Electro-deionized water production apparatus

Abstract

To increase a flow rate while suppressing the occurrence of troubles that may occur when leakage occurs.SOLUTION: An EDI device 1 includes: a deionization unit 2 having a deionization region 20 partitioned by a cation exchange membrane 22C and an anion exchange membrane 22A; an anode unit 3 arranged on one side of the deionization unit 2; a cathode unit 4 arranged on the other side of the deionization unit 2 and cooperating with the anode unit 3 to sandwich the deionization unit 2; and a voltage application unit 8 electrically connected to each of the anode unit 3 and the cathode unit 4. An anode frame 31, which is a piping connection member, is provided with a pipe 7Pa, which is a supply water inlet port that sends supply water before desalination treatment to the deionization unit 2, and a pipe 7Pd, which is a treated water outlet port that sends out treated water after being desalination treatment by the deionization unit 2. The voltage application unit 8 is provided on a cathode side pressing plate 6, which is an electrical connection member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrodeionized water production apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The electrodeionized water production apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 produces treated water by removing ionic components from received supply water. The electrodeionized water production apparatus includes a deionization compartment separated by an ion exchange membrane and a pair of electrodes arranged on either side of the deionization compartment. When a DC voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes, ionic components contained in the supply water flow out of the deionization compartment through the ion exchange membrane according to the polarity. As a result, treated water, which is deionized water from which ionic components have been removed, can be obtained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-220060 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In principle, an electrodeionization water production apparatus is equipped with a pair of electrodes, to which a DC voltage is applied. Therefore, in an electrodeionization water production apparatus, the area contributing to the application of the DC voltage must be securely separated from the area through which the feed water and treated water flow to prevent the feed water and treated water from leaking into the area contributing to the application of the DC voltage.

[0005] On the other hand, electrodeionization water production systems are expected to produce an increased amount of treated water per unit time. This means that electrodeionization water production systems need to accept more feedwater and deliver more treated water. However, increasing the flow rate handled by electrodeionization water production systems increases the pressure of the feedwater and increases the size of components, which can lead to water leakage. Even if a water leakage does occur, it is desirable to ensure that the electrodeionization water production system continues to operate and that operators can continue to perform tasks such as attaching and detaching piping.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrodeionized water production apparatus that can increase the flow rate while suppressing problems that may occur when water leakage occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrodeionized water production apparatus comprising a deionization unit having a deionization region partitioned by a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane, an anode unit disposed on one side of the deionization unit, a cathode unit disposed on the other side of the deionization unit and sandwiching the deionization unit in cooperation with the anode unit, and voltage application units electrically connected to the cathode unit and the anode unit, respectively. A feed water inlet port that sends feed water before desalination to the deionization unit and a treated water outlet port that sends treated water after desalination by the deionization unit are connected to the piping connection member that is one of the anode unit and the cathode unit, and a voltage application unit is provided on the electrical connection member that is the other of the anode unit and the cathode unit.

[0008] In one embodiment of the electrodeionized water production apparatus, a feedwater inlet and a treated water outlet are connected to a piping connection member, which is one of the anode unit and the cathode unit. A voltage application unit is provided on the other electrical connection member, which is the other of the anode unit and the cathode unit. With this configuration, the feedwater inlet and treated water outlet, through which the feedwater and treated water flow, are isolated from the voltage application unit, which applies the DC voltage. Therefore, even if a leak occurs at the feedwater inlet or treated water outlet, the voltage application unit is not affected. This allows the flow rate to be increased while minimizing potential problems that may occur due to a leak.

[0009] In one embodiment, the deionization unit of the electrodeionized water production apparatus is included in the deionization region and includes a first deionization compartment and a second deionization compartment separated from each other by an intermediate ion exchange membrane. A feedwater inlet is connected to the first deionization compartment inlet of the first deionization compartment, and a treated water outlet is connected to the second deionization compartment outlet of the second deionization compartment. A connecting pipe outlet connected to the first deionization compartment outlet of the first deionization compartment and a connecting pipe inlet connected to the second deionization compartment inlet of the second deionization compartment may be connected to the piping connector. The electrodeionized water production apparatus in one embodiment may further include a connecting pipe connecting the connecting pipe outlet to the connecting pipe inlet. With this configuration, the feedwater inlet and treated water outlet are connected to the connecting pipe via the piping connector. As a result, the overall length of the electrodeionized water production apparatus can be shortened.

[0010] In one embodiment, the deionization unit of the electrodeionized water production apparatus is included in the deionization region and includes a first deionization compartment and a second deionization compartment separated by an intermediate ion exchange membrane, a first concentrating compartment adjacent to the first deionization compartment, and a second concentrating compartment adjacent to the second deionization compartment. The piping connector may be connected to a concentrated water inlet port through which concentrated water is delivered to the first and second concentrating compartments, and a concentrated water outlet port through which concentrated water is delivered from the first and second concentrating compartments. With this configuration, the concentrated water inlet port and concentrated water outlet port are further connected to the piping connector that connects the feed water inlet port and the treated water outlet port. This further simplifies the piping connector, further separating the area through which the DC voltage is applied from the areas through which the feed water, treated water, and concentrated water flow. This allows for increased flow rate while minimizing potential problems that may occur in the event of a water leak.

