluid circuit independent of the first circuit, equipped with a circulation pump and means for filtering the water from the first tank, the inlet and outlet of the second fluid circuit being positioned on opposite side walls of the tank and the inlet of the first fluid circuit being positioned on the one hand on the same side as the outlet of the second fluid circuit and on the other hand deeper in the tank than the inlet and outlet of the second fluid circuit so that the surface water of the tank is entrained into the second fluid circuit before being entrained into the first fluid circuit.

[0010] Another object of the invention is the use of a recycling device as described above for a shower.

[0011] Furthermore, the subject of the invention is a method for operating a recycling device comprising at least one water outlet, a first tank used to collect the water distributed by the water outlet, a first fluid circuit comprising a circulation pump for circulating part of the water from the first tank through filtration means to the water outlet in order to supply it with water, a water inlet button, a second fluid circuit equipped with a circulation pump and means for filtering the water from the first tank,the inlet and outlet of the second fluid circuit being positioned on opposite side walls of the first tank and the inlet of the first fluid circuit being positioned on the one hand on the same side as the outlet of the second fluid circuit and on the other hand deeper in the tank than the inlets and outlets of the second fluid circuit so that the surface water of the tank is entrained into the second fluid circuit before being entrained into the first fluid circuit, in which the method comprises the steps of:Filling the first tank to its predetermined operating level,Continuously starting the circulation pump of the second fluid circuit as long as the filling level of the first tank is at its high filling level,Starting the circulation pump of the first fluid circuit when the water inlet control button is actuated,in order to supply recycled water to the water outlet for a predetermined period of time.,

[0012] According to other advantageous non-limiting characteristics of the device according to the invention: a second tank filled with clean water from an external water network and a pump allows the water to be discharged from the second tank to a third fluid circuit, the first fluid circuit comprises a set of sensors and probes for transmitting pressure information to a control module and information on flow rate, conductivity, color, and temperature of the water, in which each of the tanks comprises a level sensor for transmitting tank filling information to said control module, in which said control module controls the opening and closing of a set of solenoid valves and the starting and stopping of the pumps according to the information from the different sensors and probes, the filling information and the activation information of a water inlet control button,the flow rate of the pump of the second fluid circuit is greater than the flow rate of the pump of the first fluid circuit, a draining layer such as a resin and aggregate coating is placed horizontally on the upper part of the tank and under the outlets, vertically thereto, so that the water from the outlets falls directly onto the draining layer and then into said tank, percolating through the thickness of the draining layer, the filtration means of the first fluid circuit comprise at least one ultrafiltration membrane filter, an ultraviolet filter and a carbon filter, the means of the second fluid circuit for filtering the water comprise a microporous media filter, the filtration fineness of the ultrafiltration membrane filter being greater than the filtration fineness of the microporous media filter, the third fluid circuit starts from the second tank and comprises several fluid conduit lines,a first line bringing the water to the water outlet, a second line bringing the water counter-currently into the filters for backwashing and then to a bypass pipe provided in the first fluid circuit which connects the inlet and outlet of the membrane filters and a third line going to the first tank to supply it with water, all the fluid lines of the first and third fluid circuits being opened and closed by means of a set of solenoid valves, the control module is adapted to control the filling of the second tank with water from the network when the level sensor of the second tank has detected a predetermined low filling level and the filling of the first tank with water from the second tank when the level sensor of the first tank has detected a predetermined low filling level, the control module comprises an electronic card provided with a microprocessor equipped with a memory, a clock,of a control program, means for managing a peripheral module and means for managing a loading module, the peripheral module comprising the peripherals controlled by the control program, i.e. all the solenoid valves and pumps, and also comprising the peripherals configured to send data to the control module, such as sensors, a multi-parameter probe, tank level sensors and the water inlet control button, the peripheral module also comprising a 4G interface and an associated antenna for receiving and sending information via a 4G network, the loading module comprises a battery powered by the solar panels in order to electrically power the control module and the peripherals, the first tank comprises a baffle in the form of a plate located above the outlet and directed inclined towards the center and the bottom of the first tank.,

[0013] According to other advantageous non-limiting characteristics of the operating method according to the invention:

[0014] - the first fluid circuit comprises at least two pressure sensors measuring a pressure P1 and P2 respectively upstream and downstream of the membrane filters, the sensors transmitting their data continuously to the control module which controls, when the difference between P1 and P2 is greater than 1.5 bars or when the water outlet is supplied with recycled water for a duration greater than a predetermined duration: - the opening of the second fluid line in order to carry out the backwashing of the ultrafiltration membrane filter(s) and the ultraviolet filter with water from the second tank by opening the bypass solenoid valve and closing the solenoid valve located between the membrane filter(s) and the ultraviolet filter, the water resulting from the backwashing being evacuated, - the opening of the first fluid line, in order to supply water from the second tank instead of recycled water, the water outlet during the backwashing of the membrane filters,- closing the third fluid line and closing the solenoid valve located downstream of the pump of the first fluid circuit,

