Water treatment device and process

Abstract

Title: Water Treatment Device and Method The invention relates to a water treatment device comprising, arranged in series between an inlet of water to be treated and an outlet of treated water, at least a first filtration module (1a) comprising at least one pozzolan filter and / or one EM ceramic filter, a second filtration module (1b) comprising a zeolite filter, said zeolite being a hydrated crystalline aluminosilicate having a honeycomb microstructure, a third filtration module (1c) comprising an activated carbon filter, a microfiltration module (2) comprising a centrifugal system allowing high-precision filtration and a revitalization module (5) comprising a closed chamber containing a reference water mass and at least one permanent magnet generating a magnetic field so as to treat the water without direct contact with said water mass.The invention also relates to a method implementing these modules sequentially to provide filtration, softening, adsorption of micropollutants (including PFAS, pesticide metabolites, trace metals) and revitalization of water, optionally supplemented by UV treatment. Abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device and method for water treatment technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water treatment, in particular tap water, intended especially for human consumption, domestic uses and certain professional uses (livestock farming, food service, hotels, etc.). The present invention also allows for the treatment of well water.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a compact device and a water treatment process comprising, in an optimized sequence, granular filtration on natural minerals, softening by zeolite, adsorption on activated carbon, centrifugal microfiltration and physical revitalization treatment by magnetic field, possibly supplemented by UV treatment. Previous technique

[0003] In homes, or in certain businesses, it is common to integrate treatment devices at the point of entry into the network to "soften" the distributed drinking water, or water from a well. These systems aim in particular to reduce water hardness, linked to the presence of calcium and magnesium ions, which cause limescale, in order to protect household appliances while improving user comfort. These devices are generally installed between the water supply point in the house from the public distribution network, or from a well, and the distribution taps in the home, in order to guarantee optimal quality of the water consumed.

[0004] For example, there are known devices such as mechanical filters for retaining particles, activated carbon filters, commonly used for chlorine removal and the adsorption of certain organic substances, UV modules for disinfection, or ion-exchange resin water softeners, designed to reduce water hardness. The application objectives are multiple: to eliminate suspended particles, undesirable microbial agents, as well as residual chemical pollutants that may still be present, and to reduce hardness to prevent limescale formation.

[0005] In this context, the current trend is towards offering compact solutions that are easy to install and require little maintenance. All of these objectives aim to meet the expectations of households, communities, and small industries that want superior quality water without resorting to complex or costly processes.

[0006] Despite the diversity of available technologies, many existing systems suffer from a limited range of application or partial effectiveness. In short, these systems have several limitations. Traditional filters often struggle to combine particle removal, chemical pollutant adsorption, and hardness reduction in a single process. Moreover, some treatments—whether thermal, chemical, or membrane-based—generate secondary effluents and / or involve high energy or consumable costs. For example, conventional resin-based water softeners require the use of salt for regeneration, generate brine discharges, and remove some of the dissolved minerals. Furthermore, combining several technologies often leads to bulky systems that are complex to install and require regular maintenance.

[0007] Furthermore, magnetic water treatment devices are known, which aim to modify the crystallization of limestone and / or certain physicochemical and microbiological equilibria. These devices are generally offered in isolation, without being integrated into a complete treatment chain including filtration, softening, and adsorption of micropollutants. Exposed

[0008] The present disclosure improves the situation by proposing an integrated, compact, passive or low energy consumption system, and a water treatment process with an optimized sequential sequence, capable of treating both mains water and well water, ensuring durable anti-scaling protection by reducing hardness, but also effective retention of certain pollutants (heavy metals, PFAS, pesticide metabolites), while improving the organoleptic qualities of the water.

[0009] More particularly, the invention proposes a water treatment device comprising a succession of mineral filtration, softening, adsorption and microfiltration modules, followed by a water revitalization module by magnetic field, optionally supplemented by a UV module, and a treatment process implementing these modules in a determined order.

[0010] A water treatment device, particularly for tap or well water, is thus proposed initially, comprising at least: a. a first filtration module comprising at least one pozzolan filter and / or one EM ceramic filter, said EM ceramic being a clay ceramic to which effective microorganisms have been added; b. a second filtration module comprising a zeolite filter, said zeolite being a hydrated crystalline aluminosilicate with a honeycomb microstructure and a cation exchange capacity suitable for reducing water hardness; c. a third filtration module comprising an activated carbon filter, preferably made from coconut shell; d. a microfiltration module comprising a centrifugal microfiltration system capable of transforming the water flow into a flow with a centrifugal component and retaining particles by means of a filter element; e. a revitalization module comprising a closed chamber containing a reference water mass and at least one permanent magnet arranged to generate a magnetic field in the area through which the water to be treated passes, so that the water flows close to said reference water mass without direct contact.

