Water treatment device and water treatment method

Abstract

To provide a water treatment apparatus and a water treatment method that enable quicker and more appropriate control of the amount of flocculation agent added by appropriately grasping the state of coagulant treated water that has undergone coagulation reaction treatment in a coagulation reaction tank.SOLUTION: A water treatment apparatus 100A includes a coagulation reaction tank 2, coagulation adding means M3, a test evaluation tank 12, inlet water switching means M9, photographing means M5, coagulation test adding means M8, and coagulation treatment control means M4. The coagulation treatment control means M4 takes prior photographs of the coagulation test treated water inside the test evaluation tank 12, which has been treated with coagulant reaction by adding coagulant in varying amounts, with the photographing means M5, and accumulates reference images. By comparing this reference image with the target image taken by means of the photographing means M5 of the coagulation-treated water introduced into the test evaluation tank 12, the amount of coagulation added to the coagulation-treated water in the coagulation reaction tank 2 is controlled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water treatment device for treating water containing suspended solids, and a water treatment method carried out using the water treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] In water treatment plant facilities, a technique is known in which a chemical such as a flocculant is added to water containing suspended solids (SS components) to cause sludge and the like to coagulate and settle, thereby separating the water from the suspended solids (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which wastewater containing flocs is guided from a coagulation tank into a sampling trough covered with a light-shielding cover, the sampling trough is illuminated with a lighting lamp, and image information of the wastewater in the sampling trough is photographed from outside with a camera is processed to calculate information such as the radius, area, volume, particle size distribution, and volume concentration distribution of the flocs in the wastewater.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which the water surface of a reaction tank is photographed with a camera, and a trained model that has learned the relationship between this image data and the pollutants contained in the material to be treated is used to analyze the image data, identify the pollutants present in the supernatant water on the reaction tank's water surface, and determine candidate operations such as adding chemicals and removing sediment based on the identification results.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a technology in which a portion of the sludge water and coagulant is introduced into a small test tank from a sludge water supply line and a coagulant supply line to a coagulation tank, and image information captured by a camera of the coagulation state in this test tank is processed to determine the optimal amount to be added.The technology determines the optimal amount to be added by repeatedly supplying and discharging the sludge water and coagulant to the test tank and changing the amount of coagulant each time a measurement is taken.

[0006] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the state of the flocs in the wastewater actually treated in the reaction tank and the flocculation tank is monitored, so there is a risk that if the state of the flocs is inappropriate, it may not be possible to take prompt action.

[0007] The technology described in Patent Document 2 uses photographic data of a portion of the water surface in a reaction tank with a large capacity of several tons, so there was a risk of not being able to accurately grasp the coagulation state. The technology described in Patent Document 3 repeats the supply and disposal of sludge water and coagulant to a test tank and the amount of coagulant being changed and discharged multiple times each time a measurement is taken in parallel with the treatment in the reaction tank, so it takes time to determine the optimal amount to be added, and there was a risk of delays in response. In addition, Patent Documents 2 and 3 do not check the state of the coagulated water that has been coagulated in the coagulation tank, so there was a problem in that it was not possible to determine whether the optimal amount to be added and the response, such as operations, were appropriate. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-148849 [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-192017 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-197100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, that is, to provide a water treatment device and a water treatment method which enable the amount of coagulant added to be controlled more quickly and appropriately by properly understanding the state of the coagulation-treated water that has been subjected to coagulation reaction in a coagulation reaction tank based on the results of a coagulation reaction test on coagulation treatment water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the water treatment device of the present invention comprises: a coagulation reaction tank for performing a coagulation reaction treatment on coagulation treatment water to obtain coagulated treated water; a flocculant adding means for adding a flocculant to the flocculant treatment water upstream of the flocculation reaction tank in the flow direction of the flocculation treatment water or to the flocculation treatment water in the flocculation reaction tank; A test evaluation tank having a capacity smaller than that of the coagulation reaction tank; an inlet water switching means for switching a flow path to introduce either the coagulation-treated water or the water for coagulation treatment into the test evaluation tank; An imaging means for imaging the water in the test evaluation tank from above the water surface; a flocculant test addition means for adding the flocculant to the flocculant treatment water in the test evaluation tank or in the test evaluation tank when the flocculant treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank; The coagulation test treated water in the test evaluation tank is subjected to coagulation reaction treatment using the coagulant added by the coagulant test addition means while changing the amount of the coagulation treatment water added to the test evaluation tank. Before Pre-photographing using the above photography methods And the pre-shooting a flocculation treatment control means for storing one or more reference images consisting of images and / or videos taken by the photographing means and comparing a target image consisting of images and / or videos of the flocculated water introduced into the test evaluation tank by the introduced water switching means with the one or more reference images taken in advance, and controlling the amount of the flocculant to be added to the flocculation treatment water in the flocculation reaction tank by the flocculant adding means; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0011] Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the water treatment device of the present invention can be configured such that the photographing means at least comprises a camera, a lighting means, and a shading means for shading the area around the camera and the lighting means from external light, the camera is installed so that the distance from the surface of the water to the imaging surface is 20 cm or more and 30 cm or less, and the lighting means is installed so that the central axis of its lighting range forms an angle with the water surface of 60° or more and 70° or less.

[0012] In addition to the above configuration, in the water treatment device of the present invention, the camera can be configured so that the focal position of the optical system is located underwater at a distance of 2 cm to 5 cm from the water surface, and the lighting means can be configured to illuminate the entire shooting area of ​​the camera at the focal position.

[0013] In the water treatment device of the present invention, the water in the test evaluation tank is led to the coagulation reaction tank. Water Switching In this case, the inlet water switching means may be a switching means for stopping the introduction of the coagulation treatment water into the coagulation reaction tank when the coagulation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank.

[0014] In the water treatment device of the present invention, the coagulation treatment control means comprises: The inlet water switching means and the outlet water Water Switching By controlling the means, When the flocculant is added by the flocculant test addition means By the inlet water switching means, The coagulation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank without being introduced into the coagulation reaction tank. At the same time , The outlet water switching means The agglutination reaction treatment was carried out in the test evaluation tank. test The treated water is led to the coagulation reaction tank. Let The control means may be configured as the control means.

[0015] In the water treatment device of the present invention, the coagulation treatment control means comprises: The flocculant test addition means may be configured as a control means for controlling the flocculant test addition means to control the amount of the flocculant added by the flocculant test addition means.

[0016] In addition, in the water treatment device of the present invention, the water treatment device comprises: a coagulation reaction tank for performing a coagulation reaction treatment on raw water containing suspended solids to obtain the coagulation treatment water; A coagulant adding means for adding a coagulant to the raw water upstream of the coagulation reaction tank in the flow direction of the raw water or to the raw water in the coagulation reaction tank; A pH detection means for detecting the pH of the raw water in the coagulation reaction tank; A pH adjuster adding means for adding a pH adjuster to the raw water in the coagulation reaction tank; and The coagulation treatment control means may be configured to control the amount of coagulant added by controlling the coagulant addition means, and to control the amount of pH adjuster added by controlling the pH of the raw water detected by the pH detection means.

[0017] In addition, in the water treatment device of the present invention, the water treatment device comprises: A coagulation reaction test tank having a smaller capacity than the coagulation reaction tank, which performs a coagulation reaction treatment on the raw water to obtain coagulation treatment water to be introduced into the test evaluation tank; A coagulant test adding means for adding a coagulant to the raw water in the upstream of the coagulation reaction test tank in the flow direction of the raw water or to the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank; A test tank pH detection means for detecting the pH of the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank; A pH adjuster test addition means for adding a pH adjuster to the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank; and The coagulation treatment control means may be configured to control the coagulant test addition means to control the amount of coagulant added, and to control the pH adjuster test addition means based on the pH of the raw water detected by the test tank pH detection means to control the amount of pH adjuster added.