[0015] - the first fluid circuit comprises at least one flow and conductivity sensor and a multi-parameter probe measuring at least turbidity and color, the sensors and the probe transmitting their data continuously to the control module which, depending on the flow, conductivity and turbidity information, controls: - continuously measuring the flow and conductivity of the water circulating in the first fluid circuit using a measurement sensor located downstream of the ultraviolet filter, - if the measured flow is greater than or equal to 4 liters per minute, incrementing the measured conductivity value to a reference conductivity value, - comparing the continuously measured conductivity value with the reference value as long as the measured flow is greater than or equal to 4 liters per minute, - updating the reference conductivity value with the measured conductivity value as soon as the measured flow is less than 4 liters per minute,

[0016] - if the difference between the measured conductivity value and the reference conductivity value is greater than 30 µS / cm or if the turbidity value is greater than 0.5 NTU, the control module simultaneously commands: - the opening of the third fluid line to dilute the water in the tank with approximately 15% of water from the second tank for one minute, - the opening of the first fluid line to supply water from the second tank instead of recycled water, the water outlet during dilution, - the closing of the second fluid line (32), - the closing of the solenoid valve located downstream of the ultraviolet filter, - and the opening of the solenoid valve located downstream of the ultraviolet filter and at the inlet of the discharge line of the first fluid circuit,

[0017] - if the measured conductivity value is greater than 800 µS / cm or if the color value is greater than 25 Hazen, the control module commands for 4 minutes: - the opening of the first fluid line in order to supply water from the second tank instead of recycled water, the water outlets during dilution, the closing of the second and third fluid lines and the opening of the solenoid valve located at the inlet of the discharge line of the first tank, then the control module commands the opening of the third fluid line to fill the first tank with water from the second tank until the predetermined high filling level of said first tank is reached. Brief description of the figures

[0018] The aims, objects and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0019] represents a schematic view of an embodiment of the recycling device according to the invention,

[0020] represents a section of the first tank of the device according to the invention,

[0021] represents the fluid circuits of the device according to the invention,

[0022] represents a block diagram of the electrical circuit of the device according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0023] As used in the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" of an element generally refer to another element located before or after the first element in the direction of flow.

[0024] The following three paragraphs summarize the characteristics of the device according to the invention.

[0025] The water recycling device according to the invention makes it possible to supply water to at least one water outlet 110, 120 such as a shower head, a rinsing fountain or a faucet. This is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the recycling device is integrated into a beach shower 70 mainly comprising a streamlined and hollow column housing two compartments 71 and 72 and a semi-buried base 75 on which the column is fixed. The upper compartment 71 conceals the electrical and electronic part of the device while the lower compartment 72 and the base conceal the hydraulic part. The box is topped with solar panels 77. A button 73 controls the water supply to the water outlet 110, 120 when activated.

[0026] The water recycling device mainly comprises a set of pipes, inlets and outlets, a first tank 100 containing water considered as gray water and a second tank 200 containing water from the external water network. The assembly can be divided into three fluid circuits 10, 20 and 30. Part of the circulation of the water takes place in contact with the atmosphere, as such, the fluid circuits or fluid loops can be described as open circuits.

[0027] The first fluid circuit 10 or treatment and distribution circuit starts from the first tank and ends at the water outlet while the second fluid circuit 20 starts from the first tank and returns to the first tank. The third fluid circuit 30 starts from the second tank and comprises several lines of fluid conduits open or closed depending on the operating mode of the device. A first line 31 brings the water to the water outlet, a second line 32 brings the water countercurrently into the membrane filters 13 for backwashing and then to a bypass line provided in the first fluid circuit 10. A third line 33 goes to the first tank 100 to supply it with water from the second tank 200.

[0028] The device according to the invention also comprises a set of solenoid valves 81 to 88, and 91 to 94, the opening and closing of which are controlled by a control module 45. All of the fluid lines of the first and third fluid circuits described above are opened and closed by the set of solenoid valves 81 to 88. The solenoid valves 91, 92 and 93 respectively allow the opening and closing of a discharge pipe of the first fluid circuit, of the second tank 200 and of the first tank 100. The solenoid valve 94 allows the opening and closing of a pipe for redirecting the recycled water directly into the tank 100.The device according to the invention comprises several sensors adapted to measure at least one physical quantity and transmit the measured data to the control module which delivers control signals to the device and allows the implementation of the operating method of the recycling device according to programmed and automatic operating modes.

