Ion removing system

Abstract

To provide an ion removing system enhancing a metal ion removal effect.SOLUTION: An ion removing system comprises: an electrolysis device generating alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis; a hard water flow passage connected to the electrolysis device and supplying hard water to the electrolysis device; a batch processing tank mounted in the middle of the hard water flow passage and housing the hard water; a return flow passage connected to the batch processing tank so as to return the alkaline water or the acidic water generated by the electrolysis device to the batch processing tank; and a fine bubble generator generating fine bubbles in a circulation flow passage including the batch processing tank, the electrolysis device and the return flow passage, and adsorbing metal ions in the water by the generated fine bubbles to remove the metal ions from the water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ion removal system. [Background technology]

[0002] Ion removal systems for removing metal ions from hard water have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The ion removal system in Patent Document 1 includes a hard water storage unit that stores hard water, and a microbubble generating means that generates microbubbles and supplies them to the hard water storage unit. In the hard water storage unit, metal ions in the hard water are adsorbed onto the microbubbles, thereby removing the metal ions from the hard water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018-159693 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Recently, there has been a demand for improving the reliability of ion removal systems. However, there is still room for improvement in improving the reliability of ion removal systems, including the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide an ion removal system that can improve the reliability of the ion removal system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the ion removal system of the present disclosure includes an electrolyzer that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, a hard water flow path connected to the electrolyzer and that supplies hard water to the electrolyzer, a micro-bubble generator that generates micro-bubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolyzer, a first treated water flow path through which treated water containing alkaline water generated by the electrolyzer and after the micro-bubbles have been supplied flows, a water storage tank that stores the treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and is capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point for a user, and a measurement device that measures the properties of the treated water or the hard water. The system comprises a sensor for acquiring measurement values, a valve provided upstream of the water storage tank for switching between supplying and stopping the flow of treated water to the water storage tank or the treated water supply point, a control unit, and a bypass flow path connected from the valve to the middle of the hard water flow path, and the control unit controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurement values ​​of the sensor, and controls the opening and closing of the valve based on the measurement values ​​of the sensor to switch between a first mode in which water is supplied to the water storage tank without being supplied to the bypass flow path, and a second mode in which water is supplied to the bypass flow path without being supplied to the water storage tank. The ion removal system of the present disclosure also includes an electrolyzer that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, a hard water flow path connected to the electrolyzer and supplies hard water to the electrolyzer, a micro-bubble generator that generates micro-bubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolyzer, a first treated water flow path through which treated water containing alkaline water produced by the electrolyzer is passed after the supply of micro-bubbles, a water storage tank that stores the treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and is capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point for a user, a sensor that acquires measured values ​​related to the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, a valve that is provided upstream of the water storage tank and switches between allowing and stopping the flow of treated water to the water storage tank or the treated water supply point, a control unit, and a bypass flow path connected from the valve to the hard water flow path.The control unit controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measured values ​​of the sensor, and further includes an additive feeding device that feeds an additive that changes the characteristics of the treated water into a circulation flow path including the bypass flow path. The ion removal system of the present disclosure also includes an electrolyzer that generates alkaline water and acidic water through electrolysis, a hard water flow path connected to the electrolyzer and that supplies hard water to the electrolyzer, a micro-bubble generator that generates micro-bubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolyzer, a first treated water flow path through which treated water containing alkaline water produced by the electrolyzer is passed after the supply of micro-bubbles, a water storage tank that stores treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and is capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point for a user, a sensor that obtains measurement values ​​related to the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, a control unit, and a carbon dioxide injection device, and the control unit controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurement values ​​of the sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the ion removal system of the present invention, the reliability of the ion removal system can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an ion removal system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the water flow in the first stage of the raw water injection mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the water flow in the second stage of the raw water injection mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the first crystallization treatment mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the second crystallization treatment mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in a treated water supply mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the first cleaning mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the second cleaning mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in an abnormality mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram to explain the hypothetical principle of metal ion adsorption by an ion removal device [Figure 8] Schematic diagram to explain the hypothetical principle of metal ion crystallization by an ion removal device [Figure 9] Schematic diagram to explain the hypothetical principle of metal ion adsorption by an ion removal device [Figure 10] Schematic diagram to explain the hypothetical principle of metal ion crystallization by an ion removal device [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of an ion removal system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] Schematic diagram to explain the hypothetical principle of regeneration treatment using an ion removal device [Figure 13] Schematic diagram of an ion removal system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the water flow in the first stage of the raw water injection mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the water flow in the second stage of the raw water injection mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the first crystallization treatment mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the second crystallization treatment mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in a first treated water supply mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in a second treated water supply mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the first cleaning mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the second cleaning mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in an abnormality mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of an ion removal system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the water flow in the first stage of the raw water injection mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the water flow in the second stage of the raw water injection mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the first crystallization treatment mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the second crystallization treatment mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in a treated water supply mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the first cleaning mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the second cleaning mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the first abnormality occurrence mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which there is no water flow in the second abnormality mode in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ion removal system 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The ion removal system 2 is a system that removes metal ions from hard water using fine bubbles. 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ) The ion removal system 2 in the first embodiment is a water softening device that removes and separates metal ions from hard water, thereby reducing the concentration (hardness) of metal ions in the hard water to a predetermined concentration or less, thereby producing soft water. Note that the definitions of hard water and soft water may be, for example, those of the WHO. That is, soft water may be defined as water with a hardness of less than 120 mg / L, and hard water may be defined as water with a hardness of 120 mg / L or more.

[0013] In the first embodiment, the fine bubbles are bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or less. The fine bubbles include microbubbles (with a diameter of, for example, 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less) and nanobubbles (with a diameter of, for example, less than 1 μm). The microbubbles may be bubbles that a person skilled in the field of water treatment would recognize as having a diameter on the micron order. The nanobubbles may be bubbles that a person skilled in the field of water treatment would recognize as having a diameter on the nanon order. The fine bubbles have different properties from normal bubbles, such as a long residence time in water, their individual diameters are unlikely to increase and they are unlikely to combine with other bubbles, and their large contact area makes them more susceptible to chemical reactions.

[0014] Note that microbubbles may contain a small proportion of bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or more (such as millibubbles). For example, microbubbles may be defined as bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or less that account for 90% or more. In addition, other conditions may be added, such as a proportion of 60 μm or less that account for 50% or more, and a proportion of 20 μm or less that account for 5% or more. Furthermore, when measuring the diameter of bubbles (bubble diameter), for example, hard water containing microbubbles may be directly photographed with a high-speed camera, and the bubble diameter may be calculated using the three-point method through image processing. Alternatively, any other method may be used. The timing for measuring the bubble diameter may be any timing as long as the microbubbles are retained. Note that an example of the conditions for the measurement method using the high-speed camera described above is as follows:

[0015] High-speed camera: FASTCAM 1024 PCI (Photron Co., Ltd.) Lens system: Z16 APO (Leica) Objective lens: Planapo 2.0x (Leica) Shooting speed: 1000fps Shutter speed: 1 / 505000sec Image area: 1024 x 1024 pixels (microbubble imaging area 1.42mm x 1.42mm, millibubble imaging area 5.69mm x 5.69mm) Image processing software: Image-Pro Plus (Media Cybermetics)

[0016] The ion removal system 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a hard water flow path 4, a batch treatment tank 6, an electrolyzer 8, fine bubble generators 10A and 10B, a separator 12, and a control unit 13.

[0017] The hard water flow path 4 is a flow path that supplies hard water to the electrolyzer 8. The hard water flow path 4 is connected to a hard water source (not shown). The hard water flow path 4 in the first embodiment is connected to the electrolyzer 8 so as to supply hard water to the electrolyzer 8 via the batch treatment tank 6.

[0018] The hard water flow path 4 branches into two flow paths at the point where it is connected to the electrolyzer 8. These flow paths correspond to the fine bubble generators 10A and 10B, respectively, which will be described later.

[0019] In addition to the batch processing tank 6, a valve 11, a pump 14, a flow rate sensor 16, a valve 18, and a valve 20 are provided along the hard water flow path 4.

[0020] The batch treatment tank 6 is a tank provided midway along the hard water flow path 4. The batch treatment tank 6 stores hard water supplied from the hard water flow path 4. By providing the batch treatment tank 6, batch treatment becomes possible.

[0021] The valve 11 is a valve (a solenoid valve in the first embodiment) that controls the flow of water from the hard water flow path 4 to the batch treatment tank 6. The pump 14 is a pump for supplying the hard water contained in the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolyzer 8. The flow rate sensor 16 is a sensor that measures the flow rate of the hard water supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolyzer 8.

[0022] The electrolyzer 8 is a device that produces alkaline water and acidic water by electrolyzing the hard water supplied from the hard water flow path 4. Two flow paths, a first flow path 22 and a second flow path 24, are connected to the electrolyzer 8.

[0023] The first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24 are flow paths that allow the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8 to pass alternately. When the first flow path 22 passes alkaline water, the second flow path 24 passes acidic water, and when the first flow path 22 passes acidic water, the second flow path 24 passes alkaline water.

[0024] A fine bubble generator 10A is provided in the first flow path 22. Similarly, a fine bubble generator 10B is provided in the second flow path 24.

[0025] The micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B are devices that generate and supply micro-bubbles to the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, respectively. By supplying micro-bubbles to each flow path, metal ions contained in the water flowing through the flow paths can be adsorbed onto the micro-bubbles and removed from the water. The micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B of embodiment 1 are devices that generate micro-bubbles by cavitation. The micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B automatically supply micro-bubbles to the water passing through the micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B.

[0026] A first return flow path 26 and a first drainage flow path 28 are connected to the first flow path 22. The first return flow path 26 is a flow path that connects from the first flow path 22 to the batch processing tank 6. The first drainage flow path 28 is a flow path that extends from the first flow path 22 to outside the ion removal system 2 without passing through the batch processing tank 6.

[0027] A valve 30 is provided at the point where the first return flow path 26 and the first drain flow path 28 connect to the first flow path 22. The valve 30 is a valve for switching the flow of water from the first flow path 22 to the first return flow path 26 or the first drain flow path 28 (in the first embodiment, it is an electrically operated valve).

[0028] The second flow path 24 is connected to a second return flow path 31 and a second drainage flow path 32. The second return flow path 31 is a flow path that connects the second flow path 24 to the batch processing tank 6. The second drainage flow path 32 is a flow path that extends from the second flow path 24 to outside the ion removal system 2 without passing through the batch processing tank 6.

[0029] A valve 34 is provided at the point where the second return flow path 31 and the second drain flow path 32 connect to the second flow path 24. The valve 34 is a valve for switching the flow of water from the second flow path 24 to the second return flow path 31 or the second drain flow path 32 (in the first embodiment, it is an electric valve).