[0018] Further, the water treatment method of the present invention is a water treatment method carried out in the water treatment device as described above, a coagulation reaction step of performing a coagulation reaction treatment on the coagulation treatment water in the coagulation reaction tank to obtain the coagulation treated water; a flocculant addition step of adding the flocculant to the flocculation treatment water; an introduction water switching step of introducing either the coagulation treated water or the coagulation treatment water into the test evaluation tank by switching a flow path; an imaging step of imaging the water inside the test evaluation tank from above the water surface; When the coagulation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank, of Coagulation test treated water in the test evaluation tank, which has been subjected to coagulation reaction treatment with different amounts of added water Before Pre-shooting in the above shooting process And the pre-shooting storing one or more reference images comprising pre-recorded images and / or videos; an addition amount control step of controlling the amount of the flocculant added to the flocculation treatment water in the flocculation reaction tank in the flocculant addition step by comparing a target image consisting of an image and / or video taken by the photographing means of the flocculation treatment water introduced into the test evaluation tank in the introduction water switching step with the reference image; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, coagulation treatment water is introduced into a test evaluation tank that is provided separately from the coagulation reaction tank and has a small capacity, and the amount of coagulant added is changed to change the amount of coagulant added. The coagulation test treated water in the test evaluation tank is subjected to coagulation reaction treatment by comparing a reference image that is taken in advance and stored with a target image that is taken under exactly the same conditions as the reference image of the coagulation treated water that has been subjected to coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction tank, to grasp the state of the coagulation treated water, and the amount of coagulant added to the coagulation treatment water in the coagulation reaction tank is controlled based on the state. Therefore, a water treatment device and a water treatment method can be provided that can reliably grasp the state of the coagulation treated water containing flocs that has been subjected to coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction tank based on the reference image stored in the coagulation reaction test in the test evaluation tank, and can more quickly and appropriately control the amount of coagulant added.

[0020] In the present invention, the photographing means comprises at least a camera, an illumination means, and a light shielding means for shielding the periphery of the camera and the illumination means from external light, the camera is installed so that the distance from the water surface to the image plane is 20 cm to 30 cm, and the illumination means is installed so that the central axis of its illumination range forms an angle of 60° to 70° with the water surface. This configuration suppresses the effect of external light on photographing, suppresses flickering caused by reflection of the illumination light on the water surface, and also suppresses adhesion of water droplets to the camera, allowing the camera to properly photograph and capture clearer images and videos. As a result, the state of the coagulated water can be grasped more accurately by comparing the reference image with the target image, and the coagulant can be controlled more appropriately.

[0021] In addition, in the present invention, the camera is installed so that the focal position of the optical system is located underwater at a distance of 2 cm to 5 cm from the water surface, and the illumination means is configured to illuminate the entire shooting area of ​​the camera at the focal position, so that the focus is located in the range most suitable for grasping the floc formation state from above the water surface and the entire field of view is illuminated, so that the floc formation state can be grasped reliably. As a result, the state of the flocculated water can be determined with higher accuracy by comparing the reference image with the target image, and the amount of flocculant to be added can be controlled more appropriately.

[0022] In addition, in the present invention, by configuring the apparatus with an outlet means for outletting the water inside the test evaluation tank to the coagulation reaction tank, the water subjected to the coagulation reaction treatment in the test evaluation tank by changing the amount of coagulant added can be returned to the coagulation reaction tank and discharged to the outside after the coagulation reaction treatment is appropriately performed. At this time, by configuring the introduced water switching means as a switching means for stopping the introduction of the coagulation treatment water into the coagulation reaction tank when the coagulation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank, the coagulation treatment water is not introduced into the coagulation reaction tank when the coagulation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank, and only the test in the test evaluation tank can be performed independently.

[0023] In addition, in the present invention, the flocculation treatment control means may be configured as a control means that controls the inlet water switching means and the outlet means to introduce the flocculation treatment water into the test evaluation tank without introducing the flocculation treatment water into the flocculation reaction tank when the flocculation test addition means adds the flocculation agent, and outputs the flocculation-treated water that has been subjected to the flocculation reaction treatment in the test evaluation tank to the flocculation reaction tank, and when the flocculation agent is added by the flocculation addition means, the flocculation treatment water is introduced into the flocculation reaction tank without introducing the flocculation treatment water into the test evaluation tank, and outputs the flocculation-treated water that has been subjected to the flocculation reaction treatment in the test evaluation tank to the outside of the flocculation reaction tank. In this case, the flocculation treatment control means may be configured as a control means that controls the flocculation test addition means to control the amount of flocculation added by the flocculation test addition means. With the above configuration, it is possible to automate water treatment in the water treatment device, reducing the burden on the person in charge of flocculation treatment, making it possible to operate unmanned, and reducing human errors.

[0024] In addition, in the present invention, the water treatment device includes a condensation reaction tank for performing a condensation reaction treatment on raw water containing suspended solids to obtain the condensation treatment water, a condensation agent adding means for adding a condensation agent to the raw water in the condensation reaction tank or upstream of the raw water flow direction of the condensation reaction tank, a pH detection means for detecting the pH of the raw water in the condensation reaction tank, and a pH adjuster adding means for adding a pH adjuster to the raw water in the condensation reaction tank, and the condensation treatment control means is a control means for controlling the condensation agent adding means to control the amount of the condensation agent added, and controlling the pH adjuster adding means according to the pH of the raw water detected by the pH detection means to control the amount of the pH adjuster added. This configuration also makes it possible to automate water treatment in the water treatment device, reducing the burden on the person in charge of condensation treatment, making it possible to perform unmanned operation and reduce human errors, and the state of the raw water containing suspended solids can be properly grasped.

[0025] In addition, in the present invention, the water treatment device includes a condensation reaction test tank having a smaller capacity than the condensation reaction tank, which performs a condensation reaction treatment on the raw water to obtain condensation treatment water to be introduced into the test evaluation tank, a condensation test addition means for adding a condensation agent to the raw water upstream of the condensation reaction test tank in the flow direction of the raw water or to the raw water in the condensation reaction test tank, a test tank pH detection means for detecting the pH of the raw water in the condensation reaction test tank, and a pH adjuster test addition means for adding a pH adjuster to the raw water in the condensation reaction test tank, and the condensation treatment control means is a control means for controlling the condensation test addition means to control the amount of the condensation agent to be added, and controlling the pH adjuster test addition means according to the pH of the raw water detected by the test tank pH detection means to control the amount of the pH adjuster to be added. This configuration also makes it possible to automate water treatment in the water treatment device, reducing the burden on the person in charge of condensation treatment, making it possible to operate unmanned, reducing human errors, and making the water treatment device more compact. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a water treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining installation conditions of a camera and a lighting unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an experiment to verify how water appears by changing the background color of the test evaluation tank and the installation conditions of the camera illumination means and the light blocking means. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation flow (steps of a water treatment method) of the water treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a water treatment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a water treatment device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Example 1 A water treatment device according to Example 1 as one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a water treatment device 100A of Example 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the water treatment device 100A of Example 1 includes an aggregation reaction device 10, a test evaluation device 20, an inlet water switching means M9, and an outlet water switching means M10. In Fig. 1, the test evaluation device 20 is drawn large for ease of explanation, but in reality, the test evaluation device 20 treats about several liters to several tens of liters of water, and is therefore smaller in scale than the aggregation reaction device 10 which treats several tons of water.

[0028] The coagulation reaction apparatus 10 is an apparatus that performs a coagulation reaction process and a coagulation reaction process on raw water containing suspended solids to form coagulated particles and then form flocs 5. The test evaluation apparatus 20 is an apparatus that accumulates information on various states of the water that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction process and evaluates the state of the water that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction process and the coagulation reaction process on the raw water in the coagulation reaction apparatus 10 based on this accumulated information.

[0029] Here, the term "raw water" refers to water containing suspended solids as described above, which is water that is to be subjected to the coagulation reaction treatment and the flocculation reaction treatment, and may be water that has been subjected to other treatments prior to these treatments, such as pre-sedimentation separation and other water treatments including biological treatment, if necessary.

[0030] In addition, in this specification, water that has undergone coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction apparatus 10 (specifically, the coagulation reaction tank 1 described below, and the coagulation reaction test tank 11 described below in the case of a water treatment device equipped with the coagulation reaction test tank 11) and is about to undergo coagulation reaction treatment, that is, water that will be the subject of coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction apparatus 10 (specifically, the coagulation reaction tank 2 described below) and the test evaluation apparatus 20 (specifically, the test evaluation tank 12), is referred to as "coagulation treatment water". Moreover, water that has undergone coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction apparatus 10 (coagulation reaction tank 2) compared to this coagulation treatment water is referred to as "coagulation treated water".