[0029] The following description describes in detail the various characteristics of the device.

[0030] SECOND FLUID CIRCUIT

[0031] The first tank 100 of the device according to the invention, illustrated in section and in detail on the, collects gray water coming from at least the water outlet 110. The tank 100 is a reservoir which must contain a certain volume of water permanently for the device of the invention to function correctly. This volume is between 50 l and 100 l for two water outlets 110 and 120. The tank 100 can be filled from above. Indeed, the tank 100 is located below the water outlet 110 and has an opening on the top so that it acts as a receiving tray or receiver for the water coming from the water outlet. The water outlet 110 or 120 is a water use device such as a faucet, a shower head or shower head or the spout of a fountain.

[0032] The fluid circuits of the device according to the invention are shown diagrammatically in the figure. The second fluid circuit 20 circulates the gray water sucked from the first tank 100 through at least one microporous media filter before being reinjected into the tank. A pumping means such as a pump 28 allows the circulation of the gray water in the circuit 20 from the inlet 21 located in the tank to a first filter 24, then to a second filter 26, before returning to the tank via an outlet 23. In the remainder of the description, the term “gray water” is used to designate the water contained in the first tank and in the first fluid circuit 20 even if a portion of this water is continuously filtered in the second fluid circuit.

[0033] The inlet 21 and the outlet 23 of the fluid circuit 20 are positioned on opposite side walls of the first tank 100, preferably at the same height, therefore at the same level in the tank and close to the surface 126 of the water in the tank 100. The inlet 21 and the outlet 23 being opposite each other, the water injected into the first tank 100 via the outlet 23 pushes the suspended matter and the surface water towards the inlet 21. The circulation of the water in the fluid circuit 20 induces a surface current in the volume of grey water in the first tank 100 and thus allows the priority filtration of the surface water of the tank, therefore that which contains foam, hair, sand, oils, etc., the aim being to force all these matters to pass into the second fluid circuit 20 via the inlet 21 before passing into the first fluid circuit 10 via the inlet 29.The inlet 29 is preferably located towards the bottom and deeper in the first tank and less close to the surface than the outlet 23 and the inlet 21, the difference in height between the level of the inlet 29 and the level of the outlet 23 being between 5 cm and 20 cm and preferably equal to 15 cm. There is the same difference in height between the level of the inlet 21 and the level of the inlet 29, the inlet 21 and the outlet 23 of the fluid circuit 20 being located at the same level.

[0034] The tank 100 also includes a drain outlet 27 located at the lowest point of the tank, and an overflow, not shown in the figure, to prevent the tank 100 from overflowing. The drain outlet 27 conducts the water through a fluid drain line which, when open, directs the water to the drain 130 or the sewers. This line is equipped with a solenoid valve 93 and a manual valve 62 open by default. Draining is thus carried out by gravity.

[0035] Even if the current at the bottom of the tank is less important than that at the surface, the circulation of water in the second fluid circuit 20 also causes mixing of the water contained in the first tank, prevents stagnation and contributes to dissolving oxygen in the gray water.

[0036] According to an alternative embodiment, a baffle 127 may be installed in the first tank 100 consisting of a plate located above the outlet 23 of the second fluid circuit 20. The baffle 127 being directed inclined towards the center and the bottom of the first tank promotes decantation, the angle and length of the baffle 127 illustrated in the n'being non-limiting. The baffle 127 serves to further prevent the waters 125 loaded with hair, sand and oils from passing directly into the first fluid circuit via the inlet 29 before passing into the second fluid circuit.

[0037] The tank 100 has an open portion on the top and comprises on its upper face a draining layer 121 such as a resin and aggregate coating and placed between the tank 100 and the water outlets 110 and 120 preferably close to the surface of the water in the tank when the tank is full. The draining layer is placed horizontally on the upper portion of the tank 100 and under the outlets 110 and 120, vertically thereto, so that the water from the outlets 110 and 120 falls directly onto the draining layer and then into the tank. The draining layer has the advantage of having an extended filtration surface corresponding to the surface of the upper side of the tank 100.

[0038] In the case of a shower, the draining layer corresponds to the floor of the shower. In the case of a shower, the tank is surmounted by a grid adapted to support the draining layer 121 and the weight of the person taking a shower and to allow the water to pass through. The water outlets 110 and 120 are placed at a distance above the draining layer of at least 1.80 m. This draining layer has the advantage of filtering out the coarsest materials such as hair, fur and sand but also makes it possible to slow down the speed of the water arriving in the tank and to widen the incoming flow. Indeed, the draining layer being placed on the tank 100 and under the water outlets 110 and 120, closer to the tank than to the outlet, the water percolates through its thickness and slows down so that when falling into the tank it disturbs the induced surface current little.Furthermore, if the water falling onto the draining layer 121 is concentrated on a small surface, symbolized by the arrows 123, the water is slowed down and spreads horizontally by crossing the draining layer so as to widen the flow falling into the tank, which is illustrated by the arrows 125, which occupy a larger surface.

