FI measurement unit for raw water for dialysis and FI information system for raw water for dialysis

Abstract

To provide an FI measurement unit, an FI information system, an FI measurement program, etc. to reduce the work load when measuring an FI value, to reduce the size and weight of a measurement device, and to make more efficient use of the FI value for water quality control.SOLUTION: An FI measurement unit 1 includes: a water sampling passage R2 connected so as to branch to a flow passage R1 of a water treatment device 100 equipped with the flow passage R1 through which pressurized water flows; a filter 2 placed in the middle of the water sampling passage so as to be replaced by a measurer; a timer part for measuring a filtration time required for the filter to filter a target volume of water; an FI calculation part for calculating an FI value based on an equation 1 and an equation 2, when T1 denotes the filtration time measured by the timer part and T2 denotes a filtration time measured by the timer part after elapse of a certain time T after the measurement of T1; and an FI output part for outputting calculation results. [Equation 1] FI=PF / T [Formula 2] PF=100×(1-T1 / T2) However, PF denotes a clogging coefficient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an FI measurement method, which is one of the techniques for water quality management. [Background technology]

[0002] The FI (Fouling Index) measurement method is known as a method for managing water quality. FI is an index that indirectly represents the amount of suspended solids in water and is defined, for example, in JIS K3802:2015. The FI measurement method corresponds to the SDI (Silt Density Index) measurement method disclosed in Patent Document 1. FI makes it possible to examine, for example, the degree of fouling that water to be filtered through a reverse osmosis membrane causes on the reverse osmosis membrane, and the tendency of fouling of the reverse osmosis membrane caused by the water. FI is useful for managing the quality of raw water used to produce dialysis water for artificial dialysis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-108864 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When measuring the FI value, a dedicated measuring device is used, and pressurized water to be measured is filtered multiple times at predetermined intervals, with each filtration time measured. Therefore, measuring the FI value requires considerable effort and time. Furthermore, the water to be measured must be pressurized and filtered. The addition of pumps and compressors for this pressurization increases the size and complexity of the measuring device. Furthermore, although FI is highly useful for water quality management, it is difficult to say that it is being actively used at present.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to reduce the workload when measuring FI values, to make the measuring device for measuring FI values smaller and lighter, and to make it possible to more effectively use FI values in water quality management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an FI measurement unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a water sampling channel connected to a water treatment device having a flow channel through which pressurized water flows so as to branch off from the flow channel; a filter that is replaceable by the operator and is positioned midway along the water sampling channel to filter the water flowing through the water sampling channel; a timing unit that measures the filtration time required for the filter to filter a target volume of water at different times; an FI calculation unit that calculates an FI value based on Equations 1 and 2, where T1 is the filtration time measured by the timing unit and T2 is the filtration time measured by the timing unit after a certain time T has elapsed after measuring T1; and an FI output unit that outputs the FI value calculated by the FI calculation unit. [Formula 1] FI=PF / T [Formula 2] PF = 100 × (1 - T1 / T2) However, PF is the clogging coefficient.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the timing unit measures the filtration time required for the filter to filter the target volume of water, and the FI calculation unit calculates the FI value based on Equations 1 and 2. The FI output unit outputs the FI value. The filter is placed midway along the water sampling channel so that it can be replaced by the person taking the measure. This allows the person taking the measure to obtain the FI value with only the workload of placing the filter. This reduces the workload of the person taking the FI measurement.

[0008] Furthermore, with this FI measurement unit, a water sampling channel is connected to a water treatment device having a flow channel through which pressurized water flows, so that the water sampling channel branches off from the flow channel. Therefore, devices such as pumps and compressors for pressurizing water and circulating it through the water sampling channel are not required. This allows the FI measurement unit to be made smaller and lighter. Furthermore, the FI measurement unit can be realized at low cost.

[0009] The water treatment device may include a filtration unit having a reverse osmosis membrane. By using the FI measurement unit 1, water quality can be controlled with less work load so as to maintain good filtration performance of the reverse osmosis membrane.

[0010] The water flowing through the flow path may be raw water for dialysis water. This allows the existing equipment of a water treatment device that uses dialysis water to be utilized, thereby making the FI measurement unit smaller and lighter. Furthermore, the quality of the raw water for dialysis water can be controlled. This allows for appropriate dialysis treatment.