[0011] In one embodiment of the electrodeionized water production system, the piping connection interface may be an anode unit and the electrical connection interface may be a cathode unit, which also provides the effect of increasing the flow rate while minimizing potential problems that may occur in the event of a water leak.

[0012] One embodiment of the electrodeionized water production apparatus includes an anode module that is disposed adjacent to the deionization unit and includes an electrode plate for generating a predetermined electric field in the area where the deionization unit is disposed, and an anode-side retaining plate that is disposed adjacent to the anode module, and the piping connection member may be the anode module. This configuration also achieves the effect of increasing the flow rate while suppressing problems that may occur in the event of a water leak. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, an electrodeionized water production apparatus can be obtained that can increase the flow rate while suppressing problems that may occur when water leakage occurs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrodeionized water production apparatus according to an embodiment, viewed from a first direction. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrodeionized water production apparatus according to the embodiment, seen from a second direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal structure of the electrodeionized water production apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a deionization module that constitutes a deionization unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the electrodeionized water production apparatus shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electrodeionization water production apparatus as seen from the anode side pressure plate side. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electrodeionization water production apparatus as seen from the cathode side pressure plate side. In the following description, the electrodeionization water production apparatus will be referred to as EDI apparatus 1 (Electro-deionization).

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the EDI device 1 primarily comprises a deionization unit 2, an anode module 3M, a cathode module 4M, an anode-side pressure plate 5, and a cathode-side pressure plate 6. The anode module 3M and the anode-side pressure plate 5 constitute the anode unit 3. The cathode module 4M and the cathode-side pressure plate 6 constitute the cathode unit 4. Feed water to be desalted is fed into the deionization unit 2. The feed water contains several ionic components. Desalting can be defined as the process of removing ionic components contained in the feed water. The desalting is performed by an electric field generated by the anode module 3M and the cathode module 4M. The deionization unit 2 is located at the position of the electric field generated by the anode module 3M and the cathode module 4M. In the feed water fed into the deionization unit 2, ionic components are attracted toward the anode module 3M or the cathode module 4M depending on their polarity and are discharged from the deionization unit 2 together with concentrated water. As a result, ions are separated from the feed water. The feed water desalinated by the deionization unit 2 is sent out from the deionization unit 2 as treated water.

[0018] <Deionization unit> The deionization unit 2 is composed of multiple deionization modules 2M stacked in a stacking direction D1 extending from the anode module 3M to the cathode module 4M. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each deionization module 2M includes, as functional elements, an anode-side deionization compartment 2A (second deionization compartment), a cathode-side deionization compartment 2B (first deionization compartment), an anode-side concentrating compartment 2C (second concentrating compartment), and a cathode-side concentrating compartment 2D (first concentrating compartment). These components are separated by ion-exchange membranes, which will be described later. The ion-exchange membranes allow ionic components contained in the feed water to pass through but do not allow water to pass through. The anode-side concentrating compartment 2C, anode-side deionization compartment 2A, cathode-side deionization compartment 2B, and cathode-side concentrating compartment 2D are arranged in this order from the anode module 3M to the cathode module 4M.

[0019] The anode-side concentrating chamber 2C is used as the cathode-side concentrating chamber 2D constituting another deionization module 2M adjacent to the anode side of the deionization module 2M. Similarly, the cathode-side concentrating chamber 2D is used as the anode-side concentrating chamber 2C constituting another deionization module 2M adjacent to the cathode side of the deionization module 2M.

[0020] The deionization unit 2 has a first communicating pipe 2Pa and a second communicating pipe 2Pb for the cathode deionization compartment 2B, and a third communicating pipe 2Pc and a fourth communicating pipe 2Pd for the anode deionization compartment 2A. The deionization unit 2 also has a fifth communicating pipe 2Pe and a sixth communicating pipe 2Pf for the anode concentrating compartment 2C and the cathode concentrating compartment 2D.

[0021] 4 illustrates a path in which feed water is fed through the first communicating pipe 2Pa and treated water is discharged through the fourth communicating pipe 2Pd. The flow of the feed water and treated water is not limited to the flow shown in FIG. 4. That is, feed water may be fed through the fourth communicating pipe 2Pd and treated water may be discharged through the first communicating pipe 2Pa. In this case, the anode side deionization chamber 2A serves as the first deionization chamber, and the cathode side deionization chamber 2B serves as the second deionization chamber.

[0022] The deionization unit 2 includes physical elements for forming an anode-side deionization compartment 2A, a cathode-side deionization compartment 2B, an anode-side concentrating compartment 2C, and a cathode-side concentrating compartment 2D. The deionization unit 2 includes an anode-side deionization frame 21A, a cathode-side deionization frame 21B, an anode-side concentrating frame 21C, and a cathode-side concentrating frame 21D.

[0023] Each frame body is made of, for example, plastic. The shape of each frame body is a flat plate with a quadrangular shape, such as a rectangle or a square, when viewed from the stacking direction D1. Furthermore, the shape of the frame body is not limited to a quadrangular shape, and can be a circle or any other shape. The shape of each frame body is the same when viewed from the stacking direction D1. The dimensions of each frame body are also the same when viewed from the stacking direction D1. The frame body has a frame body main surface 211 and a frame body back surface 212. In the following description, terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined based on the posture in which the EDI device 1 is arranged so that it can be operated.