[0039] The first filter 24 is a microfiltration filter allowing the filtration of particles between 0.1 µm and 10 µm in size. The filter 24 is preferably a ceramic filter to remove oils. The filter 24 may also be a filter allowing the creation of a treating and beneficial ecosystem such as a filter media based on porous fibers. This effect is obtained for example with zeolite or diatoms. Zeolite allows for a finer filtration than sand. Due to its crystalline structure, zeolite allows a filtration fineness of the order of 5 microns. The second optional filter 26, used to reduce odors, is preferably a carbon filter.

[0040] The first tank also includes a level sensor, not shown in the figures, which makes it possible to measure the quantity of grey water in the tank and detect variations in this quantity, in one direction or another. As it is independent of the first circuit, the circulation and flow rate in the second fluid circuit does not depend on the water demand in the water inlet. The two circuits are independent of each other and each has its own pump. In this way, water circulation can be maintained in the second circuit while water circulation is stopped in the first fluid circuit.

[0041] FIRST FLUID CIRCUIT

[0042] The first fluid circuit 10 circulates the gray water sucked through the inlet 29 located in the first tank 100 by means of a pumping means such as a pump 18 to the water outlets 110 and 120 by passing through water treatment means. The first fluid circuit 10 comprises a solenoid valve 85 located downstream of the pump 18 which, when closed, prevents the return of the fluid into the pump 18. The filtration means comprise at least one membrane filter 13 of the ultrafiltration type and preferably two membrane filters 13 in parallel which carry out the ultrafiltration of the water passing through them, the filtration fineness of the ultrafiltration membrane filter 13 being greater than the filtration fineness of the microporous media filter 24 of the second fluid circuit.

[0043] The pump 18 maintains the pressure necessary for the water to pass through the membrane filters 13. These filters allow the separation of bacteria, viruses and protozoa present in the water. The first fluid circuit 10 comprises at least two pressure sensors 51, 52 measuring a pressure P1 and P2 respectively upstream and downstream of the membrane filters 13. The pressure measurements P1 and P2 are carried out continuously upstream and downstream of the membrane filters in order to monitor the state of clogging of the membranes. The more the membranes are clogged, the greater the pressure exerted to filter the same volume of water, thus the pressure difference between P2 and P1 will tend to increase.

[0044] To further ensure that the water loaded with oils and large particles which has just been collected in the first tank 100 is first entrained into the second fluid circuit 20 before being entrained into the first fluid circuit 10, the flow rate of the pump 28 of the second fluid circuit is greater than the flow rate of the pump 18 of the first fluid circuit and preferably twice as high. The flow rate of the pump corresponds to a certain volume of water discharged by the pump per unit of time.

[0045] The first fluid circuit has a discharge bypass line which, when open, directs water to the drain 130 or the sewers. This line is equipped with a solenoid valve 91 and terminates in the discharge fluid line of the first circuit 10 just before the manual valve 62.

[0046] The first fluid circuit 10 comprises a second bypass pipe which connects the inlet and outlet of the membrane filters 13. This pipe is used as a pipe for backwashing the membranes as will be seen later. A bypass solenoid valve 86 located on the bypass pipe, when open, allows the backwash water to be directed downstream, the solenoid valve 85 being closed.

[0047] Downstream of these membrane filters is arranged an ultraviolet filter 14 which consists of disinfecting the water continuously using an ultraviolet light source. Between the outlet of the membrane filters and the inlet of the ultraviolet filter the circuit comprises a solenoid valve 87 which when closed, prevents the backwash water from returning to the second tank via the second fluid line 32.

[0048] Upon leaving the ultraviolet filter, the water passes through a carbon filter 15 before being sent to the water outlets 110 and 120. Between the outlet of the ultraviolet filter and the inlet of the carbon filter, the circuit comprises a solenoid valve 88 which, when closed, sends the water into a discharge circuit. The first fluid circuit 10 comprises at least one flow and conductivity sensor 53. Before the water outlets, a sensor 53 measures the flow and conductivity of the water in the circuit and a multi-parameter probe 54 measures the turbidity, color and temperature of the water.

[0049] The second fluid circuit 20 has a bypass fluid line which, when open, directs water to the drain 130 or the sewers. This line is equipped with a solenoid valve 91 and a manual valve 62.

