Water purification system

Abstract

This invention provides a technology to extend the lifespan of activated carbon in water purification systems. [Solution] The filtration unit 10 removes organic matter from the water to be treated to produce purified water. The ozone generation unit 7 generates ozone gas by electrolyzing the water to be treated. The washing water generation unit 9 generates washing water by mixing the water to be treated with ozone gas. The control unit 3 controls the switching between a filtration mode for producing purified water and an ozone backwash mode for washing the filtration unit 10 with washing water. In filtration mode, the control unit 3 sends the water to be treated to the filtration unit 10, and in ozone backwash mode, it sends the washing water to the filtration unit 10. The filtration unit 10 includes a decomposition unit 18 for decomposing organic matter and an adsorption unit 19 for adsorbing the decomposed organic matter.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water purification device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a water treatment method for removing impurities in water, physical filtration using activated carbon or sand as a filter medium is known. In a water purification device using a filter medium, since impurities, particularly organic substances, tend to accumulate in the filter medium, it is necessary to perform cleaning regularly to discharge the organic substances to the outside.

[0003] However, organic substances with a small molecular weight are adsorbed into the pores of the filter medium, so they are difficult to be discharged even if cleaning is carried out. In addition, in the case of a household water treatment device, the cleaning operation is not performed due to a long absence, and the accumulation time of organic substances in the filter medium becomes long. When the accumulation time becomes long, the adsorbed and accumulated organic substances become a nutrient source, and bacteria such as Legionella bacteria are generated and propagated in the filter medium, which may cause problems such as infection to humans. In order to decompose such organic substances contained in the water to be treated or the treated water or to sterilize the propagated bacteria, a decomposition and sterilization method using ozone is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the water treatment system disclosed in Patent Document 1, by combining an ozone supply device and a water treatment device, decomposition and sterilization of organic substances can be performed. However, since the ozone supply device is of a discharge type, the device tends to be enlarged, and since it is necessary to combine a time balance tank for ozone removal, the entire water treatment system becomes even larger.

[0006] To miniaturize water purification systems, physical adsorption through the pores of activated carbon is used to remove organic matter from water. The pores of activated carbon are divided into macropores (50 nm or larger), mesopores (2-50 nm), and micropores (less than 2 nm) based on their pore size. When relatively large organic matter is adsorbed, the macropores become clogged while the mesopores and micropores are not utilized, reducing the adsorption efficiency. As a result, the pores of the activated carbon cannot be fully utilized, shortening the lifespan of the activated carbon (frequency of activated carbon replacement).

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide a technology that extends the lifespan of activated carbon in water purification devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, a water purification apparatus in one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a filtration unit that removes organic matter from water to be treated to produce purified water; an ozone generation unit that generates ozone gas by electrolyzing water to be treated; a washing water generation unit that generates washing water by mixing water to be treated and ozone gas; and a control unit that controls switching between a filtration mode for producing purified water and an ozone backwash mode for washing the filtration unit with washing water. The control unit sends water to be treated to the filtration unit in filtration mode and washing water to the filtration unit in ozone backwash mode, and the filtration unit comprises a decomposition unit for decomposing organic matter and an adsorption unit for adsorbing the decomposed organic matter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the lifespan of activated carbon in water purification systems can be extended. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a water purification device 1 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the filtration mode according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the backwash mode of the treated water according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the ozone water backwash mode according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the rinse mode according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a mode transition according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 1 according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the embodiments of this disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the figures described in the embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) The water purification device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 1.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the water purification device 1 is a device that purifies water to be treated, which contains impurities such as organic matter and bacteria, and is sent from a water treatment plant or the like via a raw water pipe 2, making it usable as domestic water. The water purification device 1 purifies the water to be treated and cleans the filter material by executing the following modes: filtration mode, water to be treated backwash mode, ozone water backwash mode, and rinse mode. Details of each mode will be described later. The water to be treated backwash mode and the ozone water backwash mode are collectively referred to as the backwash mode. The water purification device 1 is composed of an inlet 21, a control unit 3, an ozone generation unit 7, a washing water generation unit 9, a filtration unit 10, a measurement unit 20, a purified water outlet 27, and a backwash outlet 29.

