Ion removal system

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ion removal system for removing metal ions in hard water has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The ion removal system of Patent Document 1 includes a hard water storage unit for storing hard water and a fine bubble generation means for generating fine bubbles and supplying them to the hard water storage unit. In the hard water storage unit, metal ions in the hard water are adsorbed onto the fine bubbles to remove the metal ions from the hard water.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] These days, Improving the reliability of the ion removal system is required. Including the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, Improving the reliability of the ion removal system there is still room for improvement in this regard.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, Improving the reliability of the ion removal system and to provide an ion removal system that can

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the ion removal system of the present invention An electrolysis device that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, a hard water flow path connected to the electrolysis device and supplying hard water to the electrolysis device, a fine bubble generator that generates fine bubbles in a flow path on the upstream side or downstream side of the electrolysis device, a first treated water flow path through which the treated water after supplying the fine bubbles containing the alkaline water generated by the electrolysis device passes, a tank that stores the treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path and is a water storage tank capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point for the user, a sensor that acquires a measured value regarding the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measured value of the sensor .

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the ion removal system of the present invention, Improving the reliability of the ion removal system it is possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the ion removal system 2 in Embodiment 1.

[0012] The ion removal system 2 is a system that removes metal ions from hard water using fine bubbles. The metal ions here refer to calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ). The ion removal system 2 in Embodiment 1 is a water softening device that produces soft water by removing and separating metal ions from hard water to reduce the concentration (hardness) of metal ions in hard water to a predetermined concentration or less. As the definitions of hard water and soft water, for example, the definitions of the World Health Organization (WHO) may be used. That is, water with a hardness of less than 120 mg / L may be defined as soft water, and water with a hardness of 120 mg / L or more may be defined as hard water.

[0013] The fine bubbles in Embodiment 1 are bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or less. The fine bubbles include microbubbles (with a diameter of, for example, 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less) and nanobubbles (with a diameter of, for example, less than 1 μm). Microbubbles may be recognized by those skilled in the art in the field of water treatment as bubbles with a micro-order bubble diameter. Also, nanobubbles may be recognized by those skilled in the art in the field of water treatment as bubbles with a nano-order bubble diameter. Fine bubbles have properties different from those of ordinary bubbles, such as a long residence time in water, a large diameter of each bubble that is difficult to increase and difficult to merge with other bubbles, and a large contact area that easily causes chemical reactions.

[0014] In addition, the fine bubbles may contain bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or more (such as millibubbles) at a small ratio. For example, those with a ratio of 90% or more of a diameter of 100 μm or less may be defined as fine bubbles. In addition to this, conditions such as a ratio of 50% or more with a diameter of 60 μm or less and a ratio of 5% or more with a diameter of 20 μm or less may be added. Further, when measuring the diameter of the bubbles (bubble diameter), for example, hard water containing fine bubbles may be directly photographed with a high-speed camera, and the bubble diameter may be calculated by a three-point method through image processing, or it may be measured by any other arbitrary method. The timing of measuring the bubble diameter may be any timing as long as it is the time when the fine bubbles stay. An example of the conditions of the measurement method using the above-mentioned high-speed camera is as follows.

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

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

[0017] The hard water flow path 4 is a flow path for supplying hard water to the electrolysis device 8. The hard water flow path 4 is connected to a hard water source (not shown). The hard water flow path 4 of Embodiment 1 is connected to the electrolysis device 8 so as to supply hard water to the electrolysis device 8 via the batch treatment tank 6.

[0018] At the location where the hard water flow path 4 is connected to the electrolysis device 8, the hard water flow path 4 branches into two flow paths. These flow paths correspond to the respective microbubble generators 10A and 10B described later.

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

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

[0021] The valve 11 is a valve that controls the flow of water from the hard water flow path 4 to the batch treatment tank 6 (an electromagnetic valve in Embodiment 1). The pump 14 is a pump for supplying the hard water stored in the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolysis device 8. The flow rate sensor 16 is a sensor that measures the flow rate of the hard water supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolysis device 8.

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

[0023] The first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24 are flow paths through which the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8 can flow alternately. When the first flow path 22 allows alkaline water to flow, the second flow path 24 allows acidic water to flow, and when the first flow path 22 allows acidic water to flow, the second flow path 24 allows alkaline water to flow.

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

[0025] The microbubble generators 10A and 10B are devices that generate and supply microbubbles to the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, respectively. By supplying microbubbles to the respective flow paths, metal ions contained in the water flowing through the flow paths can be adsorbed by the microbubbles and removed from the water. The microbubble generators 10A and 10B of Embodiment 1 are devices that generate microbubbles by a cavitation action. The microbubble generators 10A and 10B automatically supply microbubbles to the water passing through the microbubble generators 10A and 10B.

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

[0027] A valve 30 is provided at the location where the first return flow path 26 and the first drainage flow path 28 are connected to the first flow path 22. The valve 30 is a valve for switching the flow of water from the first flow path 22 to the first return flow path 26 or the first drainage flow path 28 (an electric valve in Embodiment 1).

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

[0029] A valve 34 is provided at the location where the second return flow path 31 and the second drainage flow path 32 are connected to the second flow path 24. The valve 34 is a valve for switching the flow of water from the second flow path 24 to the second return flow path 31 or the second drainage flow path 32 (an electric valve in Embodiment 1).

[0030] In Embodiment 1, the connection point where the above-described first return flow path 26 and second return flow path 31 are connected to the hard water flow path 4 corresponds to the batch processing tank 6. A branch flow path 36 is connected to the hard water flow path 4 on the downstream side of the batch processing tank 6 corresponding to the connection point. The branch flow path 36 is a flow path that branches from the hard water flow path 4 between the batch processing tank 6 and the electrolysis device 8.

[0031] The above-described valve 18 is provided at the location where the branch flow path 36 is connected to the hard water flow path 4. The valve 18 is a valve for switching the flow of water and stopping the flow of water from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36 (an electric valve in Embodiment 1). The valve 20 provided on the downstream side of the valve 18 is a valve that enables adjustment of the ratio of the flow rates of water flowing through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, respectively (an electric valve in Embodiment 1).

[0032] A separation device 12 is connected to the branch flow path 36. The separation device 12 is a device for separating crystals of metal components from water. The separation device 12 of Embodiment 1 is a cyclone-type separation device that separates solids such as crystals contained in water by centrifugal separation.

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

[0034] A pH sensor 42 and a turbidity sensor 44 are provided in the middle of the third flow path 38. The pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are sensors for measuring the pH value and turbidity of the treated water flowing through the third flow path 38, respectively.

[0035] Furthermore, a third return flow path 46 is connected in the middle of the third flow path 38. The third return flow path 46 is a flow path connected between the third flow path 38 and the batch processing tank 6.

[0036] A valve 47 is provided at the location where the third return channel 46 connects to the third channel 38. The valve 47 is a valve for switching the flow of water through and blocking the flow of water from the third channel 38 to the third return channel 46 (an electric valve in Embodiment 1).

[0037] A water storage tank 48 is further connected to the third channel 38. The water storage tank 48 is a tank for storing the treated water supplied from the third channel 38. The treated water stored in the water storage tank 48 is supplied to a faucet 52 by a pump 50. By driving the pump 50, the treated water (i.e., soft water) obtained by treating hard water in the ion removal system 2 can be supplied to the faucet 52 for use.

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

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

[0040] (Raw water injection mode) The raw water injection mode is a mode in which hard water, which is the raw water, is injected into each channel when starting the operation of the ion removal system 2. Specifically, the control unit 13 controls to generate a flow as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In the drawings after FIGS. 2A and 2B, the flow of water is represented by an arrow, and it is assumed that no water flow occurs in the channel without an arrow.

[0041] Figure 2A shows the mode of draining the residual water remaining in the flow path as the first stage of the raw water injection mode. As shown in Figure 2A, the control unit 13 opens the valve 11 so that hard water flows through the hard water flow path 4, and drives the pump 14 to supply the hard water in the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolysis device 8. At this time, the control unit 13 acquires the flow rate of the hard water flowing from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolysis device 8 based on the detection result of the flow rate sensor 16. The control unit 13 further controls the opening and closing of the valve 18 to stop the water flow from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36 so that no hard water flows. The control unit 13 further controls to directly pass the hard water flowing through the hard water flow path 4 to the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24 without operating the electrolysis device 8. The control unit 13 further controls the opening and closing of the valve 30 so that the hard water passed through the first flow path 22 flows through the first drainage flow path 28, and controls the opening and closing of the valve 34 so that the hard water passed through the second flow path 24 flows through the second drainage flow path 32. As a result, the flow indicated by the arrow as shown in Figure 2A occurs, and the residual water remaining in each flow path is drained.