[0011] The FI measurement unit may further include a measuring container for storing filtered water from the filter, and a water volume detection sensor connected to the timer for detecting when the water volume in the measuring container has reached the target water volume. By providing the FI measurement unit with the measuring container and the water volume detection sensor in this way, the workload associated with measuring the FI value can be reduced, and a more accurate FI value can be obtained than when measuring the FI value by manually adjusting the water volume.

[0012] The water sampling system may further include a supply valve disposed in the water sampling channel for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the filter, a discharge valve for adjusting the amount of water discharged from the measuring container, and a valve control unit for individually controlling the supply valve and the discharge valve. This allows the supply valve and the discharge valve to be automatically controlled by the valve control unit. This further reduces the workload associated with measuring the FI value.

[0013] The FI output unit may also function as an information output unit that outputs predetermined information related to the water treatment device. This allows the FI output unit to be configured using, for example, an existing information output unit provided in the water treatment device. This further simplifies the configuration of the FI measurement unit.

[0014] The device may further include a communication unit that communicates with at least one information terminal, and the communication unit may transmit at least one of the measurement result of the timing unit and the calculation result of the FI calculation unit to the information terminal. This reduces the workload of the person performing the FI measurement, and allows the user of the information terminal to know at least one of the measurement result of the timing unit and the calculation result of the FI calculation unit even if they are not at the site where the FI value is measured.

[0015] The device may further include a communication unit that communicates with at least one information terminal, and the communication unit may receive an execution command from the information terminal to cause the timing unit to perform measurement and / or calculation by the FI calculation unit. This allows the user to remotely instruct the FI measurement unit to perform FI measurement even if the user is not at the site where the FI value is being measured. This further reduces the workload associated with measuring the FI value.

[0016] The communication unit may transmit FI-related information including the FI value output by the FI output unit and information related to measurement by the timing unit to the information terminal. This allows a user of the information terminal to refer to the FI-related information obtained by an FI measurement unit that is smaller and lighter, thereby reducing the workload associated with FI measurement, and to consider the FI value from a wide range of perspectives, including the measurement conditions of the FI value.

[0017] An FI information system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an FI-related information receiving unit that receives the FI-related information transmitted by the communication unit described above, an FI-related information storage unit that accumulates and records the plurality of pieces of FI-related information received by the FI-related information receiving unit, and an FI information output unit that selects and outputs, at the request of a user, a plurality of pieces of information contained in each of the plurality of pieces of FI-related information recorded in the FI-related information storage unit.

[0018] This allows the user to easily compare and examine the selected information by selecting desired information from the abundant FI-related information transmitted from the communication unit of the FI measurement unit and accumulated and recorded in the FI-related information storage unit and outputting it to the FI information output unit. This makes it easier for the user to understand, for example, differences in water quality and trends in changes in water quality between each piece of FI-related information.

[0019] An FI measurement program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an FI measurement program that updates a control program for controlling a water treatment device having a flow passage through which pressurized water flows, and adds an FI measurement function to the control program. The FI measurement program is loaded into a water treatment controller that is provided in the water treatment device and controls at least some of the functions of the water treatment device, and causes the water treatment controller to execute the following steps: a measurement step in which a water sampling passage is connected to branch off from the flow passage, and a filter is placed midway along the water sampling passage so that it can be replaced by the measurer to filter the water flowing through the water sampling passage, and the FI measurement program executes the following steps: a calculation step in which, when the measured filtration time in the measurement step is T1 and the filtration time measured after a certain time T has elapsed after measuring T1 is T2, calculates an FI value based on Equations 1 and 2; and an output step in which the FI value calculated as the result of the calculation step is output. [Formula 1] FI=PF / T [Formula 2] PF = 100 × (1 - T1 / T2) However, PF is the clogging coefficient.

[0020] Furthermore, a recording medium according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-described FI measurement program is recorded.

