Method and device for evaluating water reforming effect, and method and device for determining whether water reforming effect is present

Abstract

To evaluate an extent of an effect of a water reforming treatment and to determine, in advance, whether the effect of a water reforming treatment is present.SOLUTION: A method for evaluating a water reforming effect includes: a treatment (step S1-4) for introducing and stirring particles of a scale component into untreated water, in which a water reforming treatment has not been implemented on water to be reformed, and treated water, in which the water reforming treatment is implemented on the water to be reformed; a treatment (step S1-5) for concentrating the untreated water and the treated water, into each of which the particles of the scale component are introduced; a treatment (step S1-6) for measuring a zeta potential for the untreated water and the treated water, into each of which the particles of the scale component are introduced; a treatment (step S1-7) for calculating an absolute value of a difference between the zeta potential of the treated water and the zeta potential of the untreated water; and a treatment (step S1-8) for evaluating, on the basis of the calculated difference, an extent of an effect of the water reforming treatment on the water to be reformed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and device for evaluating a water reforming effect, and a method and device for determining whether or not a water reforming effect exists. [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional technology for improving water quality is a water quality improvement device that includes a metal fiber made of copper or an alloy of copper and zinc, the metal fiber having numerous tooth-like projections formed on its surface, and a packed container filled with the metal fiber and having numerous water holes formed therein, and that removes silica and scale components contained in water (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-239938 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When water quality has been improved, it is desirable to be able to objectively evaluate the degree of improvement in water quality compared to the state before the improvement.

[0005] In addition, when improving water quality, it is desirable to be able to objectively determine in advance whether the water reforming method or technique to be applied to improve the water quality can improve the target water quality, in other words, whether the water reforming method or technique to be applied to improve the water quality is an appropriate and effective method or technique for improving the target water quality.

[0006] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a technique that can evaluate the degree of effectiveness of a water reforming treatment. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can determine in advance whether or not a water reforming treatment is effective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the method for evaluating the water modifying effect of the present invention may include a process of adding and stirring scale component particles to untreated water, which has not been subjected to water modifying treatment, and treated water, which has been subjected to the water modifying treatment, a process of measuring the zeta potential of each of the untreated water and the treated water to which the scale component particles have been added, a process of calculating the absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential of the treated water and the zeta potential of the untreated water, and a process of evaluating the degree of effect of the water modifying treatment on the water to be modified based on the calculated difference.

[0008] In the method for evaluating a water modifying effect according to the present invention, the particles of the scale component may be at least one of carbonate scale and silicate scale.

[0009] The method for evaluating a water modifying effect according to the present invention may further include a process for concentrating each of the untreated water and the treated water into which the scale component particles have been added.

[0010] In the method for evaluating a water modification effect according to the present invention, the target water to be modified may be water used in an apparatus or facility that is susceptible to scale formation.

[0011] In the method for evaluating a water reforming effect according to the present invention, the water to be reformed may be at least one of tap water, groundwater, and river water.

[0012] The method for evaluating the water reforming effect according to the present invention may be such that the treated water is water that has been subjected to a water reforming process including a first reforming step of reforming the water in the water tank using an artificial ore and a second reforming step of reforming the make-up water using an artificial ore in a cooling device including a cooling tower, a water tank provided at the bottom of the cooling tower, a make-up water injection pipe for injecting make-up water into the water tank, a cooling water supply pipe for supplying cooling water from the water tank to a cooling destination, and a cooling water recovery pipe for recovering cooling water from the cooling destination to the cooling tower.

[0013] In addition, the water reforming effect evaluation device of the present invention may have a first means for accepting input of zeta potential values ​​measured for each of untreated water, which has not been subjected to water reforming treatment, and treated water, which has been subjected to the water reforming treatment, after adding and stirring scale component particles to each of the untreated water and treated water to which the scale component particles have been added; a second means for calculating the absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential value of the treated water and the zeta potential value of the untreated water; and a third means for evaluating the degree of effect of the water reforming treatment on the water to be reformed based on the calculated difference.

[0014] In the water modifying effect evaluation device according to the present invention, the particles of the scale component may be at least one of carbonate scale and silicate scale.

[0015] The water modification effect evaluation device according to the present invention may be configured so that each of the untreated water and the treated water into which the scale component particles have been added is concentrated.

[0016] In the water modification effect evaluation device according to the present invention, the target water to be modified may be water used in equipment or facilities that are affected by scale formation.

[0017] In the water reforming effect evaluation device according to the present invention, the water to be reformed may be at least one of tap water, groundwater, and river water.

[0018] The method of determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to the present invention includes a process of measuring the hardness and characteristic indexes of an untreated water sample, which has not been subjected to a water modifying treatment, for each of a plurality of water samples; a process of adding and stirring particles of scale components to the untreated water sample and a treated water sample, which has been subjected to the water modifying treatment, for each of the plurality of water samples; a process of measuring the zeta potential of the untreated water sample and the treated water sample, for each of the plurality of water samples to which the particles of the scale components have been added; and a process of measuring the zeta potential of the treated water sample and the zeta potential of the untreated water sample, for each of the plurality of water samples. The method may include a process of calculating the absolute value of the difference between the hardness value and the characteristic index value; a process of evaluating the degree of effect of the water modifying treatment on the sample water based on the difference calculated for each of the plurality of sample waters; a process of classifying a set of combinations of the hardness value and the characteristic index value for each of the plurality of sample waters into a group in which the water modifying treatment is effective and a group in which the water modifying treatment is ineffective based on the results of the evaluation; and a process of determining whether the combination of the hardness value and the characteristic index value of the water to be modified belongs to either the group in which the water modifying treatment is effective or the group in which the water modifying treatment is ineffective based on the classification.

[0019] In the method for determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to the present invention, the particles of the scale component may be at least one of carbonate scale and silicate scale.

[0020] The method of determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to the present invention may further include a process of concentrating each of the untreated sample water and the treated sample water into which the scale component particles have been added.

[0021] In the method for determining the presence or absence of water modifying effect according to the present invention, the sample water and the target water to be modified may be water used in an apparatus or facility that is affected by scale formation.

[0022] In the method of determining the presence or absence of water reforming effect according to the present invention, the sample water and the target water to be reformed may be at least one of tap water, groundwater, and river water.

[0023] The method of determining whether or not a water reforming effect is present according to the present invention may be such that the treated sample water is water that has been subjected to a water reforming process including a first reforming step of reforming the water in the water tank using an artificial mineral and a second reforming step of reforming the makeup water using an artificial mineral in a cooling device comprising a cooling tower, a water tank provided at the bottom of the cooling tower, a make-up water injection pipe for injecting make-up water into the water tank, a cooling water supply pipe for supplying cooling water from the water tank to a cooling destination, and a cooling water recovery pipe for recovering cooling water from the cooling destination to the cooling tower.

[0024] In addition, the device for determining whether or not water modifying effect is present according to the present invention includes a fourth means for receiving an input of a hardness value and a characteristic index value measured for an untreated water sample that has not been subjected to a water modifying treatment for each of a plurality of water samples, and for each of the plurality of water samples, after adding and stirring scale component particles to the untreated water sample and a treated water sample in which the water sample has been subjected to the water modifying treatment, receives an input of a zeta potential value measured for each of the untreated water sample and the treated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples to which the scale component particles have been added, and further includes a fifth means for receiving an input of a hardness value and a characteristic index value measured for water to be modified, and a fifth means for calculating an absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential value of the treated water sample and the zeta potential value of the untreated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples. The system may also have a sixth means for evaluating the degree of effectiveness of the water modification treatment on the water sample based on the difference calculated for each of the multiple water samples, a seventh means for classifying a set of combinations of the hardness value and the characteristic index value for each of the multiple untreated water samples into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is ineffective based on the results of the evaluation, and an eighth means for determining whether the combination of the hardness value and the characteristic index value of the water to be modified belongs to either the group in which the water modification treatment is effective or the group in which the water modification treatment is ineffective based on the classification.

[0025] In the device for determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to the present invention, the particles of the scale component may be at least one of carbonate scale and silicate scale.

[0026] The device for determining the presence or absence of water modifying effect according to the present invention may be configured so that the untreated sample water and the treated sample water into which the scale component particles have been added are each concentrated.

[0027] In the device for determining the presence or absence of water modification effect according to the present invention, the sample water and the target water to be modified may be water used in equipment or facilities that are affected by scale formation.

[0028] In the device for determining the presence or absence of water modification effect according to the present invention, the sample water and the target water to be modified may be at least one of tap water, groundwater, and river water. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to evaluate the degree of effect of a water reforming treatment. According to the present invention, it is also possible to determine in advance whether or not the water reforming treatment is effective. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of a method for evaluating water reforming effect according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating processing steps in an apparatus for evaluating water reforming effect according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a water reforming effect evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of a method for determining the presence or absence of water reforming effect according to an embodiment of the present invention, and showing processing steps in a device for determining the presence or absence of water reforming effect according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a water reforming effect determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution of the presence or absence of the effect of water modifying treatment for each combination of data of total hardness and electrical conductivity for untreated sample water. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an image showing an example of a discrimination map for the presence or absence of a water reforming effect created by the method for determining the presence or absence of a water reforming effect of FIG. 3, and an image showing an example of a discrimination map for the presence or absence of a water reforming effect created based on the example of a distribution of the presence or absence of the effect of the water reforming treatment of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plot showing the relationship between the concentration of tap water and the zeta potential of particles dispersed in tap water, with and without the application of a water modification treatment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plot showing the relationship between concentration and electrical conductivity of tap water with and without the application of water modification treatment. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a front view showing one embodiment of a ceramic fan. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a side view of the ceramic fan in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph illustrating the change in pH over time ("alkaline shift") for modified and unmodified water. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating the peeling phenomenon of scale in reformed water in a water supply pipe before the tap is opened. FIG. [Figure 12]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the peeling phenomenon of scale in the modified water after the tap is opened. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a gel-like coating of silicon dioxide in unmodified water. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a gel-like coating of silicon dioxide in modified water. [Figure 15] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a cooling water circulation system to which a cooling water circulation method is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] (Method of evaluating water modification effect) FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the processing steps of a method for evaluating water reforming effect according to an embodiment, as an example of a specific configuration aspect of the method for evaluating water reforming effect according to the present invention, and is also a flow chart showing the processing steps in an apparatus for evaluating water reforming effect 90 according to an embodiment, as an example of a specific configuration aspect of the apparatus for evaluating water reforming effect according to the present invention.