[0024] The frame has a frame opening 213 extending from the frame main surface 211 to the frame back surface 212. The frame opening 213 can be defined as an area surrounded by the upper, lower, and side edges of the frame. The shape of the frame opening 213 is also quadrilateral, such as a rectangle or a square, when viewed from the stacking direction D1. For example, the frame opening 213 of the anode-side desalting frame 21A constitutes the anode-side desalting compartment 2A described above. An ion exchanger is disposed in the frame opening 213. Examples of the ion exchanger include ion exchange resins, ion exchange fibers, monolithic porous materials, and ion exchange membranes.

[0025] Furthermore, each frame has a plurality of through holes extending from the frame main surface 211 to the frame rear surface 212. Specifically, each frame has four feed water passage holes 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d and two concentrated water passage holes 21e and 21f. The two feed water passage holes 21a and 21d and the concentrated water passage hole 21e are provided on the upper edge of the frame. The two feed water passage holes 21b and 21c and the concentrated water passage hole 21f are provided on the lower edge of the frame.

[0026] The plurality of supply water flow passage holes 21a provided in each frame constitute the first communicating pipe 2Pa. Similarly, the plurality of supply water flow passage holes 21b constitute the second communicating pipe 2Pb. The plurality of supply water flow passage holes 21c constitute the third communicating pipe 2Pc. The plurality of supply water flow passage holes 21d constitute the fourth communicating pipe 2Pd. Similar to the supply water flow passage holes 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, the plurality of concentrated water flow passage holes 21e provided in each frame constitute the fifth communicating pipe 2Pe. The plurality of concentrated water flow passage holes 21f constitute the sixth communicating pipe 2Pf.

[0027] The anode-side demineralization frame 21A has inlet / outlet holes 21h and 21j as inherent components. Inlet / outlet hole 21h leads from feedwater channel hole 21c provided in the lower edge portion of the frame to frame opening 213. That is, inlet / outlet hole 21h can guide feedwater from feedwater channel hole 21c to frame opening 213, and can also guide feedwater from frame opening 213 to feedwater channel hole 21c. Inlet / outlet hole 21j leads from frame opening 213 to feedwater channel hole 21d provided in the upper edge portion of the frame. That is, inlet / outlet hole 21j can guide feedwater from feedwater channel hole 21d to frame opening 213, and can also guide feedwater from frame opening 213 to feedwater channel hole 21d.

[0028] The cathode side demineralization frame 21B also has inlet / outlet holes 21k and 21m as its inherent components. Inlet / outlet hole 21k extends from feedwater channel hole 21a provided in the upper edge portion of the frame to frame opening 213. That is, inlet / outlet hole 21k can guide feedwater from feedwater channel hole 21a to frame opening 213, and can also guide feedwater from frame opening 213 to feedwater channel hole 21a. Inlet / outlet hole 21m extends from frame opening 213 to feedwater channel hole 21b provided in the lower edge portion of the frame. That is, inlet / outlet hole 21m can guide feedwater from feedwater channel hole 21b to frame opening 213, and can also guide feedwater from frame opening 213 to feedwater channel hole 21b.

[0029] The anode side concentrating frame 21C and the cathode side concentrating frame 21D also have an inlet / outlet hole 21n and an inlet / outlet hole 21p. Unlike the anode side demineralization frame 21A and the cathode side demineralization frame 21B, the positions of the inlet / outlet hole 21n and the inlet / outlet hole 21p in the anode side concentrating frame 21C are the same as the positions of the inlet / outlet hole 21n and the inlet / outlet hole 21p in the cathode side concentrating frame 21D. The inlet / outlet hole 21n can guide concentrated water from the concentrated water flow path hole 21e to the frame opening 213, or can guide concentrated water from the frame opening 213 to the concentrated water flow path hole 21e. The inlet / outlet hole 21p can guide concentrated water from the frame opening 213 to the concentrated water flow path hole 21f, or can guide concentrated water from the concentrated water flow path hole 21f to the frame opening 213.

[0030] <Ion exchange membrane> A plurality of ion exchange membranes are disposed between these frames. Specifically, the deionization unit 2 includes an anion exchange membrane 22A, an intermediate ion exchange membrane 22M, and a cation exchange membrane 22C. Each membrane has a quadrilateral shape, such as a rectangle or a square, when viewed from the stacking direction D1. Furthermore, each membrane covers at least the frame opening 213 when viewed from the stacking direction D1. In other words, each membrane is larger than the frame opening 213 when viewed from the stacking direction D1.

[0031] The anion exchange membrane 22A is disposed between the anode side concentrating frame 21C and the anode side deionization frame 21A. That is, the anion exchange membrane 22A separates the anode side concentrating compartment 2C from the anode side deionization compartment 2A. The intermediate ion exchange membrane 22M is disposed between the anode side deionization frame 21A and the cathode side deionization frame 21B. That is, the intermediate ion exchange membrane 22M separates the anode side deionization compartment 2A from the cathode side deionization compartment 2B. The cation exchange membrane 22C is disposed between the cathode side deionization frame 21B and the cathode side concentrating frame 21D. That is, the cation exchange membrane 22C separates the cathode side deionization compartment 2B from the cathode side concentrating compartment 2D.