[0014] The raw water pipe 2 supplies the water to be treated from outside the water purification device 1 such as a water purification plant. The inlet 21 is an opening for introducing the water to be treated pumped through the raw water pipe 2 into the water purification device 1. The inlet 21 is provided on the housing constituting the water purification device 1 and is connected in communication with an inlet pipe 22 described later.

[0015] The control unit 3 controls the switching of the flow path of the water to be treated flowing through the water purification device 1 in each mode of the filtration mode, the water to be treated backwash mode, the ozone water backwash mode, and the rinse mode. The specific switching of the flow path by the control unit 3 in each mode will be described later. As hardware, the control unit 3 can be realized by elements and mechanical devices including the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of a computer, and as software, it is realized by a computer program or the like. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware and software. The control unit 3 is connected to each of the ozone generation unit 7, the washing water generation unit 9, the upstream switching valve 5, the constant flow valve 24, the three-way valve 25, the switching valve 11, and the measurement unit 20 by wire or wirelessly, and controls the operation of each component.

[0016] The ozone generation unit 7 is a device that takes in the water to be treated and generates ozone gas by performing electrolysis with electrodes. The ozone generation unit 7 is connected in communication with a second water supply pipe 23b described later, and a washing water generation unit 9 is provided on the downstream side of the ozone generation unit 7.

[0017] The washing water generation unit 9 is a device that generates washing water by mixing the water to be treated and the ozone gas generated by the ozone generation unit 7. In the washing water generation unit 9, it is also possible to mix ozone gas with the purified water generated in the filtration unit 10 described later instead of the water to be treated to generate washing water. In this case, a pipe or the like for supplying the generated purified water to the washing water generation unit 9 is provided. This configuration will be described in Embodiment 2.

[0018] Inside the filtration unit 10, a decomposition unit 18 and an adsorption unit 19 are provided. The decomposition unit 18 reduces organic substances by oxidatively decomposing all the organic substances contained in the water to be treated. The adsorption unit 19 captures and separates and removes the organic substances contained in the water to be treated, particularly the organic substances reduced by the decomposition unit 18 or the substances to be treated such as bacteria, thereby generating purified water. That is, the filtration unit 10 removes organic substances and the like from the water to be treated to generate purified water. The filtration unit 10 is communicatively connected to a third water supply pipe 23c, a water guide pipe 15, a purified water discharge pipe 26, and a backwash discharge pipe 28, respectively.

[0019] Above the filtration unit 10 vertically, a switching valve 11 and a first opening 13 are provided, and inside the filtration unit 10, a water guide pipe 15, a decomposition unit 18, and an adsorption unit 19 are provided.

[0020] The switching valve 11 is a valve that switches the water supply destination of the water flowing into the filtration unit 10 and the water sent out from the filtration unit 10 according to the operation mode of the water purification device 1. The switching valve 11 is communicatively connected to the third water supply pipe 23c, the first opening 13, the water guide pipe 15, the purified water discharge pipe 26, and the backwash discharge pipe 28, respectively. The switching valve 11 is communicatively connected to the control unit 3 wirelessly or by wire, and the water supply destination is switched by a signal from the control unit 3.

[0021] The first opening 13 communicates the inside and outside of the filtration unit 10. The first opening 13 is an opening that is connected to the end of the third water supply pipe 23c so as to be able to supply water by switching the switching valve 11 during the filtration mode and the rinse mode, and introduces the water to be treated flowing through the third water supply pipe 23c into the filtration unit 10. Further, the first opening 13 is an opening that is connected to the end of the backwash discharge pipe 28 so as to be able to supply water by switching the switching valve 11 during the backwash mode of the water to be treated and the ozone water backwash mode, and sends the water in the filtration unit 10 to the backwash discharge pipe 28. The first opening 13 corresponds to a second opening 17 described later and is provided vertically above the second opening 17.