[0031] Moreover, water that has undergone a trial coagulation reaction treatment in the test evaluation device 20 (specifically, the test evaluation tank 12) for coagulation treatment water obtained by subjecting raw water to coagulation reaction treatment and introduced into the test evaluation device 20 is referred to as "coagulation test treated water." Furthermore, the "coagulation treated water" introduced from the coagulation reaction device 10 to the test evaluation device 20 is subjected to a state determination (evaluation) in the test evaluation device 20 (test evaluation tank 12) to grasp the state, and therefore the water after evaluation of this state is sometimes referred to as "coagulation treated water after evaluation."

[0032] First, the flocculation reaction apparatus 10 will be described. The flocculation reaction apparatus 10 mainly comprises a coagulation reaction tank 1, a first stirring blade 1a and a first motor 1b, a coagulation reaction tank 2, a second stirring blade 2a and a second motor 2b, a storage tank 3, a coagulant addition means M1, a pH adjuster addition means M2, a coagulant addition means M3, a coagulation treatment control means M4, a first raw water supply line L1, a first drainage line L2, and the like. In the first embodiment, one large tank 4 is partitioned into the coagulation reaction tank 1 and the coagulation reaction tank 2 by a partition wall 1c.

[0033] The coagulation reaction tank 1 is a tank in which a coagulant is added to raw water to coagulate suspended solids and form coagulated particles (floc precursors or minute flocs) (coagulated particles are not shown because they are very small; the same applies below). Raw water is supplied to the coagulation reaction tank 1 from a first raw water supply line L1. A coagulant is added to the raw water inside the coagulation reaction tank 1 from a coagulant addition means M1, and a pH adjuster is added to the raw water from a pH adjuster addition means M2. A first valve V1 is provided on the first raw water supply line L1 to control the supply (introduction) and stop of the supply of raw water to the coagulation reaction tank 1. The opening and closing of the first valve V1 may be configured to be performed manually, or may be configured to be performed automatically at a predetermined time or by input of an instruction from a coagulation treatment person performing the test. In this example, the first valve V1 is one of three valves constituting an inlet water switching means M9 as described later, and its opening and closing is controlled by a coagulation treatment control means M4 connected to the inlet water switching means M9 by a signal line S9. The inside of the coagulation reaction tank 1 is mixed with the raw water, coagulant, and pH adjuster by being stirred by the first stirring blade 1a rotated by the first motor 1b. The raw water that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction tank 1 is supplied to the coagulation reaction tank 2 by overflow from the upper end of the partition wall 1c as coagulation treatment water.

[0034] The coagulation reaction tank 2 is a tank in which a coagulant is added to the coagulation treatment water to form flocs 5 by a coagulation reaction. As described above, the coagulation treatment water is supplied to the coagulation reaction tank 2 by overflow from the coagulation reaction tank 1, and a coagulant is added from the coagulation agent adding means M3. The inside of the coagulation reaction tank 2 is stirred by the second stirring blade 2a rotated by the second motor 2b, so that the coagulation treatment water and the coagulant are mixed. The coagulated water that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction in the coagulation reaction tank 2 is stored in the storage tank 3 by overflow, and then supplied from the first drainage line L2 to the next treatment process (for example, a sedimentation process in a sedimentation tank, etc.). A part of the coagulated water is supplied to the test evaluation device 20 by the inlet water switching means M9 described later.

[0035] The coagulant adding means M1 is a device that adds a predetermined amount of coagulant to the coagulation reaction tank 1. The coagulant adding means M1 has, for example, a container filled with coagulant, a pipe for supplying the coagulant, a liquid sending pump, etc., and in this example, the start / stop of the addition of the coagulant and the amount of addition are controlled by the coagulation treatment control means M4 connected by a signal line S1.

[0036] The pH adjuster adding means M2 is a device that adds a predetermined amount of pH adjuster to the coagulation reaction tank 1. The pH adjuster adding means M2 has, for example, a container filled with a pH adjuster, a pipe for supplying the pH adjuster, a liquid feed pump, etc., and in this example, the start / stop of addition of the pH adjuster and the amount of addition are controlled by the coagulation treatment control means M4 connected by a signal line S2. Examples of pH adjusters include alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and acidic agents such as sulfuric acid, and one or more of these are used in combination. In this example, the coagulation treatment control means M4 is connected to the pH adjuster adding means M2 by a signal line S2, and is connected to a pH detection means pH1, which is a pH meter that detects the pH of the water in the coagulation reaction tank 1, by a signal line S4. The coagulation treatment control means M4 controls the amount of pH adjuster added by the pH adjuster adding means M2 according to the pH detected by the pH detection means pH1 so that the pH range is suitable for the coagulation reaction.

[0037] The flocculant adding means M3 is a device that adds a predetermined amount of flocculant to the flocculation reaction tank 2 and stops the addition under the control of the flocculation treatment control means M4. The flocculant adding means M3 has, for example, a container filled with the flocculant, a pipe for supplying the flocculant, a liquid transfer pump, and the like.

[0038] Suitable examples of the coagulant include, but are not limited to, polyaluminum chloride, aluminum chloride, iron(III) chloride, etc. Suitable examples of the pH adjuster include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide. Suitable examples of the coagulant include, but are not limited to, aluminum-based coagulants, iron-based coagulants, anionic or cationic polymer-based coagulants, polyferric sulfate, lime, aluminum sulfate, etc.

[0039] The flocculation control means M4 controls the flocculant addition means M3 in the flocculation reaction device 10. In this example, it also controls the inlet water switching means M9, the outlet water switching means M10, the flocculant addition means M1, the pH adjuster addition means M2, the flocculant test addition means M6, the pH adjuster addition means M7 as a second pH adjuster addition means different from the pH adjuster addition means M2, and the flocculant test addition means M8. The flocculation control means M4 is a computing device such as a personal computer, and is composed of a processor such as a CPU or MPU, a storage means 6, etc. The storage means 6 is composed of a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or RAM, a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk, etc. In addition, the flocculation control means M4 may be equipped with a programmable logic device such as a GPU or FPGA, or a computing element such as an ASIC, in order to perform high-speed image processing.

[0040] The flocculation process control means M4 outputs a control signal to the flocculant adding means M3 via a signal line S3 to add an appropriate amount of flocculant. The flocculation process control means M4 may also output a control signal to the inlet water switching means M9 via a signal line S9 to switch the flow path to change the water to be introduced into the testing and evaluation device 20, and output a control signal to the outlet water switching means M10 via a signal line S10 to switch the destination of the water from the testing and evaluation device 20.

[0041] The flocculation control means M4 is further connected to the flocculant test addition means M6, the pH adjuster addition means M7, the pH detection means (test tank pH detection means) pH2 for detecting the pH of the water in the flocculation reaction test tank 11, and the flocculant test addition means M8 of the test evaluation device 20 described later, through signal lines S6, S7, S5, and S8, respectively. The flocculation control means M4 controls the addition / stop and addition amount of the flocculant test addition means M6 and the flocculation reaction test tank 11. In addition, the amount of flocculant added by the pH adjuster addition means M7 is controlled to be within a range suitable for the flocculation reaction, based on the pH detected by the pH detection means pH2.

[0042] Also, an image signal or video signal is input to the flocculation control means M4 as a control signal C1 via a signal line S11 from the camera 15 of the test evaluation device 20 described later. During a reference image accumulation operation in which a flocculation reaction treatment is performed on a trial basis, the flocculation control means M4 receives an image and / or video (image signal and / or video signal) previously photographed by the camera 15 of the photographing means M5 of the flocculation test treated water inside the test evaluation tank 12, which has been subjected to a flocculation flocculation reaction treatment using a flocculant added by the flocculant test addition means M8 with the amount of the flocculation treatment water being changed when the flocculation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation device 20. The image or video photographed of the flocculation test treated water is defined as a "reference image."

[0043] On the other hand, during actual treatment operation in which the amount of flocculant added is controlled according to the state of the flocculated water, the flocculation treatment control means M4 receives, in order to determine (evaluate) the state, images and / or videos (image signals and / or video signals) taken by the camera 15 of the flocculated water introduced into the test evaluation tank 12 by the inlet water switching means M9. The images and videos of this flocculated water that are the subject of the state determination (evaluation) are defined as "target images."

[0044] The aggregation process control means M4 stores and accumulates in the storage means 6 one or more reference images consisting of images and / or videos input from the camera 15 during the reference image accumulation operation.