[0021] Furthermore, a method for constructing (manufacturing) an FI database according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a water sampling channel connected to branch off into a flow channel through which pressurized water flows; a filter positioned midway along the water sampling channel so as to be replaceable by the measurer and to filter the water flowing through the water sampling channel; a measurement process for measuring the filtration time required for the filter to filter a target volume of water at different times; and a calculation process for calculating an FI value based on Equations 1 and 2, where the measured filtration time is T1 and the filtration time measured a certain time T after measuring T1 is T2; and the method accumulates and records a plurality of FI values obtained by performing these processes on water flowing through the same or different flow channels, as well as a plurality of FI-related information including information related to the measurements.

[0022] According to the above method, by building a database that stores and records FI-related information for the same or different distribution channels, it becomes easier to compare and examine trends in water quality changes in the same or different distribution channels, and differences in the water quality of water flowing through different distribution channels. This makes it possible to examine and manage the water quality of water flowing through the same or different distribution channels from a wide range of perspectives, including the FI value. Therefore, the FI value can be used more effectively.

[0023] The different flow paths may include at least one of flow paths through which water from different water sources flows and flow paths provided in different water treatment devices, which makes it easier to compare and examine, for example, trends in water quality changes and differences in water quality between water from different water sources or water used in different water treatment devices using the FI database. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the workload when performing FI measurement, and to reduce the size and weight of the device required for FI measurement. Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the FI value can be more effectively used in water quality management. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a water treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the FI measurement unit of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the change before and after the installation of the FI measurement program in the operational flowchart of the water treatment device in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a menu screen displayed when the water treatment device of FIG. 1 is driven. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation screen that is displayed by operating the menu screen of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an FI measurement screen that is displayed by operating the operation screen of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an FI information system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data structure of the FI-related information stored in the FI-related information storage unit of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating an FI database configured from a plurality of pieces of FI-related information according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The FI measurement method referred to in this specification complies with the method described in JIS K 3802:2015 No. 1006 and ASTM D4189-95. (First embodiment) [Water treatment equipment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a water treatment device 100 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the FI measurement unit 1 of FIG. 1. The water treatment device 100 is provided in a multi-person dialysis system that uses dialysis fluid to hemodialyze multiple patients at the same time. The water treatment device 100 is provided with an FI measurement unit 1, as described below, and manages the quality of the water to be treated by the water treatment device 100. As an example, the configuration of the water treatment device 100 excluding the FI measurement unit 1 can be, but is not limited to, the dialysis water preparation device (RO device) "RC-RE System" manufactured by Daisen Membrane Systems Co., Ltd.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, water treatment device 100 includes a flow path R1 through which pressurized water flows. Water treatment device 100 also includes a filtration unit 101 having a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) 114. Filtration unit 101 produces dialysis water by ultrafiltration of raw water, such as tap water, well water, groundwater, or reprocessed dialysis wastewater. In other words, the water flowing through flow path R1 is raw water for dialysis water to be supplied to at least one patient. This dialysis water is regulated dialysate water and purified water. As an example, filtration unit 101 produces hemodialysis water.

[0028] Dialysis water must meet the 10 standards specified in the JSDT Dialysis Fluid Water Quality Standards 2008. -6 The water meets the water quality standards for microbiological contaminant concentrations of less than CFU / mL and less than 0.001 EU / mL, and is also sterile and pyrogen-free as specified in ISO 23500:2011. Here, "CFU / mL" indicates the viable cell count unit, and "EU / mL" indicates the endotoxin unit. The dialysis water also meets the chemical substance management standards for dialysis water specified in the 2016 edition of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy's Dialysis Fluid Water Quality Standards.

[0029] Water treatment device 100 is provided with a raw water tank 102, a raw water pump P1, multiple prefilters PF1 and PF2, a water softener 103, an activated carbon filter 104, and an RO pump P2 upstream of filtration unit 101. Water treatment device 100 is also provided with an RO water tank (supply tank) 105, a supply pump P3, and second-stage filters UF1 and UF2 downstream of filtration unit 101.

[0030] When the water treatment device 100 is operating, raw water pump P1 drives raw water in raw water tank 102 to flow through flow path R1. The raw water passes through upstream prefilter PF1, water softener 103, activated carbon filtration device 104, and downstream prefilter PF2 in this order, thereby removing substances such as endotoxins from the raw water. The raw water is then introduced into filtration unit 101 by driving RO pump P2 and filtered. Water filtered by filtration unit 101 is supplied to RO water tank 105. Water in RO water tank 105 is filtered by next-stage filter UF1 using the driving force of supply pump P3 and then supplied downstream as dialysis water. A portion of the dialysis water is filtered by next-stage filter UF2 and returned to the RO water tank 105.