[0030] The connection point where the above-mentioned first return flow path 26 and second return flow path 31 are connected to the hard water flow path 4 corresponds to the batch treatment tank 6 in the first embodiment. A branch flow path 36 is connected to the hard water flow path 4 downstream of the batch treatment tank 6, which corresponds to the connection point. The branch flow path 36 is a flow path that branches off from the hard water flow path 4 between the batch treatment tank 6 and the electrolyzer 8.

[0031] The aforementioned valve 18 is provided at the point where the branch flow path 36 connects to the hard water flow path 4. The valve 18 is a valve (motorized valve in the first embodiment) that switches between allowing water to flow from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36 and stopping water flow. The valve 20 (motorized valve in the first embodiment) that is provided downstream of the valve 18 is a valve that can adjust the ratio of the flow rate of water flowing through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24.

[0032] The branch flow path 36 is connected to the separator 12. The separator 12 is a device that separates crystals of metal components from water. The separator 12 of the first embodiment is a cyclone type separator that separates solids such as crystals contained in water by centrifugation.

[0033] Two flow paths, a third flow path 38 and a third drainage flow path 40, are connected to the separation device 12. The third flow path 38 is a flow path for passing treated water from which crystals have been separated by the separation device 12. The drainage flow path 40 is a flow path for passing wastewater containing crystals separated by the separation device 12. The drainage flow path 40, together with the first drainage flow path 28 and the second drainage flow path 32 described above, extends outside the ion removal system 2 without passing through the batch processing tank 6.

[0034] A pH sensor 42 and a turbidity sensor 44 are provided in the third flow path 38. The pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are sensors that measure the pH value and turbidity, respectively, of the treatment water passed through the third flow path 38.

[0035] A third return flow path 46 is further connected to the third flow path 38. The third return flow path 46 is a flow path connected between the third flow path 38 and the batch processing tank 6.

[0036] A valve 47 is provided at the point where the third return flow path 46 connects to the third flow path 38. The valve 47 is a valve for switching between allowing water to flow from the third flow path 38 to the third return flow path 46 and stopping water flow (in the first embodiment, it is an electrically operated valve).

[0037] A water storage tank 48 is also connected to the third flow path 38. The water storage tank 48 is a tank that stores the treated water supplied from the third flow path 38. The treated water stored in the water storage tank 48 is supplied to a water faucet 52 by a pump 50. By driving the pump 50, the treated water (i.e., soft water) obtained by treating hard water in the ion removal system 2 can be supplied to the water faucet 52 and used.

[0038] The control unit 13 is a member that controls each component of the above-mentioned ion removal system 2. The control unit 13 executes control of opening and closing each valve, ON / OFF control of each pump, ON / OFF control of the electrolyzer 8, ON / OFF control of the separator 12, etc. The control unit 13 is, for example, a microcomputer.

[0039] The control unit 13 operates the ion removal system 2 in a number of operation modes. These operation modes will now be described.

[0040] (Raw water injection mode) The raw water injection mode is a mode in which hard water, which is raw water, is injected into each flow path when starting operation of the ion removal system 2. Specifically, the control unit 13 performs control to generate flows as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In Figures 2A and 2B and subsequent figures, the water flows are represented by arrows, and no water flows are generated in flow paths without arrows.

[0041] FIG. 2A shows a mode for draining residual water remaining in the flow paths as the first stage of the raw water injection mode. As shown in FIG. 2A, the control unit 13 opens the valve 11 to allow hard water to flow through the hard water flow path 4 and drives the pump 14 to supply hard water from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolyzer 8. At this time, the control unit 13 acquires the flow rate of hard water flowing from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolyzer 8 based on the detection result of the flow sensor 16. The control unit 13 further controls the opening and closing of the valve 18 to stop water from flowing from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36, thereby preventing hard water from flowing. The control unit 13 also controls the electrolyzer 8 not to operate, and controls the hard water flowing through the hard water flow path 4 to flow directly through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24. The control unit 13 also controls the opening and closing of the valve 30 to allow the hard water flowing through the first flow path 22 to flow through the first drainage flow path 28 and the valve 34 to allow the hard water flowing through the second flow path 24 to flow through the second drainage flow path 32. This causes the flow indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2A to occur, and residual water remaining in each flow path is drained.

[0042] 2B shows a mode in which new hard water is injected into the batch processing tank 6 as the second stage of the raw water injection mode. The control unit 13 changes the opening and closing of the valves 30 and 34 from the state shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valve 30 so that the hard water passed through the first flow path 22 is passed to the first return flow path 26, and controls the opening and closing of the valve 34 so that the hard water passed through the second flow path 24 is passed to the second return flow path 31. As a result, a flow as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2B is generated, and new hard water is injected into the batch processing tank 6.

[0043] After the raw water injection mode described above is performed, the first crystallization treatment mode or the second crystallization treatment mode described below is performed.

[0044] (First crystallization processing mode (first mode)) 3A shows the first crystallization treatment mode. The control unit 13 closes the valve 11 and drives the pump 14 to supply the hard water contained in the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolyzer 8. The control unit 13 controls the valve 18 so that water does not flow from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36. The control unit 13 also drives the electrolyzer 8 to produce alkaline water and acidic water. Specifically, the electrolyzer 8 electrolyzes the hard water supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to produce alkaline water and acidic water. The control unit 13 controls the ratio of the flow rates of the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8 by changing the opening of the valve 20.

[0045] In the first crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 13 controls the electrolyzer 8 to pass alkaline water through the first flow path 22 and acidic water through the second flow path 24, out of the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8.

[0046] The control unit 13 further controls the valve 30 to allow the alkaline water passed through the first flow path 22 to pass through the first return flow path 26, and controls the valve 34 to allow the acidic water passed through the second flow path 24 to pass through the second drainage flow path 32. This results in the flow indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3A.

[0047] In the flow shown in Figure 3A, a circulation flow path is formed in which alkaline water flows in a loop through the batch processing tank 6, electrolyzer 8, first flow path 22, and first return flow path 26 in this order. The first flow path 22 functions as a return flow path together with the first return flow path 26. In this circulation flow path, fine bubbles are supplied from the fine-bubble generator 10A to the alkaline water passed through the first flow path 22. By supplying the fine bubbles, metal ions contained in the alkaline water are adsorbed by the fine bubbles and removed from the alkaline water. The principle of metal ion removal by fine bubbles will be described later.

[0048] The hard water from which the metal ions have been removed becomes "treated water" and is stored in the batch treatment tank 6. The treated water is then sucked by the pump 14 and sent to the electrolyzer 8, where micro-bubbles are again supplied by the micro-bubble generator 10A. As the treated water flows through the circulation flow path, micro-bubbles are continuously supplied to the treated water, and the metal ion removal process is continuously carried out.

[0049] By circulating alkaline water through the circulation channel, the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation channel is increased, and metal ions are continuously removed by the microbubbles. By increasing the pH value, the negatively charged OH molecules present on the surface of the microbubbles are removed. - Increased Ca 2+ As a result, the crystallization of metal ions can be promoted, as will be described later, and the metal ion removal effect can be enhanced. Furthermore, by circulating alkaline water containing crystals of metal components, the metal ions contained in the water can be crystallized by adhering to the crystals, further promoting the crystallization of metal ions.

[0050] The acidic water flowing through the second flow path 24 is discharged outside the ion removal system 2 via the second drainage flow path 32.

[0051] (Second crystallization processing mode (second mode)) 3B shows the second crystallization treatment mode. In the second crystallization treatment mode, unlike the first crystallization treatment mode shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 13 controls the electrolyzer 8 so that, of the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8, the acidic water is passed through the first flow path 22 and the alkaline water is passed through the second flow path 24. Furthermore, the control unit 13 controls the valve 30 so that the acidic water passed through the first flow path 22 is passed through the first drainage flow path 28, and the control unit 13 controls the valve 34 so that the alkaline water passed through the second flow path 24 is passed through the second return flow path 31. This results in the flow indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3B.

[0052] In the flow shown in FIG. 3B, a circulation flow path is formed in which alkaline water flows in a loop through the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolyzer 8, the second flow path 24, and the second return flow path 31 in this order. The second flow path 24 functions as a return flow path together with the second return flow path 31. In this circulation flow path, fine bubbles are supplied from the fine-bubble generator 10B to the alkaline water passing through the second flow path 24. The supply of fine bubbles causes metal ions contained in the alkaline water to be adsorbed by the fine bubbles and removed from the alkaline water. The hard water from which the metal ions have been removed becomes "treated water" and is stored in the batch treatment tank 6. The treated water is then sucked by the pump 14 and sent to the electrolyzer 8, where fine bubbles are again supplied by the fine-bubble generator 10B. As the treated water flows through the circulation flow path, fine bubbles are continuously supplied to the treated water, and the metal ions are continuously removed.

[0053] As in the first crystallization treatment mode, by circulating alkaline water through the circulation flow path, the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path can be increased while metal ions are continuously removed by microbubbles, thereby achieving the same effects as in the first crystallization treatment mode.

[0054] The acidic water flowing through the first flow path 22 is discharged outside the ion removal system 2 via the first drainage flow path .

[0055] After the first crystallization treatment mode or the second crystallization treatment mode described above is performed, the treated water supply mode described below is performed.

[0056] (Treated water supply mode (third mode)) 4 shows the treated water supply mode, which is an operating mode in which treated water obtained by treating hard water in the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode is supplied to the water faucet 52.

[0057] First, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valve 18 so that water flows through the branch flow path 36. In this state, the pump 14 is driven to pass the treated water stored in the batch treatment tank 6 through the branch flow path 36. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valve 20 so that water does not flow through the electrolyzer 8.

[0058] The treated water passed through branch flow path 36 is sent to separation device 12. Separation device 12 separates crystals of metal components contained in the treated water. Separation device 12 further supplies the treated water from which the crystals have been separated to third flow path 38, and passes wastewater containing the crystals through third wastewater flow path 40.

[0059] The treated water that has passed through the third flow path 38 is stored in a water storage tank 48. Thereafter, by operating a pump 50, the treated water (i.e., soft water) stored in the water storage tank 48 is supplied to a water faucet 52, where the treated water becomes available for use.

[0060] The control unit 13 alternately controls the raw water injection mode, first crystallization treatment mode, and treated water supply mode, and controls the raw water injection mode, second crystallization treatment mode, and treated water supply mode. In both the first and second crystallization modes, a circulation flow path is established in the flow path including the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolyzer 8, and the return flow paths 26 and 31, and alkaline water is circulated through the circulation flow path while acidic water is discharged outside the ion removal system 2. By alternately switching between the first and second crystallization treatment modes, the flow path through which alkaline water was passed can be washed with acidic water, maintaining the flow path within the ion removal system 2 in a state suitable for metal ion removal. This enhances the metal ion removal effect of the microbubbles.