[0045] At this time, the flocculation treatment control means M4 performs image analysis of the reference image, and detects the state of the flocculation test treated water, including the state of the flocs 5, based on the analysis results (e.g., calculation of features, etc.), and can also store the detection results in the memory means 6 together with the reference image (or in place of the reference image).

[0046] The state of the water after the coagulation test treatment is determined based on the state of formation of flocs 5, the suspended matter in the water after the coagulation test treatment, and the state of the coagulated particles (the presence or absence, and the degree of presence of suspended matter and coagulated particles). Examples of the state of the water after the coagulation test treatment include normal (a state in which the amount of coagulant added is appropriate and the reaction treatment is being carried out appropriately), abnormal (a state in which the amount of coagulant added is too large or too small and the coagulation treatment is not being carried out appropriately), intermediate (between the normal state and the abnormal state, i.e., a state immediately before switching from the normal state to the abnormal state, or a state immediately before switching from the abnormal state to the normal state), etc.

[0047] The state of the water after the coagulation test may be determined by a program installed in the coagulation treatment control means M4, or the coagulation treatment control means M4 may be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and the determination may be performed using techniques such as machine learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning using a neural network including multiple intermediate layers.

[0048] In addition, the reference image of the water that has been treated in the coagulation test taken by the camera 15 may be visually inspected by a person in charge of the coagulation treatment (preferably an experienced person with extensive experience in the industry), who may judge the state of the water that has been treated in the coagulation test, and this judgment result may be linked to the reference image and input from an input means such as a keyboard, and the coagulation treatment control means M4, upon receiving this input signal, may link the judgment result to the reference image and store it in the memory means 6.

[0049] Furthermore, during actual treatment operation, the flocculation treatment control means M4 compares the target image of the flocculated water taken by the camera 15 with a reference image taken in advance during reference image storage operation and stored in the storage means 6 to determine (evaluate) the state of the flocculated water, and controls the amount of flocculant added by the flocculant addition means M3 to the flocculation treatment water in the flocculation reaction tank 2. This determination (evaluation) of the state of the flocculated water by comparing the reference image with the target image may also be performed by a program installed in the flocculation treatment control means M4, or may be performed by artificial intelligence (AI) mounted on the flocculation treatment control means M4.

[0050] Here, the image is a still image captured by the camera 15, and the video is a video captured by the camera 15. There needs to be at least one image (for example, a "normal (best)" image) as the reference image, but multiple normal images of various patterns may be stored. It is more preferable to capture and store multiple images indicating normal, abnormal, and intermediate conditions as the reference image, and it is even more preferable to capture and store more images, for example, several thousand or more. This makes it possible to more accurately determine (evaluate) the state of the coagulated water by comparing the reference image with a target image captured of the coagulated water during actual treatment operation, and to more appropriately control the amount of coagulant added in the coagulation reaction tank 2.

[0051] Moreover, the video is a video (including animation images such as GIF images) composed of multiple consecutive still images called frames. When performing image analysis or comparing images, frames (still images) obtained when the video is stopped at an appropriate timing are used. The video as the reference image may be a video of one of the normal, abnormal, or intermediate states of the flocculation test treated water inside the test evaluation tank 12, or a video of the process in which the state of the flocculation test treated water changes from normal to intermediate to abnormal, or from abnormal to intermediate to normal, by changing the amount of flocculant added. This video also needs to have at least one state (for example, normal), and it is preferable to take multiple images of multiple states in various patterns. By accumulating reference images of multiple states in this way, the state of the flocculation treated water can be determined (evaluated) with higher accuracy by comparing these multiple reference images with target images taken of the flocculation treated water during actual treatment operation, and the amount of flocculant added in the flocculation reaction tank 2 can be more appropriately controlled.

[0052] Next, the test evaluation device 20 will be described. The test evaluation device 20 is mainly composed of a coagulation reaction test tank 11, a third stirring blade 11a and a third motor 11b, a test evaluation tank 12, a fourth stirring blade 12a and a fourth motor 12b, a storage tank 13, a coagulant test addition means M6, a pH adjuster addition means M7, a coagulant test addition means M8, a photographing means M5, a coagulation treated water supply line L5, a second raw water supply line L6, a second drainage line L7, a coagulation test treated water return line L8, a third drainage line L9, and the like. In the first embodiment, one large tank 14 is partitioned into a coagulation reaction test tank 11 and a test evaluation tank 12 by a partition wall 11c. As described above, the coagulation reaction test tank 11 and the test evaluation tank 12 are smaller in capacity and smaller in size than the coagulation reaction tank 1 and the coagulation reaction tank 2 of the coagulation reaction device 10.

[0053] The coagulation reaction test tank 11 is a tank in which a coagulant is added to raw water to form coagulated particles by a coagulation reaction treatment. Raw water is supplied to the coagulation reaction test tank 11 from the second raw water supply line L6, or coagulated water is supplied to the coagulation reaction test tank 11 from the coagulation treatment water supply line L5 (hereinafter, these are sometimes simply referred to as "water"). In addition, a coagulant is added to the water in the coagulation reaction test tank 11 from a coagulant test addition means M6 as necessary, and a pH adjuster is added from a pH adjuster addition means M7. The inside of the coagulation reaction test tank 11 is stirred by a third stirring blade 11a rotated by a third motor 11b, so that the water, the coagulant, and the pH adjuster are mixed. The water that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction test tank 11 is supplied to the test evaluation tank 12 by overflow from the upper end of the partition wall 11c as coagulation treatment water.

[0054] The test evaluation tank 12 is a tank in which a coagulant is added to the coagulation treatment water to make the flocs 5 larger and coagulate them, and is a tank for performing a coagulation test by changing the amount of coagulant added, and evaluating the test results. As described above, the coagulation treatment water is supplied to the test evaluation tank 12 by overflow from the coagulation reaction test tank 11, and a coagulant is added from the coagulant test addition means M8. The inside of the test evaluation tank 12 is stirred by the fourth stirring blade 12a rotated by the fourth motor 12b, so that the coagulation treatment water and the coagulant are mixed. The coagulation test treated water that has been coagulated in the test evaluation tank 12 is stored in the storage tank 13 by overflow, and then supplied to the next treatment process via the second drain line L7 and the third drain line L9. Alternatively, the coagulation test treated water is returned to the coagulation reaction device 10 via the second drain line L7 and the coagulation test treated water return line L8 by the lead-out water switching means M10 described later, and is subjected to coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction device 10.

[0055] The interior of the test evaluation tank 12 is preferably black, more preferably matte black, depending on the color of the flocs formed, when white or light-colored flocs are formed. This configuration makes the contrast between the white flocs 5 and the water clear, and also suppresses unnecessary reflection of the illumination light, allowing the water to be appropriately photographed by the photographing means M5. When the color of the flocs formed is other than white or light-colored, it is preferable to consider in advance and select a color that will make the flocs most easily recognizable.

[0056] The coagulant test addition means M6 is a device that adds a predetermined amount of coagulant to the coagulation reaction tank 1. The coagulant test addition means M6 has, for example, a container filled with coagulant, a pipe for supplying the coagulant, a liquid transfer pump, a motor, and the like.

[0057] The pH adjuster adding means M7 is a device that adds a predetermined amount of pH adjuster to the coagulation reaction tank 1. The pH adjuster adding means M7 includes, for example, a pH detection means pH1, a container filled with a pH adjuster, a pipe for supplying the pH adjuster, a liquid feed pump, and the like.

[0058] The flocculant test addition means M8 is a device that adds a flocculant while appropriately changing the amount added to the test evaluation tank 12. The flocculant test addition means M8 has, for example, a container filled with a flocculant, a pipe for supplying the flocculant, a liquid transfer pump, and the like.

[0059] The addition of coagulant by the coagulant test addition means M6 and the addition of coagulant by the coagulant test addition means M8 may be performed manually by a person in charge of the coagulation treatment, or may be performed automatically based on an appropriate amount of addition input by the person in charge via a PC, controller, etc., or based on other conditions.