[0032] <Anode module> The anode module 3M has, as physical elements, an anode frame 31 and an anode plate 32. The anode frame 31 has a quadrangular, such as rectangular or square, flat plate shape when viewed in the stacking direction D1. The shape of the anode frame 31 is not limited to a quadrangular shape and may be circular or any other shape. The shape of the anode frame 31 is the same as that of the anode-side enrichment frame 21C when viewed in the stacking direction D1. The dimensions of each anode frame 31 are also the same as those of the anode-side enrichment frame 21C when viewed in the stacking direction D1. The anode frame 31 has a frame main surface 311 and a frame back surface 312.

[0033] The anode frame 31 has a frame recess 313. The anode plate 32 is placed in the frame recess 313. The frame recess 313 is filled with an ion exchanger and electrode water. Unlike the frame opening 213 of the anode-side desalination frame 21A, the frame recess 313 is not a through-hole. The frame recess 313 can be defined as an area surrounded by the frame upper edge, frame lower edge, frame side edge, and frame bottom surface 313p. The shape of the frame recess 313 is also quadrilateral, such as a rectangle or square, when viewed from the stacking direction D1. From another perspective, since the frame recess 313 is an electrode plate accommodating portion, the shape of the frame recess 313 is the same as that of the anode plate 32, which is an electrode plate. The shape of the anode plate 32 is similar to that of the current-carrying portion, and therefore similar to that of the frame opening 213. The shape of the frame opening 213 is generally quadrilateral, but is not particularly limited.

[0034] The anode frame 31 also has a plurality of through-holes extending from the frame main surface 311 to the frame back surface 312. Specifically, the anode frame 31 has four feedwater passage holes 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d and two concentrated water passage holes 31e and 31f. The feedwater passage hole 31a is part of the first communicating pipe 2Pa, and the feedwater passage hole 31b is part of the second communicating pipe 2Pb. The feedwater passage hole 31c is part of the third communicating pipe 2Pc, and the feedwater passage hole 31d is part of the fourth communicating pipe 2Pd. Furthermore, the concentrated water passage hole 31e is part of the fifth communicating pipe 2Pe, and the concentrated water passage hole 31f is part of the sixth communicating pipe 2Pf.

[0035] The anode frame 31 has electrode water holes 31q, 31r (see Figures 1 and 2). The electrode water hole 31q is provided on a first frame side edge. More specifically, unlike the supply water flow path hole 31a, the electrode water hole 31q extends in a direction intersecting the stacking direction D1. In other words, the electrode water hole 31q extends from the frame side surface of the anode frame 31 to the frame recess 313. The electrode water hole 31r also extends from the frame side surface of the anode frame 31 to the frame recess 313. The electrode water hole 31r is provided on a second frame side edge opposite the first frame side edge.

[0036] For example, the electrode water hole 31r may be used as an inlet for the electrode water, and the electrode water hole 31q may be used as an outlet for the electrode water. A tube 2T is connected to the electrode water hole 31q, which serves as the outlet. The electrode water is sent to the anode module 3M via this tube 2T.

[0037] The uses of the electrode water holes 31r, 31q are not limited to the above examples. For example, the electrode water hole 31q may be used as an inlet for electrode water, and the electrode water hole 31r may be used as an outlet for electrode water. Furthermore, the electrode water hole 31q provided in the anode frame 31 does not have to be connected to the electrode water hole 41r provided in the cathode frame 41 (described later) by the tube 2T. In other words, electrode water may be supplied separately to the anode module 3M and the cathode module 4M.

[0038] The EDI device 1 of this embodiment is configured to supply electrode water and concentrated water separately. For example, the EDI device 1 may be configured to supply both electrode water and concentrated water. That is, the EDI device 1 may be configured to connect the anode-side concentration chamber 2C and the frame recess 313 of the anode frame 31. In this case, the electrode water holes 31r and 31q can be omitted from the EDI device 1. Similarly, the EDI device 1 may be configured on the cathode side to connect the cathode-side concentration chamber 2D and the frame recess 413 of the cathode frame 41. In this case, the electrode water holes 41r and 41q can be omitted from the EDI device 1.

[0039] 3 again, the anode plate 32 has substantially the same shape as the frame bottom surface 313p in a plan view. The electrode plate back surface 322 faces the deionization unit 2. The electrode plate main surface 321 faces the frame bottom surface 313p of the anode frame 31. A terminal 323 is provided on the electrode plate main surface 321. The terminal 323 is exposed to the frame main surface 311 through a terminal hole that extends from the frame bottom surface 313p to the frame main surface 311. The frame main surface 311 is provided with a wiring groove in which a wiring 2Ga connected to the terminal 323 is disposed.

[0040] <Cathode module> The cathode module 4M differs from the anode module 3M only in its position and function, but has the same shape and size. The cathode module 4M has, as physical elements, a cathode frame 41 and cathode plates 42. The cathode frame 41 is a flat plate with a quadrangular shape, such as a rectangle or a square, when viewed from the stacking direction D1. The shape of the cathode frame 41 is not limited to a quadrangular shape and may be a circle or any other shape. The shape of the cathode frame 41 is the same as that of the anode-side enrichment frame 21C, etc., when viewed from the stacking direction D1. The dimensions of each cathode frame 41 are also the same as those of the anode-side enrichment frame 21C, etc., when viewed from the stacking direction D1. The cathode frame 41 has a frame main surface 411 and a frame back surface 412.