[0033] The present invention is expected to be used in evaluating the degree of effect of water modification treatment (specifically, for example, the effect of inhibiting scale or the effect of improving peelability) on water poured into equipment or facilities where scale adhesion is a problem, and specifically, for example, the present invention is expected to be used in evaluating the degree of effect of water modification treatment on tap water.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, water that is the target of water reforming (in other words, water for which the application of water reforming treatment is being considered or is planned) is referred to as "water to be reformed."

[0035] In the description of the present invention, water to be modified before water modification, that is, water that has not been subjected to water modification treatment, is referred to as “untreated water”, and water to be modified after water modification treatment is referred to as “treated water”. The treated water is water to be modified that has been subjected to a water modification treatment (including a treatment simulating an actual water modification treatment using an actual machine, etc.) that is being considered or planned for application to the water to be modified.

[0036] The water to be reformed is, for example, tap water, in which case untreated water is tap water as is, and treated water is tap water that has been subjected to a water reforming treatment (including a treatment simulating an actual water reforming treatment using an actual machine, etc.) that is being considered or planned for application to the tap water. However, the water to be reformed is not limited to tap water, and may be various types of water such as groundwater (including well water), river water (including water used as industrial water), seawater, distilled water, and pure water, or may be a mixture of multiple types of water.

[0037] The method for evaluating the water reforming effect in the embodiment includes a process of adding and stirring scale component particles to untreated water, which has not been subjected to water reforming treatment, and treated water, which has been subjected to water reforming treatment, (step S1-4); a process of concentrating the untreated water and treated water to which the scale component particles have been added (step S1-5); a process of measuring the zeta potential of the untreated water and treated water to which the scale component particles have been added (step S1-6); a process of calculating the absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential of the treated water and the zeta potential of the untreated water (step S1-7); and a process of evaluating the degree of effect of the water reforming treatment on the water to be reformed based on the calculated difference (step S1-8).

[0038] In carrying out the method for evaluating the water reforming effect, first, water to be reformed is prepared (step S1-1).

[0039] Specifically, for example, two beakers containing 500 mL of water to be modified (water that has not been subjected to water modification treatment) are prepared.

[0040] Next, the artificial ore is put into one of the two beakers containing the water to be modified (step S1-2).

[0041] The beaker into which the artificial ore has not been added is referred to as the "untreated water beaker," and the beaker into which the artificial ore has been added is referred to as the "treated water beaker."

[0042] In the process of step S1-2, artificial ores are used that are to be used in the water reforming process that is being considered or planned for application to the target water. The amount (volume, weight) of the artificial ores to be added in the process of step S1-2 is adjusted in consideration of the effect of the water reforming process being exerted on the amount of target water put into the beaker in the process of step S1-1.

[0043] Next, the untreated water beaker and the treated water beaker are each sealed to prevent the water to be modified from evaporating, and are left to stand for 24 hours or more (step S1-3).

[0044] In the treatment of step S1-3, the untreated water beaker and the treated water beaker need only be left undisturbed for the time expected for the effects of the water modification treatment by the artificial ore added to the treated water beaker to be manifested (the amount of artificial ore added also being taken into consideration), and the time for leaving them undisturbed in the treatment of step S1-3 is not limited to 24 hours or more, and may be shorter than 24 hours.

[0045] The water to be reformed in the untreated water beaker remains untreated water, and the water to be reformed in the treated water beaker becomes treated water through the process in step S1-3. That is, through the process in step S1-3, water that has been subjected to a process simulating an actual water reforming process using an actual device or the like is prepared.

[0046] In addition, the artificial ore added in the processing of step S1-3 may be removed after the treated water beaker is left to stand for a predetermined period of time as the processing of step S1-3, or the processing of steps S1-4 and beyond may be performed without removing the artificial ore from the treated water beaker.

[0047] In addition, in the process of step S1-1, water to be modified that has not been subjected to water modification treatment may be prepared as a beaker of untreated water, and water to be modified that has been subjected to actual water modification treatment by a real machine or the like may be prepared as a beaker of treated water. In this case, the processes of steps S1-2 and S1-3 are not performed.

[0048] Next, scale component particles are added to each of the untreated water beaker and the treated water beaker, and are stirred (step S1-4).

[0049] Examples of the scale component particles include carbonate scale and silicate scale. Specific examples of the scale component particles include calcium carbonate (CaCO3), silicon dioxide (SiO2) (silica, silicate), calcium silicate, magnesium silicate (magnesium silicate), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), magnesium oxide (MgO), and iron rust (hematite, magnetite). As the scale component particles, a single type of particle may be added, or multiple types of particles may be added.

[0050] As the particles of the scale component, it is preferable to use a powder containing 0.5% or more of particles having a particle size of 0.3 nm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably a powder containing 3% or more, and even more preferably a powder containing 5% or more. As the particles of the scale component, it is more preferable to use a powder containing 0.5% or more of particles having a particle size of 1 μm or more and 3 μm or less, more preferably a powder containing 3% or more, and even more preferably a powder containing 5% or more. As the particles of the scale component, it is even more preferable to use a powder containing 0.5% or more of particles having a particle size of about 2 μm or less, more preferably a powder containing 3% or more, and even more preferably a powder containing 5% or more. The particle size of the particles of the scale component may be any one of the average particle size, the spherical equivalent diameter, the median diameter, and the mode diameter, or may be the Stokes diameter.

[0051] The scale component particles may be added at a concentration of, for example, about 0.01 to 10 g / L, preferably about 1 to 5 g / L, more preferably about 1 to 3 g / L, and even more preferably about 2 g / L. Stirring after the scale component particles are added may be performed using a stirring device or a stirring tool such as a glass rod.

[0052] Untreated water to which scale component particles have been added is referred to as "particle-added untreated water," and treated water to which scale component particles have been added is referred to as "particle-added treated water."

[0053] Next, the water to be modified (specifically, each of the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water) is evaporated to concentrate the water to be modified (step S1-5).

[0054] The evaporation of water from the water to be modified (specifically, the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water) (and thus the concentration of the water to be modified) may be carried out by placing the untreated water beaker and the treated water beaker in an open, unsealed state, for example, in a thermostatic bath set at about 20°C, or by allowing the water to evaporate.

[0055] The water to be modified (specifically, the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water) is evaporated to a concentration of preferably about 1.1 to 3.0 times, more preferably about 1.3 to 3.0 times, and even more preferably about 1.6 to 3.0 times. Note that the concentration is x times when the water to be modified, which is V [mL] before evaporation, is evaporated to V / x [mL].

[0056] Next, the zeta potential of the particles dispersed in the water to be modified (specifically, the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water) after the evaporation process (i.e., after the process in step S1-5) is measured (step S1-6).

[0057] The zeta potential is an index that represents the charged state of the surface of fine particles present in water; when it is near 0 mV, it indicates that the particles do not repel each other and therefore tend to aggregate in water; when it is significantly on the negative or positive side, it indicates that the particles repel each other and therefore tend to disperse in water.

[0058] The measurement of the zeta potential may be performed once for each of the waters to be modified after the evaporation process (specifically, for each of the untreated water to be added with particles and the treated water to be added with particles), but it is preferable to perform the measurement of the zeta potential multiple times (preferably three or more times) for each of the waters to be modified after the evaporation process (specifically, for each of the untreated water to be added with particles and the treated water to be added with particles), and the average value of the multiple measurement results is used as the zeta potential of the waters to be modified after the evaporation process (specifically, for each of the untreated water to be added with particles and the treated water to be added with particles).

[0059] It is preferable to measure the zeta potential after the temperature of the water to be modified (specifically, the untreated water to which particles have been added and the treated water to which particles have been added) has been adjusted to approximately the water temperature expected under actual usage conditions of the water to be modified.

[0060] By the processing of step S1-6, the zeta potential of the particles dispersed in the particle-added untreated water after the evaporation processing is obtained, and the zeta potential of the particles dispersed in the particle-added treated water after the evaporation processing is obtained.

[0061] Next, the difference between the zeta potential of the particle-added treated water and the zeta potential of the particle-added untreated water is calculated (step S1-7).

[0062] Specifically, the absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential Vt of the particle-added treated water after the evaporation process obtained in the processing of step S1-6 and the zeta potential Vn of the particle-added untreated water after the evaporation process, "|Vt-Vn|" (referred to as the "zeta potential difference"), is calculated.

[0063] Next, the effect of the water reforming treatment on the target water is evaluated (step S1-8).

[0064] In this process, the degree of effectiveness of the water reforming process (i.e. the method or technique of water reforming process that is being considered or planned for application to the water to be reformed) is evaluated based on the zeta potential difference. Specifically, when the zeta potential difference is large, the effect of the water reforming process is evaluated as large, and when the zeta potential difference is small, the effect of the water reforming process is evaluated as small.

[0065] When the zeta potential difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (referred to as the "effect evaluation threshold"), it is evaluated (judged) that the water reforming treatment is effective (or that the effect of the water reforming treatment is at least to a certain extent), and when the zeta potential difference is less than the effect evaluation threshold, it is evaluated (judged) that the water reforming treatment is ineffective (or that the effect of the water reforming treatment is small).