[0060] The photographing means M5 includes a camera 15, an illumination means 16, and a light shielding means 17. The camera 15 photographs an image (still image) or a video (moving image) of the water in the test evaluation tank 12, and outputs the image signal or video signal as a control signal C1 to the flocculation treatment control means M4 via a signal line S11. More specifically, during the reference image storage operation, the camera 15 photographs an image or video of the flocculation test treated water in which a flocculation reaction treatment is experimentally performed by adding a flocculant in the test evaluation tank 12, as a reference image, and outputs the control signal C1 to the flocculation treatment control means M4 via a signal line S11. During the actual treatment operation, the camera 15 photographs an image or video of the flocculation treated water introduced from the flocculation reaction tank 2 of the flocculation reaction device 10 to the test evaluation tank 12 as a target image, and outputs the control signal C1 to the flocculation treatment control means M4 via a signal line S11.

[0061] The camera 15 has an optical system having optical elements such as lenses, an imaging sensor on which a subject image is formed by the optical system, etc. It may also have a monitor on which the captured image is displayed, etc. Examples of the camera 15 include, but are not limited to, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a 4K or 8K camera, a CCD camera, an infrared camera, etc.

[0062] The lighting means 16 illuminates the water inside the test evaluation tank 12. For example, the lighting means 16 is preferably a white LED lighting, and for shooting in a dark place, is preferably an infrared LED lighting, but is not limited thereto. In addition, in Fig. 3(2), reference numeral 15a denotes the shooting area of ​​the camera 15 at a distance D from the water surface W to the focal position F, and reference numeral 16a denotes the lighting area at a distance D from the water surface W to the focal position F.

[0063] The shading means 17 is disposed around at least the camera 15, the lighting means 16, and the test evaluation chamber 12, and shades them from external light. The shading means 17 in the first embodiment is, for example, a blackout tent, a prefabricated building, or other simple building. The shading means 17 is configured to house the camera 15, the lighting means 16, the condensation reaction test chamber 11, and the test evaluation chamber 12 inside, and shade them from external light. The shading means 17 is not limited to a blackout tent, etc., and may be a room, a darkroom, a blackout curtain, etc. in a building of a factory or a research institute as long as it can block external light.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 2, the camera 15 is preferably installed so that the distance (height) h1 from the water surface W to the imaging surface CS of the imaging sensor is 20 cm or more and 30 cm or less, which can prevent contamination of the optical system due to scattering of water droplets and allows the flocs 5 in the water to be clearly photographed without being affected by ripples of running water. The camera 15 is also preferably installed so that the angle θ1 between the central axis (optical axis) A1 of the optical system and the water surface W is 70° or more and 100° or less. The angle θ1 is more preferably 80° or more and 90° or less, and most preferably 90°. This configuration allows the camera to properly focus on the flocs 5 in the water and photograph them clearly, making it easier to determine the state of the flocs 5.

[0065] The illumination means 16 is preferably installed so that the angle θ2 between the central axis (optical axis) A2 of its illumination range (illumination area 16a) and the water surface W is 60° or more and 70° or less, so that the flocs 5 in the water can be clearly photographed without being affected by ripples of running water. The illumination means 16 is preferably installed so that the distance (height) h2 from the water surface W to the bottom end is 10 cm or more and 15 cm or less, so that flickering due to reflection of the illumination light can be suppressed and the flocs 5 in the water can be properly illuminated.

[0066] The camera 15 is installed so that the focal position F of the optical system is located underwater at a depth of 2 cm to 5 cm below the water surface W, and as shown in Fig. 3(2), the illumination means 16 illuminates the entire photographing area 15a of the camera 15 at the focal position F (more specifically, the illumination area 16a including the photographing area 15a). With this configuration, the flocs 5 in the water can be appropriately focused and illumination can be appropriately performed, allowing a clear image or video to be captured, making it easier to determine the state of the flocs 5, suspended matter, etc.

[0067] Here, an experiment was conducted to verify how water appears on the camera 15 by changing the background color of the test evaluation tank 12, the angle θ1 of the camera 15, the distance h1, the distance D from the water surface W to the focal position F, the angle θ2 between the central axis A2 of the illumination area 16a of the illumination means 16 and the water surface W, and the distance h2. Fig. 3(1) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the experiment as seen from the side, and Fig. 3(2) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the experiment as seen from directly above. In Fig. 3, X indicates the front-rear direction of the test evaluation tank 12, Y indicates the left-right direction, and Z indicates the height direction.

[0068] The experimental results are shown in the following Tables 1 to 7. From the results in Table 1 below, it was found that the above-mentioned color of the test evaluation tank 12 and the installation conditions of the camera 15 and the lighting means 16 were suitable, and the effect of the shading means 17 was also confirmed. Note that in these experiments, the camera 15 was stored in a waterproof case.

[0069] [Table 1]

[0070] [Table 2]

[0071] [Table 3]

[0072] [Table 4]

[0073] [Table 5]

[0074] [Table 6]

[0075] [Table 7]

[0076] In this example, the inlet water switching means M9 switches between the flow path (second raw water supply line) L6 through which the raw water flows and the flow path (coagulated water supply line) L5 ​​through which the coagulated water flows, to introduce the raw water into the coagulation reaction test tank 11, and introduces either the coagulation treatment water obtained by performing the coagulation reaction treatment in this tank or the coagulated water into the test evaluation device 20. The inlet water switching means M9 has a second valve V2 provided on the second raw water supply line L6, a third valve V3 provided on the coagulated water supply line L5, and a first valve V1 provided on the line of the first raw water supply line L1 that supplies the raw water to the coagulation reaction test tank 11.

[0077] When accumulating a reference image (image / video) for determining the amount of addition (reference image accumulation operation), the inlet water switching means M9 opens the second valve V2 and closes the first valve V1 and the third valve V3, so that raw water is introduced into the test evaluation device 20 via the first raw water supply line L1 and the second raw water supply line L6. The raw water introduced into the test evaluation device 20 is subjected to coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction test tank 11 and introduced into the test evaluation tank 12 as coagulation treatment water.

[0078] On the other hand, when controlling the amount of flocculant added to the flocculation reaction tank 2 (actual treatment operation), the inlet water switching means M9 closes the second valve V2 and opens the first valve V1 and the third valve V3, so that the raw water is subjected to a flocculation reaction treatment in the flocculation reaction tank 1 to become water for flocculation treatment, and then the flocculated water that has been subjected to the flocculation reaction treatment in the flocculation reaction tank 2 is introduced into the test evaluation device 20 via the first drainage line L2, the flocculated water supply line L5, and the second raw water supply line L6. At this time, the flocculation reaction treatment is not performed in the flocculation reaction test tank 11, and the flocculation reaction test tank 11 functions as a part of the path (flow path) through which the flocculated water leads from the inlet water switching means M9 to the test evaluation device 20.

[0079] The outlet water switching means M10 switches and outputs the water in the test evaluation tank 12 to the next treatment process or the coagulation reaction device 10. The outlet water switching means M10 has a fourth valve V4 provided in the coagulation test treated water return line L8 and a fifth valve V5 provided in the third drainage line L9. During actual treatment operation, the fourth valve V4 is closed and the fifth valve V5 is opened, so that the coagulation treated water evaluated in the test evaluation tank 12 is discharged to the next treatment process via the storage tank 13, the second drainage line L7, and the third drainage line L9. On the other hand, during reference image accumulation operation, the fourth valve V4 is opened and the fifth valve V5 is closed, so that the coagulation test treated water that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction in the test evaluation tank 12 is returned to the coagulation reaction device 10 via the second drainage line L7 and the coagulation test treated water return line L8. In order to adjust the amount of coagulated water supplied to the test evaluation tank 12, a flow control valve or an on-off valve may be provided downstream in the flow direction of the coagulated water from the branch point of the first drainage line L2 with the coagulated water supply line L5, and in this case, these valves may be controlled by the outlet water switching means M10. The opening and closing of the third to fifth valves V3 to V5 described above may be performed manually, or may be performed automatically based on instructions input from a person in charge of coagulation treatment.

[0080] An example of the operation flow (steps of a water treatment method) of the water treatment device 100A according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. Fig. 4(1) is a flowchart showing the flow of accumulation of reference images during reference image accumulation operation, and Fig. 4(2) is a flowchart showing the flow of control of the amount of flocculant added to the flocculation reaction tank 2 during actual treatment operation. The basic operation of the water treatment device 100A according to the first embodiment is composed of these two operations.