[0022] The adsorption unit 19 is a substance that adsorbs organic matter or bacteria and other substances to be treated contained in the water to be treated. For example, activated carbon, filter sand, zeolite, or ceramic can be used as the adsorption unit 19. The adsorption unit 19 is located below the filter unit 10, and a space exists above the adsorption unit 19 within the filter unit 10. By providing this space, the backwashing efficiency during backwashing mode is improved. When organic matter with a large molecular diameter is removed by the adsorption unit 19, the macropores of the activated carbon become clogged with the organic matter, reducing the adsorption efficiency. As a result, the entire space of the activated carbon cannot be utilized, and the activated carbon life (replacement of activated carbon) is shortened.

[0023] To solve this problem, in this embodiment, a decomposition unit 18 is placed above the adsorption unit 19. The decomposition unit 18 is, for example, a MnOx catalyst filter material (manganese oxide), and as described above, it reduces the size of organic matter by oxidative decomposition of organic matter contained in the treated water, especially organic matter with a large molecular size. As a result, the adsorption unit 19 adsorbs the organic matter decomposed by the decomposition unit 18, so the macropores of the activated carbon are less likely to become clogged, and the lifespan of the activated carbon (replacement of activated carbon) is extended. However, the decomposition unit 18 gradually becomes inactive with continued use. Since the MnOx catalyst filter material can be reactivated with ozone (oxygen), the catalytic activity can be restored by performing ozonated water backwashing when the decomposition unit 18 becomes inactive.

[0024] The water conduit 15 is installed inside the filtration section 10 and is a pipe that connects the upper and lower parts of the filtration section 10, with a second opening 17 provided at its lower end. During filtration mode and rinse mode, the water to be treated that flows into the filtration section 10 is sent from the upper part to the lower part of the filtration section 10 via the water conduit 15. During the treated water backwash mode and ozone water backwash mode, the water used to wash the decomposition section 18 and adsorption section 19 inside the filtration section 10 is sent from the lower part to the upper part of the filtration section 10 and discharged outside the filtration section 10.

[0025] The second opening 17 is embedded in the adsorption section 19 and is located vertically below the first opening 13. The second opening 17 is an opening that supplies water from the water conduit 15 into the filtration section 10, or supplies water from the filtration section 10 to the water conduit 15. The second opening 17 connects the inside and outside of the filtration section 10 and can be said to be provided independently of the first opening 13.

[0026] In the water conduit 15, the lower part including the second opening 17 is embedded in the adsorption part 19, while the upper part is not embedded in the adsorption part 19 and is connected to the switching valve 11. In other words, the water conduit 15 is a pipe that supplies water sent from the switching valve 11 to the adsorption part 19 located in the lower part of the filtration section 10, or supplies water from within the filtration section 10 to the switching valve 11 from below the filtration section 10.

[0027] The measuring unit 20 is installed on the purified water discharge pipe 26, which will be described later, and is a device that measures the water quality of the purified water produced after purification in the filtration unit 10. For example, a COD meter (Chemical Oxygen Demand) can be used as the measuring unit 20.

[0028] The purified water outlet 27 is an opening through which the water to be treated, filtered by the water purification device 1, is taken outside the water purification device 1 as purified water (treated water). The purified water outlet 27 is provided in the housing that constitutes the water purification device 1 and is connected in communication with the purified water discharge pipe 26, which will be described later.

[0029] The backwash outlet 29 is an opening for discharging the treated water or washing water used to clean the filtration section 10 to the outside of the water purification device 1. The backwash outlet 29 is an opening provided in the housing that constitutes the water purification device 1 and is connected in communication with the backwash outlet pipe 28.

[0030] The flow path of the water purification device 1 consists of an inlet pipe 22, a first water supply pipe 23a, a second water supply pipe 23b, a third water supply pipe 23c, a purified water discharge pipe 26, and a backwash discharge pipe 28.

[0031] The inlet pipe 22 is connected in communication with the inlet 21 and the upstream switching valve 5, and is a pipe that supplies the water to be treated, which has been taken into the water purification device 1 from the inlet 21, to the upstream switching valve 5.

[0032] The upstream switching valve 5 is a valve that switches the destination of the water supply so that water is supplied from the inlet pipe 22 to either the first water supply pipe 23a or the second water supply pipe 23b. For example, a three-way electric valve can be used as the upstream switching valve 5. The upstream switching valve 5 is connected to the control unit 3 wirelessly or via wired communication, and the destination of the water supply is switched by a signal from the control unit 3.