[0061] The control unit 13 can execute a first cleaning mode, a second cleaning mode, and an abnormality mode, which will be described below, as modes other than the above-mentioned plurality of modes.

[0062] (First cleaning mode) 5A shows the first cleaning mode. The control unit 13 controls the valve 18 to allow water to flow from the hard water flow path 4 to both the electrolyzer 8 and the branch flow path 36. The control unit 13 also drives the electrolyzer 8 to produce alkaline water and acidic water.

[0063] In the first cleaning mode, the electrolyzer 8 generates alkaline water and acidic water, and the electrolyzer 8 is controlled to pass the acidic water through the first flow path 22 and the alkaline water through the second flow path 24. Furthermore, the valve 30 is controlled to pass the acidic water passed through the first flow path 22 through the first return flow path 26, and the valve 34 is controlled to pass the alkaline water passed through the second flow path 24 through the second drainage flow path 32. This results in the flow indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5A.

[0064] 5A, a circulation flow path is formed in which acidic water flows through the batch treatment tank 6, electrolyzer 8, first flow path 22, and first return flow path 26 in that order, and acidic water is continuously supplied to the batch treatment tank 6. A portion of the acidic water flowing through the circulation flow path is passed through the branch flow path 36. By passing acidic water through the first return flow path 26 and the branch flow path 36, through which acidic water did not flow in the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode described above, these flow paths can be cleaned and maintained in a state suitable for the metal ion removal process.

[0065] The acidic water passed through the branch flow path 36 reaches the separator 12. In the first cleaning mode, the separator 12 is controlled so that no crystal separation process is performed in the separator 12. Furthermore, the separator 12 is controlled so that the acidic water sent to the separator 12 does not pass through the third flow path 38, but passes through the third drainage flow path 40. As a result, the acidic water passes through the third drainage flow path 40, allowing the third drainage flow path 40 to be cleaned.

[0066] According to the above-described control, each flow path can be cleaned while circulating acidic water through the circulation flow path. Furthermore, the acidic water used for cleaning can be appropriately drained from the third drainage flow path 40 via the branch flow path 36.

[0067] (Second cleaning mode) 5B shows the second cleaning mode. Unlike the first cleaning mode, the control unit 13 controls the electrolyzer 8 to pass the alkaline water through the first flow path 22 and the acidic water through the second flow path 24, out of the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8. The control unit 13 further controls the valve 30 to pass the alkaline water passed through the first flow path 22 through the first drainage flow path 28, and controls the valve 34 to pass the acidic water passed through the second flow path 24 through the second return flow path 31. This results in the flow indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5B.

[0068] 5B, a circulation flow path is formed in which acidic water flows in the following order: batch treatment tank 6, electrolyzer 8, second flow path 24, and second return flow path 31, and acidic water is continuously supplied to batch treatment tank 6. A portion of the acidic water flowing in the circulation flow path is passed through branch flow path 36. Acidic water can be passed through second return flow path 31 and branch flow path 36, which did not pass through in the first crystallization treatment mode and second crystallization treatment mode, to wash them.

[0069] According to the above-described control, as in the first cleaning mode, each flow path can be cleaned while circulating acidic water through the circulation flow path, and further, the acidic water used for cleaning can be appropriately drained from the third drainage flow path 40.

[0070] The first cleaning mode and the second cleaning mode described above may be performed at predetermined timing or at any timing.

[0071] (Abnormality mode) 4, there are cases where the measured values ​​of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are detected as abnormal values ​​for the treated water being passed from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48. In such cases, the abnormality occurrence mode described below is executed to stop the flow of treated water to the water storage tank 48.

[0072] Fig. 6 shows the abnormality occurrence mode. The control unit 13 changes the opening and closing control of the valve 47 from the treated water supply mode shown in Fig. 4. Specifically, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valve 47 so that the flow path from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48 is stopped and water flows from the third flow path 38 to the third return flow path 46. This results in a flow as shown by the arrows in Fig. 6.

[0073] By stopping the flow from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48, it is possible to stop the supply of treated water in which an abnormal pH value or turbidity value has been detected.

[0074] <Action / Effect 1> The ion removal system 2 having the above-described configuration includes a hard water flow path 4, a batch treatment tank 6, an electrolyzer 8, fine-bubble generators 10A and 10B, and return flow paths 26 and 31. The hard water flow path 4 is a flow path connected to the electrolyzer 8 and supplies hard water to the electrolyzer 8. The batch treatment tank 6 is a tank provided midway along the hard water flow path 4 and stores hard water. The electrolyzer 8 is a device that produces alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis. The return flow paths 26 and 31 are flow paths connected to the batch treatment tank 6 so as to return the alkaline water or acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8 to the batch treatment tank 6. The fine-bubble generators 10A and 10B generate and supply fine bubbles to a circulation flow path including the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolyzer 8, and the return flow paths 26 and 31. The generated fine bubbles adsorb and remove metal ions in the water.

[0075] With this configuration, by passing alkaline water through the circulation flow path and circulating it, the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path is increased while metal ions are removed by the microbubbles, which promotes crystallization of the metal ions removed by the microbubbles and enhances the metal ion removal effect.

[0076] The ion removal system 2 of the first embodiment further includes a first flow path 22 and a second flow path 24 through which alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8 can alternately flow. The return flow paths 26, 31 include a first return flow path 26 that branches off from the first flow path 22 and is connected to the batch processing tank 6, and a second return flow path 31 that branches off from the second flow path 24 and is connected to the batch processing tank 6.

[0077] According to this configuration, alkaline water and acidic water are passed alternately through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, so that alkaline water can be passed through each flow path, followed by acidic water, thereby cleaning the flow paths.

[0078] The ion removal system 2 of embodiment 1 further includes a first drainage flow path 28 connected to the first flow path 22 and extending outside the system without passing through the batch processing tank 6, and a second drainage flow path 32 connected to the second flow path 24 and extending outside the system without passing through the batch processing tank 6. The ion removal system 2 further includes a valve (first valve) 30 that switches the flow of water from the first flow path 22 to either the first return flow path 26 or the first drainage flow path 28, and a valve (second valve) 34 that switches the flow of water from the second flow path 24 to either the second return flow path 31 or the second drainage flow path 32.

[0079] According to this configuration, by providing the drainage flow paths 28, 32 in addition to the return flow paths 26, 31, it is possible to control the flow so that alkaline water is passed through one of the return flow paths 26, 31 while acidic water is passed through one of the drainage flow paths 28, 32 and then drained. Furthermore, such flows of alkaline water and acidic water can be generated alternately in the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24.

[0080] The ion removal system 2 of the first embodiment further includes a branch flow path 36 and a valve (third valve) 18. The branch flow path 36 is a flow path that branches off from the hard water flow path 4 downstream of the batch processing tank 6, which is a connection point of the hard water flow path 4 where the return flow paths 26 and 31 are connected. The valve 18 is a valve that switches between allowing water to flow from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36 and stopping water flow.

[0081] With this configuration, by passing the water accumulated in the batch processing tank 6 through the branch flow path 36, the treated water that has been processed in the circulation flow path and accumulated in the batch processing tank 6 can be passed outside the circulation flow path. This allows the treated water to be supplied to the water faucet 52 for use.

[0082] The ion removal system 2 of the first embodiment further includes a separation device 12 connected to the branch flow path 36 to separate crystals of metal components contained in the water flowing through the branch flow path 36 .

[0083] According to this configuration, by separating crystals of metal components from the treated water, soft water from which the crystals have been separated can be extracted.

[0084] <Action / Effect 2> According to the above-described ion removal system 2, the control unit 13 executes a first crystallization treatment mode (first mode) and a second crystallization treatment mode (second mode). The first crystallization treatment mode is a mode in which alkaline water is passed through the first flow path 22 and acidic water is passed through the second flow path 24. The second crystallization treatment mode is a mode in which acidic water is passed through the first flow path 22 and alkaline water is passed through the second flow path 24.

[0085] According to this control, alkaline water and acidic water are alternately passed through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, respectively, so that alkaline water is passed through each flow path and then acidic water is passed through each flow path, thereby cleaning the flow paths. This makes it possible to maintain each flow path in a state suitable for the metal ion removal process, and to enhance the metal ion removal effect of the microbubbles.

[0086] According to the ion removal system 2 of the first embodiment, in the first crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 13 controls the valves 30, 34 to allow water to flow from the first flow path 22 to the first return flow path 26 and to stop water from flowing from the second flow path 24 to the second return flow path 31. Furthermore, in the second crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 13 controls the valves 30, 34 to stop water from flowing from the first flow path 22 to the first return flow path 26 and to allow water to flow from the second flow path 24 to the second return flow path 31.

[0087] In this way, the first return flow path 26 and the second return flow path 31 are provided to form a circulation flow path, and alkaline water is circulated through the circulation flow path in both the first mode and the second mode. This type of control allows metal ions to be removed using fine bubbles while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path. This promotes crystallization of the metal ions removed by the fine bubbles, thereby enhancing the metal ion removal effect.

[0088] According to the ion removal system 2 of the first embodiment, in the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 13 controls the valve 18 to stop water from flowing through the branch flow path 36. The control unit 13 further executes a treated water supply mode (third mode), which is a mode different from the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode, in which the control unit 13 controls the valve 18 to allow water to flow through the branch flow path 36.

[0089] According to such control, the treated water can be used at the water faucet 52 by passing the treated water through the branch flow path 36 .

[0090] <Water softening treatment (metal ion removal treatment)> The principle of the above-mentioned metal ion removal process using fine bubbles, i.e., "water softening process," will now be described in more detail.

[0091] It is believed that supplying microbubbles containing air into hard water will have the effects described in the following sections (1) and (2) on the metal ions in the hard water. Specifically, it is believed that the metal ions in the hard water are adsorbed onto the microbubbles, and the adsorbed metal ions are crystallized, thereby removing the crystals of metal components from the hard water. More specifically, this is as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific principles described in the following sections (1) and (2).

[0092] (1) Adsorption of metal ions As shown in Figure 7, when microbubbles containing air are supplied to hard water, H + (hydrogen ion) and OH - (hydroxide ions) are mixed, and H + is positively charged, and OH - is negatively charged (OH in Figure 7) - On the other hand, in hard water, there are positively charged metal ions such as Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ In the following explanation, Ca is used as the metal ion. 2+ will be explained as an example.