[0081] (1) Accumulation of reference images (images / video) for determining the amount of additive (reference image accumulation operation) First, in this example, the flocculation treatment control means M4 controls to close the first valve V1, open the second valve V2, and close the valve V3, thereby enabling the raw water to be introduced into the flocculation reaction test tank 11. When the flocculation test treated water from the test evaluation tank 12 is discharged to the next treatment process, the flocculation treatment control means M4 controls to close the fourth valve V4 and open the fifth valve V5. On the other hand, when the flocculation test treated water from the test evaluation tank 12 is returned to the flocculation reaction device 10 as flocculation treatment water, the flocculation treatment control means M4 controls to open the fourth valve V4 and close the fifth valve V5. Also, switching may be performed each time depending on the state of the flocculation test treated water in the test evaluation tank 12.

[0082] 4(1), in step S1, raw water is introduced into the setting reaction test tank 11 via the second raw water supply line L6. Next, in step S2, a setting reaction process is performed by manually or automatically adding a setting reaction agent to the setting reaction test tank 11 through a setting reaction agent test addition means M6 and adding a pH adjuster through a pH adjuster addition means M7.

[0083] Next, in step S3, the water in the coagulation reaction test tank 11 that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction treatment is introduced as coagulation treatment water into the test evaluation tank 12. In step S4, a coagulant is added manually or automatically from the coagulant test addition means M8 into the test evaluation tank 12 in an appropriately changed amount, and the coagulation reaction treatment is performed.

[0084] Then, while this agglutination reaction process is being carried out, in step S5, the photographing means M5 photographs the state of floc 5 formation and the state of suspended components (SS components) in the agglutination test treated water (the presence or absence of suspended components and the degree of presence), and outputs a control signal C1 of a reference image (image and / or video) to the agglutination process control means M4. Upon receiving this control signal C1, in step S6, the agglutination process control means M4 stores and accumulates the control signal C1 in the storage means 6 as a reference image. At this time, the agglutination process control means M4 performs image analysis of the reference image or receives input of the state from the operator, and stores the state (normal, abnormal, intermediate, etc.) of the agglutination test treated water in the storage means 6 in association with the reference image.

[0085] Then, in step S7, the coagulation test treated water in the test evaluation tank 12 is discharged to the next treatment step via the storage tank 13, the second drainage line L7, and the third drainage line L9. Alternatively, the coagulation test treated water in the test evaluation tank 12 is returned to the coagulation reaction device 10 via the second drainage line L7 and the coagulation test treated water return line L8. This makes it possible to discharge, for example, the coagulation test treated water that has been put into an abnormal state for testing to the next treatment step after being appropriately coagulated in the coagulation reaction device 10. Note that since the test evaluation tank 12 has a very small capacity compared to the coagulation reaction tank 2 as described above, the amount of this water returned to the coagulation reaction device 10 is extremely small compared to the capacity of the coagulation reaction device 10, so the effect on the water in the coagulation reaction device 10 can be virtually ignored.

[0086] The above steps S1 to S7 are performed at least once, and more preferably, multiple times (several to several thousand times) while appropriately changing the amount of flocculant added from the flocculant test addition means M8. This completes the accumulation process of the reference image for controlling the amount of addition (reference image accumulation operation).

[0087] (2) Control of the amount of flocculant added to the flocculation reaction tank 2 (actual treatment operation) First, the first valve V1 is opened manually or automatically, the second valve V2 is closed, and the third valve V3 is opened. This allows the coagulated water from the coagulation reaction tank 2 to be introduced into the test evaluation tank 12 via the coagulation reaction test tank 11. Note that, during actual treatment operation, it is also possible to introduce the coagulated water directly into the test evaluation tank 12 without passing through the coagulation reaction test tank 11.

[0088] When the coagulated water after evaluation in the test evaluation tank 12 is discharged to the next treatment process, the fourth valve V4 is closed and the fifth valve V5 is opened. On the other hand, when the coagulated water after evaluation from the test evaluation tank 12 is returned to the coagulation reaction device 10 as coagulation treatment water, the fourth valve V4 is opened and the fifth valve V5 is closed.

[0089] 4(2), in step S11, raw water is introduced into the condensation reaction tank 1. Next, in step S12, a condensation agent is manually or automatically added to the condensation reaction tank 1 from the condensation agent addition means M1, and a pH adjuster is added from the pH adjuster addition means M2, to perform a condensation reaction process.

[0090] Next, in step S13, the raw water in the coagulation reaction tank 1 that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction treatment is introduced into the coagulation reaction tank 2 as coagulation treatment water. In step S14, a coagulant is added manually or automatically from the coagulant adding means M3 into the coagulation reaction tank 2 to perform the coagulation reaction treatment. Then, in step S15, the coagulated water from the coagulation reaction tank 2 is introduced into the coagulation reaction test tank 11 via the coagulated water supply line L5 and the second raw water supply line L6, and the coagulated water is introduced from this coagulation reaction test tank 11 into the test evaluation tank 12. At this time, no coagulant, pH adjuster, or coagulant is added to the coagulated water.

[0091] In the next step S16, the camera 15 photographs the state of floc 5 formation in the coagulation-treated water supplied from the coagulation reaction tank 2 and the state of suspended components in the coagulation-treated water in the test evaluation tank 12 to obtain a target image, and outputs a control signal C1 to the coagulation treatment control means M4. In step S17, the coagulation treatment control means M4 determines the amount of coagulant to be added to the coagulation reaction tank 2 while comparing the target image based on the control signal C1 with the reference image stored in the storage means 6, and in step S18, the coagulant addition means M3 is controlled to add the coagulant to the coagulation reaction tank 2 in the determined amount.

[0092] Then, in step S19, the coagulated water after the evaluation in the test evaluation tank 12 is discharged to the next treatment step via the storage tank 13, the second drainage line L7, and the third drainage line L9. Alternatively, the coagulated water after the evaluation in the test evaluation tank 12 is returned to the coagulation reaction device 10 via the second drainage line L7 and the coagulation test treated water return line L8, and after the coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction device 10, it is discharged to the next treatment step.

[0093] As described above, according to Example 1, the amount of flocculant to be added can be quickly determined by performing the flocculation reaction treatment while changing the amount of flocculant to be added using the small-sized test evaluation tank 12 that is provided separately from the flocculation reaction tank 2 and has a small capacity. Furthermore, compared to the conventional case in which the amount of flocculant to be added is changed in a large-capacity flocculation reaction tank, Example 1 makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of flocculated treated water with an insufficient or excessive amount of flocculant added.

[0094] In addition, by taking pictures of the coagulation test treated water during the reference image storage operation and the coagulation treated water during the actual treatment operation in the test evaluation tank 12, it becomes possible to stably control the water treatment device 100A and the amount of coagulant added. Therefore, it is possible to provide a water treatment device 100A and a water treatment method that can properly grasp the state of the coagulation treated water that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction tank 2 and control the amount of coagulant added more quickly and appropriately. In addition, reference images of various states of the coagulation test treated water are stored, and these reference images are compared with target images of the coagulation treated water in the coagulation reaction tank 2. Therefore, it is possible to predict abnormalities in the coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction tank 2, and an appropriate amount of coagulant to be added can be determined and added before an abnormality occurs, enabling a prompt response and maintaining appropriate water treatment performance in the water treatment device 100A. In addition, water for coagulation treatment obtained by subjecting a portion of the raw water to coagulation reaction treatment can be introduced into the test evaluation tank 12, where coagulation reaction treatment, taking of reference images, and accumulation can be performed. In this case, the reference image accumulation operation can be performed in parallel with the actual treatment operation without affecting the actual treatment operation, thereby improving the efficiency of the water treatment work. However, during this time, it becomes impossible to control the amount of coagulant added in the coagulation reaction tank 2, so care must be taken when implementing this.

[0095] In addition, when photographing, it is only necessary to shade the small test evaluation tank 12 and its surroundings with the shading means 17, and there is no need to shade the large-scale flocculation reaction tank 2. Therefore, the existing flocculation reaction tank 2 can be used, and the amount of addition can be determined with high accuracy while preventing an increase in equipment costs.

[0096] In the above, the reference image is an image and / or video taken during reference image accumulation operation, but during actual treatment operation, images and / or videos taken from above the water surface in the test evaluation tank 12 by the photographing means M5 of the coagulation-treated water from the coagulation reaction tank 2 for control of the amount of coagulant added by the coagulation treatment control means M4 may be accumulated and used as the reference image.