[0033] The upstream switching valve 5 is connected to the filtration section 10 by the first water supply pipe 23a, the second water supply pipe 23b, and the third water supply pipe 23c.

[0034] The first water supply pipe 23a is a pipe that connects the upstream switching valve 5 to branch point B, which will be described later, and is used in filtration mode, treated water backwash mode, and rinse mode.

[0035] The second water supply pipe 23b has a different flow path from the first water supply pipe 23a and is a pipe that connects the upstream switching valve 5 to the branching point B described later. The second water supply pipe 23b is used in the ozonated water backwash mode. A constant flow valve 24, an ozone generation unit 7, and a wash water generation unit 9 are provided on the second water supply pipe 23b.

[0036] The constant flow valve 24 is a valve that maintains a constant flow rate of the water to be treated supplied to the ozone generation unit 7 during operation in ozone water backwash mode, and is connected in communication with the second water supply pipe 23b.

[0037] The third water supply pipe 23c is a flow path formed by the confluence of the first water supply pipe 23a and the second water supply pipe 23b, and is a pipe that connects the branching point B, described later, to the first opening 13 of the filtration section 10. The third water supply pipe 23c is used in filtration mode, treated water backwash mode, ozone water backwash mode, and rinse mode.

[0038] The downstream end of the inlet pipe 22, the upstream end of the first water supply pipe 23a, and the upstream end of the second water supply pipe 23b are connected to each other, and the connection point is branch point A. An upstream switching valve 5 is installed on branch point A.

[0039] The downstream end of the first water supply pipe 23a, the downstream end of the second water supply pipe 23b, and the upstream end of the third water supply pipe 23c are connected to each other, and the connection point is branch point B. A three-way valve 25 is installed on branch point B.

[0040] The three-way valve 25 is a valve that switches the water source so that water is supplied from either the first water supply pipe 23a or the second water supply pipe 23b to the third water supply pipe 23c. The three-way valve 25 is connected to the control unit 3 wirelessly or via a wired connection, and the water destination is switched by a signal from the control unit 3.

[0041] The purified water discharge pipe 26 is connected in communication with the switching valve 11 and the purified water outlet 27, and is a pipe that sends treated water from which organic matter and bacteria have been removed in the filtration section 10 to the purified water outlet 27. A measuring unit 20 is provided on the purified water discharge pipe 26.

[0042] The backwash discharge pipe 28 is connected in communication with the switching valve 11 and the backwash outlet 29, and is a pipe that sends the treated water or washing water used to clean the filtration section 10 to the backwash outlet 29. The above describes the configuration of water purification device 1.

[0043] Next, we will explain the operation of the water purification device 1.

[0044] First, we will explain the operation of the water purification device 1 in filtration mode, referring to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the filtration mode.

[0045] In the water purification device 1, in filtration mode, the control unit 3 controls the upstream switching valve 5 to connect the inlet pipe 22 and the first water supply pipe 23a, the three-way valve 25 to connect the first water supply pipe 23a and the third water supply pipe 23c, and the switching valve 11 to connect the third water supply pipe 23c and the first opening 13. As a result, the water to be treated, which contains impurities, flows from the raw water pipe 2 into the water purification device 1 and flows in the following order: inlet 21, inlet pipe 22, upstream switching valve 5, first water supply pipe 23a, three-way valve 25, third water supply pipe 23c, and switching valve 11. In other words, the inlet pipe 22, first water supply pipe 23a, third water supply pipe 23c, and switching valve 11 form a purification flow path, and the water to be treated flows through the purification flow path.

[0046] The water to be treated, after passing through the switching valve 11, flows into the filtration section 10 from the first opening 13 and then sequentially passes through the decomposition section 18 and the adsorption section 19 located within the filtration section 10. At this time, organic matter in the water to be treated is oxidatively decomposed in the decomposition section 18, and then the oxidatively decomposed organic matter is adsorbed by the adsorption section 19, thus filtering the water to be treated. The purified water produced by filtering the water to be treated flows through the second opening 17, the water conduit 15, and the purified water discharge pipe 26, and is sent out of the water purification device 1 from the purified water outlet 27.