[0066] The effect evaluation threshold is not limited to a specific value, and is appropriately set to an appropriate value, for example, taking into consideration the magnitude of the zeta potential difference when at least an expected effect (in other words, a minimum effect) is obtained as the effect of the water reforming treatment. The effect evaluation threshold may be set to any value within a range of, for example, about 1 to 5 mV, and specifically, for example, may be set to about 3 mV.

[0067] Based on the evaluation results of the effect of the water reforming treatment (for example, the comparison results between the zeta potential difference and the effect evaluation threshold), it is possible to judge the appropriateness (in other words, the effectiveness) of the combination of the water to be reformed and the water reforming treatment. Specifically, when the zeta potential difference is equal to or greater than the effect evaluation threshold, it is judged that it is effective to apply the water reforming treatment (i.e., the method or technique of water reforming treatment that is being considered or planned for application to the water to be reformed) to the water to be reformed (i.e., the water to which the application of the water reforming treatment is being considered or planned), and when the zeta potential difference is less than the effect evaluation threshold, it is judged that it is not effective to apply the water reforming treatment to the water to be reformed.

[0068] When the zeta potential difference is less than the effectiveness evaluation threshold, it may be determined that some pretreatment (e.g., dilution with water with fewer impurities) is necessary for the water to be modified so that the water modification treatment is appropriate (in other words, effective).

[0069] (Water modification effect evaluation device) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an evaluation device 90 for evaluating water reforming effect according to an embodiment.

[0070] The water reforming effect evaluation device 90 in the embodiment has an input receiving unit 921 as a first means for receiving input of the zeta potential values ​​measured for each of the untreated water to which the scale component particles have been added and the treated water to which the scale component particles have been added, after the untreated water to which the scale component particles have been added and the treated water to which the scale component particles have been added are stirred, a calculation unit 922 as a second means for calculating the absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential value of the treated water and the zeta potential value of the untreated water, and an evaluation unit 923 as a third means for evaluating the degree of effect of the water reforming treatment on the water to be reformed based on the calculated difference.

[0071] The water reforming effect evaluation device 90 has a memory unit 91, a control unit 92, a display unit 93, and an input unit 94, and these components are electrically connected within the water reforming effect evaluation device 90 via a communication bus 99.

[0072] The storage unit 91 may be configured with any storage medium and stores various information and data. The storage unit 91 may be configured with, for example, a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs and the like related to the evaluation device 90 for evaluating water modification effect executed by the control unit 92, or a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information and data and the like related to the calculation of the programs, or may be a combination of these.

[0073] The control unit 92 performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the evaluation device 90 for evaluating water reforming effect. The control unit 92 may be configured, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 92 realizes various functions related to the evaluation device 90 for evaluating water reforming effect by reading out a predetermined program (including the evaluation program for water reforming effect) stored in the storage unit 91. That is, various functions related to the evaluation device 90 for evaluating water reforming effect can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 92 by specifically realizing information processing by the software (including the evaluation program for water reforming effect) stored in the storage unit 91 by the control unit 92, which is an example of hardware. The control unit 92 is not limited to being a single unit, and may be configured to have multiple control units 92 for each function. Furthermore, the control unit 92 may be a combination of multiple control units.

[0074] The display unit 93 may be included in (in other words, integrated with) the housing of the water modification effect evaluation device 90, or may be attached externally. The display unit 93 may be configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display.

[0075] The input unit 94 may be included in the housing of the water modification effect evaluation device 90 (in other words, integrated with the housing), or may be attached externally. The input unit 94 may be configured with, for example, a keyboard. The input unit 94 receives an operation input made by an operator, and the operation input is transmitted to the control unit 92 via a communication bus 99 as a command signal. Then, the control unit 92 executes predetermined control and calculation as necessary.

[0076] The control unit 92 includes an input receiving unit 921, a calculation unit 922, and an evaluation unit 923. Note that the term "transmission" in the description of the present invention includes exchange of information and data via storage in the storage unit 91 and reading out from the storage unit 91.

[0077] The input receiving unit 921 receives transmission of the zeta potential value of particles dispersed in the particle-added untreated water after the evaporation process, which is obtained in the processing of step S1-6 after processing of steps S1-1 to S1-5 in the method for evaluating the water modification effect, and the zeta potential value of particles dispersed in the particle-added treated water after the evaporation process, which is input by an operator via the input unit 94.

[0078] Then, the input receiving unit 921 transmits the value of the zeta potential related to the particle-added untreated water and the value of the zeta potential related to the particle-added treated water to the calculation unit 922 .

[0079] The calculation unit 922 calculates the zeta potential difference using the zeta potential value for the particle-added untreated water and the zeta potential value for the particle-added treated water transmitted from the input receiving unit 921 (corresponding to the processing of step S1-7 in the method for evaluating the water modification effect).

[0080] Then, the calculation unit 922 transmits to the evaluation unit 923 the value of the zeta potential for the particle-added untreated water and the value of the zeta potential for the particle-added treated water transmitted from the input receiving unit 921, as well as the calculated value of the zeta potential difference (note that only the value of the zeta potential difference may be transmitted).

[0081] The evaluation unit 923 displays on the display unit 93 the zeta potential value for the particle-added untreated water and the zeta potential value for the particle-added treated water, as well as the zeta potential difference value, transmitted from the calculation unit 922 (note that only the zeta potential difference value may be displayed).

[0082] Then, the operator checks the above values ​​displayed on the display unit 93, and evaluates the degree of effectiveness of the water reforming treatment for the target water (i.e., the method or technique of water reforming treatment that is being considered or planned to be applied to the target water) based on the value of the zeta potential difference in particular (corresponding to the processing of step S1-8 in the method for evaluating the water reforming effect).

[0083] The evaluation unit 923 may determine whether the value of the zeta potential difference transmitted from the calculation unit 922 is equal to or greater than the effect evaluation threshold, and when the value of the zeta potential difference is equal to or greater than the effect evaluation threshold, cause the display unit 93 to display the evaluation (determination) result that the water reforming treatment is effective (or that the effect of the water reforming treatment is at least to a certain extent), and when the value of the zeta potential difference is less than the effect evaluation threshold, cause the display unit 93 to display the evaluation (determination) result that the water reforming treatment is ineffective (or that the effect of the water reforming treatment is small).The effect evaluation threshold may be specified in the evaluation program for the water reforming effect or may be stored in advance in the memory unit 91.

[0084] (Example of water reforming treatment) The water reforming treatment applied to the water to be reformed as the subject of evaluation and judgment regarding the effect of the water reforming treatment by the method for evaluating the water reforming effect and the method for judging the presence or absence of the water reforming effect of the present invention is not limited to a specific method, and may be, for example, the water reforming treatment applied to cooling water or tap water in the cooling device 10A described below (see Figures 8 to 15).

[0085] (cooling device) The cooling device 10A supplies reformed cooling water, and includes a cooling tower 10, a water tank 17 provided at the bottom of the cooling tower 10, a make-up water injection pipe 11 for injecting make-up water into the water tank 17, a cooling water supply pipe 12 for supplying cooling water from the water tank 17 to a cooling destination, a cooling water recovery pipe 13 for recovering cooling water from the cooling destination to the cooling tower 10, and a first reforming unit 20 disposed inside the water tank 17 and reforming the water in the water tank 17 using artificial ore. The make-up water is tap water in this example. The make-up water may be groundwater or the like.

[0086] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the cooling tower 10 is an open type in which the collected cooling water is directly contacted with air to evaporate a part of the cooling water to lower the temperature, but it may be a closed type cooling tower in which the cooling water is circulated in a piping circuit to exchange heat. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the cooling tower 10 is a cross-flow type cooling tower having a rectangular outer shell in which the cooling water collected from the cooling water collection pipe 13 and the air flow crossing at right angles, but the cooling tower may be a counter-flow type cooling tower having a round outer shell in which the cooling water and the air flow in opposite directions. The following description will be given with reference to the open and cross-flow type cooling tower 10.

[0087] The cooling tower 10 takes in air through the inlet louvers 14 that form the outer wall by a blower 18 rotated by a motor (not shown). Filler material 16 is provided inside the inlet louvers 14, and the cooling water that has returned to the water sprinkler box 15 from the cooling water recovery pipe 13 is sprayed onto the top of the filler material 16 and exchanges heat with the air as it falls inside as water droplets. The air has water droplets entrained therein removed by an eliminator 19, and is discharged to the outside via the blower 18. The cooling water, whose temperature has been reduced by heat exchange inside the filler material 16, is stored in a water tank 17 located at the bottom.

[0088] The cooling water stored in the water tank 17 is sent to a supply destination through a cooling water supply pipe 12 provided at the bottom of the water tank 17. Here, a first reforming section 20 using artificial ore is disposed in the water tank 17, and as will be described in detail later, the cooling water is reformed by passing through the first reforming section 20 before being sent to the supply destination.

[0089] The water tank 17 is provided with a make-up water injection pipe 11. This is because, particularly in the case of an open-type cooling tower 10, the cooling water is concentrated by evaporation, and a certain amount of water is replaced periodically (blow and make-up water). Here, the make-up water injection pipe 11 may further include a second reforming section 30 that reforms the make-up water using an artificial mineral, similar to the first reforming section 20. In addition to reforming the circulating cooling water by the first reforming section 20 arranged in the water tank 17, the second reforming section 30 arranged in the make-up water injection pipe 11 reforms tap water to be newly injected into the cooling tower 10 as make-up water in advance, thereby further enhancing the effect of reforming.

[0090] (First reforming section, second reforming section) The first reforming section 20 and the second reforming section 30 are composed of a water reforming device. The water reforming device constituting the first reforming section 20 is disposed inside a punched box through which water can flow as shown in Fig. 8. The punched box is formed, for example, from stainless steel into a plate box shape having dimensions of 340 x 250 x 30 mm, and has a number of punches (i.e., flow holes) penetrating its surface to allow water to flow.