[0011] The features described in the following paragraphs can optionally be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other, in the water treatment device of the invention: - the first filtration module, the second filtration module, the third filtration module, the microfiltration module and the revitalization module are arranged in this order between an inlet of water to be treated and an outlet of treated water; - the second filtration module includes a clinoptilolite type zeolite; - the first filtration module is connected, by suitable means, including in particular, at least a tap and a pipe, to a water supply to be treated, in particular to a tap water supply from the public drinking water distribution network, and the different filtration modules, the microfiltration module and the revitalization module, are hydraulically connected to each other through means suitable for allowing the water to be treated to pass successively from one to the other of said modules, while said revitalization module is connected, downstream of it, and by suitable connection means, to a water outlet once it has been treated; - the water treatment device incorporates a UV treatment module capable of subjecting the water to ultraviolet treatment, positioned, within said device, upstream of the microfiltration module so as to treat water previously filtered by the filtration modules; - the pozzolan filter is made up of basaltic volcanic scoria or of similar composition; - The microfiltration module is capable of withstanding pressures up to 16 bars and of treating up to 6 m3 per hour with a low pressure loss.

[0012] The sequence of these modules is designed to pre-filter the water and stabilize the particulate load, soften the water by ion exchange on natural mineral (zeolite) without synthetic resin or brine, adsorb a wide range of micropollutants (PFAS, pesticide metabolites, organic compounds responsible for tastes / odors), perform centrifugal microfiltration with low pressure loss, and finally apply a physical / magnetic revitalization treatment to already clarified water.

[0013] By way of example, tests conducted with a device according to the invention have shown, firstly, that the combination of zeolite and activated carbon reduces radon-222 activity by approximately 50% in granite well water that already complies with regulations. Secondly, the activated carbon module reduces the sum of 20 regulated PFAS by at least 96% and lowers a pesticide metabolite (chlorothalonil R471811) to levels below the analytical limit of quantification. Furthermore, in already potable domestic tap water, the device significantly reduces certain trace metals (lead, copper, zinc) while moderately decreasing overall hardness and mineralization. The system constitutes a compact solution, without the addition of chemical additives, using predominantly mineral and / or recyclable media, and requiring minimal maintenance.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a water treatment process is proposed, which can be implemented by the water treatment device, comprising the following successive steps: a. filtration and possibly softening of the water by passing through a pozzolan filter and / or an EM ceramic filter; b. filtration and softening of water through a zeolite filter; c. Filtration of water through an activated carbon filter; d. microfiltration of water using a microfiltration system centrifugal; e. revitalization of water by circulation near a chamber containing a reference water mass and an applied magnetic field without direct contact.

[0015] Preferably, steps a), b), c), d) and e) are taken in order.

[0016] In an example of an embodiment of the water treatment process of the invention, An additional UV treatment step is added, inserted between step d) of microfiltration and step e) of water revitalization. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0018] [Fig-1] illustrates a particular and preferred embodiment of a water treatment device, in particular a tap or drawing water device, adapted to implement the water treatment process of the present invention. Description of embodiments

[0019] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1].

[0020] The present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a water treatment device, a particular embodiment of which is illustrated in this [Fig.1], intended in particular for the treatment of tap water from the public distribution network, or of well water (borehole, well, reserve).

[0021] The water treatment device of the invention is organized around a plurality of functional modules connected in series hydraulically, and includes, from upstream to downstream, a first filtration module incorporating a pozzolan filter and / or an EM ceramic filter, a second filtration module 1b comprising a zeolite filter, a third filtration module comprising a coconut shell-based activated carbon filter, a microfiltration module 2, for example implementing a CINTROPUR® type centrifugal system, and a revitalization module 5, for example by means of a GRANDER® type device comprising a mass of revitalized water placed in a magnetized housing to transmit a magnetic field without direct contact with the treated water.

[0022] The EM ceramic filter, when present, consists of a clay ceramic in which effective microorganisms have been incorporated during firing.

[0023] It is also conceivable that the water treatment device which is the subject of this application comprises, within the first filtration module, both a filtering element consisting of pozzolana, and a filtering element consisting of a ceramic, in particular EM ceramic.