[0031] 1 and 2, the water treatment device 100 includes at least one electromagnetic valve V5 arranged at multiple locations along the flow path R1 to adjust the amount of water flowing through the flow path R1, and a PLC device (sequencer) 106 that individually controls the valve V5. The water treatment device 100 also includes an RO control unit 120 that controls the PLC device 106, an RO memory unit 121 that stores predetermined information related to the water treatment device 100, an RO output unit 122 that displays the predetermined information to a user, and an RO input unit 123 to which the predetermined information is input by the user. The RO memory unit 121 stores a control program (hereinafter simply referred to as the control program) for controlling the operation of the water treatment device 100. The information stored in the RO memory unit 121 is read by a water treatment controller (CPU 108) (described later) or the like. The RO output unit 122 is an information output unit that outputs predetermined information related to the water treatment device 100. The water treatment device 100 also includes a communication unit 124 that communicates with at least one information terminal 150. The communication unit 124 is connected to the RO control unit 120 .

[0032] In the water treatment device 100, the RO control unit 120, the RO memory unit 121, the RO output unit 122, the RO input unit 123, and the communication unit 124 are realized by a computer 107 having a CPU 108, a storage 109, a display 110, and a communication antenna 115. The CPU 108 includes one or more processors. The computer 107 in this embodiment is a personal computer (PC), and is, for example, a tablet PC. In this case, the display 110 is a touch panel display capable of input and output. The type of the computer 107 is not limited to this.

[0033] CPU 108 is a water treatment controller provided in water treatment device 100 and controls at least some of the functions of water treatment device 100. RO control unit 120 is realized by CPU 108 that has loaded a control program. RO output unit 122 and RO input unit 123 are realized by display 110. RO memory unit 121 is realized by storage 109. Storage 109 includes one or more storage devices that are at least any of ROM, RAM, and HDD. Communication unit 124 is realized by CPU 108 that has loaded a control program and communication antenna 115. Computer 107 is connected to PLC device 106 by wired or wireless communication.

[0034] The water treatment device 100 also includes an FI measurement unit 1. The FI measurement unit 1 measures the FI value of pressurized water flowing through the flow path R1. This measurement target water is water before it is introduced into the filtration section 101. The FI measurement unit 1 includes a water sampling channel R2, a regulator PI, a filter 2, a holder 3, a measuring container 4, a water volume detection sensor 5, multiple supply valves V1 to V3, a discharge valve V4, and a valve control section 6. The water sampling channel R2 is connected to the flow path R1 so as to branch off from it. The upstream end of the water sampling channel R2 is connected to a portion of the flow path R1 through which water pressurized by the pump P2 flows. The water pressure in this portion is, for example, in the range of 0.4 MPa to 1.0 MPa. Therefore, by connecting the water sampling channel R2 to this portion of the flow path R1, the water pressure (approximately 0.2 MPa) in the water sampling channel R2 required for FI measurement can be obtained.

[0035] The regulator PI reduces the water pressure in the water collection channel R2 within a certain range. The filter 2 filters the water flowing through the water collection channel R2. A known filter can be used as the filter 2. One example of the filter 2 is a cellulose mixed ester type. The filter 2 is a disc-shaped membrane filter with a pore size of 1 μm or less and a diameter of 50 mm or less. Examples of such a filter 2 include, but are not limited to, "A045A047A" manufactured by Advantech Toyo Co., Ltd., "HABG04700" manufactured by Merck Ltd., "047045GWS-MFMCE" manufactured by AS ONE Corporation, and "3037800" manufactured by GVS Japan Co., Ltd.

[0036] The filter 2 is held in a holder 3 that holds the filter 2 in a detachable manner. The holder 3 has a pair of holder members 30, 31 that hold the filter 2 by sandwiching it in the thickness direction. The holder members 30, 31 are assembled by screwing. The measurer performing the FI measurement (hereinafter also simply referred to as the measurer) can remove the filter 2 from the holder members 30, 31 by releasing the screw connection of the holder members 30, 31, and easily replace the filter 2. In this way, the filter 2 is positioned midway along the water sampling channel R2 so that it can be replaced by the measurer.