[0093] Positively charged Ca 2+ is formed by the action of intermolecular forces (ionic interactions) on the surface of the microbubbles. - In this way, Ca 2+ The surface of the microbubbles can adsorb Ca. 2+ H rebels against + exists, but H + More than OH - acts preferentially on Ca 2+ It is thought that the

[0094] (2) Crystallization of metal ions In addition to the reaction shown in Figure 7, supplying microbubbles containing air into hard water promotes the reaction shown in Figure 8. Specifically, unlike normal bubbles, microbubbles supplied into hard water do not rise to the surface and dissolve into the hard water, increasing the surface tension and causing the bubbles to gradually shrink as shown in Figure 8. As mentioned above, Ca exists on the surface of the microbubbles. 2+ More specifically, it exists as calcium ions in the form of soluble Ca(HCO3)2 (calcium bicarbonate). As the microbubbles gradually shrink, the Ca on the surface of the microbubbles 2+ The dissolved concentration of Ca increases. At some point, the solution becomes supersaturated. 2+ The specific chemical formula is shown in Formula 1 below.

[0095] (Formula 1) Ca(HCO3)2 → CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O

[0096] Since CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) is insoluble (water-insoluble), it precipitates as crystals of metal components. 2+ The metal ions dissolved in hard water are precipitated as crystals. 2+ The precipitated CaCO3 can be separated by crystallization.

[0097] Although a reaction in the opposite direction to that of Equation 1 can also occur in the same water, it is presumed that by continuously supplying fine bubbles, the reaction in the direction of Equation 1 will take precedence in the equilibrium relationship.Furthermore, since the reaction in the opposite direction of Equation 1 basically does not occur unless CO2 gas is blown in from the outside, it is thought that the reaction in the direction of Equation 1 will take precedence.

[0098] In the first embodiment, air is used as the gas for the fine bubbles in the water softening treatment, but this is not a limitation. For example, nitrogen may be used as the gas for the fine bubbles instead of air. It is presumed that by generating fine nitrogen bubbles from the fine bubble generators 10A and 10B and supplying them into hard water, the actions described in the following sections (3) and (4) are promoted in addition to the actions of "(1) adsorption of metal ions" and "(2) crystallization of metal ions" described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific principles described in the following sections (3) and (4).

[0099] (3) Promotion of metal ion adsorption As shown in Figure 9(a), the microbubbles are surrounded by H + and OH - As mentioned above, negatively charged OH - In the 2+ Under these circumstances, when nitrogen is used as the microbubbles, the reaction shown in the following formula 2 is promoted.

[0100] (Formula 2) N2+6H + +6e - →2NH3 NH3+H2O→NH4 + +OH -

[0101] The reaction of formula 2 is promoted, and as shown in Figure 9(b), OH - H relative to the number of ions + The number of ions decreases. This causes the negative charge of the microbubbles to become stronger, and the positively charged Ca 2+ is easily adsorbed.

[0102] When nitrogen is used as in this modified example, the reaction of formula 2 can be promoted more effectively than when air is used, and therefore the adsorption of metal ions is further promoted. This allows a larger number of metal ions to be separated and removed from hard water.

[0103] The above principle is not limited to nitrogen, but also applies to H + It reacts with ions and - H relative to the number of ions + It is assumed that this also applies to any gas that can reduce the number of ions.

[0104] (4) Promotion of crystallization of metal ions Nitrogen is an inert gas, unlike air, so when nitrogen is added to hard water, it disrupts the balance of the partial pressures of the gases contained in the hard water, which promotes the reaction shown in Figure 10.

[0105] As shown in Figure 10, other gas components dissolved in hard water act to replace the microscopic bubbles made up of nitrogen. In the example shown in Figure 10, Ca(HCO3)2 present around the microscopic bubbles contains CO2, and this CO2 is extracted and acts to replace the nitrogen. In other words, the following reaction is promoted:

[0106] (Formula 3) Ca(HCO3)2 → CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O

[0107] In this way, a reaction occurs in which insoluble CaCO3 is produced from soluble Ca(HCO3)2. At this time, CO2 and H2O are produced. Because CaCO3 is insoluble, it precipitates as crystals of its metallic components.

[0108] The reaction produces Ca(HCO3)2 in hard water. 2+ This allows the metal ions contained in the hard water to be crystallized and precipitated, thereby removing the crystals of metal components from the hard water.

[0109] It is presumed that the above principle is not limited to nitrogen, but also applies to any gas other than air that disrupts the balance of partial pressures of gases dissolved in hard water.

[0110] As mentioned above, by taking in nitrogen to generate fine bubbles and supplying them into hard water, the reactions explained in the sections "(3) Promotion of metal ion adsorption" and "(4) Promotion of metal ion crystallization" can be promoted more effectively than when air is used. This improves the accuracy of removing metal ions from hard water.

[0111] In the above, Ca was used as the metal ion. 2+ was explained as an example, but Mg 2+ It is assumed that a similar reaction occurs.

[0112] (Embodiment 2) An ion removal system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0113] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that fine carbon dioxide bubbles can be supplied to the first flow path 22, the second flow path 24, and the third flow path .

[0114] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an ion removal system 60 according to the second embodiment.

[0115] The ion removal system 60 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 includes a carbon dioxide injection device 62, supply flow paths 64, 66, and 68, valves 70 and 72, and a fine bubble generator 74.

[0116] The carbon dioxide input device 62 is a device that can input carbon dioxide into the supply flow paths 64, 66, and 68. The carbon dioxide input device 62 may itself be a tank that stores carbon dioxide, or may be a device connected to a carbon dioxide supply source (not shown).

[0117] Supply flow paths 64, 66, and 68 are flow paths that connect the carbon dioxide input device 62 to the fine bubble generators 10A, 10B, and 74, respectively.

[0118] Valve 70 is a valve (motorized valve in the second embodiment) for controlling the flow rate of carbon dioxide supplied from carbon dioxide input device 62. Valve 72 is a valve (motorized valve in the second embodiment) for controlling the flow rate of carbon dioxide supplied from carbon dioxide input device 62 to supply flow path 64 or supply flow path 68.

[0119] The fine bubble generator 74 is a device that generates fine bubbles from the carbon dioxide supplied from the supply flow path 68. The fine bubble generator 74 is connected to the third flow path 38 so as to supply fine bubbles of carbon dioxide to the third flow path 38.

[0120] According to this configuration, fine carbon dioxide bubbles can be supplied to the first flow path 22, the second flow path 24, and the third flow path 38. In the cleaning mode described above in the section on embodiment 1, by supplying fine carbon dioxide bubbles when cleaning the flow paths with acidic water, the flow paths can be cleaned more effectively.

[0121] <Regeneration treatment (cleaning treatment)> The principle of the cleaning process of the flow path using fine carbon dioxide bubbles, that is, the "regeneration process", will be explained in detail below.

[0122] By performing the water softening treatment, some of the CaCO3 that crystallizes and precipitates metal ions adheres to the inner wall surface of the flow channel. A regeneration treatment is performed to return this CaCO3 to Ca(HCO3)2.

[0123] As shown in Figure 12, the following reaction is promoted by supplying fine bubbles of carbon dioxide to CaCO3 attached to the inner wall surface of the flow channel.

[0124] (Formula 4) CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O → Ca(HCO3)2

[0125] This reaction produces soluble (water-soluble) Ca(HCO3)2 from insoluble CaCO3. The Ca(HCO3)2 dissolves into the water. This allows the insoluble CaCO3 adhering to the inner wall surface of the flow channel to be expelled to the outside, returning it to its original state.

[0126] In the second embodiment, the case where fine carbon dioxide bubbles can be supplied to the first flow path 22, the second flow path 24, and the third flow path 38 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the supply flow path 68 and the fine bubble generator 74 shown in Fig. 11 may be omitted, and fine carbon dioxide bubbles may be supplied only to the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24.

[0127] (Embodiment 3) An ion removal system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0128] The ion removal system 80 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 13 includes a hard water flow path 4, a batch processing tank 6, a fine bubble generator 82, an electrolyzer 8, separators 84A and 84B, and a control unit 86.

[0129] The fine bubble generator 82 is a device that generates fine bubbles in the hard water supplied from the hard water flow path 4. The fine bubble generator 82 of the third embodiment is provided upstream of the electrolyzer 8.

[0130] At the point where the hard water flow path 4 is connected to the micro-bubble generator 82, the hard water flow path 4 branches into two flow paths. These flow paths correspond to a first flow path 88 and a second flow path 90, respectively, which will be described later.

[0131] A first flow path 88 and a second flow path 90 are connected to the downstream side of the electrolyzer 8. The first flow path 88 and the second flow path 90 are flow paths through which alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8 can alternately flow.

[0132] A branch flow path 89 is connected to the first flow path 88. Similarly, a branch flow path 91 is connected to the second flow path 90.

[0133] The branch flow path 89 is a flow path connected between the first flow path 88 and the hard water flow path 4. The branch flow path 91 is a flow path connected between the second flow path 90 and the hard water flow path 4. Both the branch flow paths 89 and 91 are connected to the hard water flow path 4 at a position between the batch processing tank 6 and the fine bubble generator 82.

[0134] Valves 93 and 95 are provided in the branch flow paths 89 and 91, respectively. The valves 93 and 95 are valves for switching between allowing water to pass through the branch flow paths 89 and 91 and stopping water therethrough, respectively (solenoid valves in the third embodiment).

[0135] A separator 84A is connected to the downstream side of the first flow path 88. Similarly, a separator 84B is connected to the downstream side of the second flow path 90. The separators 84A and 84B are devices that centrifuge crystals of metal components flowing in the water.

[0136] A third flow path 92 is connected to the separation device 84A. The third flow path 92 is a flow path for passing treated water from which crystals have been separated by the separation device 84A. A first return flow path 94 is connected to the middle of the third flow path 92. The first return flow path 94 is a flow path that connects the third flow path 92 to the batch processing tank 6. A valve 96 (a motor-operated valve in the third embodiment) is provided at the point where the first return flow path 94 is connected to the third flow path 92.

[0137] Similarly, a fourth flow path 98 is connected to the separation device 84B. The fourth flow path 98 is a flow path through which treated water from which crystals have been separated by the separation device 84B passes. A second return flow path 100 is connected to the middle of the fourth flow path 98. The second return flow path 100 is a flow path that connects the fourth flow path 98 to the batch processing tank 6. A valve 101 (a motor-operated valve in the third embodiment) is provided at the point where the second return flow path 100 is connected to the fourth flow path 98.

[0138] The separation devices 84A and 84B are further connected to a third return flow path 102 and a fourth return flow path 104, respectively. The third return flow path 102 is a flow path connected from the separation device 84A to the hard water flow path 4, and the fourth return flow path 104 is a flow path connected from the separation device 84B to the hard water flow path 4. The third return flow path 102 is a flow path for passing water containing crystals of metal components separated by the separation device 84A, and the fourth return flow path 104 is a flow path for passing water containing crystals of metal components separated by the separation device 84B.