[0047] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the operation of the water purification device 1 during the backwash mode of the water to be treated will be explained. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the backwash mode of the water to be treated.

[0048] In the water purification device 1, during the backwash mode for the water to be treated, the control unit 3 controls the upstream switching valve 5 to connect the inlet pipe 22 and the first water supply pipe 23a, the three-way valve 25 to connect the first water supply pipe 23a and the third water supply pipe 23c, and the switching valve 11 to connect the third water supply pipe 23c and the water guide pipe 15. As a result, the water to be treated flows into the water purification device 1 from the raw water pipe 2 and flows in the following order: inlet 21, inlet pipe 22, upstream switching valve 5, first water supply pipe 23a, three-way valve 25, third water supply pipe 23c, switching valve 11, and water guide pipe 15. In other words, the inlet pipe 22, first water supply pipe 23a, third water supply pipe 23c, and water guide pipe 15 form a washing channel, and the water to be treated flows through the washing channel.

[0049] The water to be treated, after flowing through the water conduit 15, flows into the filtration unit 10 through the second opening 17 and then sequentially through the adsorption unit 19 and decomposition unit 18 provided within the filtration unit 10. In other words, it flows into the filtration unit 10 from the end opposite to the end used in filtration mode. The incoming water to be treated passes through the holes and spaces between the adsorption units 19, removing the substances adsorbed between the holes and spaces between the adsorption units 19. In this way, the water to be treated that flows in from the bottom of the filtration unit 10 washes the internal adsorption units 19 and is sent to the top of the filtration unit 10, where it is sent from the first opening 13 through the switching valve 11 to the backwash discharge pipe 28. After that, the water to be treated flows through the backwash discharge pipe 28 and is drained outside the water purification device 1 from the backwash outlet 29.

[0050] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the operation of the water purification device 1 during the ozone water backwash mode will be explained. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the ozone water backwash mode.

[0051] In the water purification device 1, during the ozone water backwash mode, the control unit 3 controls the upstream switching valve 5 to connect the inlet pipe 22 and the second water supply pipe 23b, the three-way valve 25 to connect the second water supply pipe 23b and the third water supply pipe 23c, and the switching valve 11 to connect the third water supply pipe 23c and the water intake pipe 15. As a result, the water to be treated flows from the raw water pipe 2 into the water purification device 1, passes through the inlet 21, inlet pipe 22, upstream switching valve 5, second water supply pipe 23b, and constant flow valve 24, and flows into the ozone generation unit 7. The water to be treated that flows into the ozone generation unit 7 is electrolyzed by a pair of electrodes (anode and cathode) installed inside the ozone generation unit 7, and this electrolysis generates ozone gas. The water to be treated containing ozone gas flows into the wash water generation unit 9, and the ozone gas dissolves in the water to become wash water containing ozone. The cleaning water generated in the cleaning water generation unit 9 flows through the three-way valve 25, the third water supply pipe 23c, the switching valve 11, and the water supply pipe 15 in that order.

[0052] The washing water that has flowed through the water conduit 15 flows into the filtration section 10 from the second opening 17 of the filtration section 10 and flows sequentially through the adsorption section 19 and the decomposition section 18 provided inside the filtration section 10. In other words, it flows into the filtration section 10 from the end opposite to the end used in filtration mode. The washing water that flows in removes the material to be treated adsorbed in the pores and between the adsorption sections 19 as it passes through the pores and between the adsorption sections 19, and also sterilizes with ozone. The washing water that flows in also passes through the decomposition section 18, and the MnOx catalyst filter material in the decomposition section 18 is reactivated by ozone (oxygen). In this way, the washing water that flows in from the bottom of the filtration section 10 washes the internal adsorption section 19 and reactivates the MnOx catalyst filter material in the decomposition section 18, and is sent to the top of the filtration section 10 and sent to the backwash discharge pipe 28 via the switching valve 11 from the first opening 13. Subsequently, the washing water flows through the backwash discharge pipe 28 and is drained outside the water purification device 1 from the backwash outlet 29.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the operation of the water purification device 1 in rinse mode will be explained. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the rinse mode.