[0097] Example 2 Next, a water treatment device 100B according to Example 2 will be described. Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the water treatment device 100B according to Example 2. The water treatment device 100B of Example 2 has the same basic configuration as the water treatment device 100A of Example 1 shown in Fig. 1 etc., except that the test evaluation device 20 does not include the condensation reaction test tank 11. Therefore, detailed description of the configuration similar to that of Example 1 will be omitted below, and configurations different from Example 1 will be mainly described.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 5, the water treatment device 100B of the second embodiment includes a coagulation reaction device 10, a test evaluation device 20, an inlet water switching means M9, and an outlet water switching means M10. The coagulation reaction device 10 mainly includes a coagulation reaction tank 1, a first stirring blade 1a and a first motor 1b, a coagulation reaction tank 2, a second stirring blade 2a and a second motor 2b, a storage tank 3, a coagulant addition means M1, a pH adjuster addition means M2 equipped with a pH detection means pH1, a coagulant addition means M3, a coagulation treatment control means M4', a first raw water supply line L1, a first drainage line L2, and a coagulation treatment water supply line L4 that introduces the coagulation treatment water from the coagulation reaction tank 1 to the coagulation reaction tank 2. In the second embodiment, the coagulation reaction tank 1 and the coagulation reaction tank 2 are separated. The flocculation treatment control means M4' is connected to and controls the coagulant addition means M1, pH adjuster addition means M2, flocculant addition means M3, pH detection means pH1, flocculant test addition means M8, inlet water switching means M9, outlet water switching means M10, and imaging means M5 via signal lines S1 to S4 and signal lines S8 to S11.

[0099] The test evaluation device 20 of Example 2 is mainly composed of a test evaluation tank 12, a fourth stirring blade 12a and a fourth motor 12b, a storage tank 13, a flocculant test addition means M8, a camera 15, a photographing means M5 having a lighting means 16 and a shading means 17, a flocculated water supply line L5, a second flocculation treatment water supply line L6', a second drainage line L7, a flocculation test treated water return line L8, a third drainage line L9, etc. In Example 2, the coagulation reaction test tank 11, the coagulant test addition means M6, and the pH adjuster addition means M7 are not provided, and the flocculation treatment water from the coagulation reaction tank 1 or the flocculated water from the coagulation reaction tank 2 is directly introduced into the test evaluation tank 12.

[0100] An example of the operation flow (steps of the water treatment method) of the water treatment device 100B of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the implementation flowchart of Fig. 4 used in the description of the first embodiment. In the following, detailed description of the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and processes that are not performed in the second embodiment will be skipped and described.

[0101] (1) Accumulation of reference images (images / video) for determining the amount of additive (reference image accumulation operation) In the second embodiment, either the water for coagulation treatment or the coagulated water is introduced into the test evaluation tank 12 by switching between the flow path (coagulation treatment water supply line) L4 through which the coagulation treatment water flows and the flow path (coagulation treated water supply line) L5 ​​through which the coagulation treated water flows. Here, the first valve V1 is manually or automatically closed, the second valve V2 is opened, and the valve V3 is closed, so that the water for coagulation treatment from the coagulation reaction tank 1 can be introduced into the test evaluation tank 12. When the coagulation test treated water from the test evaluation tank 12 is discharged to the next treatment step, the fourth valve V4 is closed and the fifth valve V5 is opened, and when the coagulation test treated water from the test evaluation tank 12 is returned to the coagulation reaction device 10, the fourth valve V4 is opened and the fifth valve V5 is closed.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the process starts from step S3 in FIG. 4(1), and the coagulation treatment water from the coagulation reaction tank 1 is introduced into the test evaluation tank 12 through the second coagulation treatment water supply line L6'. In the next step S4, the coagulant is added manually or automatically from the coagulant test addition means M8 in an appropriately changed amount into the test evaluation tank 12, and the coagulation reaction process is performed. Next, in step S5, the photographing means M5 photographs the coagulation test treated water inside the test evaluation tank 12 and outputs a control signal C1, and in step S6, the coagulation treatment control means M4 links the reference image (image and / or video) based on the control signal C1 with the state of the coagulation test treated water, etc., and stores and accumulates it in the storage means 6. Then, in step S7, the coagulation test treated water in the test evaluation tank 12 is discharged to the next treatment process, or is returned to the coagulation reaction device 10 for coagulation reaction treatment, and then discharged to the next treatment process.

[0103] In the second embodiment, the process of steps S3 to S7 is performed at least once, and more preferably, multiple times (several to several thousand times) while appropriately changing the amount of flocculant added from the flocculant test addition means M8. This completes the accumulation process of the reference image for controlling the amount of addition.

[0104] (2) Control of the amount of flocculant added to the flocculation reaction tank 2 (actual treatment operation) First, the first valve V1 is opened, the second valve V2 is closed, and the third valve V3 is opened manually or automatically, allowing the coagulated water from the coagulation reaction tank 2 to be introduced into the test evaluation tank 12. When the coagulated water after evaluation from the test evaluation tank 12 is to be discharged to the next treatment process, the fourth valve V4 is closed and the fifth valve V5 is opened, and when the coagulated water after evaluation from the test evaluation tank 12 is to be returned to the coagulation reaction device 10 as water for coagulation treatment, the fourth valve V4 is opened and the fifth valve V5 is closed.

[0105] 4(2), in step S11, raw water is introduced into the coagulation reaction tank 1, and in step S12, a coagulant and a pH adjuster are added into the coagulation reaction tank 1 to carry out a coagulation reaction process. Next, in step S13, the water in the coagulation reaction tank 1 is introduced into the coagulation reaction tank 2 as coagulation treatment water, and in step S14, a coagulant is added into the coagulation reaction tank 2 to carry out a coagulation reaction process. Next, in step S15, the coagulated water from the coagulation reaction tank 2 is introduced directly into the test evaluation tank 12 via the coagulated water supply line L5 and the second coagulation treatment water supply line L6'.

[0106] In the next step S16, the coagulation-treated water supplied from the coagulation reaction tank 2 in the test evaluation tank 12 is photographed to obtain a target image. In step S17, the coagulation control means M4 compares the target image with the reference image accumulated in the above step S6 to judge (evaluate) the state of the coagulation-treated water, and determines the amount of coagulant to be added to the coagulation reaction tank 2 based on the judgment result. In step S17, the coagulant addition means M3 is controlled to add the coagulant to the coagulation reaction tank 2 in the determined amount.

[0107] After the evaluation in the test evaluation tank 12, the flocculated water is discharged to the next treatment step, or returned to the flocculation reaction device 10 where it is subjected to flocculation reaction treatment again, and then discharged to the next treatment step.

[0108] As described above, the second embodiment can also provide the same action and effect as the first embodiment, and can provide a water treatment device 100A and a water treatment method that can properly grasp the state of the coagulation-treated water that has been subjected to the coagulation reaction treatment in the coagulation reaction tank 2 and can more quickly and appropriately control the amount of coagulant to be added. Furthermore, since the coagulation reaction test tank 11 is not provided, the test evaluation device 20 can be made smaller and simpler, and the equipment costs can be reduced.

[0109] Example 3 Next, an example of a water treatment device 100C that controls not only the amount of flocculant added but also the amount of coagulant added is shown in Figure 6. In this example, a coagulation reaction test tank 11 smaller than the coagulation reaction tank 1 in Example 2 is provided downstream in the raw water flow direction of the coagulation reaction tank 1 (hereafter referred to as "coagulation device 30"). Note that the sizes of these tanks in the drawing are the same for the purpose of explanation.

[0110] In the setting apparatus 30, the setting reaction test tank 11 is equipped with an imaging means M5', which includes a camera 15' for the setting reaction test tank 11, an illumination means 16', and a shading means 17' that blocks at least the camera 15' and the illumination means 16' and their surroundings from external light.

[0111] In this example, the lighting means 16' is provided above the water surface of the coagulation reaction test tank 11, but as long as it can illuminate the coagulation particles in the water in the coagulation reaction test tank 11, it may be provided in the water, for example. However, it is preferable to provide it above the water surface as shown in the figure, since it is prone to become dirty and the lighting effect may not be sufficient. S1 to S12 in Fig. 6 are signal lines connecting each means with the coagulation treatment control means M4.