[0037] The measuring container 4 stores the filtered water from the filter 2. The measuring container 4 extends in the vertical direction. The measuring container 4 has a supply port at the top end and a discharge port at the bottom end. A water volume detection sensor 5 is disposed near the supply port of the measuring container 4. The water volume detection sensor 5 detects when the water volume in the measuring container 4 reaches a target water volume (for example, 500 mL). The water volume detection sensor 5 is connected to the timing unit 130, which will be described later.

[0038] As the water volume detection sensor 5, for example, a known float-type level sensor can be used. As a commercially available product of the water volume detection sensor 5, for example, if the water to be measured has an electrical conductivity equivalent to that of tap water, the "61F-GN" manufactured by Omron Corporation is suitable. Alternatively, for example, if the water to be measured has a low electrical conductivity close to that of pure water, the "61F-HSL" manufactured by Omron Corporation is suitable. If the water to be measured has a certain level of electrical conductivity, an electrode-type level sensor may be used as the water volume detection sensor 5. Furthermore, a discharge path R4 is connected to the discharge port of the measuring container 4.

[0039] Supply valves V1 to V3 are arranged midway along the water sampling passage R2 to adjust the amount of water supplied to the filter 2. Supply valve V1 is arranged between the upstream end of the water sampling passage R2 and the regulator PI. Supply valve V2 is arranged midway along the air vent flow path R3, which is arranged between the regulator PI of the water sampling passage R2 and the filter 2. Supply valve V3 is arranged just before the filter 2 of the water sampling passage R2. Discharge valve V4 adjusts the amount of water discharged from the measuring container 4. Discharge valve V4 is arranged midway along the discharge passage R4.

[0040] As an example, the valves V1 to V4 are electromagnetic. The valve control unit 6 individually controls the supply valves V1 to V3 and the discharge valve V4. The valve control unit 6 in this embodiment is realized by the PLC device 106. That is, the PLC device 106 also functions as the valve control unit 6. In this way, since the FI measurement unit 1 is provided with the valve control unit 6, the opening and closing operations of the valves V1 to V4 are automatically performed by the valve control unit 6.

[0041] The FI measurement unit 1 also includes a timing unit 130, an FI calculation unit 131, an FI output unit 132, an FI storage unit 133, an FI input unit 134, and a communication unit 135. The timing unit 130 measures the filtration time required for the filter 2 to filter a target volume of water at different times. The FI calculation unit 131 calculates the FI value using a known method. That is, when the filtration time measured by the timing unit 130 is T1 and the filtration time measured by the timing unit 130 after a certain time T has elapsed after measuring T1 is T2, the FI calculation unit 131 calculates the FI value based on Equations 1 and 2. [Formula 1] FI=PF / T [Formula 2] PF = 100 × (1 - T1 / T2) However, PF is the clogging coefficient (index).

[0042] The FI output unit 132 outputs an FI value, which is the calculation result of the FI calculation unit 131. The FI storage unit 133 stores predetermined information related to FI measurement. This predetermined information includes various setting conditions for FI measurement and the calculation result of the FI calculation unit 131. The FI input unit 134 receives predetermined information from the person taking the measurement. The communication unit 135 communicates with at least one information terminal 150. The communication unit 135 transmits at least one of the measurement result of the timing unit 130 and the calculation result of the FI calculation unit 131 to the information terminal 150. The communication unit 135 also receives an execution command from the information terminal 150 to execute at least one of the measurement by the timing unit 130 and the calculation by the FI calculation unit 131. That is, the FI measurement unit 1 can be remotely controlled from the outside by the information terminal 150.

[0043] In this embodiment, the clock unit 130, the FI calculation unit 131, the FI output unit 132, the FI storage unit 133, the FI input unit 134, and the communication unit 135 are realized by the computer 107. The clock unit 130 and the FI calculation unit 131 are realized by the CPU 108 that has read a control program updated by an FI control program described below. The FI storage unit 133 is realized by the storage 109. The FI output unit 132 and the FI input unit 134 are realized by the display 110. The communication unit 135 is realized by the CPU 108 that has read the updated control program, and the communication antenna 115. That is, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to separately prepare dedicated computers for realizing the clock unit 130, the FI calculation unit 131, the FI output unit 132, the FI storage unit 133, the FI input unit 134, and the communication unit 135.