[0050] THIRD FLUID CIRCUIT

[0051] The third fluid circuit 30 according to the invention has a fluid inlet in the second tank 200 which is filled with clean and soft water thanks to an external water inlet 201 or network water. A pump 38 allows the water to be discharged from the second tank 200 to one or two of the three fluid conduit lines 31, 32 and 33 depending on the programmed operating mode of the device. From the second tank 200 leaves a fluid conduit line equipped with a solenoid valve 92 and a manual valve 63. This line, when open, allows the water to be evacuated from the tank 200 to the drain 130 or the sewers. The device according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be autonomous in network water thanks to the clean and soft water tank 200.

[0052] The third fluid circuit includes a sensor 55 which allows the flow rate and conductivity of the water at the outlet of tank 200 to be controlled. The conductivity of the water in the second tank 200 must be between 400 µS / cm and 700 µS / cm (micro Siemens per centimeter). The sensor 56 measures the quantity of network water consumed.

[0053] The third fluid circuit 30 also comprises a fluid line provided with a solenoid valve 94 and a dosing pump 48 connected to a tank of disinfectant solution used only in the event of non-compliance of the microbiological analyses in the laboratory of the recycled water.

[0054] CONTROL MODULE

[0055] With reference to the, the device according to the invention also comprises a control module 45, a peripheral module 46 and a loading module 47. The control module 45 comprises an electronic card provided with a microprocessor equipped with a memory, a clock and a control program. The control module 45 also comprises means for managing the peripherals and for managing the power supply. The peripheral module comprises the peripherals controlled by the control program, that is to say all the solenoid valves and pumps and comprises the peripherals configured to send data to the control module, these are the sensors, the multi-parameter probe, the tank level sensors and the water inlet control button 73. The sensors and the probe transmit their data continuously to the control module 45.Finally, the peripheral module 46 includes a 4G interface and an associated antenna for receiving and sending information over a 4G network. The charging module 47 includes a battery powered by the solar panels 77 in order to electrically power the control module 45 and the peripherals of the peripheral module 46.

[0056] Based on the various data and information continuously received from the various sensors, probes and the button that controls the water supply, the control module is configured to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valves and to control the pumps according to several recorded operating modes.

[0057] FUNCTIONING

[0058] The water recycling device according to the invention operates in several modes, the main ones of which take place automatically depending on the transmitted data. The general operating mode is the mode in which the water outlets 110 and 120 are supplied only with recycled water from the first fluid circuit 10, the solenoid valves 85, 87, 88 and the water outlet solenoid valve 84 being open.

[0059] The tanks 100 and 200 each comprise a level sensor adapted to transmit to the control module 41 information on the filling volume of each tank. The control module is adapted to control the filling of the second tank 200 with water from the network 201 or the filling of the first tank 100 with water from the second tank 200 as soon as a level sensor has detected a predetermined low filling level. The filling of the tanks 100 and 200 is stopped as soon as a predetermined high filling level is reached.

[0060] According to a nominal operating mode for using the closed-circuit recycling device, the water recycling method according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) filling the tank 100 to its predetermined high filling level, b) continuously starting the circulation pump 28 of the second fluid circuit as long as the filling level of the tank 100 is at its high filling level, c) starting the circulation pump 18 of the first fluid circuit 10 when the water inlet control button is actuated, in order to supply recycled water to the water outlet 110, 120 for a predetermined duration.

[0061] In backwash or disinfection mode of the membrane filters 13 and the ultraviolet filter 14, the water outlets 110 and 120 of the device are supplied by the first fluid line 31 whose solenoid valve 81 is open. The solenoid valve 82 of the second fluid line 32 is open while the solenoid valve 83 of the third fluid line is closed. The backwash mode is triggered when the difference between the measured pressures P1 and P2 is greater than 1.5 bars or when the water outlet 110, 120 is supplied with recycled water for a duration greater than a predetermined duration, the predetermined duration being able to range from 1 hour to 3 hours and preferably equal to 2 hours. When one or other of these conditions is verified, the control module automatically commands for a predetermined duration:

[0062] - opening the second fluid line 32 in order to backwash the membrane filter(s) 13 and the ultraviolet filter 14 with water from the second tank by opening the bypass solenoid valve 86 and closing the solenoid valve 87 located between the membrane filter(s) and the ultraviolet filter, the water from the backwash being evacuated,

[0063] - opening the first fluid line 31 by opening the solenoid valve 81, in order to supply water from the second tank 200 instead of recycled water, the water outlet during backwashing of the filters 13,

[0064] - closing the third fluid line 33 by closing the solenoid valve 83 and closing the solenoid valve 85 located downstream of the pump 18 of the first fluid circuit 10.

[0065] During backwashing, the volume of water used is controlled by a flow limiter 42 located on the second fluid line 32. The predetermined duration of the backwashing is preferably programmed at 30 seconds.