[0139] The third return flow path 102 and the fourth return flow path 104 are both connected to the hard water flow path 4 at a position between the batch processing tank 6 and the pump 14. The connection points where the third return flow path 102 and the fourth return flow path 104 are connected to the hard water flow path 4 are located downstream of the batch processing tank 6 and upstream of the connection points where the branch flow paths 89 and 91 are connected to the hard water flow path 4.

[0140] A first drainage flow path 106 is connected to the third return flow path 102. Similarly, a second drainage flow path 108 is connected to the fourth return flow path 104. The first drainage flow path 106 and the second drainage flow path 108 are flow paths that extend outside the ion removal system 80 without passing through the batch processing tank 6.

[0141] A valve 110 (an electrically operated valve in the third embodiment) is provided at the point where the first drainage flow path 106 is connected to the third return flow path 102. Similarly, a valve 112 (an electrically operated valve in the third embodiment) is provided at the point where the second drainage flow path 108 is connected to the fourth return flow path 104.

[0142] 13, a pH sensor 42 and a turbidity sensor 44 are provided in the third flow path 92. A fifth return flow path 111 is further connected to the third flow path 92. A valve 47 (a motor-operated valve in the third embodiment) is provided at the point where the fifth return flow path 111 connects to the third flow path 92.

[0143] The control unit 86 operates the ion removal system 80 having the above-described configuration in a number of operation modes. These operation modes will now be described.

[0144] (Raw water injection mode) The raw water injection mode is a mode in which hard water, which is raw water, is injected into each flow path when starting operation of the ion removal system 80. Specifically, the control unit 86 performs control so as to generate flows as shown in Figures 14A and 14B.

[0145] FIG. 14A shows the first stage of the raw water injection mode, which is a mode for draining residual water remaining in the flow paths. As shown in FIG. 14A, the control unit 86 opens the valve 11 to allow hard water to flow through the hard water flow path 4 and drives the pump 14 to supply hard water from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolyzer 8. The control unit 86 controls the opening and closing of valves 93 and 95 to prevent water from flowing from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow paths 89 and 91. The control unit 86 also does not operate the electrolyzer 8, and allows the hard water flowing through the hard water flow path 4 to flow directly through the first flow path 88 and the second flow path 90. The control unit 86 also controls the opening and closing of a valve 110 to allow the hard water passed through the first flow path 88 to flow from the separator 84A to the first drainage flow path 106, and controls the opening and closing of a valve 112 to allow the hard water passed through the second flow path 90 to flow from the separator 84B to the second drainage flow path 108. This creates a flow as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 14A, and the residual water remaining in each flow path is drained.

[0146] 14B shows a mode in which new hard water is injected into the batch processing tank 6 as the second stage of the raw water injection mode. The control unit 86 changes the open / close states of the valves 96, 101, 110, and 112 from the state shown in FIG. 14A. Specifically, the control unit 86 controls the valves 96 and 110 so that the hard water passed through the first flow path 88 is passed from the separation device 84A to both the first return flow path 94 and the third return flow path 102. Similarly, the control unit 86 controls the valves 101 and 112 so that the hard water passed through the second flow path 90 is passed from the separation device 84B to both the second return flow path 100 and the fourth return flow path 104. As a result, a flow as shown by the arrows in FIG. 14B is generated, and new hard water is injected into the batch processing tank 6.

[0147] In addition, by driving the separation devices 84A and 84B, respectively, the hard water from which the metal component crystals have been separated is supplied to the batch treatment tank 6, and the hard water containing the metal component crystals is supplied to the hard water flow path 4 downstream of the batch treatment tank 6.

[0148] After the raw water injection mode described above is performed, the first crystallization treatment mode or the second crystallization treatment mode described below is performed.

[0149] (First crystallization processing mode (first mode)) 15A shows the first crystallization treatment mode. The control unit 86 closes the valve 11 and drives the pump 14 to supply the hard water contained in the batch treatment tank 6 to the fine bubble generator 82 and the electrolyzer 8. The control unit 86 also drives the electrolyzer 8 to produce alkaline water and acidic water.

[0150] In the first crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 86 controls the electrolyzer 8 to pass alkaline water through the first flow path 88 and acidic water through the second flow path 90, out of the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8.

[0151] Fine bubbles are supplied to the alkaline water and acidic water by a fine bubble generator 82 provided upstream of the electrolyzer 8. The supply of fine bubbles causes metal ions contained in the alkaline water, particularly the water passed through the first flow path 88, to be adsorbed by the fine bubbles and precipitated as crystals of metal components, which are then sent to the separator 84A.

[0152] The control unit 86 drives the separation device 84A. The separation device 84A separates crystals of metal components contained in the treated water. The separation device 84A is controlled to supply the treated water from which the crystals have been separated to the first return flow path 94 via the third flow path 92, and to supply the treated water containing the crystals to the third return flow path 102. According to this control, the treated water from which the crystals have been separated is stored in the batch treatment tank 6, and the treated water containing the crystals is returned to the hard water flow path 4 downstream of the batch treatment tank 6. This results in a flow as shown by the arrows in FIG. 15A.

[0153] 15A, a circulation flow path is formed in which alkaline water flows in a loop through the batch treatment tank 6, electrolyzer 8, first flow path 88, and first return flow path 94 in that order. In this circulation flow path, treated water from which metal component crystals have been separated is passed through the first return flow path 94. As a result, the proportion of metal component crystals decreases in the treated water accumulated in the batch treatment tank 6. Another circulation flow path is formed as a separate circulation flow path from the above circulation flow path, in which alkaline water flows in a loop through the batch treatment tank 6, electrolyzer 8, first flow path 88, and third return flow path 102 in that order. In this circulation path, treated water containing metal component crystals is passed through the third return flow path 102.

[0154] According to the above control, by storing treated water from which metal crystals have been separated in the batch treatment tank 6, it is possible to reduce the proportion of metal crystals contained in the treated water in the batch treatment tank 6. On the other hand, by circulating alkaline water containing metal crystals through the circulation flow path excluding the batch treatment tank 6, it is possible to promote the crystallization of the metal components by causing new crystals to adhere to the existing metal crystals.

[0155] The acidic water passed through the second flow path 90 is discharged from the separator 84B to outside the ion removal system 2 via the second drainage flow path .

[0156] (Second crystallization processing mode (second mode)) 15B shows a second crystallization treatment mode. In the second crystallization treatment mode, unlike the first crystallization treatment mode shown in FIG. 15A, the electrolyzer 8 is controlled so that, of the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8, the acidic water is passed through the first flow path 88 and the alkaline water is passed through the second flow path 90.

[0157] Fine bubbles are supplied to the alkaline water and acidic water by a fine bubble generator 82 provided upstream of the electrolyzer 8. The supply of fine bubbles causes metal ions contained in the alkaline water, particularly the water passed through the second flow path 90, to be adsorbed by the fine bubbles and sent to the separator 84B in a state where they are precipitated as crystals of metal components.

[0158] The control unit 86 drives the separation device 84B to separate crystals of metal components contained in the treated water. The separation device 84B is controlled to supply the treated water from which the crystals have been separated to the second return flow path 100 via the fourth flow path 98, and to supply the treated water containing the crystals to the fourth return flow path 104. According to this control, the treated water from which the crystals have been separated is stored in the batch treatment tank 6, and the treated water containing the crystals is returned to the hard water flow path 4 downstream of the batch treatment tank 6. This results in a flow as shown by the arrows in FIG. 15B.

[0159] In the flow shown in Figure 15B, a circulation flow path is formed in which alkaline water flows in a loop through the batch treatment tank 6, electrolyzer 8, second flow path 90, and second return flow path 100 in that order. Treated water from which metal component crystals have been separated in the second return flow path 100 is passed through this circulation flow path. As a result, the proportion of metal component crystals decreases in the treated water accumulated in the batch treatment tank 6. Another circulation flow path is formed as a separate circulation flow path from the above circulation flow path, in which alkaline water flows in a loop through the batch treatment tank 6, electrolyzer 8, second flow path 90, and fourth return flow path 104 in that order. In this circulation path, treated water containing metal component crystals is passed through the fourth return flow path 104.

[0160] According to the above control, the batch treatment tank 6 stores the treated water from which the crystals of metal components have been separated, while the treated water containing the crystals of metal components is circulated through the circulation flow path excluding the batch treatment tank 6. This makes it possible to achieve the same effect as in the first crystallization treatment mode.

[0161] The acidic water passed through the first flow path 88 is discharged outside the ion removal system 2 via the first drainage flow path 106 .

[0162] After executing the first crystallization treatment mode or the second crystallization treatment mode described above, the control unit 86 executes the first treated water supply mode or the second treated water supply mode described below. Specifically, the first crystallization treatment mode is executed after the first treated water supply mode, and the second crystallization treatment mode is executed after the second treated water supply mode.

[0163] (First treated water supply mode) 16A shows the first treated water supply mode, which is an operation mode in which treated water obtained by treating hard water in the first crystallization treatment mode is supplied to the water faucet 52.

[0164] The control unit 86 first controls the opening and closing of the valve 93 so as to allow water to flow into the branch flow path 89. In this state, the pump 14 is driven to allow the treated water stored in the batch processing tank 6 to flow into the branch flow path 89. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valves 20 and 95 so as to stop the flow into the fine bubble generator 82 and the branch flow path 91.

[0165] The treated water passed through branch flow path 89 is sent to separation device 84A. Separation device 84A separates crystals of metal components contained in the treated water. Separation device 84A supplies the treated water from which the crystals have been separated to third flow path 92 and discharges the treated water containing the crystals via first drainage flow path 106.

[0166] The treated water that has passed through the third flow path 92 is stored in the water storage tank 48. Thereafter, by operating the pump 50, the treated water stored in the water storage tank 48, i.e., soft water, can be supplied to the water faucet 52 for use.

[0167] By separating the crystals of metal components using the separator 84A as described above, the proportion of crystals of metal components in the treated water supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to the water faucet 52 can be further reduced.

[0168] (Second treated water supply mode) 16B shows the second treated water supply mode, which is an operation mode in which treated water obtained by treating hard water in the second crystallization treatment mode is supplied to the water faucet 52.

[0169] The control unit 86 first controls the opening and closing of the valve 95 so as to allow water to flow into the branch flow path 91. In this state, the pump 14 is driven to allow the treated water stored in the batch processing tank 6 to flow into the branch flow path 91. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valves 20 and 93 so as to stop the flow into the fine bubble generator 82 and the branch flow path 89.

[0170] The treated water passed through branch flow path 19 is sent to separation device 84B. Separation device 84B separates crystals of metal components contained in the treated water. Separation device 84B is controlled to supply the treated water from which the crystals have been separated to fourth flow path 98 and to discharge the treated water containing the crystals via second drainage flow path 108.