[0112] In this example, the flocculation reaction by addition of a flocculant is the same as in Example 2, so only the flocculation reaction carried out in the flocculation reaction tank 1 and the flocculation reaction test tank 11 will be explained below.

[0113] In the coagulation device 30 of the third embodiment, the raw water is introduced into the coagulation reaction test tank 11 without adding any coagulant or pH adjuster by the coagulant adding means M1, that is, the raw water as it is introduced into the coagulation reaction tank 1, and the coagulant is added by the coagulant test adding means M6 to the upstream of the flow direction of the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank 11 or to the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank 11 while changing the amount of coagulant added (as described later, an appropriate amount of pH adjuster is also added), and the water in the coagulation reaction test tank 11 at this time is photographed from above the water surface by the photographing means M5', and one or more reference images of the coagulation state consisting of the images and / or pictures photographed in advance are coagulated. The collected data is stored in the collection control means M4, and when the coagulant is added by the coagulant adding means M1, the coagulant is added to the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank 11 upstream in the flow direction or in the coagulation reaction tank 1 by the control signal of the coagulation control means M4 without adding the coagulant by the coagulant test adding means M6 (an appropriate amount of pH adjuster is also added as described later). At this time, the coagulation state target image consisting of the image and / or video taken by the photographing means M5' is compared with one or more coagulation state reference images taken in advance, and the amount of coagulant added by the coagulant adding means M1 is controlled. In either case, the coagulation treatment water derived from the coagulation reaction test tank 11 is introduced into the coagulation reaction tank 2 or the test evaluation tank 12.

[0114] In this example, the condensation reaction tank 1 is further provided with a pH detection means pH1 for detecting the pH of the water therein, and the condensation reaction test tank 11 is provided with a pH detection means pH2 for detecting the pH of the water therein. Based on the pH values ​​measured by these means, the coagulation treatment control means M4 adds a pH adjuster to the condensation reaction tank 1 by the pH adjuster addition means M2 when the condensation agent is added by the condensation agent addition means M1, and adds a pH adjuster to the condensation reaction test tank 11 by the pH adjuster addition means M7 when the condensation agent is added by the condensation agent test addition means M6, thereby controlling the pH of these tanks to be within a range suitable for the condensation reaction.

[0115] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and design changes that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Coagulation reaction tank 2: Coagulation reaction tank 11: Coagulation reaction test tank 12: Test evaluation tank 15: Camera 15a: Shooting area 16 :Lighting means 16a: Lighting area (lighting range) 17: Shading means 100A: Water treatment equipment 100B: Water treatment device 100C ; Water treatment device A1: The central axis of the camera's optical system A2: Central axis of the lighting means CS: Imaging surface D: Distance from the water surface to the focal point F: Focus position M1: Means for adding coagulant M2: pH adjuster addition means M3: Flocculant addition means M4: Flocculation treatment control means M5: Shooting method M6: Coagulant test addition means M7: Means for adding pH adjuster M8: Flocculant test addition means M9: Water supply switching means h1: Distance from the water surface to the camera's imaging plane h2: Distance of lighting means from the water surface pH1 : pH detection means pH2: Test tank pH detection means W:Water surface θ2: Angle between the central axis of the lighting means and the water surface

Claims

1. a coagulation reaction tank for performing a coagulation reaction treatment on the coagulation treatment water to obtain coagulated treated water; a flocculant adding means for adding a flocculant to the flocculation treatment water upstream of the flocculation reaction tank in the flow direction of the flocculation treatment water or to the flocculation treatment water in the flocculation reaction tank; A test evaluation tank having a capacity smaller than that of the coagulation reaction tank; an inlet water switching means for switching a flow path to introduce either the coagulation-treated water or the water for coagulation treatment into the test evaluation tank; An imaging means for imaging the water in the test evaluation tank from above the water surface; a flocculant test addition means for adding the flocculant to the flocculant treatment water in the test evaluation tank or in the test evaluation tank when the flocculant treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank; a flocculation treatment control means for controlling the amount of flocculant to be added to the flocculation treatment water in the flocculation reaction tank by the flocculant test addition means by changing the amount of flocculation treatment water added when the flocculation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank, by using the photographing means, storing one or more reference images consisting of the images and / or videos photographed in advance, and comparing a target image consisting of the images and / or videos photographed by the photographing means of the flocculation treatment water introduced into the test evaluation tank by the introduction water switching means with the one or more reference images photographed in advance; A water treatment device comprising:

2. the photographing means includes at least a camera, a lighting means, and a light shielding means for shielding the periphery of the camera and the lighting means from external light; The camera is installed so that the distance from the water surface to the imaging plane is 20 cm or more and 30 cm or less, 2. The water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination means is installed so that an angle between a central axis of the illumination range and the water surface is 60 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less.

3. The water treatment device described in claim 2, characterized in that the camera is installed so that the focal position of the optical system is located underwater at a distance of 2 cm to 5 cm from the water surface, and the lighting means illuminates the entire shooting area of ​​the camera at the focal position.

4. 4. The water treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising an outlet water switching means for outletting the water in the test evaluation tank to the coagulation reaction tank.

5. The water treatment device according to claim 4, characterized in that the inlet water switching means is a switching means that stops the introduction of the coagulation treatment water into the coagulation reaction tank when the coagulation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank.

6. The flocculation treatment control means Controlling the inlet water switching means and the outlet water switching means, The water treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the flocculant is added by the flocculant test addition means, the inlet water switching means causes the flocculant treatment water to be introduced into the test evaluation tank without being introduced into the flocculation reaction tank, and the outlet water switching means causes the flocculation test treated water, which has been subjected to flocculation reaction treatment in the test evaluation tank, to be discharged into the flocculation reaction tank.

7. The flocculation treatment control means The water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control means controls the flocculant test addition means to control the amount of flocculant added by the flocculant test addition means.

8. The water treatment device comprises: a coagulation reaction tank for performing a coagulation reaction treatment on raw water containing suspended solids to obtain the coagulation treatment water; A coagulant adding means for adding a coagulant to the raw water upstream of the coagulation reaction tank in the flow direction of the raw water or to the raw water in the coagulation reaction tank; A pH detection means for detecting the pH of the raw water in the coagulation reaction tank; A pH adjuster adding means for adding a pH adjuster to the raw water in the coagulation reaction tank; and The water treatment device described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the coagulation treatment control means is a control means that controls the coagulant addition means to control the amount of coagulant added, and controls the pH adjuster addition means based on the pH of the raw water detected by the pH detection means to control the amount of pH adjuster added.

9. The water treatment device comprises: A coagulation reaction test tank having a smaller capacity than the coagulation reaction tank, which performs a coagulation reaction treatment on the raw water to obtain coagulation treatment water to be introduced into the test evaluation tank; A coagulant test adding means for adding a coagulant to the raw water in the upstream of the coagulation reaction test tank in the flow direction of the raw water or to the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank; A test tank pH detection means for detecting the pH of the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank; A pH adjuster test addition means for adding a pH adjuster to the raw water in the coagulation reaction test tank; and The water treatment device described in claim 8, characterized in that the coagulation treatment control means is a control means that controls the coagulant test addition means to control the amount of coagulant added, and controls the pH adjuster test addition means based on the pH of the raw water detected by the test tank pH detection means to control the amount of pH adjuster added.

10. A water treatment method performed in the water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a coagulation reaction step of performing a coagulation reaction treatment on the coagulation treatment water in the coagulation reaction tank to obtain the coagulation treated water; a flocculant addition step of adding the flocculant to the flocculation treatment water; an introduction water switching step of introducing either the coagulation treated water or the coagulation treatment water into the test evaluation tank by switching a flow path; an imaging step of imaging the water inside the test evaluation tank from above the water surface; a step of photographing the coagulation test treated water in the test evaluation tank, which has been subjected to coagulation reaction treatment by changing the amount of the coagulant added when the coagulation treatment water is introduced into the test evaluation tank, in advance in the photographing step, and storing in advance one or more reference images consisting of the images and / or videos photographed in advance; an addition amount control step of controlling the amount of the flocculant added to the flocculation treatment water in the flocculation reaction tank in the flocculant addition step by comparing a target image consisting of a picture and / or a video taken by the photographing means of the flocculation treatment water introduced into the test evaluation tank in the introduction water switching step with the reference image; A water treatment method comprising the steps of:

Images