[0091] Inside the punch box, two artificial minerals are arranged side by side. These artificial minerals are water contact plates formed by firing artificial mineral crystals at high temperatures. The artificial minerals make it possible to reproduce the wisdom of nature, where rain seeps into the ground, comes into contact with mineral crystals, and springs up to the surface as spring water without using any filters or adding anything to the water, without removing anything. As will be described in more detail later, the physical properties of the water that passes through the punch box containing the artificial minerals change to become spring water. Furthermore, because the artificial minerals rotate using water pressure, there is no need for maintenance costs such as the electricity costs required to drive them or the cost of adding chemicals.

[0092] The artificial mineral emits far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 4.4 μm or more and 15.4 μm or less with an integral emissivity of 92% or more. By modifying tap water with this artificial mineral, at least one of the following water modifying effects is achieved: "vital activity power," "bacteriostatic power," "antioxidant power," "cleaning power," "environmental purification power," "sustained modification power," and "anticorrosion power."

[0093] When the cooling water flows through the artificial ore, the physical properties of the cooling water are modified by contact with the artificial ore. The cooling water that comes into contact with the artificial ore passes through the through holes 7, the gap formed by the inclined plate portion 6b and the inner wall of the punch box, and the smooth flow of the cooling water is interrupted by the artificial ore, forming a violent turbulence on the water countercurrent surface. The violent collision of water molecules with the artificial ore due to this turbulence also promotes the modification of the cooling water. As the effect of the modification, at least one of the following modification effects is achieved: "life activation power", "bacteriostatic power", "antioxidant power", "cleaning power", "environmental purification power", "modification durability", and "rust prevention power".

[0094] Here, we will explain the reforming of cooling water by artificial minerals. Mineral crystals have the property of converting the force they receive into a certain vibration, and water molecules also vibrate. When water molecules come into contact with mineral crystals that vibrate in a way that resonates with their vibration, the water molecules undergo self-reorganization, which is thought to enable reforming of the water. Specifically, when unreformed water, which contains a mixture of relatively large clumps of water molecules and relatively large clumps of minerals, is reformed using a ceramic fan 1 (specifically, a fan coated with artificial minerals as a glaze), many clumps of water molecules with uniform particle size are generated. As a result, for example, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the main element of scale, becomes water-soluble calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2), making it difficult for it to accumulate in the pipes.

[0095] The water reforming device constituting the second reforming section 30 includes a cylindrical housing (not shown) through which water can flow, and a ceramic fan 1 arranged inside the cylindrical housing to cause a swirling motion of the water flow. The cylindrical housing is formed, for example, from stainless steel into a cylindrical shape having dimensions of 190φ-250φ×580-1100 mm. Inside the cylindrical housing, a plurality of the ceramic fans 1 described above are arranged in series on the longitudinal axis. The ceramic fan 1 has the same effects as the artificial ore described above.

[0096] The ceramic fan 1 may be configured, for example, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Here, the ceramic fan 1 is formed by providing three liquid flow dam portions 3 on a disk base 2, and the liquid flow dam portions 3 have the function of blocking water flowing from the punches of the punch box toward the liquid flow dam portions 3.

[0097] The liquid flow dam section 3 has three curved convex plates 6 formed from the outer peripheral surface of a boss 5 formed on the peripheral edge of a through hole 4 provided in the center of the ceramic fan 1 toward the outer edge of the ceramic fan 1. The curved convex plates 6 include a curved plate section 6a having a predetermined height from the water counterflow plane of the disk base 2, and an inclined plate section 6b that inclines from the top of the curved plate section 6a toward the plane of the disk base 2. Furthermore, the disk base 2 has nine through flow holes 7 provided in each of the areas surrounded by the liquid flow dam section 3.

[0098] The configuration of the ceramic fan 1 is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figures 9A and 9B. For example, the number of liquid flow dam parts 3 and the curved convex plates 6 may be four, extending in all directions on the disk base 2. The number and arrangement pattern of the through holes 7 can also be set appropriately. When arranging the ceramic fans 1 inside a cylindrical housing (not shown) through which water flows, the number can be determined taking into consideration the capacity of the water tank 17 and the water retention time.

[0099] The first reforming section 20 may be disposed inside the cooling water supply pipe 12.

[0100] (Mechanism of scale removal and prevention) The mechanism by which water reforming by the first reforming section 20 or the second reforming section 30 makes it difficult for scale to accumulate will be described below. Scale refers to deposits of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) (silica) that adhere to the inside of pipes or to hot and cold water supply equipment, and the reaction mechanism by which reformed water removes and prevents scale from adhering is as follows. Note that water reformed by the first reforming section 20 or the second reforming section 30 is called "reformed water," and water that has not been reformed is called "unreformed water." Unreformed water is, for example, tap water.

[0101] First, we will explain the case of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Generally, in a water supply and hot water supply system, pressurized water or hot water is pumped, but this highly pressurized water or hot water contains a large amount of dissolved gas. In the case of unmodified water, when the tap is opened and the pressure returns to normal (specifically, atmospheric pressure), the dissolved gas vaporizes and a large amount of bubbles is generated.

[0102] In contrast, in the case of reformed water, gases dissolved under high pressure do not evaporate even when the pressure is returned to normal, but are instead included in strings of water molecules (i.e., hydrated) or are preserved in a stable state among water molecules of uniform particle size. This phenomenon can also be seen in the fact that the "alkaline shift" seen in unreformed water is suppressed in the case of reformed water, as shown in Figure 10. Note that Figure 10 shows the state of the "alkaline shift" with pH on the vertical axis and time (minutes) from the time of collection on the horizontal axis, where t1 to t3 represent reformed water at different times of collection, and n1 to n3 represent non-reformed water at different times of collection, respectively.

[0103] This point will be outlined with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 shows the peeling phenomenon of scale in the reformed water in the water supply pipe before the tap is opened, and Figure 12 shows the peeling phenomenon of scale in the reformed water after the tap is opened.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 11, before the tap is opened (i.e., in the case of unmodified water), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals grow and many fine particles of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) are generated in the water.

[0105] On the other hand, in the case of modified water, the aggregation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles is prevented, and calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2) is generated by the reaction. This calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2) is ionized to the following chemical formula 1 and / or chemical formula 2 and becomes water-soluble. (Chem.1) CaHCO3 + +HCO3 - (chemical 2) Ca 2+ +2HCO3 -

[0106] Then, calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2), which is ionized and water-soluble, corrodes and dissolves the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that has adhered as scale (see Figure 12). This causes the scale that has already accumulated to peel off.

[0107] Next, we will explain the case of silicon dioxide (SiO2). Silicon dioxide (SiO2) has covalently bonded crystals, but in the case of unmodified water, it forms a gel-like coating in a state similar to holding hands sideways. This gel-like coating then builds up one after another to form strong scale, which accumulates inside the pipes. Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-section of the scale, and the deposited layer of the gel-like coating is strong and difficult to peel off.

[0108] In contrast, when modified water is used, a phenomenon occurs in which water molecules surround the silicon dioxide (SiO2). This makes it difficult for the silicon dioxide (SiO2) to join together sideways, preventing the formation of a gel-like coating and making it difficult to form a strong deposition layer as scale. Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the cross section of this scale, and the gel-like coating is flat and discontinuous at the breaks, making it easy to peel off.

[0109] (Cooling water circulation method) The cooling water circulation method will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a cooling water circulation system 100 to which the cooling water circulation method is applied. Note that Fig. 15 shows the connection state of each pipe typically, and the connection position of each element is conceptual.

[0110] The cooling water circulation method supplies reformed cooling water CLW, and includes a water injection step of injecting tap water as makeup water MW into a water tank 17 provided at the bottom of the cooling tower 10, a supply step of supplying cooling water CLWb from the water tank 17 to a cooling destination, and a recovery step of recovering cooling water CLWa from the cooling destination to the cooling tower 10, and the supply step includes a first reforming step of reforming the cooling water CLW in the water tank 17 using artificial ore. Note that the cooling water CLW before use will be referred to as "cooling water CLWb" and the cooling water after use will be referred to as "cooling water CLWa".

[0111] In the first reforming step, the water in the water tank 17 is reformed using the above-mentioned first reforming section 20, that is, the artificial ore placed inside the punch box PB through which water can flow.

[0112] The water injection step may further include a second reforming step of reforming the makeup water MW using artificial ore. In the second reforming step, the makeup water MW may be reformed using the above-mentioned second reforming unit 30, i.e., the ceramic fan 1 that is disposed inside a cylindrical housing through which water can flow and that generates a swirling motion of the water flow.

[0113] In the cooling water circulation system 100, the cooling water CLW generated in the cooling tower 10 is reformed by the first reforming section 20 (punch box: PB), and then sent as reformed water RW from the cooling water supply pipe 12 to a supply destination. In Fig. 15, the supply destinations of the cooling water CLW are exemplified as a water-cooled chiller 40 that supplies cold water CW to an air conditioner 50, and a temperature regulator 60 that supplies oil to a molding machine 70. Of course, the supply destinations are not limited to these.

[0114] A portion of the reformed water RW generated by the first reforming section 20 of the cooling tower 10 is supplied as cooling water CLWb to the water-cooled chiller 40 via a strainer 81 and a pump 82. The chilled water CWb (specifically, for example, about 7°C) generated by the water-cooled chiller 40 is supplied to the air conditioner 50, and the used chilled water CWa (specifically, for example, about 12°C) returns to the water-cooled chiller 40. Note that the chilled water CW before use is referred to as chilled water CWb, and the chilled water after use is referred to as chilled water CWa.