[0024] Preferably, the first filtration module 1a, the second filtration module 1b and the third filtration module 1e are arranged in the order described above.

[0025] However, the arrangement may possibly be different.

[0026] The first filtration module is connected by suitable means, including a tap 7 and a pipe, to a water supply to be treated, in particular a water supply, which may be a potable water supply from the public distribution network, or a well water supply. The various filtration means or modules are: 1, 1b and the microfiltration module 2, as well as the revitalization module. 5, are hydraulically connected to each other through means adapted to allow the passage of the water to be treated successively from one to the other of the filtration means la, 1b and le, then to the microfiltration module 2, and finally to the revitalization module 5.

[0027] In the water treatment device of the invention, the first filtration module, containing natural pozzolan rock as a filtering element, composed in particular of basaltic volcanic scoria or rock of similar composition, and / or an EM ceramic, provides granular pretreatment that retains sediments, suspended particles, and some of the dissolved species, particularly nitrates. This first filtration module also promotes early anti-scaling conditioning by contributing to the crystallization of calcium carbonate in a less scale-forming state, and allows for stabilization of the particulate load upstream of the downstream modules, thus limiting clogging. Furthermore, the mineral media is fully recyclable after use.

[0028] The second filtration module 1b comprises a zeolite-based medium, preferably a clinoptilolite-type zeolite, i.e., a hydrated crystalline aluminosilicate with a honeycomb microstructure and a high cation exchange capacity. This medium is capable of selectively capturing certain dissolved contaminants, particularly heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic, and contributes to the crystallization of limescale in a less encrusting form. Furthermore, it provides softening through ion exchange: cations such as Na+, K+, or H+ carried by the zeolite are exchanged with the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in the water, thus reducing hardness without the need for a synthetic resin or salt regeneration. The zeolite filter 1b is also fully recyclable after use.

[0029] In regions where the subsoil is granitic, zeolite also retains some of the residual radioactivity, in particular the radon 222 isotope. As an illustration, on well water with an initial activity of about 22 Bq / L, the combination of a volume of about 0.8 L of zeolite, and 0.8 L of activated carbon (in the module described below) made it possible to obtain, at the cartridge outlet, a measured activity of between 7 and 12 Bq / L depending on the bottles, i.e. a reduction of about 50%, while remaining well below the reference value of 100 Bq / L set for drinking water.

[0030] The third filtration module, the filter of which is composed of activated carbon, preferably based on coconut shell, allows adsorption of residual organic compounds, a reduction of the chlorine content in oxidants and in certain residual micropollutants (pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, etc.), resulting in an improvement of the organoleptic properties of the water.

[0031] The performance of this medium has been verified by analyses conducted by independent laboratories accredited by COFRAC. Thus, in well water contaminated with PFAS, the sum of the 20 regulated PFAS decreases from approximately 0.027 pg / L before filtration to 0.001 pg / L after passing through the cartridge incorporating activated carbon, representing a reduction of at least 96%, with most individual PFAS remaining below the limit of quantification of the method used. In the same water sample, the pesticide metabolite chlorothalonil R471811 decreases from a measured value of approximately 0.049 pg / L at the inlet to a concentration below the limit of quantification at the outlet.

[0032] This medium provides a true organoleptic polishing by eliminating a significant part of the compounds responsible for unwanted tastes and smells, and the water at the outlet gains in neutrality, smoothness and drinkability.

[0033] With regard to the microfiltration module 2, it implements a centrifugal microfiltration system comprising a component, in particular a propeller or equivalent, capable of transforming the axial flow of water into a flow with a centrifugal component, and a filter sleeve or membrane positioned so as to retain the particles carried towards the periphery by the centrifugal effect. Such a system may, for example, be of the type of commercially available centrifugal filters (for example, CINTROPUR® filters (registered trademark)), without the invention being limited thereto.

[0034] This microfiltration module 2 ensures fine particle separation, precipitates and retains heavy particles, and is designed to withstand pressures up to 16 bar and to treat up to 6 m³ per hour with a low pressure drop. The overall sizing of the device can be such that the total pressure drop remains on the order of 0.2 bar for a flow rate of 15 L / min at a water point.