[0044] [FI measurement program] When performing FI measurement using the FI measurement unit 1, the control program must be updated in advance with the FI measurement program. The FI measurement program is an update program that updates the control program that controls the water treatment device 100 and adds an FI measurement function to the control program. As an example, the FI measurement program is configured as a differential program of the control program. The FI measurement program is installed in the computer 107 via wired or wireless communication or an existing computer-readable recording medium M (see Figure 1) such as a flash memory, and is read into the CPU 108 at a predetermined timing. This installation needs to be performed once before using the functions of the FI measurement unit 1. The part of the control program that is to be rewritten is rewritten by the CPU 108. As a result, the control program is partially updated with the FI measurement program.

[0045] Figure 3 shows the changes before and after the installation of the FI measurement program in the operational flowchart of the water treatment device 100 in Figure 1. The left side of Figure 3 shows the operational flowchart Q1 before the installation of the FI measurement program. The right side of Figure 3 shows the operational flowchart Q2 after the installation of the FI measurement program.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a menu screen 111 that is first displayed when the water treatment device 100 of Fig. 1 is driven. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an operation screen 112 that is displayed by operating the menu screen 111 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an FI measurement screen 113 that is displayed by operating the operation screen 112 of Fig. 5. The menu screen 111 and the operation screen 112 are displayed on the RO output unit 122. The FI measurement screen 113 is displayed on the FI output unit 132. All of the screens 111 to 113 of this embodiment are displayed on the display 110.

[0047] As shown in operation flowchart Q1, when water treatment device 100 is operating and the control program has not been updated by the FI measurement program, the operator presses operation screen selection button 111a displayed on menu screen 111. In response to this, CPU 108 then displays operation screen 112. CPU 108 also sequentially executes determination steps (S1 to Sn) for individually determining whether or not an input has been made to instruct the execution of one of a plurality of functions (A1 to An) provided in advance in water treatment device 100.

[0048] When any of the selection buttons for the multiple functions (A1 to An) displayed on the operation screen 112 is pressed, the CPU 108 determines that an input has been made to instruct the execution of the function corresponding to the selection button. When the CPU 108 determines that the input has been made (Yes) in any of the determination steps (S1 to Sn), it displays in step (Sn+1) a predetermined sub-screen related to the function of the item for which the input has been made. When the CPU 108 determines that no input has been made (No) in any of the determination steps (S1 to Sn), it repeatedly executes each of the steps (S1 to Sn, Sn+2) until it determines in step (Sn+2) that an instruction to shut off the power has been made (Yes).

[0049] 5, when the control program is updated by the FI measurement program and the FI measurement function is added to the control program, the CPU 108 displays a selection button 112a for the FI value measurement function on the operation screen 112. Also, as shown in the operational flowchart Q2, a determination step (Sn+3) in which the CPU 108 determines whether or not an input has been made to instruct execution of the FI measurement function (An+1) is added to the operational flowchart Q1.

[0050] According to the operational flowchart Q2, if the CPU 108 determines in step (Sn+3) that an input instructing execution of the FI measurement function (An+1) has been made (Yes), the CPU 108 displays the FI measurement screen 113 in step (Sn+1). As an example, the FI measurement screen 113 displays an operation start button 113a for the air purging process, a measurement standby button 113b for starting standby for FI measurement, a measurement stop button 113c for stopping FI measurement, and a back button 113d for returning the screen to the operation screen 112. The FI measurement screen 113 also displays filtration times T1 and T2, and the FI value. The FI measurement screen 113 also displays a reset button 113e for resetting the FI value displayed on the operation screen 112. This allows the user to perform various operations, including FI measurement, by inputting information for each input item according to the information displayed on the FI measurement screen 113.