[0041] The cathode frame 41 has a frame recess 413. The cathode plate 42 is placed in the frame recess 413. The frame recess 413 is filled with an ion exchanger and electrode water. Unlike the frame opening 213 of the anode-side desalination frame 21A, the frame recess 413 is not a through-hole. The frame recess 413 can be defined as an area surrounded by the frame upper edge, frame lower edge, frame side edge, and frame bottom surface 413p. The shape of the frame recess 413 is also quadrilateral, such as a rectangle or square, when viewed from the stacking direction D1. From another perspective, since the frame recess 413 is an electrode plate accommodation portion, the shape of the frame recess 413 is the same as the shape of the cathode plate 42, which is an electrode plate. The shape of the cathode plate 42 is similar to the shape of the current-carrying portion and therefore similar to the shape of the frame opening 213. The shape of the frame opening 213 is generally rectangular, but there are no particular limitations on the shape.

[0042] The cathode frame 41 has electrode water holes 41q, 41r (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The electrode water hole 41q is provided on a first frame side edge. More specifically, unlike the supply water flow path holes 21a and the like, the electrode water hole 41q extends in a direction intersecting the stacking direction D1. In other words, the electrode water hole 41q reaches from the frame side surface of the cathode frame 41 to the frame recess 413. The electrode water hole 41r also reaches from the frame side surface of the cathode frame 41 to the frame recess 413. The electrode water hole 41r is provided on a second frame side edge opposite the first frame side edge.

[0043] For example, the electrode water hole 41q may be used as an inlet for electrode water, and the electrode water hole 41r may be used as an outlet for electrode water. A tube 2T is connected to the electrode water hole 41q, which serves as the inlet. The cathode module 4M may receive electrode water from the anode module 3M via this tube 2T.

[0044] The cathode plate 42 has substantially the same shape as the frame bottom surface 413p in a plan view. The electrode plate main surface 421 faces the deionization unit 2. The electrode plate back surface 422 faces the frame bottom surface 413p of the cathode frame 41. A terminal 423 is provided on the electrode plate back surface 422. The terminal 423 is exposed to the frame back surface 412 through a terminal hole that extends from the frame bottom surface 413p to the frame back surface 412. A wiring groove is provided in the frame back surface 412, in which a wiring 2Gb connected to the terminal 423 is disposed.

[0045] <Anode side pressure plate> The anode side retaining plate 5 and the cathode side retaining plate 6 sandwich the anode module 3M, the deionization unit 2, and the cathode module 4M to integrate them together. The anode side retaining plate 5 is disposed on the anode module 3M side.

[0046] The anode side pressure plate 5 has a quadrangular, such as rectangular or square, shape as viewed in the stacking direction D1. The shape of the anode side pressure plate 5 may be different from that of the anode side concentration frame 21C, etc. as viewed in the stacking direction D1. The dimensions of the anode side pressure plate 5 may be larger than those of the anode side concentration frame 21C, etc. as viewed in the stacking direction D1. The anode side pressure plate 5 includes a portion that does not overlap with the cathode module 4M, deionization unit 2, and anode module 3M as viewed in the stacking direction D1.

[0047] A pair of mounting holes 5H1 are provided in this non-overlapping portion. More specifically, the mounting holes 5H1 are provided in each of the lower corners of the anode side presser plate 5. A similar pair of mounting holes 6H1 is also provided in the cathode side presser plate 6. The mounting holes 6H1 are provided in each of the lower corners of the cathode side presser plate 6. The mounting holes 5H1, 6H1 are for fixing desired additional components. The desired additional components can be attached or removed as needed. Alternatively, a usage configuration in which the desired additional component is attached to the mounting hole 5H1 but not to the mounting hole 6H1 is also possible.

[0048] Furthermore, a pair of mounting holes 5H2 are provided in the lower end surface of the anode side pressing plate 5. Similarly, a pair of mounting holes 6H2 are provided in the lower end surface of the cathode side pressing plate 6. Desired additional components may also be detachably attached to these mounting holes 5H2, 6H2.

[0049] As an example of the use of the mounting holes 5H1, 5H2, 6H1, and 6H2, for example, casters may be attached to the mounting holes 5H2 and 6H2, and the mounting holes 5H1 and 6H1 may be used for fixing to a unit or the like.

[0050] Casters or steel members can be attached to the mounting holes 5H2 and 6H2.

[0051] As another example of use, when transporting the EDI device 1 using a forklift or the like, a steel material such as an H-shaped steel beam is attached using the mounting holes 5H2 and 6H2. This steel material is then lifted by scooping it up with the fork. In this way, the weight of the EDI device 1 is borne by the anode side pressure plate 5, the cathode side pressure plate 6, and the steel material fixed thereto. As a result, excessive load on the deionization unit 2 and the like can be prevented. Furthermore, the mounting holes 5H2 and 6H2 may be used when installing the EDI device 1 on a rack made of steel.

[0052] The EDI device 1 feeds feed water and discharges treated water from the anode side pressure plate 5 side. Furthermore, the EDI device 1 feeds concentrated water and discharges concentrated water from the anode side pressure plate 5 side. Below, details of the structure for feeding feed water and discharging treated water from the anode side pressure plate 5 side to the deionization unit 2 and the structure for feeding concentrated water and discharging it will be described.