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

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

[0044] (First Crystallization Treatment Mode (First Mode)) Figure 3A shows the first crystallization treatment mode. The control unit 13 closes the valve 11 and drives the pump 14 to supply the hard water contained in the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolysis device 8. The control unit 13 controls the valve 18 so that water does not flow from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36. The control unit 13 further drives the electrolysis device 8 to generate alkaline water and acidic water. Specifically, the electrolysis device 8 electrolyzes the hard water supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to generate alkaline water and acidic water. The control unit 13 controls the flow rate ratio of the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8 by the opening degree of the valve 20.

[0045] Of the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8, in the first crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 13 controls the electrolysis device 8 so that the alkaline water flows through the first flow path 22 and the acidic water flows through the second flow path 24.

[0046] The control unit 13 further controls the valve 30 so that the alkaline water flowing through the first flow path 22 flows through the first return flow path 26, and controls the valve 34 so that the acidic water flowing through the second flow path 24 flows through the second drainage flow path 32. As a result, the flow indicated by the arrow as shown in Fig. 3A occurs.

[0047] In the flow shown in Fig. 3A, a circulation flow path is formed in which the alkaline water loops and flows in the order of the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the first flow path 22, and the first return flow path 26. The first flow path 22 functions as a return flow path together with the first return flow path 26. In the circulation flow path, fine bubbles are supplied from the fine bubble generator 10A to the alkaline water flowing through the first flow path 22. By supplying the fine bubbles, the metal ions contained in the alkaline water are adsorbed by the fine bubbles and removed from the alkaline water. The principle of removing metal ions by fine bubbles will be described later.

[0048] The hard water that has undergone the treatment for removing metal ions becomes "treated water" and is stored in the batch treatment tank 6. The treated water is then sucked by the pump 14 and sent to the electrolysis device 8, and fine bubbles are supplied again by the fine bubble generator 10A. As the treated water flows through the circulation flow path, fine bubbles are continuously supplied to the treated water, and the treatment for removing metal ions is continuously performed.

[0049] By circulating alkaline water through the circulation flow path, while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path, the removal of metal ions by fine bubbles is continuously performed. By increasing the pH value, OH with a negative charge present on the surface of the fine bubbles - increases, and Ca 2+ becomes more likely to be adsorbed onto the fine bubbles. As a result, as will be described later, the crystallization of metal ions can be promoted, and the removal effect of metal ions can be enhanced. Also, by circulating alkaline water containing crystals of the metal component, the metal ions contained in the water can be crystallized in a form attached to the crystals, and the crystallization of metal ions can be further promoted.

[0050] Note that the acidic water flowing through the second flow path 24 is drained outside the system of the ion removal system 2 via the second drainage flow path 32.

[0051] (Second crystallization treatment mode (second mode)) FIG. 3B shows the second crystallization treatment mode. In the second crystallization treatment mode, different from the first crystallization treatment mode shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 13 controls the electrolysis device 8 so that among the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8, the acidic water is passed through the first flow path 22 and the alkaline water is passed through the second flow path 24. Further, the valve 30 is controlled so that the acidic water passed through the first flow path 22 is passed through the first drainage flow path 28, and the valve 34 is controlled so that the alkaline water passed through the second flow path 24 is passed through the second return flow path 31. Thereby, the flow as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3B occurs.

[0052] In the flow shown in FIG. 3B, a circulation flow path is formed in which alkaline water loops and flows in the order of the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the second flow path 24, and the second return flow path 31. The second flow path 24 functions as a return flow path together with the second return flow path 31. In the circulation flow path, fine bubbles are supplied from the fine bubble generator 10B to the alkaline water passed through the second flow path 24. By supplying the fine bubbles, metal ions contained in the alkaline water are adsorbed by the fine bubbles and removed from the alkaline water. The hard water subjected to the metal ion removal treatment becomes "treated water" and is stored in the batch treatment tank 6. The treated water is then sucked by the pump 14 and sent to the electrolysis device 8, and fine bubbles are supplied again by the fine bubble generator 10B. As the treated water flows through the circulation flow path, fine bubbles are continuously supplied to the treated water, and the metal ion removal treatment is continuously performed.

[0053] Similar to the first crystallization treatment mode, by circulating alkaline water in the circulation flow path, it is possible to continuously remove metal ions by fine bubbles while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path. Thereby, the same effect as the first crystallization treatment mode can be achieved.

[0054] The acidic water flowing through the first flow path 22 is drained out of the system of the ion removal system 2 via the first drainage flow path 28.

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

[0056] (Treated Water Supply Mode (Third Mode)) FIG. 4 shows the treated water supply mode. The treated water supply mode is an operation mode in which the treated water obtained by treating hard water in the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode is supplied to the faucet 52.

[0057] First, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valve 18 so as to supply water to the branch flow path 36. By driving the pump 14 in this state, the treated water stored in the batch processing tank 6 is supplied to the branch flow path 36. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valve 20 so as not to supply water to the electrolysis device 8.

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

[0059] The treated water supplied to the third flow path 38 is stored in the water storage tank 48. Thereafter, by operating the pump 50, the treated water (i.e., soft water) stored in the water storage tank 48 is supplied to the faucet 52, and the treated water can be used at the faucet 52.

[0060] The control unit 13 alternately performs the control of sequentially performing the above-described raw water injection mode, the first crystallization treatment mode, and the treated water supply mode, and the control of sequentially performing the raw water injection mode, the second crystallization treatment mode, and the treated water supply mode. Both the first crystallization mode and the second crystallization mode constitute a circulation flow path in the flow path including the batch processing tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, and the return flow paths 26 and 31, and while circulating the alkaline water in the circulation flow path, the acidic water is drained outside the system of the ion removal system 2. By alternately performing the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode, the flow path through which the alkaline water has passed can be washed with the acidic water, and the flow path in the ion removal system 2 can be kept in a state suitable for the metal ion removal treatment. Thereby, the effect of removing metal ions by the fine bubbles can be enhanced.

[0061] As a mode different from the above-described plurality of modes, the control unit 13 can execute a first cleaning mode, a second cleaning mode, and an abnormal occurrence mode, which will be described below.

[0062] (First cleaning mode) Figure 5A shows the first cleaning mode. The control unit 13 controls the valve 18 so that water flows from the hard water channel 4 to both the electrolysis device 8 and the branch channel 36. The control unit 13 further drives the electrolysis device 8 to generate alkaline water and acidic water.

[0063] In the first cleaning mode, of the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8, the electrolysis device 8 is controlled so that acidic water flows through the first channel 22 and alkaline water flows through the second channel 24. Further, the valve 30 is controlled so that the acidic water flowing through the first channel 22 flows through the first return channel 26, and the valve 34 is controlled so that the alkaline water flowing through the second channel 24 flows through the second drainage channel 32. As a result, the flow indicated by the arrows as shown in Figure 5A occurs.

[0064] In the flow shown in Figure 5A, a circulation channel is formed in which acidic water flows in the order of the batch processing tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the first channel 22, and the first return channel 26, and acidic water is continuously supplied to the batch processing tank 6. A part of the acidic water flowing through the circulation channel flows through the branch channel 36. By passing acidic water through the first return channel 26 and the branch channel 36 where there was no flow of acidic water in the first crystallization processing mode and the second crystallization processing mode described above, these channels can be cleaned and maintained in a state suitable for metal ion removal processing.

[0065] The acidic water flowing through the branch channel 36 reaches the separation device 12. In the first cleaning mode, the separation device 12 is controlled so as not to perform crystal separation processing in the separation device 12. Further, the separation device 12 is controlled so that the acidic water sent to the separation device 12 does not flow through the third channel 38 but flows through the third drainage channel 40. As a result, since acidic water flows through the third drainage channel 40, the third drainage channel 40 can be cleaned.

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

[0067] (Second Cleaning Mode) FIG. 5B shows the second cleaning mode. Different from the first cleaning mode, the control unit 13 controls the electrolysis device 8 so that, among the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8, the alkaline water is passed through the first flow path 22 and the acidic water is passed through the second flow path 24. The control unit 13 further controls the valve 30 so that the alkaline water passed through the first flow path 22 is passed through the first drainage flow path 28, and controls the valve 34 so that the acidic water passed through the second flow path 24 is passed through the second return flow path 31. As a result, the flow indicated by the arrows as shown in FIG. 5B occurs.