[0171] The treated water that has passed through the fourth flow path 98 is stored in the water storage tank 48. Thereafter, by operating the pump 50, the treated water stored in the water storage tank 48, i.e., soft water, can be supplied to the water faucet 52 for use.

[0172] By separating the crystals of metal components using the separator 84B as described above, the proportion of crystals of metal components in the treated water supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to the water faucet 52 can be further reduced.

[0173] The control unit 86 alternately controls the raw water injection mode, first crystallization treatment mode, and first treated water supply mode, and controls the raw water injection mode, second crystallization treatment mode, and second treated water supply mode, alternately. By alternately performing the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode, the flow path through which alkaline water has passed can be washed with acidic water, and the flow path in the ion removal system 2 can be kept in a state suitable for the metal ion removal process.

[0174] The control unit 86 can execute a first cleaning mode, a second cleaning mode, and an abnormality mode, which will be described below, as modes other than the above-mentioned modes.

[0175] (First cleaning mode) Fig. 17A shows the first cleaning mode. The first cleaning mode shown in Fig. 17A produces the same flow as the second crystallization treatment mode shown in Fig. 15B. The difference from the second crystallization treatment mode shown in Fig. 15B is that the electrolyzer 8 is controlled so that, of the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8, the alkaline water is passed through the first flow path 88 and the acidic water is passed through the second flow path 90.

[0176] The acidic water passed through the second flow path 90 passes through the separator 84B, then passes through the fourth flow path 98 to the second return flow path 100, and further passes through the fourth return flow path 104. By passing the acidic water through the second return flow path 100 and the fourth return flow path 104, through which no acidic water passed in the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode, these flow paths can be cleaned.

[0177] (Second cleaning mode) Fig. 17B shows the second cleaning mode. The second cleaning mode shown in Fig. 17B produces the same flow as the first crystallization treatment mode shown in Fig. 15A. The difference from the first crystallization treatment mode shown in Fig. 15A is that the electrolyzer 8 is controlled so that, of the alkaline water and acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8, the acidic water is passed through the first flow path 88 and the alkaline water is passed through the second flow path 90.

[0178] The acidic water passed through the first flow path 88 passes through the separator 84A, then passes through the third flow path 92 to the first return flow path 94, and further passes through the third return flow path 102. By passing the acidic water through the first return flow path 94 and the third return flow path 102, through which no acidic water flowed in the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode described above, these flow paths can be cleaned.

[0179] The first cleaning mode and the second cleaning mode described above may be performed at predetermined timing or at any timing.

[0180] (Abnormality mode) 16A and 16B, there are cases where the measured values ​​of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are detected as abnormal values ​​for the treated water passed through the third flow path 92. In such cases, the abnormality occurrence mode described below is executed to stop the flow of treated water to the water storage tank 48.

[0181] Fig. 18 shows the abnormality occurrence mode. The control unit 86 changes the opening and closing control of the valve 47 from the treated water supply mode shown in Fig. 16A. Specifically, the control unit 86 controls the opening and closing of the valve 47 so that the flow path from the third flow path 92 to the water storage tank 48 is stopped and water flows from the third flow path 92 to the fifth return flow path 111. This results in a flow as shown by the arrows in Fig. 18.

[0182] By stopping the flow from the third flow path 92 to the water storage tank 48, it is possible to stop the supply of treated water for which an abnormal pH value or turbidity value has been detected.

[0183] According to the ion removal system 80 of the second embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the ion removal system 2 of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0184] (Embodiment 4) An ion removal system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0185] The main differences between embodiment 4 and embodiment 1 are that the hard water flow path 4 is connected to the electrolyzer 8 by a single flow path, that valves 204, 206, 208, and 210 are capable of adjusting the flow rate, and that degassing devices 202A and 202B and an additive feeding device 212 are provided.

[0186] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an ion removal system 200 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0187] An ion removal system 200 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is configured differently from the ion removal system 2 according to the first embodiment in that it includes defoamers 202A and 202B.

[0188] The defoaming devices 202A and 202B are devices for respectively discharging to the outside air bubbles contained in the water flowing through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24. The defoaming devices 202A and 202B of the fourth embodiment discharge air bubbles to the outside by centrifuging the water flowing through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24. Discharging air bubbles using the defoaming devices 202A and 202B can reduce the amount of air bubbles contained in the water sent to the fine-bubble generation devices 10A and 10B.

[0189] When the electrolyzer 8 is operated, alkaline water and acidic water are produced, and at the same time, bubbles of H2, O2, etc. are generated. If water containing a large amount of such bubbles is sent to the micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B, the effect of micro-bubble shrinkage, as explained with reference to FIG. 8, etc., is hindered, and as a result, crystallization of metal ions may be inhibited. In response to this, by providing defoamers 202A and 202B to discharge the bubbles in the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, crystallization of metal ions by the micro-bubbles can be promoted.

[0190] The ion removal system 200 of the fourth embodiment further includes valves 204, 206, 208, and 210. The valves 204, 206, 208, and 210 are motor-operated valves corresponding to the valves 18, 30, 34, and 47 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1, etc.). Each of the valves 204, 206, 208, and 210 has a function of closing one flow path and opening the other flow path, as well as a function of adjusting the opening degree of the other flow path to vary the flow rate.

[0191] With this flow rate adjustment function, the valve 204 can vary the flow rate of hard water / treated water supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolyzer 8, and similarly, can vary the flow rate of treated water supplied from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36. The same applies to the valves 206, 208, and 210.

[0192] The ion removal system 200 of the fourth embodiment further includes an additive injection device 212, which is a configuration different from the ion removal system 2 of the first embodiment. The additive injection device 212 is a device that injects an additive into the third flow path 38 through which the treated water flows. The additive injection device 212 of the fourth embodiment injects carbon dioxide as an additive. Injecting carbon dioxide can lower the pH and turbidity of the treated water flowing through the third flow path 38. This will be described in detail later.

[0193] The control unit 214 operates the ion removal system 200 having the above-described configuration in a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, similar to the ion removal system 2 of embodiment 1, the control unit 214 executes a raw water injection mode, a first crystallization treatment mode, a second crystallization treatment mode, a treated water supply mode, a first cleaning mode, and a second cleaning mode. Unlike the ion removal system 2 of embodiment 1, embodiment 4 executes two types of abnormality occurrence modes. The water flows in these modes are shown in Figures 20A to 24B.

[0194] Fig. 20A shows the first stage of the raw water injection mode, and Fig. 20B shows the second stage of the raw water injection mode. Fig. 21A shows the first crystallization treatment mode, and Fig. 21B shows the second crystallization treatment mode. Fig. 22 shows the treated water supply mode. Fig. 23A shows the first cleaning mode, and Fig. 23B shows the second cleaning mode. Fig. 24A shows the first abnormality occurrence mode, and Fig. 24B shows the second abnormality occurrence mode.

[0195] The flow of water in FIGS. 20A to 24A is the same as that in FIGS. 2A to 6 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0196] The description of the control contents common to the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and the control of the control unit 214 in the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0197] 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 23A, and 23B, the control unit 214 adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the aperture of the valve 204 when hard water / treated water is supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolyzer 8. Similarly, in the mode shown in FIGS. 22 and 24A, the control unit 214 adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the aperture of the valve 204 when treated water is supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to the branch flow path 36.

[0198] 21A and 23A, the control unit 214 adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the aperture of the valve 206 when alkaline water is caused to flow from the first flow path 22 to the first return flow path 26. Similarly, the control unit 214 adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the aperture of the valve 208 when acidic water is caused to flow from the second flow path 24 to the second drainage flow path 32. By such control, the flow rates of the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolyzer 8 can be adjusted.

[0199] 21B and 23B, the control unit 214 adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the aperture of the valve 206 when flowing acidic water from the first flow path 22 to the first drainage flow path 28. Similarly, in the mode shown in FIGS. 21B and 23B, the control unit 214 adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the aperture of the valve 208 when flowing alkaline water from the second flow path 24 to the second return flow path 31. By such control, the flow rates of the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolyzer 8 can be adjusted.

[0200] Here, the control unit 214 of the fourth embodiment adjusts the apertures of the valves 206 and 208 to reduce the flow rate of the acidic water when operating the electrolyzer 8 to generate alkaline water and acidic water. Specifically, when the valve 206 allows the acidic water to flow as shown in FIGS. 21B and 23B, the aperture of the valve 206 is set smaller than when the valve 206 allows the alkaline water to flow as shown in FIGS. 21A and 23A, thereby reducing the flow rate of the acidic water. Similarly, when the valve 208 allows the acidic water to pass as shown in FIGS. 21A and 23A, the aperture of the valve 208 is set smaller than when the valve 208 allows the alkaline water to flow as shown in FIGS. 21B and 23B, thereby reducing the flow rate of the acidic water. In this way, by setting the apertures of the valves 206 and 208 smaller when allowing the acidic water to flow in the first and second crystallization treatment modes and the first and second cleaning treatment modes, respectively, and thereby reducing the flow rate of the acidic water, the acidity of the acidic water in each flow path can be increased. This improves the cleaning effect of the flow path using the acidic water.

[0201] Next, two types of abnormality occurrence modes will be described with reference to Figures 24A and 24B. Figure 24A shows the first abnormality occurrence mode, and Figure 24B shows the second abnormality occurrence mode.

[0202] (First abnormality occurrence mode) The first abnormality occurrence mode is similar to the abnormality occurrence mode of the first embodiment, and the water flow shown in FIG. 24A is similar to the water flow shown in FIG.

[0203] 22, there are cases where the measurement values ​​of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are detected as abnormal values ​​for the treated water supplied from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48. For example, the control unit 214 stores normal numerical ranges in advance for the measurement values ​​of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44, and when it detects a measurement value outside the numerical range, it detects it as an abnormal value.

[0204] When an abnormal value is detected in at least one of the measurements of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44, the control unit 214 controls the valve 210 to switch between opening and closing. Specifically, the control unit 214 controls the valve 210 to switch between opening and closing so that, where water was previously flowing from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48 and water was stopped in the third return flow path 46, water is now flowing from the third flow path 38 to the third return flow path 46 and water is stopped in the water storage tank 48. This switches the flow from the arrow shown in FIG. 22 to the flow shown in FIG. 24A.

[0205] 24A, the circulation flow path is configured as a series of flow paths including the third return flow path 46. Specifically, the circulation flow path is configured such that treated water flows in the order of the third return flow path 46, the batch processing tank 6, the hard water flow path 4, the branch flow path 36, the separation device 12, and the third flow path 38.