[0115] The cooling water CLWa used in the water-cooled chiller 40 is recovered in the cooling tower 10 via the cooling water recovery pipe 13. The recovered cooling water CLWa is lowered in temperature again in the cooling tower 10, reformed in the first reforming section 20, and then supplied to the water-cooled chiller 40 as reformed water RW (cooling water CLWb).

[0116] Similarly, a portion of the reformed water RW generated by the first reforming section 20 of the cooling tower 10 is supplied to the temperature regulator 60 as cooling water CLWb via a strainer 81, a pump 82, and a filter 83. The cooling water CLWa used in the temperature regulator 60 is recovered in the cooling tower 10 via a cooling water recovery pipe 13. The same applies to the cooling water CLWa recovered from the water-cooled chiller 40 below.

[0117] As described above, the method of water reforming treatment in the cooling device 10A has been described as an example of the method of water reforming treatment applied to the reforming target water as the subject of evaluation and judgment regarding the effect of the water reforming treatment according to the present invention, but the method of water reforming treatment applied to the reforming target water in the present invention is not limited to the method of water reforming treatment in the cooling device. In addition, the reforming target water in the present invention includes water used in equipment and facilities that are particularly affected by scale formation, and specifically, for example, water used in boilers and water used in cooling facilities for items such as molds, in addition to the water used in the cooling tower and cooling device as described above. In this case, the influence of scale formation includes the adhesion of scale to inhibit the thermal conduction of members for exchanging heat, and the reduction in the amount of water flowing through the members for exchanging heat.

[0118] (How to determine the water modification effect) FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the processing steps of a method for determining whether or not there is water reforming effect according to an embodiment, as an example of a specific configuration aspect of the method for determining whether or not there is water reforming effect according to the present invention, and is also a flow chart showing the processing steps in a device 90A for determining whether or not there is water reforming effect according to an embodiment, as an example of a specific configuration aspect of the device for determining whether or not there is water reforming effect according to the present invention.

[0119] The present invention is particularly likely to be used to determine in advance whether or not water modification treatment has an effect (specifically, for example, a scale-inhibiting effect or an effect of improving peelability) on water to be poured into equipment or facilities where scale adhesion is a problem, and specifically, for example, the present invention is likely to be used in advance to determine whether or not water modification treatment has an effect on tap water.

[0120] In the description of the present invention, water that is the target of water reforming (in other words, water for which the application of water reforming treatment is being considered or is planned) is referred to as "water to be reformed."

[0121] In the description of the present invention, the water used in the processes in steps S2-1 to S2-7 below is referred to as "sample water."

[0122] In the description of the present invention, a sample water that has not been subjected to water modification treatment and is before water modification is referred to as an “untreated sample water,” and a sample water that has been subjected to water modification treatment and is after water modification is referred to as a “treated sample water.” The treated sample water is, in other words, a sample water that has been subjected to a water modification treatment (including a treatment that simulates an actual water modification treatment using an actual device, etc.) that is being considered or planned for application to the water to be modified.

[0123] The sample water is, for example, tap water, and in this case, the untreated sample water is tap water as it is, and the treated sample water is tap water that has been subjected to a water reforming treatment (including a treatment simulating an actual water reforming treatment using an actual machine, etc.) that is being considered or planned for application to the tap water. However, the sample water is not limited to tap water, and may be various types of water such as groundwater (including well water), river water (including water used as industrial water), seawater, distilled water, and pure water, or may be a mixture of multiple types of water.

[0124] The method for determining the presence or absence of a water modification effect according to the embodiment includes a process for measuring the hardness and characteristic indexes of untreated sample water, which has not been subjected to water modification treatment, for each of the multiple water samples (step S2-2); a process for adding and stirring scale component particles to the untreated sample water and treated sample water, which has been subjected to water modification treatment, for each of the multiple water samples (step S2-5); a process for concentrating the untreated sample water to which the scale component particles have been added and the treated sample water (step S2-6); a process for measuring the zeta potential of the untreated sample water and the treated sample water for each of the multiple water samples to which the scale component particles have been added (step S2-7); and a process for measuring the zeta potential of the treated sample water and the untreated sample water for each of the multiple water samples. The method includes a process of calculating the absolute value of the difference with the zeta potential of the feed water (step S2-8), a process of evaluating the degree of effect of the water modification treatment on the sample water based on the difference calculated for each of the multiple sample waters (step S2-9), a process of classifying a set of combinations of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for each of the multiple sample waters into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective based on the results of the evaluation of the treatment in step S2-9 (step S2-10), and a process of determining whether the combination of hardness value and characteristic index value of the water to be modified belongs to either the group in which the water modification treatment is effective or the group in which the water modification treatment is not effective based on the classification of the treatment in step S2-10 (step S2-11).

[0125] In carrying out the method for determining whether or not there is a water modification effect, first, a water sample is prepared (step S2-1).

[0126] Specifically, for example, two beakers containing 500 mL of sample water (which has not been subjected to any water modification treatment) are prepared.

[0127] Next, the hardness and characteristic indexes of the sample water are measured (step S2-2).

[0128] The hardness may be any of calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, and the sum of calcium hardness and magnesium hardness (ie, total hardness).

[0129] The characteristic index is, for example, any one of electrical conductivity, pH (hydrogen ion exponent), and ORP (oxidation-reduction potential).

[0130] It is preferable that the hardness and characteristic indexes be measured after the temperature of the untreated sample water has been adjusted to approximately the water temperature expected to be used under actual conditions for the water to be modified (i.e., water for which the application of water modification treatment is being considered or planned).

[0131] Next, the artificial ore is placed in one of the two beakers containing the sample water (step S2-3).

[0132] The beaker into which the artificial ore has not been added is referred to as the "untreated water sample beaker," and the beaker into which the artificial ore has been added is referred to as the "treated water sample beaker."

[0133] In the process of step S2-3, artificial ores to be used in the water reforming process that is being considered or planned for application to the water to be reformed are used. The amount (volume, weight) of the artificial ores to be added in the process of step S2-3 is adjusted, for example, taking into consideration that the effect of the water reforming process may be exerted on the amount of sample water put into the beaker in the process of step S2-1.

[0134] Next, the untreated water sample beaker and the treated water sample beaker are each sealed to prevent the water in the sample water from evaporating, and are left to stand for 24 hours or more (step S2-4).

[0135] In the processing of step S2-4, the untreated water sample beaker and the treated water sample beaker need only be left undisturbed for the time expected for the effect of the water modification treatment by the artificial ore added to the treated water sample beaker to be manifested (the amount of the artificial ore added also being taken into consideration), and the time for leaving them undisturbed in the processing of step S2-4 is not limited to 24 hours or more, and may be shorter than 24 hours.

[0136] The sample water in the untreated sample water beaker remains untreated, and the sample water in the treated sample water beaker becomes treated sample water through the process in step S2-4. That is, through the process in step S2-4, water that has been subjected to a process simulating an actual water reforming process using an actual device or the like is prepared.

[0137] In addition, the artificial ore added in the processing of step S2-4 may be removed after the treated water sample beaker is left to stand for a predetermined period of time as the processing of step S2-4, or the processing of steps S2-5 and beyond may be performed without removing the artificial ore from the treated water sample beaker.

[0138] Alternatively, in the process of step S2-1, a water sample that has not been subjected to water modification treatment may be prepared as an untreated water sample beaker, and a water sample that has been subjected to actual water modification treatment by an actual device or the like may be prepared as a treated water sample beaker. In this case, the hardness and characteristic indexes of the untreated water sample are measured in the process of step S2-2, and the processes of steps S2-3 and S2-4 are not performed.

[0139] Next, particles of scale components are added to each of the untreated water sample beaker and the treated water sample beaker, and then stirred (step S2-5).

[0140] Examples of the scale component particles include carbonate scale and silicate scale. Specific examples of the scale component particles include calcium carbonate (CaCO3), silicon dioxide (SiO2) (silica, silicate), calcium silicate, magnesium silicate (magnesium silicate), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), magnesium oxide (MgO), and iron rust (hematite, magnetite). As the scale component particles, a single type of particle may be added, or multiple types of particles may be added.

[0141] As the particles of the scale component, it is preferable to use a powder containing 0.5% or more of particles having a particle size of 0.3 nm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably a powder containing 3% or more, and even more preferably a powder containing 5% or more. As the particles of the scale component, it is more preferable to use a powder containing 0.5% or more of particles having a particle size of 1 μm or more and 3 μm or less, more preferably a powder containing 3% or more, and even more preferably a powder containing 5% or more. As the particles of the scale component, it is even more preferable to use a powder containing 0.5% or more of particles having a particle size of about 2 μm or less, more preferably a powder containing 3% or more, and even more preferably a powder containing 5% or more. The particle size of the particles of the scale component may be any one of the average particle size, the spherical equivalent diameter, the median diameter, and the mode diameter, or may be the Stokes diameter.

[0142] The scale component particles may be added at a concentration of, for example, about 0.01 to 10 g / L, preferably about 1 to 5 g / L, more preferably about 1 to 3 g / L, and even more preferably about 2 g / L. Stirring after the scale component particles are added may be performed using a stirring device or a stirring tool such as a glass rod.

[0143] The untreated sample water to which scale component particles have been added is referred to as "particle-added untreated sample water," and the treated sample water to which scale component particles have been added is referred to as "particle-added treated sample water."

[0144] Next, the water samples (specifically, the particle-added untreated water sample and the particle-added treated water sample) are concentrated by evaporating the moisture (step S2-6).

[0145] Evaporation of water from the sample water (specifically, each of the particle-added untreated sample water and the particle-added treated sample water) (and thus concentration of the sample water) may be carried out by placing the untreated water sample beaker and the treated water sample beaker in an open, unsealed state, for example, in a thermostatic bath set at about 20°C, or by allowing the water to evaporate.