[0066] The recycled water leaving the filters 13, 14 and 15 is continuously monitored by means of the sensor 53 and the probe 54. According to a common use of the device according to the invention for a beach shower 70, the water collected in the first tank 100 can be loaded with salt and ammonium from the urine of the users, which tends to increase its conductivity. Depending on the flow rate, conductivity, turbidity and color information measured, the control module can control the stopping of the supply of recycled water to the water outlets 110 and 120 and the dilution of a portion of the water in the first tank and its emptying, these are the dilution and emptying modes.

[0067] These orders consist of:

[0068] - continuously measure the flow rate and conductivity of the water circulating in the first fluid circuit 10 using a measuring sensor 53 located downstream of the ultraviolet filter 14,

[0069] - if the measured flow rate is greater than or equal to 4 liters per minute (l / min), increase the measured conductivity value to a reference conductivity value,

[0070] - compare the continuously measured conductivity value with the reference value as long as the measured flow rate is greater than or equal to 4 l / min,

[0071] - update the conductivity reference value with the measured conductivity value as soon as the flow measurement becomes equal to zero, i.e. for a measured flow rate less than 4 l / min. A measured flow rate less than 4 l / min is considered a zero flow rate.

[0072] Depending on the conductivity, turbidity and color values ​​measured and transmitted continuously by at least the sensor 53 and the probe 54, the control module 45 controls the dilution of a portion of the water contained in the first tank 100. This dilution can be 15% or 50%, the 50% dilution corresponding to a 50% emptying of the first tank 100.

[0073] If the difference between the measured conductivity value and the reference conductivity value is greater than 30 µS / cm or if the turbidity value is greater than 0.5 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), the control module 45 simultaneously controls:

[0074] - opening the third fluid line 33 to dilute the water from the first tank 100 with approximately 15% of the water from the second tank 200 for one minute,

[0075] - opening the first fluid line 31 in order to supply water from the second tank 200 instead of recycled water, the water outlets during dilution,

[0076] - the closure of the second fluid line 32,

[0077] - closing the solenoid valve 88 located downstream of the ultraviolet filter 14,

[0078] - and the opening of the solenoid valve 91 located downstream of the ultraviolet filter 14 and at the inlet of the evacuation line of the first fluid circuit 10.

[0079] The 30 µS / cm conductivity difference corresponds to the case where a user urinates in the tank.

[0080] If the measured conductivity value is greater than 800 µS / cm or if the color value is greater than 25 Hazen, the control module 45 commands for 4 minutes:

[0081] - the opening of the first fluid line 31 in order to supply water from the second tank 200 instead of recycled water, the water outlets during dilution, the closing of the second and third fluid lines 32 and 33 and the opening of the solenoid valve 93 located at the inlet of the discharge line of the tank 100,

[0082] Then the control module commands the opening of the third fluid line 33 to fill the first tank 100 with water from the second tank 200 until the predetermined high filling level of the first tank is reached.

[0083] Preferably, 50% of the volume of the first tank 100 is emptied automatically at night.

[0084] According to a variant of the method of operation in dilution mode, the control module 45 controls the dilution of a portion of the water contained in the first tank 100 at a predetermined frequency. For example, every 30 minutes of use of the closed-circuit recycling device (nominal operating mode), the dilution mode is activated for 2 minutes with a drinking water inlet flow rate of 5L / min and a drain flow rate of 5L / min.

[0085] According to this variant, every 30 minutes of use of the closed-circuit recycling device, the control module 45 simultaneously controls:

[0086] - opening the third fluid line 33 to dilute the water from the first tank 100 with water from the second tank 200 for two minutes,

[0087] - opening the first fluid line 31 in order to supply water from the second tank 200 instead of recycled water, the water outlets during dilution,

[0088] - the closure of the second fluid line 32,

[0089] - closing the solenoid valve 88 located downstream of the ultraviolet filter 14,

[0090] - and the opening of the solenoid valve 91 located downstream of the ultraviolet filter 14 and at the inlet of the evacuation line of the first fluid circuit 10.

[0091] This dilution can be 15% or 50%, the 50% dilution corresponding to a 50% emptying of the first tank 100.

[0092] Generally, during the complete or partial emptying of the first tank or in the event of malfunction of the first or second fluid circuit, the water outlets 110 and 120 of the device are supplied with water from the second tank 200 by the first fluid pipe 31 whose solenoid valve 81 is open and the solenoid valve 82 is closed.

[0093] In the event of 50% emptying or complete emptying, the filling of the first tank 100 takes place just after its emptying by opening the solenoid valve 83 to allow the passage of water from the second tank 200 to the first tank 100. During the filling of the tank 100, the quality of the added water is controlled using the sensor 55, the conductivity of the added water must be between 400 µS / cm and 700 µS / cm. A flow limiter 43 maintains the flow rate at approximately 15 l / min.