[0051] [About FI measurement] Next, FI measurement will be described. When the selection button 112a is pressed and the CPU 108 determines in step (Sn+3) that an input instructing execution of the FI measurement function (An+1) has been made (Yes), the CPU 108 subsequently functions as the timer 130 and the FI calculation unit 131, and the display 110 also functions as the FI output unit 132. After manually replacing the filter 2, the subject presses the operation start button 113a at the desired timing. This causes the timer 130 to control the valve control unit 6 to open the supply valves V1 and V2 and the discharge valve V4. By opening the supply valves V1 and V2, air is purged from the water sampling channel R2 and the water is filled with water. Furthermore, by opening the valve V4, unnecessary water in the measuring container 4 is discharged. The subject ends the air purging process after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0052] Next, the measurer presses the measurement standby button 113b. This starts the FI measurement. The timing unit 130 controls the valve control unit 6 to open valves V1 and V3 and close valves V2 and V4. In this state, the timing unit 130 stores the water filtered by the filter 2 in the measuring container 4 and measures the filtration time T1 until it receives a detection signal output from the water volume detection sensor 5. As an example, the timing unit 130 measures the filtration time T1 using a timer provided in the PLC device 106 or the like.

[0053] After measuring filtration time T1, timing unit 130 controls valve control unit 6 to open valves V1, V3, and V4 and close valve V2. This allows unnecessary water to be discharged from measuring container 4. Furthermore, timing unit 130 measures filtration time T2 in the same manner as measuring filtration time T1 when a certain time T (for example, 15 minutes) has elapsed since the start of measuring filtration time T1. After measuring filtration time T2, timing unit 130 controls valve control unit 6 to open valves V2, V3, and V4 and close valve V1.

[0054] Next, the FI calculation unit 131 calculates the FI value based on equations 1 and 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the FI output unit 132 displays times T1 and T2 and the FI value obtained as a result of the calculation. The FI calculation unit 131 also transmits the FI value obtained as a result of the calculation to the communication unit 135. The communication unit 135 transmits information related to the FI value sent from the FI calculation unit 131 to the information terminal 150. This allows the user (measurer) of the information terminal 150 to check the FI value from either the FI output unit 132 or the information terminal 150. Therefore, the measurer can check the FI value even if he or she is away from the location where the FI value is measured.

[0055] When back button 113d is pressed, CPU 108 displays operation screen 112. When back button 112b displayed on operation screen 112 is pressed, CPU 108 displays menu screen 111. This allows the user to easily switch the display content on display 110.

[0056] Thus, the FI measurement program executed by CPU 108 has the following measurement step, calculation step, and output step. The measurement step is a step of measuring, at different timings, the filtration time required for filter 2 to filter a target volume of water in a state in which water sampling channel R2 is connected so as to branch off from flow path R1 and filter 2 is placed midway along water sampling channel R2 so as to be replaceable by the measurer and to filter the water flowing through water sampling channel R2. The calculation step is a step of calculating an FI value based on Equations 1 and 2. The output step is a step of outputting the FI value that is the calculation result of the calculation step.

[0057] Next, in the water treatment device 100 equipped with the FI measurement unit 1, countermeasures taken by the FI calculation unit 131 and the measurer depending on the FI value will be illustrated.

[0058] (i) If the FI value, which is the calculation result, is less than a preset reference value (for example, 3), the FI calculation unit 131 determines that there is no problem with the water quality of the measurement target water. In this case, the FI calculation unit 131 does not take any particular countermeasures.

[0059] (ii) When the FI value that is the calculation result greatly exceeds the judgment reference value (for example, exceeds 5), the FI calculation unit 131 outputs an FI upper limit alarm, which is an alarm that the FI value exceeds the upper limit, to the FI output unit 132 and the communication unit 135. The output of this FI upper limit alarm is realized, for example, by displaying a message saying "FI upper limit alarm" on either the display 110 or the display of the information terminal 150. The method of outputting the FI upper limit alarm is not limited to this.

[0060] (iii) If the FI value continues to exceed the judgment reference value by a large amount for, for example, one week, the operator who has confirmed the FI upper limit alarm should change the prefilter PF1 from a normal prefilter with a nominal pore size of 10 μm to one with a nominal pore size of 5 μm, 2 μm, 1 μm, or 0.5 μm. This will lower the FI value. In this case, it is recommended that the operator gradually change the prefilter PF1 from one with a larger nominal pore size to one with a smaller nominal pore size and check the progress of the FI value in order to prevent filtration blockage and a decrease in flow rate.