[0035] Downstream of the microfiltration module 2 is positioned the revitalization module 5, comprising a closed chamber or a sealed housing containing a reference water mass (previously treated or "structured" water), at least one permanent magnet or a set of magnets configured to generate a magnetic field in the area through which the water to be treated flows, such that the service water circulates near said reference water mass and the magnetic field, without direct contact with said mass. Such a system may, in particular, consist of a Grander® device (registered trademark), without the invention being limited thereto. The configuration is such that the treated water flows in a pipe or exchanger adjacent to the housing containing the water mass and the magnets, while the magnetic field passes at least locally through the circulating water, and the reference water mass remains confined within the sealed housing.

[0036] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is possible that this type of revitalization module 5 promotes the formation of transient structures such as oxyanion aggregates and / or modifies certain microbiological equilibria, which could contribute to a less encrusting form of limestone crystallization and to an evolution of the bacterial community. These aspects, however, remain exploratory, and the invention is not based on a specific mechanism.

[0037] The revitalization module 5 is connected, downstream, by suitable means, to the internal supply network of the points of use of the dwelling or building (taps, shower, equipment, etc.).

[0038] The water treatment device of the invention also includes maintenance valves, referenced 3 in the accompanying [Fig. 1], a purge valve 6 associated with one or more of the filtration modules 1a, 1b, 1e, and 2, as well as at least one pressure gauge 4, or even several pressure gauges 4. The maintenance valves 3 allow a module to be isolated for media replacement, while the purge valves associated with certain modules allow accumulated particles to be removed. The pressure gauge(s) allow for monitoring of pressure drop and anticipation of maintenance operations.

[0039] In addition, according to an optional feature of the invention, and in particular when the water treatment device is intended to purify well water or water presenting a particular microbiological risk, it can also incorporate a UV module ensuring disinfection by ultraviolet radiation (not illustrated in the attached figure).

[0040] In this case, most preferably, such a UV module is located on a branch downstream of modules 1a, 1b, 1e and 2, so as to receive already clarified water, or in a position chosen by a person skilled in the art to maximize the effect of disinfection.

[0041] The water treatment device of the invention can thus operate either in a completely passive mode, without a power supply, when the UV module is not installed, or in a mixed mode when the UV module is present. In all cases, no chemical additives are required.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a method for treating water from the public distribution network or water extracted from a well.

[0043] The process of the invention is capable of being implemented by the water treatment device described above, and the characteristics or elements described in connection with the water treatment device are applicable to the process described below, and vice versa.

[0044] The treatment process of the invention comprises, at least, the following steps, preferably taken in this order: - filtration and softening of water by passing through a module comprising a pozzolan filter and / or an EM ceramic filter; - water filtration through a module including a zeolite filter; - water filtration through a module including a carbon filter active, preferably coconut shell based; - microfiltration of water using a centrifugal microfiltration module; - optionally, UV treatment; - revitalization of water using a revitalization module comprising a reference water mass (previously treated or "structured" water) and a magnetic field applied without direct contact. Examples

[0045] The following examples are given for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0046] Example 1: Reduction of radon 222 (granite well water)

[0047] Radon-222 activity was measured in well water from a subsoil granitic at approximately 22 Bq / L before treatment.

[0048] After passing this water over a cartridge containing approximately 0.8 L of zeolite and 0.8 L of activated carbon, the activity measured at the outlet is between 7 and 12 Bq / L depending on the bottles.

[0049] The passage over this cartridge therefore allowed a reduction of about 50%, the water remaining well below the reference value of 100 Bq / L.

[0050] Example 2: Reduction of PFAS and chlorothalonil metabolite

[0051] The PFAS concentration of well water contaminated with PFAS was measured. The sum of the 20 regulated PFAS was thus measured at 0.027 pg / L before filtration.

[0052] At the outlet of the activated carbon module: sum measured at 0.001 pg / L, i.e. a reduction of at least 96%, most of the individual PFAS being below the limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.001-0.002 pg / L depending on the compounds).

[0053] On the same water, the pesticide metabolite chlorothalonil R471811 is measured at approximately 0.049 pg / L at the inlet, and at a concentration below the limit of quantification at the outlet.

[0054] Example 3 - Domestic mains water (Chabeuil, 2022)

[0055] Analyses were carried out by an independent laboratory accredited by COFRAC on the water of a dwelling located in Chabeuil, before and after passing through a water treatment device according to the invention.

[0056] The general parameters of this water before and after treatment are as follows: pH: from 7.4 to 7.6; - Conductivity: from 409 pS / cm to 385 pS / cm (decrease of approximately 6%); - Total hardness: from 21.7 °f to 19.6 °f (reduction of approximately 10%), with correlated decrease in calcium (from 85.0 mg / L to 78.0 mg / L) and magnesium (from 1.4 mg / L to 1.2 mg / L).