[0053] One end of each of the pipes 7Pa to 7Pf is connected to the first through sixth communicating pipes 2Pa to 2Pf, respectively. More specifically, one end of each of the pipes 7Pa to 7Pf is connected to the anode frame 31. The other ends of each of the pipes 7Pa to 7Pf are connected to joints 7Ja to 7Jf. For example, the feed water may be fed into the first communicating pipe 2Pa via the joint 7Ja and the pipe 7Pa. The treated water may be sent from the fourth communicating pipe 2Pd to the pipe 7Pd and the joint 7Jd to the outside. The concentrated water may be sent to the fifth communicating pipe 2Pe via the joint 7Je and the pipe 7Pe. The concentrated water may be sent from the sixth communicating pipe 2Pf to the pipe 7Pf and the joint 7Jf to the outside. With this configuration, the anode side retaining plate 5 does not come into liquid contact with the feed water, the treated water, and the concentrated water.

[0054] The pipes 7Pa to 7Pf extend from the anode frame 31 to the vicinity of the presser plate main surface 51 of the anode side presser plate 5. The other ends of the pipes 7Pa to 7Pf may or may not protrude from the presser plate main surface 51. The anode side presser plate 5 has a plurality of pipe arrangement holes 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, and 5f for inserting the pipes 7Pa to 7Pf. These pipe arrangement holes 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, and 5f may be provided at positions coaxial with the feed water channel holes 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d and the concentrated water channel holes 31e and 31f provided in the anode frame 31, respectively.

[0055] That is, the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M is connected to a pipe 7Pa (feed water inlet) for feeding feed water and a pipe 7Pd (feed water outlet) for discharging treated water. Similarly, the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M is connected to a pipe 7Pe (concentrated water inlet) for feeding concentrated water and a pipe 7Pf (concentrated water outlet) for discharging concentrated water. Furthermore, the anode module 3M is connected to a pipe 7Pb (connecting pipe outlet) for discharging feed water from the cathode-side deionization chamber 2B and a pipe 7Pc (connecting pipe inlet) for discharging feed water to the anode-side deionization chamber 2A. The joints 7Jb and 7Jc are connected to a connecting pipe 7S, which will be described later.

[0056] In this manner, the pipes 7Pa-7Pf are connected to the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M. The structure for exchanging the supply water, treated water, and concentrated water using the pipes 7Pa-7Pf and the joints 7Ja-7Jf may be referred to as the "interface of the water connection pipes." The EDI device 1 aggregates the "interface position of the water connection pipes" that fulfills the function of the "interface of the water connection pipes" in the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M. Therefore, the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M is a pipe connection interface member. The EDI device 1 not only exchanges the supply water, treated water, and concentrated water, but also receives voltage from the outside. The structure for receiving voltage from the outside will be described later, and the structure for receiving voltage from the outside may be referred to as the "interface of the electrical connection." The anode module 3M of the EDI device 1 does not have an "interface position of the electrical connection" that fulfills the function of the "interface of the electrical connection." The "electrical connection position" is provided on the cathode side pressing plate 6, which will be described later.

[0057] Furthermore, the EDI device 1 also connects the connecting pipe 7S via pipes 7Pb and 7Pc to the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M, which is provided with a water connection pipe. The connecting pipe 7S may also be referred to as a "bridge pipe." The joints 7Ja to 7Jf for connecting the water connection pipe and the connecting pipe 7S protrude from the pressure plate main surface 51. Assume that the connecting pipe 7S is provided in the cathode module 4M. In this case, the total length of the EDI device is the sum of the lengths of the cathode side pressure plate 6, the cathode module 4M, the deionization unit 2, the anode module 3M, and the anode side pressure plate 5, plus the length of the longest of the joints 7Ja to 7Jf and the length of the connecting pipe 7S.

[0058] In contrast, the overall length L1 of the EDI device 1 in which the connecting pipe 7S is provided on the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M is the sum of the length L5 of the anode side pressure plate 5, the length L3 of the anode module 3M, the length L2 of the deionization unit 2, the length L4 of the cathode module 4M, and the length L6 of the cathode side pressure plate 6, plus the length of the joints 7Ja-7Jf and the connecting pipe 7S with the longest protrusion length (length L7 of the connecting pipe 7S) (see FIG. 5). In other words, by consolidating the pipes 7Pa-7Pf, the joints 7Ja-7Jf, and the connecting pipe 7S on the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M, the overall length L1 of the EDI device 1 can be shortened.

[0059] The flow rate of the supply water flowing through the joints 7Ja to 7Jf and the connecting pipe 7S increases as the EDI device 1 becomes larger. The increase in flow rate also leads to an increase in the size of the joints 7Ja to 7Jf and the connecting pipe 7S. As a result, it becomes necessary to secure space for arranging the joints 7Ja to 7Jf and the connecting pipe 7S. The space-saving effect achieved by providing the joints 7Ja to 7Jf and the connecting pipe 7S in the anode frame 31 of the same anode module 3M becomes greater as the EDI device 1 becomes larger.

[0060] <Cathode side pressure plate> The shape and dimensions of the cathode side pressure plate 6 may be the same as those of the anode side pressure plate 5. On the other hand, the cathode side pressure plate 6 does not have to be provided with a plurality of through holes extending from the pressure plate main surface 61 to the pressure plate back surface 62. The cathode side pressure plate 6 may be provided with a plurality of through holes.