[0146] The evaporation of water sample (specifically, each of the particle-added untreated water sample and the particle-added treated water sample) is preferably performed so that the concentration is about 1.1 to 3.0 times, more preferably about 1.3 to 3.0 times, and even more preferably about 1.6 to 3.0 times. Note that the concentration is x times when the water sample, which is V [mL] before evaporation, is evaporated to V / x [mL].

[0147] Next, the zeta potential of the particles dispersed in the sample water after the evaporation process (i.e., after the process in step S2-6) (specifically, each of the particle-added untreated sample water and the particle-added treated sample water) is measured (step S2-7).

[0148] The measurement of the zeta potential may be performed once for each of the post-evaporation water samples (specifically, for each of the particle-added untreated water sample and the particle-added treated water sample), but is preferably performed multiple times. That is, it is preferable to perform the measurement of the zeta potential multiple times (preferably three or more times) for each of the post-evaporation water samples (specifically, for each of the particle-added untreated water sample and the particle-added treated water sample), and to use the average value of the multiple measurement results as the zeta potential of the post-evaporation water sample (specifically, for each of the particle-added untreated water sample and the particle-added treated water sample).

[0149] It is preferable to measure the zeta potential after adjusting the temperature of the sample water (specifically, each of the untreated sample water with added particles and the treated sample water with added particles) to approximately the water temperature expected under actual use conditions of the water to be modified (i.e., water for which the application of water modification treatment is being considered or planned).

[0150] By the processing of step S2-7, the zeta potential of particles dispersed in the particle-added untreated sample water after the evaporation processing is obtained, and the zeta potential of particles dispersed in the particle-added treated sample water after the evaporation processing is obtained.

[0151] Next, the difference between the zeta potential of the particle-added treated water sample and the zeta potential of the particle-added untreated water sample is calculated (step S2-8).

[0152] Specifically, the absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential Vt of the particle-added treated sample water after the evaporation process obtained in the processing of step S2-7 and the zeta potential Vn of the particle-added untreated sample water after the evaporation process, "|Vt-Vn|" (referred to as the "zeta potential difference"), is calculated.

[0153] Next, the effect of the water reforming treatment on the sample water is evaluated (step S2-9).

[0154] In this process, the degree of effectiveness of the water reforming process (i.e., the method or technique of water reforming process that is being considered or planned for application to the target water) for the sample water is evaluated based on the zeta potential difference. Specifically, when the zeta potential difference is large, the effect of the water reforming process is evaluated as large, and when the zeta potential difference is small, the effect of the water reforming process is evaluated as small.

[0155] Specifically, when the zeta potential difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (referred to as the "effect evaluation threshold"), it is evaluated (judged) that the water reforming treatment is effective (or that the effect of the water reforming treatment is at least to a certain extent; the same applies below), and when the zeta potential difference is less than the effect evaluation threshold, it is evaluated (judged) that the water reforming treatment is ineffective (or that the effect of the water reforming treatment is small; the same applies below).

[0156] The effect evaluation threshold is not limited to a specific value, and is appropriately set to an appropriate value, for example, taking into consideration the magnitude of the zeta potential difference when at least an expected effect (in other words, a minimum effect) is obtained as the effect of the water reforming treatment. The effect evaluation threshold may be set to any value within a range of, for example, about 1 to 5 mV, and specifically, for example, may be set to about 3 mV.

[0157] Based on the comparison result between the zeta potential difference and the effect evaluation threshold, the appropriateness (in other words, effectiveness) of the combination of the sample water and the water reforming treatment can be judged. Specifically, when the zeta potential difference is equal to or greater than the effect evaluation threshold, it can be judged that it is effective to apply the water reforming treatment (i.e., the method or technique of water reforming treatment that is being considered or planned for application to the water to be reformed) to the water to be reformed (i.e., the water to which the application of the water reforming treatment is being considered or planned), and when the zeta potential difference is less than the effect evaluation threshold, it can be judged that it is not effective to apply the water reforming treatment to the water to be reformed.

[0158] Next, a discrimination map for determining whether or not there is a water reforming effect is created (step S2-10).

[0159] Specifically, the above steps S2-1 to S2-9 are performed on multiple water samples having different hardness and characteristic indexes, and multiple sets of combined data are obtained that include the hardness and characteristic index of the untreated water sample measured in step S2-2 and the evaluation results of the degree of effectiveness (presence or absence) of the water modification treatment for the water sample obtained in step S2-9.

[0160] Then, a set of combination data of the hardness values ​​and the characteristic index values ​​for the untreated sample water is classified into a group for which the water modifying treatment is effective and a group for which the water modifying treatment is not effective.

[0161] For example, when the effect of the water reforming treatment for each combination data of the total hardness [mg / L] value and the electrical conductivity [μS / cm] value as the characteristic index for untreated sample water (in other words, for each sample water) is distributed as shown in Fig. 5A, the set of combination data of the total hardness value and the electrical conductivity value as the characteristic index for untreated sample water is classified into a group in which the water reforming treatment is effective and a group in which the water reforming treatment is not effective. Specifically, a boundary line (a dashed line in the figure) is identified for classifying the set of combination data of the total hardness value and the characteristic index (electrical conductivity) value into a group in which the water reforming treatment is effective and a group in which the water reforming treatment is not effective. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5B, the combination of the total hardness value and the characteristic index (electrical conductivity) value is divided into a region in which the water reforming treatment is effective and a region in which the water reforming treatment is not effective.

[0162] In this way, by classifying the set of combined data of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for untreated sample water into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective, specifically, by identifying the boundary line that classifies the data into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective, a plane in which one axis of a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system represents the hardness values ​​for the untreated sample water and the other axis represents the characteristic index values ​​for the untreated sample water is divided into an area in which the water modification treatment is effective and an area in which the water modification treatment is not effective.

[0163] In addition, as the multiple water samples (untreated water samples) to be processed in the above steps S2-1 to S2-9, multiple water samples with different hardness and characteristic indexes are selected so that the combinations of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for these water samples are distributed as evenly as possible on a plane with hardness values ​​on one axis and characteristic index values ​​on the other axis, so that the set of combination data of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for these water samples can be appropriately classified.

[0164] For example, a support vector machine (SVM) may be used as a method for classifying a set of combined data of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for untreated sample water into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective.

[0165] Next, it is determined whether or not the water reforming treatment is effective for the water to be reformed (step S2-11).

[0166] Specifically, first, the hardness and characteristic indexes of water to be modified (i.e., water for which application of water modification treatment is being considered or planned, but which has not yet been subjected to water modification treatment) are measured.

[0167] The measurement of the hardness and characteristic index of the water to be modified is preferably carried out under the same conditions as when the hardness and characteristic index of the untreated sample water was measured in the process of step S2-2. For example, it is preferable to carry out the measurement after adjusting the temperature of the water to be modified to about the temperature of the untreated sample water when the measurement of the process of step S2-2 was carried out.

[0168] The characteristic index for the water to be modified is the item selected as the characteristic index in the processing of step S2-2, and by extension, is the item corresponding to one axis of the discrimination map for the presence or absence of water modification effect created in the processing of step S2-10.

[0169] Then, the combination of the hardness value and the characteristic index value obtained by the measurement is applied to the discrimination map for the presence or absence of water reforming effect created in the processing of step S2-10, and depending on whether the combination of the hardness value and the characteristic index value is located in the area where the water reforming treatment is effective or ineffective, it is judged whether it is appropriate (in other words, effective) to apply the water reforming treatment to the water to be reformed. Note that the water reforming treatment is, in other words, the method or technique of water reforming treatment applied to the treated sample water prepared in the processing of step S2-1.

[0170] The above process can also be said to determine whether it is appropriate (in other words, effective) to apply the water reforming treatment to the water to be reformed by determining whether the combination of hardness value and characteristic index value obtained by measurement belongs to either the group in which the water reforming treatment is effective or the group in which the water reforming treatment is not effective, as classified in the process of step S2-10.

[0171] If it is determined that the water to be modified is not suitable for the water modification treatment, the water to be modified may be pretreated (e.g., diluted with water with fewer impurities) to make the water suitable for the water modification treatment (in other words, effective), and the treatment in step S2-11 may be carried out again. This allows consideration of the pretreatment required to make the water modification treatment suitable.

[0172] (Device for determining whether water is modified) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a water reforming effect determination device 90A according to an embodiment.

[0173] The device 90A for determining the presence or absence of water modification effect in accordance with the embodiment receives input of the hardness value and the characteristic index value measured for each of a plurality of water samples, which are untreated water samples that have not been subjected to water modification treatment, and receives input of the zeta potential value measured for each of the untreated water sample and the treated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples to which the scale component particles have been added after adding and stirring the untreated water sample and the treated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples to which the scale component particles have been added, and further includes an input receiving unit 921 as fourth means for receiving input of the hardness value and the characteristic index value measured for the water to be modified, and a second input receiving unit 922 as fourth means for receiving input of the zeta potential value of the treated water sample and the untreated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples. The system has a calculation unit 922 as a fifth means for calculating the absolute value of the difference with the zeta potential value of the sample water, an evaluation unit 923 as a sixth means for evaluating the degree of effect of the water modifying treatment on the sample water based on the difference calculated for each of the multiple sample waters, a creation unit 924 as a seventh means for classifying a set of combinations of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for each of the multiple sample waters into a group in which the water modifying treatment is effective and a group in which the water modifying treatment is not effective based on the results of the evaluation by the evaluation unit 923, and a judgment unit 925 as an eighth means for determining whether the combination of the hardness value and characteristic index value of the water to be modified belongs to either the group in which the water modifying treatment is effective or the group in which the water modifying treatment is not effective as classified by the creation unit 924.

[0174] The device 90A for determining whether or not there is a water reforming effect has a memory unit 91, a control unit 92, a display unit 93, and an input unit 94, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus 99 inside the device 90A for determining whether or not there is a water reforming effect.