[0068] In the flow shown in FIG. 5B, a circulation flow path through which acidic water flows in the order of the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the second flow path 24, and the second return flow path 31 is formed, and acidic water is continuously supplied to the batch treatment tank 6. A part of the acidic water flowing through the circulation flow path is passed through the branch flow path 36. In the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode described above, the second return flow path 31 and the branch flow path 36 through which acidic water did not flow can be washed by passing acidic water through them.

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

[0070] The above-described first cleaning mode and second cleaning mode may be executed at a predetermined timing or an arbitrary timing.

[0071] (Mode at the Time of Abnormality Occurrence) In the treated water supply mode shown in FIG. 4, there may be a case where the measured values of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are detected as abnormal values for the treated water passed from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48. In such a case, in order to stop the flow of the treated water to the water storage tank 48, the mode at the time of abnormality occurrence described below is executed.

[0072] Figure 6 shows the abnormal occurrence mode. The control unit 13 changes the opening and closing control of the valve 47 from the process water supply mode shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valve 47 so as to stop the flow path from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48 and allow water to flow from the third flow path 38 to the third return flow path 46. As a result, the flow indicated by the arrow as shown in FIG. 6 occurs.

[0073] By stopping the flow from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48, the supply of the treated water in which an abnormal value of the pH value or turbidity is detected can be stopped.

[0074] <Function and Effect 1> The ion removal system 2 having the above-described configuration includes a hard water flow path 4, a batch treatment tank 6, an electrolysis device 8, microbubble generators 10A and 10B, and return flow paths 26 and 31. The hard water flow path 4 is a flow path connected to the electrolysis device 8 and supplies hard water to the electrolysis device 8. The batch treatment tank 6 is provided in the middle of the hard water flow path 4 and is a tank for storing hard water. The electrolysis device 8 is a device that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis. The return flow paths 26 and 31 are flow paths connected to the batch treatment tank 6 so as to return the alkaline water or acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8 to the batch treatment tank 6. The microbubble generators 10A and 10B are devices that generate and supply microbubbles to a circulation flow path including the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, and the return flow paths 26 and 31, and adsorb and remove metal ions in water by the generated microbubbles.

[0075] According to such a configuration, by passing and circulating alkaline water through the circulation flow path, it is possible to remove metal ions by microbubbles while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path. Thereby, crystallization of the metal ions removed by the microbubbles can be promoted, and the removal effect of the metal ions can be enhanced.

[0076] The ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1 further includes a first flow path 22 and a second flow path 24 through which the alkaline water and the acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8 can be passed alternately. The return flow paths 26 and 31 include a first return flow path 26 that branches from the first flow path 22 and is connected to the batch treatment tank 6, and a second return flow path 31 that branches from the second flow path 24 and is connected to the batch treatment tank 6.

[0077] According to such a configuration, by alternately passing the alkaline water and the acidic water through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, the acidic water can be passed after passing the alkaline water in each flow path, and the cleaning of the flow path can be performed.

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

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

[0080] The ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1 further includes a branch flow path 36 and a valve (third valve) 18. The branch flow path 36 is a flow path that branches from the hard water flow path 4 on the downstream side of the batch treatment tank 6, which is the connection point where the return flow paths 26 and 31 are connected in the hard water flow path 4. The valve 18 is a valve that switches the water flow from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36 and stops the water flow.

[0081] According to such a configuration, by passing the water accumulated in the batch treatment tank 6 through the branch flow path 36, the treated water that has been treated in the circulation flow path and accumulated in the batch treatment tank 6 can be passed outside the circulation flow path. Thereby, the treated water can be supplied to and used by the faucet 52.

[0082] The ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1 further includes a separation device 12 that is connected to the branch flow path 36 and separates crystals of metal components contained in the water flowing through the branch flow path 36.

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

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

[0085] According to such control, by alternately passing alkaline water and acidic water through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, respectively, acidic water can be passed through each flow path after passing alkaline water, and the flow paths can be cleaned. Thereby, each flow path can be maintained in a state suitable for the removal treatment of metal ions, and the removal effect of metal ions by fine bubbles can be enhanced.

[0086] According to the ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1, in the first crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 13 controls the valves 30 and 34 so that water is passed from the first flow path 22 to the first return flow path 26 and the flow of water from the second flow path 24 to the second return flow path 31 is stopped. Further, in the second crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 13 controls the valves 30 and 34 so that the flow of water from the first flow path 22 to the first return flow path 26 is stopped and water is passed from the second flow path 24 to the second return flow path 31.

[0087] In this way, the first return flow path 26 and the second return flow path 31 are provided to form a circulation flow path, and alkaline water is circulated in the circulation flow path in both the first mode and the second mode. According to such control, while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path, the removal of metal ions by fine bubbles can be performed. Thereby, the crystallization of metal ions removed by the fine bubbles can be promoted, and the removal effect of metal ions can be enhanced.

[0088] According to the ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1, in the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode, the control unit 13 controls the valve 18 so as to stop the flow of water in the branch flow path 36. The control unit 13 further executes a treated water supply mode (third mode) in which the valve 18 is controlled to allow water to flow through the branch flow path 36 as a mode different from the first crystallization treatment mode and the second crystallization treatment mode.

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

[0090] <Softening treatment (removal treatment of metal ions)> The principle of the above-described removal treatment of metal ions by fine bubbles, that is, the "softening treatment" will be described in more detail.

[0091] It is presumed that when fine bubbles containing air are supplied into hard water, the following actions (1) and (2) occur with respect to the metal ions in the hard water. Specifically, it is presumed that the metal ions in the hard water are adsorbed onto the fine bubbles and the adsorbed metal ions are crystallized, so that the crystals of the metal components can be removed from the hard water. More specifically, it is as follows. Note that it is not restricted by the specific principles described in the following columns (1) and (2).

[0092] (1) Adsorption of metal ions As shown in FIG. 7, when fine bubbles containing air are supplied into hard water, H is present on the surface of the fine bubbles.+ (Hydrogen ions) and OH - (Hydroxide ions) are mixed, and H + is charged with a positive charge, and OH - is charged with a negative charge (only OH is shown in Fig. 7). On the other hand, in hard water, as metal ions charged with a positive charge, Ca - and Mg 2+ exist. In the following description, Ca 2+ will be described as an example of metal ions. 2+ will be described as an example.

[0093] Ca with a positive charge 2+ is adsorbed on the OH - existing on the surface of the microbubble by the action of intermolecular force (ionic interaction). In this way, Ca 2+ can be adsorbed on the microbubble. Although there is H 2+ repelling Ca + on the surface of the microbubble, it is considered that OH + acts preferentially over H - to adsorb Ca 2+ .

[0094] (2) Crystallization of metal ions In addition to the reaction shown in Fig. 7, by supplying microbubbles containing air into hard water, the reaction shown in Fig. 8 is promoted. Specifically, the microbubbles supplied into the hard water are difficult to float unlike normal bubbles and dissolve into the hard water, so the surface tension increases and they gradually shrink as shown in Fig. 8. As described above, Ca 2+ is adsorbed on the surface of the microbubble. More specifically, it exists as calcium ions of soluble Ca(HCO3)2 (calcium hydrogen carbonate). Here, when the microbubble gradually shrinks, the dissolution concentration of Ca 2+ on the surface of the microbubble increases. Due to the increase in the dissolution concentration, it becomes supersaturated at a certain point, and Ca 2+ crystallizes and precipitates. Represented by a specific chemical formula, it is as shown in the following formula 1.

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

[0096] Since CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) is insoluble (water-insoluble), it precipitates as crystals of the metal component. As a result, what was dissolved as Ca in Ca(HCO3)2 precipitates as crystals of the metal component. By promoting such a reaction, CaCO3 in which metal ions Ca are crystallized and precipitated can be separated from hard water. 2+ and what was dissolved as Ca of the metal ions is precipitated as crystals of the metal component. By promoting such a reaction, CaCO3 in which metal ions Ca are crystallized and precipitated can be separated from hard water. 2+ Although a reaction opposite to Equation 1 can occur in the same water, it is presumed that by continuously supplying fine bubbles, the reaction in the direction of Equation 1 is preferentially carried out in the equilibrium relationship. Also, since the reaction opposite to Equation 1 basically does not occur unless CO2 gas is blown from the outside, it is considered that the reaction in the direction of Equation 1 preferentially occurs.