[0061] A voltage application unit 8 is attached to the back surface 62 of the cathode side pressure plate 6. The voltage application unit 8 houses a terminal block. The voltage application unit 8 electrically connects an external DC power supply to the anode module 3M and the cathode module 4M via this terminal block. The illustrated voltage application unit 8 does not have the function of generating voltage itself. The voltage application unit 8 applies voltage to the anode module 3M and the cathode module 4M by relaying the voltage generated by the external DC power supply via the terminal block. In other words, the voltage application unit 8 electrically connected to the anode module 3M via the wiring 2Ga can apply a voltage to the anode module 3M. Similarly, the voltage application unit 8 electrically connected to the cathode module 4M via the wiring 2Gb can apply a voltage to the cathode module 4M. The EDI device 1 may connect the cathode side pressure plate 6 to earth. The voltage application unit 8 is attached to the cathode side pressure plate 6, which is connected to earth.

[0062] The voltage application unit 8 may have a built-in power supply instead of a terminal block, thereby generating a voltage by itself. In this case, the voltage application unit 8 does not need to be connected to an external DC power supply.

[0063] In the EDI device 1, the "electrical connection interface positions" that perform the function of "electrical connection interface" are concentrated in the cathode side presser plate 6. Therefore, the cathode side presser plate 6 is an electrical connection interface member. However, the cathode side presser plate 6 of the EDI device 1 does not have a "water piping connection interface position" that performs the function of "water piping connection interface".

[0064] <Action and effect> The EDI device 1 includes a deionization unit 2 having a deionization region 20 partitioned by a cation exchange membrane 22C and an anion exchange membrane 22A, an anode unit 3 disposed on one side of the deionization unit 2, a cathode unit 4 disposed on the other side of the deionization unit 2 and sandwiching the deionization unit 2 in cooperation with the anode unit 3, and a voltage application unit 8 electrically connected to each of the anode unit 3 and the cathode unit 4. The anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M constituting the anode unit 3, which is a piping connection interface, is provided with a pipe 7Pa, which is a feed water inlet port that sends feed water before desalination treatment to the deionization unit 2, and a pipe 7Pd, which is a treated water outlet port that discharges treated water after being desalination treatment by the deionization unit 2. The voltage application unit 8 is provided on the cathode side retaining plate 6 of the cathode unit 4, which is an electrical connection interface.

[0065] In the EDI device 1, a pipe 7Pa, which is a feedwater inlet, and a pipe 7Pd, which is a treated water outlet, are connected to an anode frame 31 of an anode module 3M, which is a pipe connection interface. A voltage application unit 8 is provided on a cathode-side pressure plate 6, which is an electrical connection interface. With this configuration, the pipes 7Pa and 7Pd, through which the feedwater and treated water flow, are isolated from the voltage application unit 8, which contributes to the application of DC voltage. Therefore, even if a water leak occurs in the pipes 7Pa and 7Pd, the voltage application unit 8 is not affected. Conventionally, from the perspective of work efficiency, the pipe connection interface and the electrical connection interface are connected to components located on the same side (e.g., the anode frame 31 and the anode-side pressure plate 5). In contrast, in the EDI device 1, the component for pipe connection interface (anode frame 31) and the component for electrical connection interface (cathode-side pressure plate 6) are separate components, from the perspective of preventing potential problems that may occur in the event of a water leak. Therefore, the flow rate can be increased while suppressing the occurrence of problems that may occur in the event of a water leak.

[0066] The deionization unit 2 is included in the deionization region 20 and includes an anode-side deionization compartment 2A and a cathode-side deionization compartment 2B separated by an intermediate ion exchange membrane 22M. An access hole 21k, which serves as the inlet of the first deionization compartment of the cathode-side deionization compartment 2B, communicates with the first communicating pipe 2Pa. An access hole 21j, which serves as the outlet of the second deionization compartment of the anode-side deionization compartment 2A, communicates with the fourth communicating pipe 2Pd. A pipe 7Pb, which communicates with an access hole 21m, which serves as the outlet of the first deionization compartment of the cathode-side deionization compartment 2B, and a pipe 7Pc, which communicates with an access hole 21j, which serves as the inlet of the second deionization compartment of the anode-side deionization compartment 2A, are connected to the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M. The EDI device 1 further includes a connecting pipe 7S that connects the pipe 7Pb to the pipe 7Pc. This configuration allows the overall length of the EDI device 1 to be shortened.

[0067] The anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M is connected to a pipe 7Pe that sends concentrated water to the anode-side concentrating chamber 2C and the cathode-side concentrating chamber 2D, and a pipe 7Pf that sends out concentrated water sent out from the anode-side concentrating chamber 2C and the cathode-side concentrating chamber 2D. With this configuration, the pipes 7Pe and 7Pf are further connected to the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M, to which the pipes 7Pa and 7Pd are connected. As a result, the pipe connections are further concentrated at the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M, and the voltage application unit 8, which contributes to the application of DC voltage, is more reliably separated from the areas through which the feed water, treated water, and concentrated water flow. This allows the flow rate to be increased while minimizing potential problems that may occur in the event of a water leak.

[0068] The piping connection member is the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M. This configuration also has the effect of increasing the flow rate while suppressing problems that may occur in the event of a water leak.