[0054] In the water purification device 1, during the rinse mode, the control unit 3 controls the upstream switching valve 5 to connect the inlet pipe 22 and the first water supply pipe 23a, the three-way valve 25 to connect the first water supply pipe 23a and the third water supply pipe 23c, and the switching valve 11 to connect the third water supply pipe 23c and the first opening 13. As a result, the water to be treated, containing impurities, flows from the raw water pipe 2 into the water purification device 1 and flows in the following order: inlet 21, inlet pipe 22, upstream switching valve 5, first water supply pipe 23a, three-way valve 25, third water supply pipe 23c, and switching valve 11. In other words, the inlet pipe 22, first water supply pipe 23a, third water supply pipe 23c, and switching valve 11 form a purification flow path, and the water to be treated flows through this purification flow path.

[0055] The water to be treated, after passing through the switching valve 11, flows into the filtration section 10 from the first opening 13 and then sequentially passes through the decomposition section 18 and the adsorption section 19 located within the filtration section 10. At this time, organic matter in the water to be treated is oxidatively decomposed in the decomposition section 18, and then the oxidatively decomposed organic matter is adsorbed by the adsorption section 19, thus filtering the water to be treated. The purified water produced by filtering the water to be treated flows through the second opening 17, the water conduit 15, and the backwash discharge pipe 28, and is sent out of the water purification device 1 from the backwash discharge port 29.

[0056] As described above, the filtration mode, treated water backwash mode, ozone water backwash mode, and rinse mode are executed in a switching manner as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example of mode transitions. The control unit 3 runs the filtration mode for 40 minutes, and after the filtration mode ends, it runs the treated water backwash mode for 10 minutes. After the treated water backwash mode ends, the control unit 3 runs the rinse mode for 5 minutes. After the rinse mode ends, the control unit 3 runs the filtration mode again. In other words, the control unit 3 repeatedly executes combinations of the filtration mode, treated water backwash mode, and rinse mode. In addition, the control unit 3 runs the ozone water backwash mode for 15 minutes once a month.

[0057] The subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the adsorption unit 19 absorbs the organic matter decomposed by the decomposition unit 18, thus suppressing clogging of the adsorption unit 19. Furthermore, since clogging of the adsorption unit 19 is suppressed, the adsorption efficiency can be improved. In addition, because the adsorption efficiency is improved, the entire space of the activated carbon can be utilized, extending the lifespan of the activated carbon. Furthermore, since the decomposition unit 18 is washed with ozonated water, bacterial growth can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the decomposition unit 18 is washed with ozonated water, the catalytic activity can be regenerated. Furthermore, since the activated catalyst is regenerated, the period during which organic matter can be decomposed can be extended. Furthermore, because the period during which organic matter can be decomposed is extended, the frequency of maintenance can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, since the decomposition unit 18 is manganese oxide and the adsorption unit 19 is activated carbon, organic matter can be decomposed in the decomposition unit 18 and absorbed in the adsorption unit 19. In addition, in filtration mode, water is passed through the decomposition unit 18 and then the adsorption unit 19, and in ozone backwash mode, water is passed through the adsorption unit 19 and then the decomposition unit 18, which suppresses uneven distribution in the adsorption unit 19 and reduces water flow resistance. Also, in filtration mode, water is passed through the decomposition unit 18 and then the adsorption unit 19, and in ozone backwash mode, water is passed through the adsorption unit 19 and then the decomposition unit 18, so the decomposition or sterilization of organic matter accumulated in the adsorption unit 19 can be performed simultaneously with ozonated water. Furthermore, since the decomposition or sterilization of organic matter accumulated in the adsorption unit 19 is performed simultaneously with ozonated water, backwashing can be performed without wasting time or water.