[0097] In Embodiment 1, air was used as the gas for the fine bubbles in the softening treatment, but it is not limited to such a case. For example, nitrogen may be used instead of air as the gas for the fine bubbles. By generating fine bubbles of nitrogen from the fine bubble generators 10A and 10B and supplying them into hard water, in addition to the actions of "(1) adsorption of metal ions" and "(2) crystallization of metal ions" described above, it is presumed that the actions as described in the following columns (3) and (4) are promoted. Note that it is not restricted by the specific principles described in the following columns (3) and (4).

[0098] (3) Promotion of adsorption of metal ions

[0099] (3) Promotion of adsorption of metal ions As shown in Fig. 9(a), around the fine bubbles, H + and OH - are charged. As described above, Ca charged with a positive charge is adsorbed to OH charged with a negative charge. Under such circumstances, when nitrogen is used as the fine bubbles, the reaction of the following Equation 2 is promoted. - charged with a negative charge. As described above, Ca charged with a positive charge is adsorbed to OH charged with a negative charge. Under such circumstances, when nitrogen is used as the fine bubbles, the reaction of the following Equation 2 is promoted. 2+ is adsorbed. Under such circumstances, when nitrogen is used as the fine bubbles, the reaction of the following Equation 2 is promoted.

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

[0101] When the reaction of Equation 2 is promoted, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the number of H - ions decreases with respect to the number of OH + ions. As a result, the negative charge of the fine bubbles becomes stronger, and Ca 2+ with a positive charge is more likely to be adsorbed.

[0102] When nitrogen is used as in this modification example, compared with the case of using air, the reaction of Equation 2 can be promoted, so the adsorption of metal ions is further promoted. As a result, more metal ions can be separated and removed from hard water.

[0103] Note that the above principle is not limited to nitrogen, and it is presumed that the same applies to any gas that can react with H + ions and decrease the number of H - ions with respect to the number of OH + ions.

[0104] (4) Promotion of crystallization of metal ions Since nitrogen is an inert gas different from air, when it is supplied into hard water, the balance of the partial pressures of the gases contained in the hard water is disrupted. As a result, the reaction as shown in FIG. 10 is promoted.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 10, other gas components dissolved in the hard water act to replace the fine bubbles composed of nitrogen. In the example shown in FIG. 10, CO2 is contained in Ca(HCO3)2 existing around the fine bubbles, and this CO2 acts to be extracted and replaced by nitrogen. That is, the following reaction is promoted.

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

[0107] Thus, a reaction occurs in which insoluble CaCO3 is formed from soluble Ca(HCO3)2. At this time, CO2 and H2O are generated. Since CaCO3 is insoluble, it precipitates as crystals of the metal component.

[0108] By the above reaction, the metal ions contained as Ca in Ca(HCO3)2 in hard water can be crystallized and precipitated. Thereby, the crystals of the metal component can be removed from the hard water. 2+ Note that the above principle is not limited to nitrogen, and it is presumed that the same applies to any gas other than air that disrupts the balance of the partial pressures of the gases dissolved in hard water.

[0109] As described above, by taking in nitrogen to generate fine bubbles and supplying them to hard water, the reactions described in the columns of "(3) Promotion of adsorption of metal ions" and "(4) Promotion of crystallization of metal ions" can be promoted compared to the case of using air. Thereby, the accuracy of removing metal ions from hard water can be improved.

[0110] In the above, Ca is used as an example of the metal ion, but it is presumed that a similar reaction occurs for Mg.

[0111] Note that in the above, Ca is used as an example of the metal ion, but it is presumed that a similar reaction occurs for Mg. 2+ For Mg 2+ it is presumed that a similar reaction occurs.

[0112] (Embodiment 2) The ion removal system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 2, mainly the differences from Embodiment 1 will be described, and the descriptions overlapping with Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0113] In Embodiment 2, it is different from Embodiment 1 in that fine bubbles of carbon dioxide can be supplied to the first flow path 22, the second flow path 24, and the third flow path 38.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the ion removal system 60 in Embodiment 2.

[0115] The ion removal system 60 of Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 11 includes a carbon dioxide injector 62, supply channels 64, 66, 68, valves 70, 72, and a fine bubble generator 74.

[0116] The carbon dioxide injector 62 is a device capable of injecting carbon dioxide into the supply channels 64, 66, 68. The carbon dioxide injector 62 may itself be a tank that stores carbon dioxide or a device connected to a carbon dioxide supply source (not shown).

[0117] The supply channels 64, 66, 68 are each channels connected from the carbon dioxide injector 62 to the fine bubble generators 10A, 10B, 74.

[0118] The valve 70 is a valve for controlling the flow rate of the carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide injector 62 (an electric valve in Embodiment 2). The valve 72 is a valve for controlling the flow rate of the carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide injector 62 to the supply channel 64 or the supply channel 68 (an electric valve in Embodiment 2).

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

[0120] According to such a configuration, fine bubbles of carbon dioxide can be supplied to the first channel 22, the second channel 24, and the third channel 38. In the cleaning mode and the like described above in the column of Embodiment 1, when cleaning the channels with acidic water, by supplying fine bubbles of carbon dioxide, the channels can be cleaned more effectively.

[0121] <Regeneration process (cleaning process)> The principle of the cleaning process of the channels with fine bubbles of carbon dioxide, that is, the "regeneration process", will be described in detail.

[0122] By performing softening treatment, a part of the CaCO3 in which metal ions are crystallized and precipitated adheres to the inner wall surface of the flow path. As a treatment for returning this CaCO3 to Ca(HCO3)2, a regeneration treatment is performed.

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

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

[0125] By this reaction, soluble (water-soluble) Ca(HCO3)2 is produced from insoluble CaCO3. Ca(HCO3)2 dissolves in water. Thereby, the insoluble CaCO3 adhering to the inner wall surface of the flow path can be discharged to the outside and returned to the original state.

[0126] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the case where fine bubbles of carbon dioxide can be supplied to the first flow path 22, the second flow path 24, and the third flow path 38 has been described, but it is not limited to such a case. For example, the supply flow path 68 and the fine bubble generator 74 shown in FIG. 11 may be omitted, and fine bubbles of carbon dioxide may be supplied only to the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24.

[0127] (Embodiment 3) The ion removal system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 3, mainly the points different from Embodiment 1 will be described, and the descriptions overlapping with Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0128] The ion removal system 80 of Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 13 includes a hard water flow path 4, a batch treatment tank 6, a fine bubble generator 82, an electrolysis device 8, separation devices 84A and 84B, and a control unit 86.

[0129] The fine bubble generator 82 is a device that generates fine bubbles in the hard water supplied from the hard water flow path 4. The fine bubble generator 82 of Embodiment 3 is provided on the upstream side of the electrolysis device 8.

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

[0131] On the downstream side of the electrolysis device 8, the first flow path 88 and the second flow path 90 are connected. The first flow path 88 and the second flow path 90 are flow paths through which the alkaline water and the acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8 can flow alternately.

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

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

[0134] Valves 93 and 95 are respectively provided in the middle of the branch flow paths 89 and 91. The valves 93 and 95 are respectively valves for switching the water flow and stopping the water flow in the branch flow paths 89 and 91 (electromagnetic valves in Embodiment 3).

[0135] A separation device 84A is connected to the downstream side of the first flow path 88. Similarly, a separation device 84B is connected to the downstream side of the second flow path 90. The separation devices 84A and 84B are devices for centrifugally separating the crystals of the metal components flowing in the water.

[0136] A third flow path 92 is connected to the separation device 84A. The third flow path 92 is a flow path through which the treated water from which the crystals have been separated by the separation device 84A flows. A first return flow path 94 is connected in the middle of the third flow path 92. The first return flow path 94 is a flow path connected from the third flow path 92 to the batch treatment tank 6. A valve 96 is provided at the location where the first return flow path 94 is connected to the third flow path 92 (an electric valve in Embodiment 3).

[0137] Similarly, a fourth flow path 98 is connected to the separation device 84B. The fourth flow path 98 is a flow path through which the treated water from which crystals have been separated by the separation device 84B flows. A second return flow path 100 is connected in the middle of the fourth flow path 98. The second return flow path 100 is a flow path connected from the fourth flow path 98 to the batch treatment tank 6. A valve 101 (an electric valve in Embodiment 3) is provided at the location where the second return flow path 100 is connected to the fourth flow path 98.