[0069] <Modification> The present invention may be embodied in various forms, including the above-described embodiment, with various modifications and improvements made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Furthermore, modified examples may be constructed by utilizing the technical matters described in the above-described embodiment.

[0070] In the EDI device 1 of the embodiment, the piping connection interface is the anode frame 31 of the anode module 3M, and the electrical connection interface is the cathode side pressure plate 6. For example, the opposite may be true, with the piping connection interface being the cathode frame 41 of the cathode module 4M, and the electrical connection interface being the anode side pressure plate 5.

[0071] 1, the connecting pipe 7S has a linear portion 7Sa connecting the portion 7Sb extending from the joint 7Jb and the portion 7Sc extending from the joint 7Jc. For example, the connecting pipe 7S may have an arc-shaped portion 7Sa connecting the portion 7Sb extending from the joint 7Jb and the portion 7Sc extending from the joint 7Jc. In this case, the shape of the connecting pipe 7S is U-shaped and may also be referred to as a U-shaped pipe.

[0072] Furthermore, the connecting pipe 7S shown in FIG. 1 is horizontally disposed such that the portion 7Sb extending from the fitting 7Jb and the portion 7Sc extending from the fitting 7Jc are at the same height when the EDI device 1 is installed. The arrangement of the connecting pipe 7S can be determined based on the direction of water flow through the anode-side deionization compartment 2A and the cathode-side deionization compartment 2B. For example, the direction of water flow through the anode-side deionization compartment 2A is set to be from top to bottom, and the direction of water flow through the cathode-side deionization compartment 2B is also set to be from top to bottom. In this case, when the EDI device 1 is installed, the connecting pipe 7S is vertically disposed such that the portion 7Sb extending from the fitting 7Jb and the portion 7Sc extending from the fitting 7Jc are at different heights.

[0073] As described above, the effect of connecting the connecting pipe 7S to the anode frame 31 (the effect of shortening the overall length of the EDI device 1) can be achieved whether the connecting pipe 7S is arranged horizontally or vertically. In other words, the effect of connecting the connecting pipe 7S to the anode frame 31 is not affected by the orientation of the connecting pipe 7S.

[0074] In the embodiment, the pipes 7Pa-7Pf are connected to the anode frame 31, not to the anode side pressure plate 5. However, this configuration is not limiting. When the anode side pressure plate 5 is made of an insulating material, the through holes connected to the anode side pressure plate 5 can be used as the pipes 7Pa-7Pf. In this case, the joints 7Ja-7Jf can be connected to the anode side pressure plate 5. With this configuration, the anode side pressure plate 5 serves as a pipe connection joint. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...EDI device (electrodeionized water production device), 2...deionization unit, 2A...anode side deionization compartment (second deionization compartment), 2B...cathode side deionization compartment (first deionization compartment), 2C...anode side concentration compartment, 2D...cathode side concentration compartment, 3...anode unit, 3M...anode module (piping connection member), 4...cathode unit, 4M...cathode module, 5...anode side pressure plate, 6...cathode side pressure plate (electrical connection member), 7S...connecting piping, 8...voltage application unit, 20...demineralization area, 22A...anion exchange membrane, 22C...cation exchange membrane, 22M...intermediate ion exchange membrane.

Claims

1. a deionization unit having a desalination region partitioned by a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane; an anode unit disposed on one side of the deionization unit; a cathode unit disposed on the other side of the deionization unit and cooperating with the anode unit to sandwich the deionization unit; a voltage application unit electrically connected to each of the cathode unit and the anode unit, a piping connection member that is one of the anode unit and the cathode unit, is provided with a feed water inlet portion through which feed water before being desalinated is sent to the deionization unit, and a treated water outlet portion through which treated water after being desalinated by the deionization unit is sent; The electrodeionization water production apparatus, wherein the voltage application unit is provided on the other electrical connection interface member of the anode unit and the cathode unit.

2. the deionization unit is included in the deionization region and includes a first deionization compartment and a second deionization compartment separated by an intermediate ion exchange membrane; a first deionization compartment inlet port of the first deionization compartment communicates with the feed water inlet port; a second deionization chamber outlet portion of the second deionization chamber communicates with the treated water outlet portion; the piping connection fitting is provided with a connecting piping outlet portion communicating with a first deionization compartment outlet portion of the first deionization compartment, and a connecting piping inlet portion communicating with a second deionization compartment inlet of the second deionization compartment, The electrodeionized water production apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a connecting pipe connecting the connecting pipe outlet to the connecting pipe inlet.

3. The deionization unit comprises: a first deionization compartment and a second deionization compartment included in the deionization region and separated by an intermediate ion exchange membrane; a first concentration compartment adjacent to the first deionization compartment; a second concentrating compartment adjacent to the second deionizing compartment; 2. The electrodeionized water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the piping connection member is provided with a concentrated water inlet portion for feeding concentrated water into the first concentration chamber and the second concentration chamber, and a concentrated water outlet portion for feeding the concentrated water fed out of the first concentration chamber and the second concentration chamber.

4. the piping connection interface member is the anode unit, 2. The electrodeionization water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection member is the cathode unit.

5. The anode unit comprises: an anode module including an electrode plate disposed in contact with the deionization unit for generating a predetermined electric field in the region where the deionization unit is disposed; an anode side pressing plate arranged to contact the anode module, 5. The electrodeionization water production apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the piping connection member is the anode module.

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