[0060] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows: (Item 1) A filtration unit (10) removes organic matter from the water to be treated to produce purified water, An ozone generating unit (7) generates ozone gas by electrolyzing the water to be treated, A washing water generating unit (9) generates washing water by mixing the water to be treated with the ozone gas, A control unit (3) controls the switching between the filtration mode for generating purified water and the ozone backwash mode for cleaning the filtration unit (10) with the washing water, Equipped with, The control unit (3) is, In the filtration mode described above, the water to be treated is sent to the filtration unit (10), In the ozone backwash mode, the washing water is sent to the filtration unit (10). The aforementioned filtration section (10) is The decomposition unit (18) for decomposing the aforementioned organic matter, The system comprises an adsorption unit (19) that adsorbs the decomposed organic matter, Water purification device (1).

[0061] (Item 2) The water purification device (1) described in item 1, wherein the decomposition part (18) is manganese oxide and the adsorption part (19) is activated carbon.

[0062] (Item 3) The first opening (13) connects the inside and outside of the aforementioned filtration section (10), A second opening (17) is provided that connects the inside and outside of the filtration section (10) and is independent of the first opening (13), Furthermore, The control unit (3) is, In the filtration mode, water is passed through the first opening (13), the decomposition section (18), the adsorption section (19), and the second opening (17) in that order. In the ozone backwashing mode, water is passed through the second opening (17), the adsorption section (19), the decomposition section (18), and the first opening (13) in that order. (1) A water purification device as described in item 1 or 2.

[0063] (Item 4) The raw water pipe (2) that supplies the water to be treated, The first water supply pipe (23a) is a flow path that branches off from the raw water pipe (2), The second water supply pipe (23b) is a flow path branched from the raw water pipe (2) and is a different flow path from the first water supply pipe (23a), The first water supply pipe (23a) and the second water supply pipe (23b) merge into a flow path, and a third water supply pipe (23c) guides the water to be treated to the filtration section (10), Furthermore, The second water supply pipe (23b) is, The system comprises the ozone generating unit (7) and the washing water generating unit (9), The control unit (3) is, In the filtration mode, water is passed through the raw water pipe (2), the first water supply pipe (23a), the third water supply pipe (23c), the first opening (13), the decomposition section (18), the adsorption section (19), and the second opening (17) in that order. In the ozone backwashing mode, water is passed through the raw water pipe (2), the second water supply pipe (23b), the third water supply pipe (23c), the second opening (17), the adsorption section (19), the decomposition section (18), and the first opening (13) in that order. The water purification device (1) described in item 3.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 relates to a water purification device 1, similar to Embodiment 1. In the filtration mode of Embodiment 1, the water to be treated passes through the filtration unit 10 once, and the resulting wash water is discharged. On the other hand, in the filtration mode of Embodiment 2, the discharged wash water flows into the filtration unit 10 as the water to be treated. In other words, the water to be treated (wash water) is filtered while circulating. Here, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be explained in detail.

[0065] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 1. Compared to Figure 1, the water purification device 1 further includes a water storage tank 30 and a circulating water supply pipe 32. The circulating water supply pipe 32 is connected to the switching valve 11 instead of the purified water outlet 27. The circulating water supply pipe 32 extends to the water storage tank 30 and is connected to the water storage tank 30. The water storage tank 30 is connected to the raw water pipe 2 and communicates with the filtration unit 10 via the first water supply pipe 23a. In addition, an adsorption unit 19 is positioned above the decomposition unit 18 in the filtration unit 10.

[0066] In this configuration, in the filtration mode, the control unit 3 controls the upstream switching valve 5 to connect the inlet pipe 22 and the first water supply pipe 23a, the three-way valve 25 to connect the first water supply pipe 23a and the third water supply pipe 23c, and the switching valve 11 to connect the third water supply pipe 23c and the first opening 13. As a result, the water to be treated flows into the water purification device 1 from the circulating water supply pipe 32 and flows in the following order: inlet 21, inlet pipe 22, upstream switching valve 5, first water supply pipe 23a, three-way valve 25, third water supply pipe 23c, and switching valve 11.

[0067] The water to be treated, after passing through the switching valve 11, flows into the filtration section 10 through the first opening 13 and then sequentially passes through the adsorption section 19 and the decomposition section 18 located within the filtration section 10. The purified water produced by filtering the water to be treated flows through the second opening 17, the water conduit 15, and the circulation water supply pipe 32, and is stored in the water storage tank 30. The water storage tank 30 then discharges the purified water as the water to be treated, and the aforementioned process is repeatedly executed.