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

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

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

[0141] A valve 110 (an electric valve in Embodiment 3) is provided at a location where the first drainage channel 106 is connected to the third return channel 102. Similarly, a valve 112 (an electric valve in Embodiment 3) is provided at a location where the second drainage channel 108 is connected to the fourth return channel 104.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 13, a pH sensor 42 and a turbidity sensor 44 are provided in the middle of the third channel 92. Further, a fifth return channel 111 is connected in the middle of the third channel 92. A valve 47 (an electric valve in Embodiment 3) is provided at a location where the fifth return channel 111 is connected to the third channel 92.

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

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

[0145] FIG. 14A shows, as the first stage of the raw water injection mode, a mode of draining the residual water remaining in the channels. As shown in FIG. 14A, the control unit 86 opens the valve 11 to allow hard water to flow through the hard water channel 4, and drives the pump 14 to supply the hard water in the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolysis device 8. The control unit 86 controls the opening and closing of the valves 93 and 95 so that water does not flow through the branch channels 89 and 91 from the hard water channel 4. The control unit 86 further does not operate the electrolysis device 8, and allows the hard water flowing through the hard water channel 4 to directly flow through the first channel 88 and the second channel 90. The control unit 86 further controls the opening and closing of the valve 110 so that the hard water flowing through the first channel 88 flows from the separation device 84A to the first drainage channel 106, and controls the opening and closing of the valve 112 so that the hard water flowing through the second channel 90 flows from the separation device 84B to the second drainage channel 108. As a result, a flow as shown by the arrows in FIG. 14A is generated, and the residual water remaining in each channel is drained.

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

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

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

[0149] (First Crystallization Treatment Mode (First Mode)) Figure 15A shows the first crystallization treatment mode. The control unit 86 closes the valve 11 and drives the pump 14 so as to supply the hard water contained in the batch treatment tank 6 to the fine bubble generator 82 and the electrolysis device 8. The control unit 86 further drives the electrolysis device 8 to generate alkaline water and acidic water.

[0150] In the first crystallization treatment mode, of the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8, the control unit 86 controls the electrolysis device 8 so that the alkaline water is passed through the first flow path 88 and the acidic water is passed through the second flow path 90.

[0151] Fine bubbles are supplied to the alkaline water and the acidic water by the fine bubble generator 82 provided on the upstream side of the electrolysis device 8. By supplying the fine bubbles, metal ions contained in the alkaline water flowing through the first flow path 88 in particular are adsorbed by the fine bubbles and are sent to the separation device 84A in a state of being precipitated as crystals of the metal component.

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

[0153] In the flow shown in FIG. 15A, a circulation flow path is formed in which the alkaline water loops and flows in the order of the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the first flow path 88, and the first return flow path 94. In the circulation flow path, the treated water from which the crystals of the metal component have been separated is passed through the first return flow path 94. For this reason, the ratio of the crystals of the metal component in the treated water stored in the batch treatment tank 6 decreases. As another circulation flow path different from the circulation flow path, a circulation flow path is formed in which the alkaline water loops and flows in the order of the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the first flow path 88, and the third return flow path 102. In the circulation path, the treated water containing the crystals of the metal component is passed through the third return flow path 102.

[0154] According to the above control, by storing the treated water from which the crystals of the metal component have been separated in the batch treatment tank 6, the ratio of the crystals of the metal component contained in the treated water in the batch treatment tank 6 can be reduced. On the other hand, by circulating the alkaline water containing the crystals of the metal component through the circulation flow path excluding the batch treatment tank 6, the crystallization of the metal component can be promoted in such a way that new crystals are attached to the crystals of the metal component.

[0155] The acidic water flowing through the second flow path 90 is drained out of the system of the ion removal system 2 via the second drainage flow path 108 from the separation device 84B.

[0156] (Second crystallization treatment mode (second mode)) FIG. 15B shows the second crystallization treatment mode. In the second crystallization treatment mode, unlike the first crystallization treatment mode shown in FIG. 15A, the electrolysis device 8 is controlled such that among the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8, the acidic water is passed through the first flow path 88 and the alkaline water is passed through the second flow path 90.

[0157] Fine bubbles are supplied to the alkaline water and acidic water by the fine bubble generator 82 provided upstream of the electrolysis device 8. By supplying the fine bubbles, metal ions contained in the alkaline water flowing through the second flow path 90 in particular are adsorbed by the fine bubbles and are sent to the separation device 84B in a state of being precipitated as crystals of the metal component.

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

[0159] In the flow shown in FIG. 15B, a circulation flow path is formed in which alkaline water loops and flows in the order of the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the second flow path 90, and the second return flow path 100. In the circulation flow path, the treated water from which the crystals of the metal component have been separated in the second return flow path 100 is passed through. For this reason, the proportion of the crystals of the metal component in the treated water stored in the batch treatment tank 6 decreases. As another circulation flow path different from the above circulation flow path, a circulation flow path is formed in which alkaline water loops and flows in the order of the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the second flow path 90, and the fourth return flow path 104. In the circulation path, the treated water containing the crystals of the metal component is passed through in the fourth return flow path 104.

[0160] According to the above control, while storing the treated water from which the crystals of the metal component have been separated in the batch treatment tank 6, the treated water containing the crystals of the metal component is circulated through the circulation flow path excluding the batch treatment tank 6. Thereby, the same effect as in the first crystallization treatment mode can be achieved.

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

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

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

[0164] First, the control unit 86 controls the opening and closing of the valve 93 so as to supply water to the branch flow path 89. By driving the pump 14 in this state, the treated water stored in the batch treatment tank 6 is supplied to the branch flow path 89. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valves 20 and 95 so as to stop the flow to the fine bubble generator 82 and the branch flow path 91.

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

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

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

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

[0169] First, the control unit 86 controls the opening and closing of the valve 95 so as to supply water to the branch flow path 91. By driving the pump 14 in this state, the treated water stored in the batch treatment tank 6 is supplied to the branch flow path 91. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the opening and closing of the valves 20 and 93 so as to stop the flow to the fine bubble generator 82 and the branch flow path 89.

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

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

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

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

[0174] As a mode different from the above-described modes, the control unit 86 can execute a first cleaning mode, a second cleaning mode, and an abnormal occurrence mode, which will be described below.

[0175] (First cleaning mode) FIG. 17A shows the first cleaning mode. The first cleaning mode shown in FIG. 17A causes the same flow as the second crystallization treatment mode shown in FIG. 15B. The difference from the second crystallization treatment mode shown in FIG. 15B is that the electrolysis device 8 is controlled such that, among the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8, the alkaline water is passed through the first flow path 88 and the acidic water is passed through the second flow path 90.

[0176] The acidic water passed through the second flow path 90 is passed from the fourth flow path 98 to the second return flow path 100 via the separation device 84B, and further passed to the fourth return flow path 104. By passing the acidic water through the second return flow path 100 and the fourth return flow path 104 where the acidic water did not flow in the above-described first crystallization treatment mode and second crystallization treatment mode, these flow paths can be cleaned.

[0177] (Second cleaning mode) FIG. 17B shows the second cleaning mode. The second cleaning mode shown in FIG. 17B causes the same flow as the first crystallization treatment mode shown in FIG. 15A. The difference from the first crystallization treatment mode shown in FIG. 15A is that the electrolysis device 8 is controlled so that among the alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8, the acidic water is passed through the first flow path 88 and the alkaline water is passed through the second flow path 90.

[0178] The acidic water passed through the first flow path 88 is passed from the third flow path 92 to the first return flow path 94 via the separation device 84A, and further passed to the third return flow path 102. By passing the acidic water through the first return flow path 94 and the third return flow path 102 where the acidic water did not flow in the above-described first crystallization treatment mode and second crystallization treatment mode, these flow paths can be cleaned.

[0179] The above-described first cleaning mode and second cleaning mode may be executed at a predetermined timing or an arbitrary timing.

[0180] (Mode when an abnormality occurs) In the treated water supply mode shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, there may be a case where the measured values of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are detected as abnormal values for the treated water passed through the third flow path 92. In such a case, in order to stop the flow of the treated water to the water storage tank 48, the mode when an abnormality occurs described below is executed.

[0181] Figure 18 shows the abnormal occurrence mode. The control unit 86 changes the opening / closing control of the valve 47 from the process water supply mode shown in Figure 16A. Specifically, the control unit 86 controls the opening and closing of the valve 47 so as to block the flow path from the third flow path 92 to the water storage tank 48 and allow water to flow from the third flow path 92 to the fifth return flow path 111. As a result, the flow indicated by the arrow as shown in Figure 18 occurs.