[0175] The basic configurations of the memory unit 91, display unit 93, and input unit 94 are similar to the basic configurations of the memory unit 91, display unit 93, and input unit 94 of the water modification effect evaluation device 90 described above, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0176] The control unit 92 performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the water reforming effect determination device 90A. The control unit 92 may be configured, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 92 realizes various functions related to the water reforming effect determination device 90A by reading out a predetermined program (including the water reforming effect determination program) stored in the storage unit 91. That is, various functions related to the water reforming effect determination device 90A can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 92 by specifically realizing information processing by the software (including the water reforming effect determination program) stored in the storage unit 91 by the control unit 92, which is an example of hardware. The control unit 92 is not limited to being a single unit, and may be configured to have multiple control units 92 for each function. Furthermore, the control unit 92 may be a combination of multiple control units.

[0177] The control unit 92 includes an input receiving unit 921, a calculation unit 922, an evaluation unit 923, a creation unit 924, and a determination unit 925. Note that the term "transmission" in the description of the present invention includes exchange of information and data via storage in the storage unit 91 and reading out from the storage unit 91.

[0178] The input receiving unit 921 receives transmissions of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for untreated sample water for each of a plurality of sample waters having different hardnesses and characteristic indexes, which are obtained in the processing of step S2-2 after processing of step S2-1 in the method for determining whether or not water is modified, and are input by the operator via the input unit 94.

[0179] The input receiving unit 921 also receives transmission of the zeta potential values ​​of particles dispersed in the particle-added untreated sample water after evaporation processing, and the zeta potential values ​​of particles dispersed in the particle-added treated sample water after evaporation processing, for each of a plurality of sample waters having different hardness and characteristic indexes, which are obtained in the processing of step S2-7 after further processing of steps S2-3 to S2-6 in the method for determining whether or not water modification has been effected, and input by the operator via the input unit 94.

[0180] Then, the input receiving unit 921 assigns a unique identifier to each of the multiple water samples, and transmits the hardness value and characteristic index value for the untreated water sample to the creation unit 924, and also transmits the zeta potential value for the untreated water sample with added particles and the zeta potential value for the treated water sample with added particles to the calculation unit 922.

[0181] The calculation unit 922 calculates the zeta potential difference for each identifier (i.e., for each of the multiple sample waters) using the zeta potential value for the untreated sample water to which particles have been added, which is transmitted from the input receiving unit 921 along with the identifier for each sample water, and the zeta potential value for the treated sample water to which particles have been added (corresponding to the processing of step S2-8 in the method for determining whether or not water modification has been effected).

[0182] Then, the calculation unit 922 transmits the calculated value of the zeta potential difference together with the identifier of the water sample to the evaluation unit 923.

[0183] The evaluation unit 923 judges for each identifier (i.e., for each of a plurality of water samples) whether the value of the zeta potential difference transmitted from the calculation unit 922 together with the identifier of the water to be treated is equal to or greater than the effect evaluation threshold, and judges that the water reforming treatment is effective (or that the effect of the water reforming treatment is at least to a certain extent; the same applies below) when the value of the zeta potential difference is equal to or greater than the effect evaluation threshold, and judges that the water reforming treatment is ineffective (or that the effect of the water reforming treatment is small; the same applies below) when the value of the zeta potential difference is less than the effect evaluation threshold (corresponding to the processing of step S2-9 in the method for judging the presence or absence of water reforming effect).The effect evaluation threshold is specified in a program for judging the presence or absence of water reforming effect, or is stored in advance in the memory unit 91.

[0184] The evaluation unit 923 transmits the result of the determination as to whether the water modifying treatment is effective to the creation unit 924 together with the identifier of the water to be treated.

[0185] The creation unit 924 creates a discrimination map for whether or not the water modification effect is present using the hardness value and characteristic index value for the untreated water sample transmitted from the input receiving unit 921 together with the identifier for each water sample, and the judgment result for whether or not the water modification treatment is effective transmitted from the evaluation unit 923 together with the identifier for each water sample (corresponding to the processing of step S2-10 in the method for determining whether or not the water modification effect is present).

[0186] Specifically, the creation unit 924 uses an identifier for each water sample to match the hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for the untreated water sample with the judgment result of whether or not the water modification treatment is effective, and then classifies the set of combined data of the hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for the untreated water sample into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective, and specifically identifies the boundary line for classifying the groups into those in which the water modification treatment is effective and those in which the water modification treatment is not effective.

[0187] The creation unit 924 may use, for example, a support vector machine (SVM) to classify a set of combined data of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​for untreated sample water into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective.

[0188] Then, the creation unit 924 creates boundary information that divides a plane, in which one axis of a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system represents the hardness value for the untreated sample water and the other axis represents the characteristic index value for the untreated sample water, into an area where the water modifying treatment is effective and an area where the water modifying treatment is not effective, as a discrimination map for whether or not the water modifying treatment is effective.

[0189] The input receiving unit 921 receives the transmission of the hardness value and characteristic index value for the water to be modified (i.e., water for which the application of water modification treatment is being considered or planned) which are obtained in the processing of step S2-11 in the method for determining whether or not water modification is effective, and input by the operator via the input unit 94.

[0190] The judgment unit 925 matches the combination of the hardness value and the characteristic index value for the water to be reformed transmitted from the input receiving unit 921 to a discrimination map for the presence or absence of a water reforming effect created by the creation unit 924 (i.e., boundary information dividing the area into an area where the water reforming treatment is effective and an area where the water reforming treatment is ineffective), and judges whether it is appropriate (in other words, effective) to apply the water reforming treatment to the water to be reformed, depending on whether the combination of the hardness value and the characteristic index value falls within the area where the water reforming treatment is effective or the area where the water reforming treatment is ineffective (corresponding to the processing of step S2-11 in the method for determining the presence or absence of a water reforming effect).

[0191] (Experimental Example 1) An example of an experiment conducted to verify the validity of the method for evaluating the water reforming effect according to the embodiment will be described.

[0192] In this experiment, tap water was used as untreated water, and tap water that had been subjected to water reforming treatment on cooling water or tap water in the above-mentioned cooling device 10A was used as treated water, and the method for evaluating the water reforming effect according to the embodiment was applied.

[0193] That is, in this experiment, in a cooling system 10A equipped with a cooling tower 10, a water tank 17 provided at the bottom of the cooling tower 10, a make-up water injection pipe 11 for injecting tap water as make-up water into the water tank 17, a cooling water supply pipe 12 for supplying cooling water from the water tank 17 to a cooling destination, and a cooling water recovery pipe 13 for recovering cooling water from the cooling destination to the cooling tower, tap water that had been subjected to water reforming treatment including a first reforming step for reforming the water in the water tank 17 using artificial ore and a second reforming step for reforming the make-up water using artificial ore was used as the treated water.

[0194] The processes of steps S1-1 to S1-3 of the method for evaluating the water reforming effect were performed, and in relation to the process of step S1-4, in this experiment, powdered calcium carbonate (CaCO3) containing about 5% particles with a particle diameter of 2 μm or less was used as the scale component particles. In this experiment, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was added as the scale component particles at a concentration of 2 g / L.

[0195] In this experiment, after the processing of step S1-4 of the evaluation method of the water reforming effect was performed, the electrical conductivity of the reformed water (specifically, untreated water with added particles and treated water with added particles; the same applies below) was measured, and the zeta potential of the particles dispersed in the reformed water was measured. Through these measurements, the electrical conductivity and zeta potential of the reformed water when the concentration level was 1.0 times were measured.

[0196] Next, as a process of step S1-5 of the evaluation method of the water reforming effect, the water in the water to be reformed was evaporated, and then the electrical conductivity of the water to be reformed was measured, and as a process of step S1-6 of the evaluation method of the water reforming effect, the zeta potential of the particles dispersed in the water to be reformed was measured.

[0197] In this experiment, the evaporation of water from the water to be modified, the measurement of the electrical conductivity of the water to be modified, and the measurement of the zeta potential of the particles dispersed in the water to be modified were repeatedly carried out, and the electrical conductivity and zeta potential were measured when the concentration of the water to be modified was 1.3 times, and also the electrical conductivity and zeta potential were measured when the concentration of the water to be modified was 1.6 times.

[0198] A plot diagram showing the relationship between the concentration [times] of the water to be modified (specifically, tap water) and the zeta potential [mV] of the particles (calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles) dispersed in the water to be modified, obtained by the above process and with or without the application of water modification treatment (i.e., untreated water with added particles and treated water with added particles), is shown in Figure 6. In this experiment, the zeta potential was measured three times for each concentration, and in Figure 6, the average value of the three measurement results is shown with a ● mark, and the standard deviation is shown with an I-shaped error bar.

[0199] From the results shown in Fig. 6, it was confirmed that the zeta potential value of the particle-added treated water is significantly more negative than that of the particle-added untreated water. This confirmed that the zeta potential values ​​of the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water are different, and by checking the zeta potential difference between the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water, it was confirmed that it is possible to evaluate the degree of the effect of the water modification treatment on the water to be modified (specifically, for example, the effect of inhibiting scale and the effect of improving peelability), and further to determine the appropriateness (in other words, the effectiveness) of the combination of the water to be modified and the water modification treatment.

[0200] Furthermore, since the zeta potential value of the particle-added treated water is significantly more negative than that of the particle-added untreated water, it has been confirmed that the particles in the particle-added treated water repel each other and disperse more easily in the water than in the particle-added untreated water, and that the tap water is modified by performing water modification treatment on the cooling water and tap water in the above-mentioned cooling device 10A (specifically, for example, scale is suppressed and peelability is improved).

[0201] From the results shown in Fig. 6, it was confirmed that the zeta potential of the particle-added treated water is more negative than that of the particle-added untreated water even when the concentration is 1.0 or 1.3 times, but when the concentration is 1.6 times, the zeta potential of the particle-added treated water is most negative than that of the particle-added untreated water. From this, it was confirmed that the difference between the zeta potential of the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water can be increased by setting the concentration of the water to be modified to about 1.6 times or more in the processing of step S1-5 of the evaluation method for the water modification effect. In addition, considering the effort required for concentration, it is preferable to set the upper limit of concentration to about 3.0 times.