[0206] Carbon dioxide is introduced into the circulation flow path by an additive introduction device 212. By introducing carbon dioxide into the treated water, the carbon dioxide dissolves in the treated water, increasing the acidity of the treated water. This reduces the pH of the treated water in the circulation flow path. As explained in FIG. 12, carbon dioxide also reacts with insoluble CaCO3 precipitated as crystals to produce soluble Ca(HCO3)2. This reduces the turbidity of the treated water in the circulation flow path. In this way, carbon dioxide has the function of reducing both the pH and turbidity of the treated water.

[0207] By continuously supplying carbon dioxide to the circulation flow path, even if the measurement value of the pH sensor 42 or the turbidity sensor 44 is detected as an abnormal value, the measurement value can be brought closer to the normal value while circulating the treated water.

[0208] When the measurement value returns to a normal value, the control unit 214 controls the opening and closing of the valve 210 so that water flows from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48 and stops the flow of water from the third return flow path 46. As a result, the water flow switches from the first abnormality occurrence mode shown in Fig. 24A to the treated water supply mode shown in Fig. 22.

[0209] According to the above-described control, when abnormal values ​​are detected for the pH and turbidity of the treated water, the characteristics of the treated water can be changed by injecting carbon dioxide into the circulation flow path to lower the pH and turbidity of the treated water while preventing the treated water from being supplied to the water storage tank 48. This makes it possible to control the supply of treated water having the desired characteristics to the water storage tank 48.

[0210] The locations of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 24A and other figures. For example, the pH sensor and the turbidity sensor may be provided in the water storage tank 48. In this case, the third return flow path 46 and the valve 210 may be omitted, and a valve and a drainage flow path connected to the valve may be provided between the pump 50 and the faucet 52. In this configuration, the control unit 214 may control the opening and closing of the valve provided between the pump 50 and the faucet 52 based on the measurement value of the pH sensor or the turbidity sensor provided in the water storage tank 48. Specifically, if the measurement value of the pH sensor or the turbidity sensor is detected as an abnormal value, the control unit 214 controls the opening and closing of the valve so that water is passed through the drainage flow path instead of the faucet 52. According to this control, the supply of treated water to the faucet 52, which is the treated water supply point, is controlled based on the measurement value of the characteristics of the treated water, as in the first abnormality mode of the fourth embodiment. This allows treated water with desired characteristics to be supplied to the user, improving the reliability of the ion removal system 200.

[0211] 24A, because the crystals are separated by the separator 12, the turbidity of the treated water varies between the branch flow path 36 and the third flow path 38, with the turbidity being lower in the third flow path 38. By providing the turbidity sensor 44 in the third flow path 38, the turbidity of the treated water supplied to the water storage tank 48 can be monitored with high accuracy. Furthermore, because carbon dioxide is introduced by the additive introduction device 212, the turbidity and pH of the treated water change between the upstream and downstream sides of the additive introduction device 212. By providing the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 downstream of the additive introduction device 212, the turbidity and pH of the treated water supplied to the water storage tank 48 can be monitored with high accuracy.

[0212] The additive added by the additive feeder 212 may be anything other than carbon dioxide as long as it reduces the pH or turbidity of the treated water. Also, multiple types of additives may be fed.

[0213] Alternatively, the additive feeding device 212 may not be provided. If the additive feeding device 212 is not provided and there is no means for lowering the pH and turbidity of the treated water, control may be executed to simply stop the operation of the ion removal system 200, instead of controlling the treatment water to circulate through the circulation flow path including the third flow path 46. Even with this type of control, the supply of treated water to the water faucet 52, which is the treated water supply point, can be controlled by stopping the supply of treated water to the water storage tank 48 based on the measurement value of the pH sensor 42 or the turbidity sensor 44, and treated water having the desired characteristics can be supplied to the water faucet 52.

[0214] The present invention is not limited to the case where both the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are provided, and at least one of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 may be provided.

[0215] According to the ion removal system 200 that executes the first abnormality occurrence mode of the above-mentioned embodiment 4, similar to the ion removal systems 2 and 80 that execute the abnormality occurrence mode of embodiments 1 to 3, it is possible to provide ion removal systems according to the first to tenth aspects as described below.

[0216] A first aspect of the present invention is an ion removal system 200 comprising an electrolyzer 8 that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, a hard water flow path 4 connected to the electrolyzer 8 and that supplies hard water to the electrolyzer 8, micro-bubble generators 10A, 10B that generate micro-bubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolyzer 8, a first treated water flow path (branch flow path 36) through which treated water containing alkaline water generated by the electrolyzer 8 flows after the supply of micro-bubbles, a water storage tank 48 that stores the treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and can supply the treated water to a treated water supply point (faucet 52) ​​for a user, sensors (a pH sensor 42, a turbidity sensor 44) that obtain measurement values ​​related to the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, and a control unit 214, where the control unit 214 controls the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurement values ​​of the sensors.

[0217] With this configuration, the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point can be controlled based on the measured values ​​of the properties of the treated water or hard water, thereby providing the desired treated water to the user, thereby improving the reliability of the ion removal system 200.

[0218] A second aspect of the present invention is an ion removal system 200 described in the first aspect, which further includes a valve 210 that switches between flowing and stopping the flow of treated water to the water storage tank 48, and a control unit 214 controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point by controlling the opening and closing of the valve 210 based on the measurement values ​​of the sensors (pH sensor 42, turbidity sensor 44).

[0219] With this configuration, by switching between flowing and stopping treated water to the water storage tank 48 or treated water supply point based on the sensor measurement value, it is possible to control so that treated water is not sent to the treated water supply point if the measurement value is abnormal.

[0220] A third aspect of the present invention is an ion removal system 200 according to the second aspect, in which the valve 210 is provided upstream of the water storage tank 48 and further includes a bypass flow path (third return flow path 46) connected from the valve 210 to the middle of the hard water flow path 4, and the control unit 214 controls the opening and closing of the valve 210 based on the measurement values ​​of the sensors (pH sensor 42, turbidity sensor 44) to switch between a first mode (treated water supply mode) in which water is passed to the water storage tank 48 without passing through the bypass flow path, and a second mode (mode in the event of first abnormality occurrence) in which water is passed through the bypass flow path without passing through the water storage tank 48.

[0221] With this configuration, when the sensor reading is abnormal, the treated water can be circulated through the circulation flow path including the bypass flow path by passing the water through the bypass flow path, thereby enabling a means to change the characteristics of the treated water in the circulation flow path.

[0222] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system 200 according to the third aspect, further comprising an additive injection device 212 that injects an additive that changes the properties of the treated water into the circulation flow path including the bypass flow path (branch flow path 36).

[0223] With this configuration, the characteristics of the treated water can be adjusted in the circulation flow path including the bypass flow path.

[0224] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system 200 according to the fourth aspect, wherein the additive is carbon dioxide.

[0225] According to this configuration, the pH and turbidity of the treated water can be reduced by adding carbon dioxide to the treated water.

[0226] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an ion removal system 200 described in any one of the second to fifth aspects, further comprising a separation device 12 that separates crystals of metal components contained in the treated water flowing through the first treated water flow path (branch flow path 36), and a second treated water flow path (third flow path 38) that is connected between the separation device 12 and the water storage tank 48 and that passes the treated water from which the crystals of metal components have been removed by the separation device 12, and the valve 210 is provided in the second treated water flow path.

[0227] According to this configuration, by supplying treated water from which crystals of metal components have been removed to the water storage tank 48, the desired treated water can be stored in the water storage tank 48.

[0228] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system 200 according to the sixth aspect, wherein the sensors (pH sensor 42, turbidity sensor 44) are provided upstream of the valve 210 in the second treated water flow path (third flow path 38).

[0229] According to this configuration, by providing a sensor upstream of the valve 210 in the second treated water flow path, it is possible to switch the valve 210 between open and closed while monitoring the characteristics of the treated water at a position close to the water storage tank 48. This allows the desired treated water to be supplied to the water storage tank 48.

[0230] An eighth aspect of the present invention is an ion removal system 200 according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising return flow paths 26, 31 for returning alkaline water or acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8 to the hard water flow path 4, the first treated water flow path (branch flow path 36) being a flow path branching off from the hard water flow path 4 between the electrolyzer 8 and a connection point (batch treatment tank 6) where the return flow paths 26, 31 are connected to the hard water flow path 4, and the electrolyzer 8, and the micro-bubble generators 10A, 10B generate micro-bubbles in a circulation flow path including the hard water flow path 4, the electrolyzer 8, and the return flow paths 26, 31.

[0231] This configuration enables operation of circulating alkaline water through the circulation flow path including the return flow paths 26 and 31, and metal ions can be removed by the fine bubbles while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path. This promotes crystallization of the metal ions removed by the fine bubbles, thereby enhancing the metal ion removal effect.

[0232] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system 200 according to the eighth aspect, further comprising a batch treatment tank 6 provided midway along the hard water flow path 4 and containing hard water, and the return flow paths 26, 31 are connected to the batch treatment tank 6.

[0233] Such a configuration makes batch processing possible.

[0234] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system 200 according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the sensor is at least one of a pH sensor 42 and a turbidity sensor 44.

[0235] With this configuration, the pH and turbidity of the treated water can be monitored. Note that an ion sensor (ISFET: ion-sensitive field-effect transistor) that measures the amount of ions may be used instead of the pH sensor 42. Also, an infrared sensor that detects light transmittance or an ultrasonic sensor that detects the velocity of particles in water may be used instead of the turbidity sensor 44.

[0236] (Second abnormality mode) Next, the second abnormality occurrence mode will be described with reference to FIG. 24B.

[0237] The second abnormality mode controls the supply of treated water to the water faucet 52, which is a treated water supply point, based on the measurement value of the flow rate sensor 16, which is a sensor different from the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44.

[0238] 20A to 23B, the measurement value of the flow rate sensor 16 may be detected as an abnormal value for the treatment water flowing from the batch treatment tank 6. For example, the control unit 214 stores in advance a normal numerical range for the measurement value of the flow rate sensor 16, and when a measurement value outside that numerical range is detected, the control unit 214 detects the measurement value as an abnormal value.

[0239] When the control unit 214 detects an abnormal value measured by the flow rate sensor 16, it stops the operation of the ion removal system 200, particularly the operation of the electrolyzer 8. This prevents electrolysis in the electrolyzer 8, prevents alkaline water and acidic water from being produced, and prevents water from flowing through any of the flow paths, as shown in FIG. 24B. In this way, it controls to stop the supply of treated water to the water faucet 52, which is the treated water supply point.

[0240] If the measurement value of the flow rate sensor 16 is higher than the normal range, there is a possibility that a blockage or the like has occurred in one of the flow paths of the ion removal system 200. In such a case, by stopping the operation of the ion removal system 200, recovery work can be performed, such as clearing the blockage in the flow path, while stopping the supply of treated water to the faucet 52. This makes it possible to control the supply of treated water having the desired characteristics to the faucet 52, thereby improving the reliability of the ion removal system 200.