[0182] By blocking the flow from the third flow path 92 to the water storage tank 48, the supply of the treated water in which an abnormal value of the pH value or turbidity is detected can be stopped.

[0183] According to the ion removal system 80 of the above-described Embodiment 2, the same operational effects as those of the ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1 can be achieved.

[0184] (Embodiment 4) The ion removal system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 4, mainly the differences from Embodiment 1 will be described, and the descriptions overlapping with Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0185] In Embodiment 4, mainly the differences from Embodiment 1 are that the hard water flow path 4 is connected to the electrolysis device 8 by one flow path, the valves 204, 206, 208, and 210 are adjustable in flow rate, and the deaeration devices 202A, 202B and the additive injection device 212 are provided.

[0186] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the ion removal system 200 in Embodiment 4.

[0187] The ion removal system 200 of Embodiment 4 shown in Figure 19 is configured differently from the ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1 and includes deaeration devices 202A and 202B.

[0188] The degassing devices 202A and 202B are each devices for discharging the bubbles contained in the water flowing through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24 to the outside. The degassing devices 202A and 202B of Embodiment 4 discharge the bubbles to the outside by performing centrifugal separation on the water flowing through the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, respectively. By discharging the bubbles by the degassing devices 202A and 202B, the amount of bubbles contained in the water sent to the microbubble generators 10A and 10B can be reduced.

[0189] When the electrolysis device 8 is operated, alkaline water and acidic water are generated, and at the same time, bubbles such as H2 and O2 are generated. If water containing a large amount of such bubbles is sent to the microbubble generators 10A and 10B, the effect of bubble contraction by the microbubbles described with reference to FIG. 8 and the like may be hindered, and as a result, the crystallization of metal ions may be inhibited. On the other hand, by providing the degassing devices 202A and 202B and discharging the bubbles in the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24, the crystallization of metal ions by the microbubbles can be promoted.

[0190] The ion removal system 200 of Embodiment 4 further includes valves 204, 206, 208, and 210. Each of the valves 204, 206, 208, and 210 is an electric valve corresponding to the valves 18, 30, 34, and 47 of Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 1 and the like). Each of the valves 204, 206, 208, and 210 has a function of adjusting the opening degree for opening the other flow path and making the flow rate variable in addition to the function of closing one flow path and opening the other flow path.

[0191] According to such a flow rate adjustment function, the valve 204 can make the flow rate of the hard water / treated water supplied from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolysis device 8 variable. Similarly, the flow rate of the treated water supplied from the hard water flow path 4 to the branch flow path 36 can be made variable. The same applies to the valves 206, 208, and 210.

[0192] The ion removal system 200 of Embodiment 4 further includes an additive injection device 212 as a configuration different from that of the ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1. The additive injection device 212 is a device that injects an additive into the third flow path 38 through which the treated water flows. The additive injection device 212 of Embodiment 4 injects carbon dioxide as the additive. By injecting carbon dioxide, the pH of the treated water flowing through the third flow path 38 can be reduced and the turbidity can be reduced. This will be specifically described later.

[0193] The control unit 214 operates the ion removal system 200 having the above-described configuration in a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, similar to the ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1, it executes a raw water injection mode, a first crystallization treatment mode, a second crystallization treatment mode, a treated water supply mode, a first cleaning mode, and a second cleaning mode. In Embodiment 4, different from the ion removal system 2 of Embodiment 1, two types of abnormal occurrence modes are executed. The water flow in these modes is shown in FIGS. 20A to 24B.

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

[0195] The water flow in FIGS. 20A to 24A is the same as that in FIGS. 2A to 6 of Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0196] The description of the control content common to Embodiments 1 to 3 is omitted, and the control of the control unit 214 in Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0197] In the modes shown in FIGS. 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 23A, and 23B, when the control unit 214 supplies hard water / treated water from the batch treatment tank 6 to the electrolysis device 8, it adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 204. Similarly, in the modes shown in FIGS. 22 and 24A, when the control unit 214 supplies treated water from the batch treatment tank 6 to the branch flow path 36, it adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 204.

[0198] In the modes shown in FIGS. 21A and 23A, when the control unit 214 allows alkaline water to flow from the first flow path 22 to the first return flow path 26, it adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 206. Similarly, when the control unit 214 allows acidic water to flow from the second flow path 24 to the second drainage flow path 32, it adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 208. By such control, the flow rates of the alkaline water and the acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8 can be adjusted.

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

[0200] Here, when the control unit 214 of Embodiment 4 operates the electrolysis device 8 to generate alkaline water and acidic water, it adjusts the opening degrees of valves 206 and 208 so that the flow rate of the acidic water decreases. Specifically, when valve 206 allows the acidic water to flow as shown in FIGS. 21B and 23B, the opening degree of valve 206 is set smaller than when the alkaline water flows as shown in FIGS. 21A and 23A, thereby reducing the flow rate of the acidic water. Similarly, when valve 208 allows the acidic water to pass as shown in FIGS. 21A and 23A, the opening degree of valve 208 is set smaller than when the alkaline water flows as shown in FIGS. 21B and 23B, thereby reducing the flow rate of the acidic water. In this way, by setting the opening degrees of valves 206 and 208 to be smaller when the acidic water flows in the first and second crystallization processing modes and the first and second cleaning processing modes respectively, and reducing the flow rate of the acidic water, the acidity of the acidic water in each flow path can be increased. Thereby, the cleaning effect of the flow path by the acidic water can be enhanced.

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

[0202] (First abnormal occurrence mode) The first abnormal occurrence mode is the same as the abnormal occurrence mode of Embodiment 1, and the water flow shown in FIG. 24A is the same as the water flow shown in FIG. 6.

[0203] In the treated water supply mode shown in FIG. 22, regarding the treated water supplied from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48, the measured values of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 may be detected as abnormal values. For example, the control unit 214 stores in advance the normal numerical ranges for the measured values of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 respectively, and detects them as abnormal values when it detects measured values outside the numerical ranges.

[0204] When the control unit 214 detects an abnormal value in at least one of the measured values of the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44, it controls the opening and closing of the valve 210 to switch. Specifically, when water was flowing from the third flow path 38 to the water storage tank 48 and the third return flow path 46 was blocked, the control unit 214 controls the opening and closing of the valve 210 so that water flows from the third flow path 38 to the third return flow path 46 and the water storage tank 48 is blocked. As a result, the flow of the arrow shown in FIG. 22 is switched to the flow of the arrow shown in FIG. 24A.

[0205] In the first abnormal occurrence mode shown in FIG. 24A, a circulation flow path is configured as a series of flow paths including the third return flow path 46. Specifically, a circulation flow path is configured in which the treated water flows in the order of the third return flow path 46, the batch treatment tank 6, the hard water flow path 4, the branch flow path 36, the separation device 12, and the third flow path 38.

[0206] In the circulation flow path, carbon dioxide is introduced by the additive introduction device 212. By introducing carbon dioxide into the treated water, carbon dioxide dissolves in the treated water, increasing the acidity of the treated water. As a result, the pH of the treated water in the circulation flow path can be lowered. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 12, carbon dioxide acts to react with the insoluble CaCO3 precipitated as crystals to produce soluble Ca(HCO3)2. As a result, the turbidity of the treated water in the circulation flow path can be lowered. Thus, carbon dioxide has a function of lowering both the pH and the turbidity of the treated water.

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

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

[0209] According to the above-described control, when an abnormal value is detected regarding the pH and turbidity of the treated water, while not supplying the treated water to the water storage tank 48, carbon dioxide is introduced into the circulation flow path to lower the pH and turbidity of the treated water, and the characteristics of the treated water can be changed. Thereby, it is possible to control so as to supply the treated water having desired characteristics to the water storage tank 48.

[0210] The positions where the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 are provided are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 24A and the like. For example, a pH sensor and a turbidity sensor may be provided in the water storage tank 48. In this case, the third return flow path 46 and the valve 210 are omitted, and a valve and a drainage flow path connected to the valve may be provided between the pump 50 and the faucet 52. In such a configuration, based on the measurement values of the pH sensor or the turbidity sensor provided in the water storage tank 48, the control unit 214 may control the opening and closing of the valve provided between the pump 50 and the faucet 52. Specifically, when the measurement value of the pH sensor or the turbidity sensor is detected as an abnormal value, the control unit 214 controls the opening and closing of the valve so as to allow water to flow through the drainage flow path without allowing water to flow to the faucet 52. According to such control, similar to the mode at the time of the first abnormality occurrence in Embodiment 4, the supply of the treated water to the faucet 52, which is the treated water supply point, is controlled based on the measurement value regarding the characteristics of the treated water. Thereby, it is possible to supply the treated water having desired characteristics to the user, and the reliability of the ion removal system 200 can be improved.