[0094] The circulation pump 28 of the second fluid circuit runs continuously as long as the tank 100 is filled to its predetermined high filling level for optimal operation, corresponding to a volume of water between 50 and 100 liters.

[0095] During the night and during a predetermined time slot, the pump 28 can be programmed to operate intermittently, for example for half an hour every hour.

[0096] During night mode or when no water outlet is used, if the level sensor of the first tank detects a faster increase in level than that obtained with two water outlets operating at a maximum flow rate of 6 l / min, the emptying of the first tank is programmed instantly. This mode prevents pollution and contamination of the recycling device by spilling any liquid into the first tank.

[0097] Water samples can be taken regularly and in the event of non-compliance with microbiological laboratory analyses such as the presence of pathogenic germs, particularly protozoa, disinfection methods are provided.

[0098] A first disinfection mode provides for backwashing of the filters 13 and 14 like the backwashing mode described previously but with injection of a chlorinated solution such as chlorine dioxide, using the dosing pump 48 connected to a tank of a disinfectant solution. This disinfection is followed by backwashing with water from the tank 200 as described previously. This disinfection mode is preferably started in the evening or at night when the recycling device is least used, particularly if it is a beach shower.

[0099] A second disinfection method, more advanced than the first, consists of injecting a chlorine solution in the same way as in the first method but without backwashing. The steps consist of:

[0100] - circulate the water pumped from the first tank 100 in the first circuit and through a return pipe to the first tank 100 by opening the solenoid valve 94 and closing the solenoid valve 84, for 30 minutes,

[0101] - completely drain the first tank 100.

[0102] During these two disinfection modes, the water outlets 110 and 120 are supplied with water from the tank 200.

[0103] The water recycling device according to the invention has the advantage of recycling 80% of the water used.