[0068] According to this embodiment, since the system is equipped with a water storage tank 30 and a circulating water supply pipe 32, the water to be treated can be filtered while being circulated. Furthermore, since the water to be treated is filtered while being circulated, organic matter can be sufficiently adsorbed by the adsorption unit 19.

[0069] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows: (Item 5) A water storage tank (30) is in communication with the filtration section (10) via the first water supply pipe (23a), A circulating water supply pipe (32) that guides the purified water from the filtration section (10) to the water storage tank (30), Furthermore, The control unit (3) is, In the filtration mode, water is passed through the following in order: the water storage tank (30), the raw water pipe (2), the first water supply pipe (23a), the first opening (13), the filtration section (10), the second opening (17), and the circulation water supply pipe (32). The water purification device (1) described in item 4.

[0070] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1 Water purification device, 2 Raw water pipe, 3 Control unit, 5 Upstream switching valve, 7 Ozone generation unit, 9 Wash water generation unit, 10 Filtration unit, 11 Switching valve, 13 First opening, 15 Water conduit, 17 Second opening, 18 Decomposition unit, 19 Adsorption unit, 20 Measurement unit, 21 Inlet, 22 Inlet pipe, 23a First water supply pipe, 23b Second water supply pipe, 23c Third water supply pipe, 24 Constant flow valve, 25 Three-way valve, 26 Purified water discharge pipe, 27 Purified water outlet, 28 Backwash discharge pipe, 29 Backwash outlet, 30 Water storage tank, 32 Circulation water supply pipe, A,B branching point.

Claims

1. A filtration unit that removes organic matter from the water to be treated to produce purified water, An ozone generation unit that generates ozone gas by electrolyzing the water to be treated, A washing water generating unit that generates washing water by mixing the water to be treated with the ozone gas, A control unit that controls the switching between the filtration mode for generating purified water and the ozone backwash mode for cleaning the filtration unit with the washing water, Equipped with, The control unit, In the filtration mode described above, the water to be treated is sent to the filtration unit, In the ozone backwash mode, the washing water is sent to the filtration unit. The aforementioned filtration section is A decomposition unit for decomposing the aforementioned organic matter, The system comprises an adsorption unit that adsorbs the decomposed organic matter, Water purification device.

2. The water purification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the decomposition part is manganese oxide and the adsorption part is activated carbon.

3. A first opening that connects the inside and outside of the filtration section, A second opening is provided that connects the inside and outside of the filtration section and is independent of the first opening, Furthermore, The control unit, In the filtration mode, water is passed through the first opening, the decomposition section, the adsorption section, and the second opening in that order. In the ozone backwashing mode, water is passed through in the following order: the second opening, the adsorption section, the decomposition section, and the first opening. The water purification device according to claim 1.

4. A raw water pipe that supplies the water to be treated, The first water supply pipe is a flow path branched from the raw water pipe, A second water supply pipe is a flow path branched from the raw water pipe and is a different flow path from the first water supply pipe, A flow path formed by the confluence of the first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe, and a third water supply pipe that guides the water to be treated to the filtration section, Furthermore, The aforementioned second water supply pipe is The system comprises the ozone generating unit and the washing water generating unit, The control unit, In the filtration mode, water is passed through the raw water pipe, the first water supply pipe, the third water supply pipe, the first opening, the decomposition section, the adsorption section, and the second opening in that order. In the ozone backwashing mode, water is passed through the raw water pipe, the second water supply pipe, the third water supply pipe, the second opening, the adsorption section, the decomposition section, and the first opening in that order. The water purification device according to claim 3.

5. A water storage tank that communicates with the filtration section via the first water supply pipe, A circulating water supply pipe that guides the purified water from the filtration section to the water storage tank, Furthermore, The control unit, In the filtration mode, water is passed through the storage tank, the raw water pipe, the first water supply pipe, the first opening, the filtration section, the second opening, and the circulation water supply pipe in that order. The water purification device according to claim 4.

Images