[0057] The major ions whose concentrations were measured before and after treatment are as follows: - Bicarbonates: from 269 mg / L to 245 mg / L (-9%); - Chlorides: from 2.2 mg / L to 1.9 mg / L (-14%); - Nitrates: from 2.8 mg / L to 2.5 mg / L (-11%).

[0058] Finally, the trace metals whose concentrations were measured before and after treatment are as follows: - Copper: from 22.7 pg / L to 5.0 pg / L (i.e. a reduction of approximately 78%); - Lead: from 9.2 pg / L to 0.3 pg / L (reduction of approximately 97%); - Nickel: from 2.3 pg / L to 1.0 pg / L (-56%); - Zinc: from 57 pg / L to 10 pg / L (-83%).

[0059] These results show that, in mains water already meeting drinking water standards, the device according to the invention moderately reduces hardness and overall mineralization, making the water softer and more balanced. Furthermore, the device significantly reduces the content of trace metals, particularly lead, zinc, and copper, and improves the overall water quality without the addition of chemicals. Industrial application

[0060] These technical solutions can be applied in particular to water treatment, for example, to the treatment of drinking water from the public distribution network, upstream of its use in a single-family home or a multi-unit building. This device can also be applied to the treatment of well, borehole, or storage water, to ensure its safety for domestic or professional use, or in livestock farming, artisanal food processing, catering, or even isolated sites.

[0061] This disclosure is not limited to the examples written above, which are only examples, but encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art may consider in the context of the protection sought.

Claims

Demands

1. Water treatment device, in particular for tap water or of well, including at least: a. a first filtration module (la) comprising at least one pozzolan filter and / or one EM ceramic filter, said EM ceramic being a clay ceramic to which effective microorganisms have been added; b. a second filtration module (1b) comprising a zeolite filter, said zeolite being a hydrated crystalline aluminosilicate having a honeycomb microstructure, and a cationic capacity suitable for reducing water hardness; c. a third filtration module (the) comprising an activated carbon filter, preferably made from coconut shell; d. a microfiltration module (2) comprising a centrifugal microfiltration system capable of transforming the water flow into a flow having a centrifugal component and of retaining particles by means of a filtering element; e. a revitalization module (5) comprising a closed chamber containing a reference water mass and at least one permanent magnet arranged to generate a magnetic field in the area through which the water to be treated passes, so that the water flows close to said reference water mass without direct contact.

2. Water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the first filtration module (1a) comprising the pozzolan filter and / or the EM ceramic filter, the second filtration module (1b) comprising a zeolite filter, the third filtration module (1e) comprising a coconut shell-based activated carbon filter, the microfiltration module (2), and the revitalization module (5), are arranged in that order, between an inlet of water to be treated and an outlet of treated water.

3. Water treatment device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second filtration module (1b) comprises a clinoptilolite type zeolite.

4. Water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first filtration module (la) is connected, by suitable means, comprising at least a tap and a pipe, to an inlet of water to be treated, in particular to a tap water inlet from the public drinking water distribution network, and the various filtration modules (la, 1b, le), the microfiltration module (2) and the revitalization module (5), are hydraulically connected to each other through means suitable for allowing the water to be treated to pass successively from one to the other of said modules, while said revitalization module is connected, downstream of it, and by suitable connection means, to an outlet of the water once it has been treated.

5. Water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which is incorporated a UV treatment module capable of subjecting water to ultraviolet treatment, positioned, within said device, upstream of the microfiltration module (2) so as to treat water previously filtered by the filtration modules (la, 1b, le).

6. Water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pozzolan filter is made of basaltic volcanic scoria or of a similar composition.

7. Water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the microfiltration module is capable of withstanding pressures up to 16 bar and of treating up to 6 m3 per hour with a low pressure loss.

8.

9.

10. A water treatment process, which can be implemented by the device of claims 1 to 7, comprising the successive steps: a. filtration and possibly softening of the water by passing through a pozzolan filter and / or an EM ceramic filter; b. filtration and softening of water through a zeolite filter; c. Filtration of water through an activated carbon filter; d. microfiltration of water using a system of centrifugal microfiltration; e. revitalization of water by circulation near a chamber containing a reference water mass and an applied magnetic field without direct contact. Water treatment process according to claim 8, wherein the steps are taken in order. Water treatment process according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein an additional UV treatment step is added, between step d) of microfiltration and step e) of water revitalization.

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