Claims

Greywater recycling device comprising at least one water outlet (110, 120), a first tank (100) for collecting the water distributed by said water outlet, a first fluid circuit (10) comprising a circulation pump (18) for circulating a portion of the water from said first tank through filtration means (13, 14, 15) to said water outlet in order to supply recycled water to the water outlet, characterized in that the device comprises a second fluid circuit (20) independent of the first circuit, equipped with a circulation pump (28) and means (24, 26) for filtering the water from the first tank,the inlet (21) and outlet (23) of said second fluidic circuit being positioned on opposite lateral walls of the first tank and the inlet (29) of the first fluidic circuit (10) being positioned on the same side as said outlet of said second fluidic circuit and on the other hand deeper in said first tank than said inlet and outlet of said second fluidic circuit so that the surface water of the first tank (100) is drawn into said second fluidic circuit before being drawn into the first fluidic circuit. Device according to claim 1, wherein a second tank (200) filled with clean water from an external water network (201) and a pump (38) allows the water from the second tank (200) to be pumped to a third fluidic circuit (30) of the device. Recycling device according to claim 2, wherein the first fluidic circuit (10) comprises a set of sensors and probes (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) for transmitting pressure information to a control module (45) and information on flow rate, conductivity, color, and water temperature, wherein each of the tanks (100, 200) comprises a level sensor for transmitting tank filling information to said control module, wherein said control module controls the opening and closing of a set of solenoid valves (81 to 88) and (91 to 94) and the starting and stopping of the pumps (18, 28, 38) according to the information from the various sensors and probes, the filling information, and the activation information of a water inlet control button (73). Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the flow rate of the pump (28) of the second fluidic circuit (20) is greater than the flow rate of the pump (18) of the first fluidic circuit (10). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein a drainage layer (121) such as a resin and aggregate coating is placed horizontally on the upper part of the tank (100) and below the outlets (110) and (120), vertically below them, so that the water from the outlets (110) and (120) falls directly onto the drainage layer and then into said tank by percolating through the thickness of the drainage layer. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said filtration means of the first fluidic circuit (10) comprise at least one ultrafiltration membrane filter (13), an ultraviolet filter (14) and a carbon filter (15). Device according to claim 6, wherein said means of the second fluidic circuit (20) for filtering waters comprise a microporous media filter (24), the filtration fineness of the ultrafiltration membrane filter (13) being greater than the filtration fineness of the microporous media filter (24). Device according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the third fluidic circuit (30) starts from the second tank (200) and comprises several fluidic lines, a first line (31) bringing water to the water outlet (110, 120), a second line (32) bringing water counter-currently into the membrane filters (13) for backwashing and then to a bypass line provided in the first fluidic circuit (10) which connects the inlet and outlet of the membrane filters (13) and a third line (33) going to the first tank (100) to supply it with water, all the fluidic lines of the first and third fluidic circuits being opened and closed by means of a set of solenoid valves (81 to 88). Device according to any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the control module (45) is adapted to control the filling of the second tank (200) with water from the network (201) when the level sensor of said second tank has detected a predetermined low filling level and the filling of the first tank (100) with water from the second tank (200) when the level sensor of said first tank has detected a predetermined low filling level. A recycling device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the control module (45) comprises an electronic board equipped with a microprocessor containing memory, a clock, a control program, means for managing a peripheral module (46), and means for managing a loading module (47), said peripheral module comprising the peripherals controlled by the control program, i.e., all the solenoid valves (81 to 88) and (91 to 94) and pumps (18, 28, 38), and also comprising the peripherals configured to send data to the control module, such as sensors (51, 52, 53, 55, 56), a multi-parameter probe (54), tank level sensors, and the water inlet control button (73), the peripheral module (46) also comprising a 4G interface and an associated antenna for receiving and sending information via a network 4G,The charging module (47) includes a battery powered by the solar panels (77) in order to electrically power said control module and the peripherals of said peripheral module. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first tank (100) comprises a baffle (127) in the form of a plate located above the outlet (23) and directed inclined towards the center and the bottom of said first tank. A method of operating a recycling device according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) filling the first tank (100) to its predetermined high operating fill level with water from a second tank (200), b) continuously running the circulation pump (28) of the second fluid circuit as long as the fill level of the first tank (100) is at its high fill level, c) starting the circulation pump (18) of the first fluid circuit (10) when the water inlet control button (73) is activated in order to supply recycled water to the water outlet (110, 120) for a predetermined time. A method of operation according to claim 12 in combination with claim 8, wherein the first fluidic circuit (10) comprises at least two pressure sensors (51, 52) measuring pressures P1 and P2 respectively upstream and downstream of the membrane filters (13), the sensors continuously transmitting their data to the control module (45) which commands, when the difference between P1 and P2 is greater than 1.5 bar or when the water outlet (110, 120) is supplied with recycled water for a period exceeding a predetermined time: - the opening of the second fluidic conduit line (32) in order to backwash the membrane filter(s) (13) and the ultraviolet filter (14) with water from the second tank by opening the bypass solenoid valve (86) and closing the solenoid valve (87) located between the membrane filter(s) and the ultraviolet filter, the water from the backwash being evacuated- the opening of the first fluidic line (31), in order to supply water from the second tank (200) instead of recycled water, said water outlet during the backwashing of the membrane filters (13), - the closing of the third fluidic line (33) and the closing of the solenoid valve (85) located downstream of the pump (18) of the first fluidic circuit (10). A method of operation according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first fluidic circuit (10) comprises at least one flow and conductivity sensor (53) and a multi-parameter probe (54) measuring at least turbidity and color, the sensors and the probe continuously transmitting their data to the control module (45) which, based on the flow, conductivity, and turbidity information, commands: - to continuously measure the flow and conductivity of the water circulating in the first fluidic circuit (10) by means of a measuring sensor (53) located downstream of the ultraviolet filter (14), - if the measured flow is greater than or equal to 4 liters per minute, to increment the measured value of the conductivity to a reference value of the conductivity, - to compare the continuously measured value of the conductivity with the reference value as long as the measured flow is greater than or equal to 4 liters per minute.- Update the reference conductivity value with the measured conductivity value as soon as the measured flow rate is less than 4 liters per minute. A method of operation according to claim 14, wherein if the difference between the measured conductivity value and the reference conductivity value is greater than 30 µS / cm or if the turbidity value is greater than 0.5 NTU, the control module (45) simultaneously commands: - the opening of the third fluidic line (33) to dilute the water in the tank (100) with approximately 15% water from the second tank (200) for one minute, - the opening of the first fluidic line (31) to supply water from the second tank (200) instead of recycled water, and the water outlet during dilution, - the closing of the second fluidic line (32), - the closing of the solenoid valve (88) located downstream of the ultraviolet filter (14), - and the opening of the solenoid valve (91) located downstream of the ultraviolet filter. (14) and at the inlet of the evacuation line of the first fluidic circuit (10). A method of operation according to claim 14, wherein if the measured conductivity value is greater than 800 µS / cm or if the color value is greater than 25 Hazen, the control module (45) commands for 4 minutes: - the opening of the first fluidic line (31) in order to supply water from the second tank (200) instead of recycled water, the water outlets during dilution, the closing of the second and third fluidic lines (32) and (33) and the opening of the solenoid valve (93) located at the inlet of the discharge line of the first tank (100), then the control module commands the opening of the third fluidic line (33) to fill the first tank (100) with water from the second tank (200) until the predetermined high filling level of said first tank is reached. Use of the recycling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for a shower (70) in which the water outlet (110, 120) is a shower head.

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