[0211] In the configuration as shown in FIG. 24A, since crystals are separated by the separation device 12, the turbidity of the treated water changes in the branch flow path 36 and the third flow path 38, and the turbidity is smaller in the third flow path 38. By providing the turbidity sensor 44 in the third flow path 38, the turbidity of the treated water supplied to the water storage tank 48 can be accurately observed. Further, since carbon dioxide is introduced by the additive injection device 212, the turbidity and pH of the treated water change between the upstream side and the downstream side of the additive injection device 212. By providing the pH sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 44 on the downstream side of the additive injection device 212, the turbidity and pH of the treated water supplied to the water storage tank 48 can be accurately observed.

[0212] The additive added by the additive input device 212 may be other than carbon dioxide as long as it can reduce the pH or turbidity of the treated water. Also, it may be the case of inputting a plurality of types of additives.

[0213] Alternatively, it may be the case where the additive input device 212 is not provided. When there is no means to lower the pH and turbidity of the treated water without providing the additive input device 212, instead of controlling the circulation of the treated water in the circulation flow path including the third flow path 46, simply, control to stop the operation of the ion removal system 200 may be executed. Even with such control, by stopping the supply of the treated water to the water storage tank 48 based on the measured values of the pH sensor 42 or the turbidity sensor 44, the supply of the treated water to the faucet 52, which is the treated water supply point, can be controlled, and the treated water having desired characteristics can be supplied to the faucet 52.

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

[0215] According to the ion removal system 200 that executes the first abnormal occurrence mode of the above-described embodiment 4, similar to the ion removal systems 2 and 80 that execute the abnormal occurrence modes of embodiments 1 to 3, an ion removal system according to the following first aspect to tenth aspect can be provided.

[0216] A first aspect of the present invention is an electrolysis apparatus 8 that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, a hard water flow path 4 connected to the electrolysis apparatus 8 and supplying hard water to the electrolysis apparatus 8, microbubble generators 10A and 10B that generate microbubbles in a flow path on the upstream side or downstream side of the electrolysis apparatus 8, a first treated water flow path (branch flow path 36) through which the treated water after supplying the microbubbles containing the alkaline water generated by the electrolysis apparatus 8 passes, a tank that stores the treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path, and is a water storage tank 48 capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point (water tap 52) for the user, a sensor (pH sensor 42, turbidity sensor 44) that acquires a measured value regarding the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, and a control unit 214. The control unit 214 controls the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measured value of the sensor, and is an ion removal system 200.

[0217] According to such a configuration, by controlling the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measured value regarding the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, the desired treated water can be supplied to the user. Thereby, the reliability of the ion removal system 200 can be improved.

[0218] A second aspect of the present invention further includes a valve 210 that switches the flow and stop of the treated water to the water storage tank 48. The control unit 214 controls the opening and closing of the valve 210 based on the measured value of the sensor (pH sensor 42, turbidity sensor 44) to control the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point, and is the ion removal system 200 according to the first aspect.

[0219] According to such a configuration, by switching the flow and stop of the treated water to the water storage tank 48 or the treated water supply point based on the measured value of the sensor, when the measured value is an abnormal value, it is possible to control so that the treated water is not sent to the treated water supply point.

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

[0221] According to such a configuration, when the measured value of the sensor is an abnormal value, by passing water through the bypass flow path, the treated water can be circulated in the circulation flow path including the bypass flow path. Thereby, a means for changing the characteristics of the treated water in the circulation flow path can be taken.

[0222] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system 200 described in the third aspect, further comprising an additive injection device 212 for injecting an additive for changing the characteristics of the treated water into the circulation flow path including the bypass flow path (branch flow path 36).

[0223] According to such a configuration, the characteristics of the treated water can be adjusted in the circulation flow path including the bypass flow path.

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

[0225] According to such a configuration, by injecting carbon dioxide into the treated water, the pH and turbidity of the treated water can be reduced.

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

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

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

[0229] According to such a configuration, by providing the sensors upstream of the valve 210 in the second treated water flow path, the opening and closing of the valve 210 can be switched while monitoring the characteristics of the treated water at a position close to the water storage tank 48. Thereby, the desired treated water can be supplied to the water storage tank 48.

[0230] An eighth aspect of the present invention further includes return flow paths 26 and 31 that return the alkaline water or acidic water generated by the electrolysis device 8 to the hard water flow path 4. The first treated water flow path (branch flow path 36) is a flow path that branches from the hard water flow path 4 between the connection point (batch treatment tank 6) where the return flow paths 26 and 31 are connected to the hard water flow path 4 and the electrolysis device 8. The fine bubble generators 10A and 10B are the ion removal system 200 according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, which generate fine bubbles in a circulation flow path including the hard water flow path 4, the electrolysis device 8, and the return flow paths 26 and 31.

[0231] According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to operate the circulation channel including the return channels 26 and 31 to circulate the alkaline water, and while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation channel, it is possible to remove metal ions by fine bubbles. As a result, crystallization of metal ions removed by fine bubbles can be promoted, and the removal effect of metal ions can be enhanced.

[0232] The ninth aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system 200 according to the eighth aspect, which is provided in the middle of the hard water channel 4, further includes a batch treatment tank 6 for storing hard water, and the return channels 26 and 31 are connected to the batch treatment tank 6.

[0233] According to such a configuration, batch treatment becomes possible.

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

[0235] According to such a configuration, the pH and turbidity of the treated water can be monitored. Note that instead of the pH sensor 42, an ion sensor (ISFET: ion-sensitive field-effect transistor) for measuring the ion amount may be used. Further, instead of the turbidity sensor 44, an infrared sensor for detecting the light transmittance or an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the velocity of underwater particles may be used.

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

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

[0238] In any of the modes shown in FIGS. 20A to 23B, with respect to the treated water flowing from the batch treatment tank 6, the measured value of the flow rate sensor 16 may be detected as an abnormal value. For example, the control unit 214 stores in advance a normal numerical range for the measured value of the flow rate sensor 16, and detects a measured value outside the numerical range as an abnormal value.

[0239] When the control unit 214 detects the measured value of the flow rate sensor 16 as an abnormal value, it stops the operation of the ion removal system 200, particularly the operation of the electrolysis device 8. Thereby, electrolysis treatment is not performed by the electrolysis device 8, and control is performed so that alkaline water and acidic water are not generated, and water does not flow through any of the flow paths as shown in FIG. 24B. In this way, control is performed to stop the supply of the treated water to the faucet 52, which is the treated water supply point.

[0240] When the measured value of the flow rate sensor 16 is higher than the normal range, there may be a blockage or the like in any of the flow paths of the ion removal system 200. By stopping the operation of the ion removal system 200 in such a case, restoration work such as eliminating the blockage of the flow path can be performed while stopping the supply of the treated water to the faucet 52. Thereby, it is possible to control the supply of the treated water having the desired characteristics to the faucet 52, and the reliability of the ion removal system 200 can be improved.

[0241] Note that a pressure sensor may be used instead of the flow rate sensor 16. Even when control is performed based on the pressure sensor, abnormalities such as blockages in the flow path can be detected.

[0242] The positions where the fine bubble generators 10A and 10B and the flow rate sensor 16 are provided are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 24B. The fine bubble generators 10A and 10B are not limited to the downstream side of the electrolysis device 8, and may be provided on the upstream side of the electrolysis device 8. Further, as long as it is a circulation flow path including the batch treatment tank 6, the electrolysis device 8, the first flow path 22, the second flow path 24, the first return flow path 26, and the second return flow path 31, the fine bubble generators 10A and 10B and the flow rate sensor 16 may be provided at arbitrary positions.

[0243] The ion removal system 200 that executes the above-described mode at the time of the second abnormality provides the ion removal system according to the first aspect of the present invention, similar to the ion removal system 200 that executes the mode at the time of the first abnormality. Specifically, an electrolysis device 8 that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, a hard water flow path 4 that is connected to the electrolysis device 8 and supplies hard water to the electrolysis device 8, and microbubble generators 10A and 10B that generate microbubbles in a flow path upstream or downstream of the electrolysis device 8, a first treatment water flow path (branch flow path 36) through which the treated water after supplying the microbubbles containing the alkaline water generated by the electrolysis device 8 passes, a storage tank that stores the treated water supplied from the first treatment water flow path, and is a water storage tank 48 capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point (faucet 52) for the user, a sensor (flow rate sensor 16) that acquires a measurement value regarding the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, and a control unit 214. The control unit 214 is an ion removal system 200 that controls the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurement value of the sensor.