[0241] It should be noted that a pressure sensor may be used instead of the flow rate sensor 16. Even when control is based on a pressure sensor, it is possible to detect abnormalities such as clogging in the flow path.

[0242] The locations where the fine-bubble generators 10A, 10B and the flow rate sensor 16 are provided are not limited to those shown in Fig. 24B. The fine-bubble generators 10A, 10B are not limited to being provided downstream of the electrolyzer 8, but may also be provided upstream of the electrolyzer 8. Furthermore, as long as the circulation flow path includes the batch processing tank 6, the electrolyzer 8, the first flow path 22, the second flow path 24, the first return flow path 26, and the second return flow path 31, the fine-bubble generators 10A, 10B and the flow rate sensor 16 may be provided at any position.

[0243] The ion removal system 200 executing the second abnormality mode described above, like the ion removal system 200 executing the first abnormality mode, provides an ion removal system according to a first aspect of the present invention. Specifically, the ion removal system 200 includes an electrolyzer 8 that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, a hard water flow path 4 connected to the electrolyzer 8 and that supplies hard water to the electrolyzer 8, micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B that generate micro-bubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolyzer 8, a first treated water flow path (branch flow path 36) through which treated water containing alkaline water generated by the electrolyzer 8 flows after the supply of micro-bubbles, a water storage tank 48 that stores the treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and can supply the treated water to a treated water supply point (faucet 52) ​​for a user, a sensor (flow rate sensor 16) that acquires measurements related to the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, and a control unit 214, where the control unit 214 controls the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurements of the sensors.

[0244] With this configuration, the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point can be controlled based on the measured values ​​of the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, thereby providing the desired treated water to the user, thereby improving the reliability of the ion removal system 200.

[0245] Furthermore, according to the ion removal system 200 that executes the second abnormality occurrence mode described above, it is possible to provide ion removal systems according to the eleventh to seventeenth aspects described below.

[0246] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is an ion removal system described in the first aspect, in which the control unit 214 controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point (faucet 52) ​​by controlling the ON / OFF of the electrolyzer 8 based on the measurement value of the sensor (flow sensor 16).

[0247] With this configuration, when an abnormality occurs, the operation of the electrolyzer 8 can be automatically stopped, and treated water can be prevented from being supplied to the water storage tank 48 and the treated water supply point.

[0248] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system according to the eleventh aspect, further comprising return flow paths 26, 31 connected to the hard water flow path 4 so as to return the alkaline water or acidic water produced by the electrolyzer 8 to the hard water flow path 4, the first treated water flow path (branch flow path 36) being a flow path branching off from the hard water flow path 4 downstream of the connection point where the return flow paths 26, 31 are connected in the hard water flow path 4, and a valve 204 provided at the branch point is configured to switch between allowing water to flow from the hard water flow path 4 to the first treated water flow path and stopping the flow, and the fine-bubble generators 10A, 10B and the sensor (flow rate sensor 16) are provided in the circulation flow path including the hard water flow path 4, the electrolyzer 8, and the return flow paths 26, 31.

[0249] According to this configuration, the provision of a circulation flow path enables operation in which alkaline water is circulated through the circulation flow path, and metal ions can be removed by fine bubbles while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path. This promotes crystallization of the metal ions removed by the fine bubbles, thereby enhancing the metal ion removal effect.

[0250] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising a batch treatment tank 6 provided midway along the hard water flow path 4 and containing hard water, and the return flow paths 26, 31 are connected to the batch treatment tank 6.

[0251] Such a configuration makes batch processing possible.

[0252] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the sensor (flow rate sensor 16) is provided between the batch treatment tank 6 and the valve 204 in the hard water flow path 4.

[0253] According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the measurement value at a position close to the electrolyzer 8, and to execute ON / OFF control of the electrolyzer 8 with higher accuracy.

[0254] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system according to the fourteenth aspect, further comprising a pump 14 provided between the batch processing tank 6 and the valve 204 in the hard water flow path 4, and a sensor (flow sensor 16) provided between the pump 14 and the valve 204.

[0255] According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the measurement value at a position close to the electrolyzer 8, and to execute ON / OFF control of the electrolyzer 8 with higher accuracy.

[0256] A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth aspects, wherein the sensor is a flow rate sensor 16 or a pressure sensor.

[0257] With this configuration, it is possible to detect abnormalities such as blockages in the flow path.

[0258] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various other aspects. For example, in the first embodiment, the micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B automatically generate micro-bubbles in the water passing through the micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B may be electrically operated, and micro-bubbles may be supplied only when the control unit 13 drives the micro-bubble generators 10A and 10B.

[0259] The various modes described above can be combined as appropriate to achieve the effects of each mode.

[0260] Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. Furthermore, changes in the combination and order of elements in the embodiments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0261] The present invention is useful in both home and commercial ion removal systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0262] 2. Ion removal system 4 Hard water channel 6 Batching Tanks 8. Electrolyzer 10A, 10B Microbubble generator 11 Valve 12 Separation device 13 Control Unit 14 Pump 16 Flow Sensor 18 valve (third valve) 20 valves 22 First Channel 24 Second Channel 26 First return channel 28 1st drainage channel 30 valve (first valve) 31 Second return channel 32 Second drainage channel 34 valve (second valve) 36 Branch channel (first treated water channel) 38 Third flow path (second treated water flow path) 40 Third drainage channel 42 pH sensor 44 Turbidity sensor 46 Third return channel 47 Valve 48 Water Tank 50 pump 52 Faucet (treated water supply point) 60 Ion Removal System 62 Carbon dioxide injection device 64, 66, 68 Supply channels 70, 72 valves 74 Microbubble generator 80 Ion Removal System 82 Microbubble generator 84A, 84B Separation device 86 Control Unit 88 First Channel 89 Branch Channel 90 Second Flow Path 91 Branch channel 92 Third Channel 93 Valve 94 First return channel 95 Valve 96 Valve 98 4th Channel 100 Second return flow path 101 Valve 102 Third return channel 104 Fourth return channel 106 1st drainage channel 108 Second drainage channel 110 Valve 111 5th return channel 112 Valve 200 Ion Removal System 202A, 202B Deaerator 204, 206, 208, 210 valves 212 Additive dosing device 214 Control Unit

Claims

1. an electrolysis device that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis; a hard water flow path connected to the electrolyzer and supplying hard water to the electrolyzer; a microbubble generator that generates microbubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolyzer; a first treated water flow path through which treated water containing alkaline water produced by the electrolyzer and after the supply of fine bubbles passes; a water storage tank that stores treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and is capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point for a user; a sensor for obtaining measurements related to the characteristics of the treated water or hard water; a valve provided upstream of the water storage tank for switching between supplying and stopping the flow of treated water to the water storage tank or the treated water supply point; A control unit; a bypass flow path connected from the valve to the middle of the hard water flow path, The control unit controlling the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurement value of the sensor; An ion removal system that switches between a first mode in which water is passed to the water storage tank without passing through the bypass flow path, and a second mode in which water is passed through the bypass flow path without passing through the water storage tank, by controlling the opening and closing of the valve based on the measurement value of the sensor.

2. an electrolysis device that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis; a hard water flow path connected to the electrolyzer and supplying hard water to the electrolyzer; a microbubble generator that generates microbubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolyzer; a first treated water flow path through which treated water containing alkaline water produced by the electrolyzer and after the supply of fine bubbles passes; a water storage tank that stores treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and is capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point for a user; a sensor for obtaining measurements related to the characteristics of the treated water or hard water; a valve provided upstream of the water storage tank for switching between supplying and stopping the flow of treated water to the water storage tank or the treated water supply point; A control unit; a bypass flow path connected from the valve to the middle of the hard water flow path, the control unit controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurement value of the sensor; The ion removal system further comprises an additive injection device that injects an additive that changes the properties of the treated water into the circulation flow path including the bypass flow path.

3. The ion removal system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point by controlling opening and closing of the valve based on the measurement value of the sensor.

4. a separation device that separates crystals of metal components contained in the treated water flowing through the first treated water flow path; The apparatus further includes a second treated water flow path connected between the separation device and the water storage tank, through which treated water from which crystals of metal components have been removed by the separation device flows, The ion removal system according to claim 1 , wherein the valve is provided in the second treated water flow path.

5. The ion removal system according to claim 4 , wherein the sensor is provided upstream of the valve in the second treated water flow path.

6. The electrolysis device further includes a return flow path for returning the alkaline water or acidic water generated by the electrolysis device to the hard water flow path. the first treated water flow path is a flow path branching from the hard water flow path between a connection point where the return flow path is connected to the hard water flow path and the electrolyzer; The ion removal system according to claim 1 , wherein the microbubble generator generates microbubbles in a circulation flow path including the hard water flow path, the electrolyzer, and the return flow path.

7. The apparatus further includes a batch treatment tank disposed in the hard water flow path and configured to store hard water. The ion removal system of claim 6 , wherein the return line is connected to the batch processing tank.

8. The ion removal system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is at least one of a pH sensor and a turbidity sensor.

9. an electrolysis device that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis; a hard water flow path connected to the electrolyzer and supplying hard water to the electrolyzer; a microbubble generator that generates microbubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolyzer; a first treated water flow path through which treated water containing alkaline water produced by the electrolyzer and after the supply of fine bubbles passes; a water storage tank that stores treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and is capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point for a user; a sensor for obtaining measurements related to the characteristics of the treated water or hard water; A control unit; a carbon dioxide injection device; The control unit controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurement value of the sensor.

10. The ion removal system according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point by controlling ON / OFF of the electrolyzer based on the measurement value of the sensor.

11. a return flow path connected to the hard water flow path so as to return the alkaline water or acidic water produced by the electrolysis device to the hard water flow path; the first treated water flow path is a flow path that branches off from the hard water flow path downstream of a connection point to which the return flow path is connected in the hard water flow path, and a valve provided at the branch point is configured to switch between allowing water to flow from the hard water flow path to the first treated water flow path and stopping water flow; The ion removal system according to claim 10 , wherein the microbubble generator and the sensor are provided in a circulation flow path including the hard water flow path, the electrolyzer, and the return flow path.

12. The apparatus further includes a batch treatment tank disposed in the hard water flow path and configured to store hard water. The ion removal system of claim 11 , wherein the return line is connected to the batch processing tank.

13. The ion removal system of claim 12 , wherein the sensor is provided in the hard water flow path between the batch processing tank and the valve.

14. a pump disposed in the hard water flow path between the batch processing tank and the valve; The ion removal system of claim 13 , wherein the sensor is disposed between the pump and the valve.

15. The ion removal system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor or a flow sensor.

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