[0202] On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows a plot diagram showing the relationship between the concentration [times] and electrical conductivity [μS / cm] of the water to be modified (specifically, tap water) obtained by the above process, depending on whether or not the water modification process has been applied (i.e., between untreated water with added particles and treated water with added particles).

[0203] From the results shown in Fig. 7, it was confirmed that there was almost no difference in the electrical conductivity value between the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water. From this, it was found that by confirming the difference in electrical conductivity between the particle-added untreated water and the particle-added treated water, it is not possible to evaluate the degree of the effect of the water reforming treatment on the water to be reformed (specifically, for example, the effect of inhibiting scale formation or the effect of improving peelability), and further, it is not possible to determine the appropriateness (in other words, the effectiveness) of the combination of the water to be reformed and the water reforming treatment.

[0204] (Experimental Example 2) Another example of an experiment conducted to verify the validity of the method for evaluating the water reforming effect according to the embodiment will be described.

[0205] In this experiment, silicon dioxide (SiO2) (silica, silicate) with a particle size of 100 μm or less was used as the scale component particles. In this experiment, the zeta potential was also measured when the concentration of the water to be modified was 1x. The other details were the same as in Experimental Example 1 above.

[0206] As a result of the experiment, the average value of three measurements of the zeta potential for the untreated water with added particles was -44.8 mV (standard deviation 2.4 mV), while the average value of three measurements of the zeta potential for the treated water with added particles was -51.6 mV (standard deviation 1.1 mV).

[0207] These results confirmed that when silicon dioxide (SiO2) (silica, silicate) is used as the scale component particle, the same effect as in Experiment 1 above is achieved, including the fact that the zeta potential value of the particle-added treated water fluctuates more significantly to the negative side compared to the particle-added untreated water.

[0208] (Action and effect) According to the method and device for evaluating the water reforming effect of the embodiment, the degree of effect of the water reforming treatment on the water to be reformed can be evaluated based on the absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential of the treated water to which scale component particles have been added and the zeta potential of the untreated water, making it possible to evaluate the degree of effect of the water reforming treatment.

[0209] According to the method and device for determining whether or not water modification has an effect relating to the embodiment, it is possible to determine whether a combination of the hardness value of the water to be modified and the value of the characteristic index belongs to either a group in which the water modification treatment is effective or a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective, making it possible to determine in advance whether or not the water modification treatment is effective.

[0210] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the present invention also includes embodiments in which modifications and changes are made to the above embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 1 Ceramic fan 2. Disk Base 3 Liquid flow dam section 4 Through holes 5. Boss 6. Curved convex plate 6a Curved plate section 6b Inclined plate part 7 Through-flow hole 10A cooling device 10 cooling tower 11 Makeup water injection pipe 12 Cooling water supply pipe 13 Cooling water recovery pipe 14 Entrance louver 15 Watering Box 16 Filling material 17 Aquarium 18 Blower 19. Eliminator 20 First Reformation Section 30 Second Reforming Section 40 Water-cooled refrigerator 50 Air conditioner 60 Temperature controller 70 Molding machine 81 Strainer 82 Pump 83 Filters 90 Water modification effect evaluation device 90A Water modification effect determination device 91 Storage section 92 Control section 921 Input receiver 922 Calculation Unit 923 Evaluation Department 924 Creation Department 925 Judgment section 93 Display section 94 Input section 99 Communication Bus 100 Cooling Water Circulation System

Claims

1. a process of adding and stirring particles of scale components to untreated water, which is water to be modified and has not been subjected to water modification treatment, and treated water, which is water to be modified and has been subjected to the water modification treatment; a process of measuring the zeta potential of each of the untreated water and the treated water into which the scale component particles have been added; A process of calculating an absolute value of a difference between the zeta potential of the treated water and the zeta potential of the untreated water; and evaluating the degree of effect of the water reforming treatment on the target water based on the calculated difference. A method for evaluating a water reforming effect, comprising:

2. The particles of the scale component are at least one of carbonate scale and silicate scale. The method for evaluating a water reforming effect according to claim 1 .

3. The process further includes concentrating each of the untreated water and the treated water to which the scale component particles have been added. The method for evaluating a water reforming effect according to claim 1 .

4. The water to be modified is water used in equipment or facilities that are affected by scale formation. The method for evaluating a water reforming effect according to claim 1 .

5. The water to be modified is at least one of tap water, groundwater, and river water. The method for evaluating a water reforming effect according to claim 1 .

6. The treated water is water that has been subjected to a water reforming process including a first reforming step of reforming the water in the water tank using an artificial ore and a second reforming step of reforming the makeup water using the artificial ore in a cooling device including a cooling tower, a water tank provided at the bottom of the cooling tower, a makeup water injection pipe for injecting makeup water into the water tank, a cooling water supply pipe for supplying cooling water from the water tank to a cooling destination, and a cooling water recovery pipe for recovering cooling water from the cooling destination to the cooling tower. The method for evaluating a water reforming effect according to claim 1 .

7. a first means for adding and stirring scale component particles into untreated water, which is water to be modified and has not been subjected to water reforming treatment, and treated water, which is water to be modified and has been subjected to the water reforming treatment, and then receiving an input of zeta potential values ​​measured for the untreated water and treated water to which the scale component particles have been added; A second means for calculating an absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential value of the treated water and the zeta potential value of the untreated water; and a third means for evaluating the degree of effect of the water reforming treatment on the target water based on the calculated difference. A water reforming effect evaluation device characterized by:

8. The particles of the scale component are at least one of carbonate scale and silicate scale.

8. The water reforming effect evaluation device according to claim 7.

9. The untreated water into which the scale component particles have been added and the treated water are each concentrated.

8. The water reforming effect evaluation device according to claim 7.

10. The water to be modified is water used in equipment or facilities that are affected by scale formation.

8. The water reforming effect evaluation device according to claim 7.

11. The water to be modified is at least one of tap water, groundwater, and river water.

8. The water reforming effect evaluation device according to claim 7.

12. measuring the hardness and characteristic indexes of untreated water samples that have not been subjected to a water modification treatment for each of a plurality of water samples; a process of adding and stirring particles of scale components to each of the untreated water sample and the treated water sample obtained by subjecting the water sample to the water modification treatment for each of the plurality of water samples; measuring the zeta potential of each of the untreated water sample and the treated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples into which the scale component particles have been added; calculating an absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential of the treated water sample and the zeta potential of the untreated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples; a process of evaluating the degree of effect of the water modifying treatment on the water sample based on the difference calculated for each of the plurality of water samples; a process of classifying a set of combinations of the hardness value and the characteristic index value for each of the plurality of untreated water samples into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective based on the results of the evaluation; A process for determining whether a combination of the hardness value of the water to be modified and the value of the characteristic index belongs to a group in which the water modification treatment is effective or a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective according to the classification. A method for determining whether or not water is modified.

13. The particles of the scale component are at least one of carbonate scale and silicate scale. The method for determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to claim 12.

14. The process further includes concentrating each of the untreated sample water and the treated sample water to which the scale component particles have been added. The method for determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to claim 12.

15. The sample water and the target water to be modified are water used in equipment or facilities that are affected by scale formation. The method for determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to claim 12.

16. The sample water and the target water to be modified are at least one of tap water, groundwater, and river water. The method for determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to claim 12.

17. The treated sample water is water that has been subjected to a water reforming process including a first reforming step of reforming the water in the water tank using an artificial ore and a second reforming step of reforming the makeup water using the artificial ore in a cooling device including a cooling tower, a water tank provided at the bottom of the cooling tower, a makeup water injection pipe for injecting makeup water into the water tank, a cooling water supply pipe for supplying cooling water from the water tank to a cooling destination, and a cooling water recovery pipe for recovering cooling water from the cooling destination to the cooling tower. The method for determining the presence or absence of a water modifying effect according to claim 12.

18. a fourth means for receiving input of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​measured for each of a plurality of water samples, which are untreated water samples that have not been subjected to water modification treatment, and for each of the plurality of water samples, adding and stirring scale component particles to the untreated water sample and treated water sample that has been subjected to the water modification treatment, and then receiving input of zeta potential values ​​measured for each of the untreated water sample and treated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples to which the scale component particles have been added, and further receiving input of hardness values ​​and characteristic index values ​​measured for water to be modified; a fifth means for calculating an absolute value of the difference between the zeta potential value of the treated water sample and the zeta potential value of the untreated water sample for each of the plurality of water samples; a sixth means for evaluating the degree of effect of the water modifying treatment on the water sample based on the difference calculated for each of the plurality of water samples; a seventh means for classifying a set of combinations of the hardness value and the characteristic index value for each of the plurality of untreated water samples into a group in which the water modification treatment is effective and a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective based on the results of the evaluation; and an eighth means for determining whether a combination of the hardness value and the characteristic index value of the water to be modified belongs to a group in which the water modification treatment is effective or a group in which the water modification treatment is not effective according to the classification. A device for determining whether or not water is modified.

19. The particles of the scale component are at least one of carbonate scale and silicate scale. The device for determining the presence or absence of water reforming effect according to claim 18.

20. The untreated sample water into which the scale component particles have been added and the treated sample water are each concentrated. The device for determining the presence or absence of water reforming effect according to claim 18.

21. The sample water and the target water to be modified are water used in equipment or facilities that are affected by scale formation. The device for determining the presence or absence of water reforming effect according to claim 18.

22. The sample water and the target water to be modified are at least one of tap water, groundwater, and river water. The device for determining the presence or absence of water reforming effect according to claim 18.

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