[0244] According to such a configuration, by controlling the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point based on the measurement value regarding the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, the desired treated water can be supplied to the user. Thereby, the reliability of the ion removal system 200 can be improved.

[0245] Further, according to the ion removal system 200 that executes the above-described mode at the time of the second abnormality, the ion removal system according to the 11th aspect to the 17th aspect as described below can be provided.

[0246] In the 11th aspect of the present invention, the control unit 214 is the ion removal system according to the first aspect, which controls the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point (faucet 52) by controlling the ON / OFF of the electrolysis device 8 based on the measurement value of the sensor (flow rate sensor 16).

[0247] According to such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs, the operation of the electrolysis device 8 can be automatically stopped, and the treated water can be prevented from being supplied to the water storage tank 48 and the treated water supply point.

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

[0249] According to such a configuration, by providing a circulation flow path, an operation of circulating alkaline water in the circulation flow path becomes possible, and while increasing the pH value of the water flowing through the circulation flow path, metal ions can be removed by fine bubbles. Thereby, crystallization of metal ions removed by the fine bubbles can be promoted, and the metal ion removal effect can be enhanced.

[0250] The thirteenth aspect of the present invention further includes a batch treatment tank 6 provided in the middle of the hard water flow path 4 for storing hard water, and the return flow paths 26 and 31 are connected to the batch treatment tank 6, and it is the ion removal system according to the twelfth aspect.

[0251] According to such a configuration, batch treatment becomes possible.

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

[0253] According to such a configuration, measurement values can be acquired at a position close to the electrolysis device 8, and the ON / OFF control of the electrolysis device 8 can be executed with higher accuracy.

[0254] The 15th aspect of the present invention further includes a pump 14 provided between the batch processing tank 6 and the valve 204 in the hard water flow path 4, and the sensor (flow rate sensor 16) is provided between the pump 14 and the valve 204, which is the ion removal system according to the 14th aspect.

[0255] According to such a configuration, measurement values can be acquired at a position close to the electrolysis device 8, and the ON / OFF control of the electrolysis device 8 can be executed with higher accuracy.

[0256] The 16th aspect of the present invention is the ion removal system according to any one of the 11th to 15th aspects, wherein the sensor is a flow rate sensor 16 or a pressure sensor.

[0257] According to such a configuration, abnormalities such as blockages in the flow path can be detected.

[0258] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various other aspects. For example, in Embodiment 1, the microbubble generators 10A and 10B were described for automatically generating microbubbles in the water passing through the microbubble generators 10A and 10B, but it is not limited to such a case. The microbubble generators 10A and 10B may be electric type, and the control unit 13 may supply microbubbles only when driving the microbubble generators 10A and 10B.

[0259] In addition, by appropriately combining the above various forms, the respective effects can be achieved.

[0260] The present invention is fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are to be understood as being included therein as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Also, changes in the combination and order of elements in the embodiments can be realized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0261] The present invention is useful for both household and industrial ion removal systems.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0262] 2 Ion removal system 4 Hard water flow path 6 Batch treatment tank 8 Electrolysis device 10A, 10B Fine bubble generator 11 Valve 12 Separation device 13 Control unit 14 Pump 16 Flow rate sensor 18 Valve (third valve) 20 Valve 22 First flow path 24 Second flow path 26 First return flow path 28 First drainage flow path 30 Valve (first valve) 31 Second return flow path 32 Second drainage flow path 34 Valve (second valve) 36 Branch flow path (first treated water flow path) 38 Third flow path (second treated water flow path) 40 Third drainage flow path 42 pH sensor 44 Turbidity sensor 46 Third return flow path 47 Valve 48 Water storage tank 50 Pump 52 Tap (treated water supply point) 60 Ion removal system 62 Carbon dioxide injection device 64, 66, 68 Supply channels 70, 72 Valves 74 Microbubble generator 80 Ion removal system 82 Microbubble generator 84A, 84B Separation devices 86 Control unit 88 First flow path 89 Branch flow path 90 Second flow path 91 Branch flow path 92 Third flow path 93 Valve 94 First return flow path 95 Valve 96 Valve 98 Fourth flow path 100 Second return flow path 101 Valve 102 Third return flow path 104 Fourth return flow path 106 First drainage flow path 108 Second drainage flow path 110 Valve 111 Fifth return flow path 112 Valve 200 Ion removal system 202A, 202B Defoaming devices 204, 206, 208, 210 Valves 212 Additive injection device 214 Control unit

Claims

1. An electrolysis device that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, A hard water flow path connected to the electrolysis device and supplying hard water to the electrolysis device, A fine bubble generator that generates fine bubbles in a flow path on the upstream side or downstream side of the electrolysis device, A first treated water flow path through which the treated water after supplying the fine bubbles containing the alkaline water generated by the electrolysis device flows, A tank that stores the treated water supplied from the first treated water flow path, and is a water storage tank capable of supplying the treated water to a treated water supply point for the user, A sensor that acquires a measurement value related to the characteristics of the treated water or hard water, A control unit, and is provided with, Based on the measurement value of the sensor, the control unit controls the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point. An ion removal system.

2. Further comprising a valve that switches the flow and stop of the treated water to the water storage tank or the treated water supply point, Based on the measurement value of the sensor, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the valve to control the supply of the treated water to the treated water supply point. The ion removal system according to claim 1.

3. The valve is provided on the upstream side of the water storage tank, Further comprising a bypass flow path connected to the middle of the hard water flow path from the valve, Based on the measurement value of the sensor, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the valve to switch between a first mode in which water flows to the water storage tank without flowing through the bypass flow path and a second mode in which water flows to the bypass flow path without flowing through the water storage tank. The ion removal system according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising an additive injection device that injects an additive that changes the characteristics of the treated water into a circulation flow path including the bypass flow path. The ion removal system according to claim 3.

5. The additive is carbon dioxide. The ion removal system according to claim 4.

6. A separation device that separates crystals of metal components contained in the treated water flowing through the first treated water flow path, Further comprising a second treated water flow path connected between the separation device and the water storage tank and through which the treated water from which the crystals of the metal component have been removed by the separation device flows. The valve is provided in the second treated water flow path. The ion removal system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The sensor is provided on the upstream side of the valve in the second treated water flow path. The ion removal system according to claim 6.

8. The ion removal system further comprises a return flow path for returning the alkaline water or acidic water generated by the electrolysis device to the hard water flow path, wherein the first treated water flow path is a flow path branched from the hard water flow path between a connection point where the return flow path is connected to the hard water flow path and the electrolysis device, and the microbubble generator generates microbubbles in a circulation flow path including the hard water flow path, the electrolysis device, and the return flow path. The ion removal system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The ion removal system further comprises a batch treatment tank provided in the middle of the hard water flow path for storing hard water, wherein the return flow path is connected to the batch treatment tank. The ion removal system according to claim 8.

10. The sensor is at least one of a pH sensor and a turbidity sensor. The ion removal system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The control unit controls the supply of treated water to the treated water supply point by controlling the ON / OFF of the electrolysis device based on the measured value of the sensor. The ion removal system according to claim 1.

12. The ion removal system further comprises a return flow path connected to the hard water flow path so as to return the alkaline water or acidic water generated by the electrolysis device to the hard water flow path, wherein the first treated water flow path is a flow path branched from the hard water flow path downstream of a connection point where the return flow path is connected to the hard water flow path, and the flow of water from the hard water flow path to the first treated water flow path and the stoppage of water flow are configured to be switched by a valve provided at the branch point, and the microbubble generator and the sensor are provided in a circulation flow path including the hard water flow path, the electrolysis device, and the return flow path. The ion removal system according to claim 11.

13. The ion removal system further comprises a batch treatment tank provided in the middle of the hard water flow path for storing hard water, wherein the return flow path is connected to the batch treatment tank. The ion removal system according to claim 12.

14. The sensor is provided between the batch treatment tank and the valve in the hard water flow path. The ion removal system according to claim 13.

15. The ion removal system further comprises a pump provided between the batch treatment tank and the valve in the hard water flow path, and the sensor is provided between the pump and the valve. The ion removal system according to claim 14.

16. The ion removal system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor.

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