[0061] (iv) If the FI value continues to greatly exceed the reference value for one month, for example, the operator who has confirmed the FI upper limit alarm prepares a replacement reverse osmosis membrane 114 or begins preparations for cleaning (membrane cleaning) the reverse osmosis membrane 114 with a chemical solution. This allows the operator to prepare for clogging of the reverse osmosis membrane 114 and a decrease in flow rate.

[0062] (v) If the measured FI value continues to greatly exceed the judgment criterion value for, for example, three months, or if a decrease in the flow rate of the reverse osmosis membrane 114 occurs and the flow rate falls below the constant flow rate of dialysis water required for dialysis treatment, the operator who has confirmed the FI upper limit alarm will replace the reverse osmosis membrane 114 or clean the reverse osmosis membrane 114 with a chemical solution (membrane cleaning). This prevents clogging of the reverse osmosis membrane 114 and a decrease in the flow rate. It is preferable that the operator tally up the number of days or times per year that the FI value exceeds the judgment criterion, and if the tally exceeds a certain number, consider shortening the replacement cycle for the reverse osmosis membrane 114.

[0063] As described above, with the FI measurement unit 1, the timing unit 130 measures the filtration times T1 and T2 required for the filter 2 to filter a target volume of water, and the FI calculation unit 131 calculates the FI value based on Equations 1 and 2. The FI output unit 132 outputs the FI value. The filter 2 is positioned midway along the water sampling channel R2 so that it can be replaced by the person taking the measurement. Therefore, the person taking the measurement can obtain the FI value with only the workload of placing the filter 2. This reduces the workload of the person taking the FI measurement. The FI measurement unit 1 also allows for relatively easy FI measurement. Therefore, for example, when FI measurements are performed repeatedly, it is easy to perform FI measurements any number of times at predetermined times. This facilitates routine water quality management using the FI value on a daily basis.

[0064] Furthermore, with this FI measurement unit 1, a water sampling channel R2 is connected to a water treatment device 100 having a flow channel R1 through which pressurized water flows, so that the water sampling channel R2 branches off from the flow channel R1. This eliminates the need for devices such as pumps or compressors to pressurize water and flow it through the water sampling channel R2. This allows the FI measurement unit 1 to be made smaller and lighter. Furthermore, the FI measurement unit 1 can be realized at low cost. Furthermore, the FI measurement unit 1 measures water flowing through the water sampling channel R2, which branches off from the flow channel R1. This eliminates the need to transport the water to be measured, for example, to a measurement facility in a remote location. This eliminates transportation costs. Furthermore, this also avoids the problem of the water to be measured deteriorating over time during transportation.

[0065] Furthermore, this FI measurement unit 1 has a relatively simple structure because the filter 2 can be replaced by the operator. This makes the FI measurement unit 1 less susceptible to breakdowns. Furthermore, by having the operator check the filter 2 before FI measurement, it is possible to prevent inaccurate FI values from being measured due to modulation or deviations caused by, for example, not replacing the filter 2 with a new one.

[0066] The water treatment device 100 of this embodiment also includes a filtration section 101 having a reverse osmosis membrane 114. As a result, by using the FI measurement unit 1, water quality can be managed with little work load so as to maintain good filtration performance of the reverse osmosis membrane 114.

[0067] In this embodiment, the water flowing through the flow path R1 is raw water for dialysis water. This allows the FI measurement unit 1 to be made smaller and lighter by utilizing existing facilities of the water treatment device 100 that uses dialysis water. Furthermore, the quality of the raw water for dialysis water can be managed, enabling appropriate dialysis treatment. Furthermore, for example, if the water treatment device 100 is equipped with a filtration unit 101 for producing dialysis water, clogging of the filtration unit 101 due to a deterioration in water quality can be prevented. Therefore, stable dialysis treatment can be performed. Furthermore, dialysis water is usually produced at room temperature (around 25°C). FI measurement can be performed well in this temperature range. Therefore, there is no need to adjust the temperature of the water to be measured when performing FI measurement.

[0068] In addition, the FI measurement unit 1 includes a measuring container 4 and a water volume detection sensor 5. This reduces the workload associated with measuring the FI value, while providing a more accurate FI value than when measuring the FI value by manually adjusting the water volume.

[0069] The FI measurement unit 1 also includes supply valves V1 to V3, a discharge valve V4, and a valve control unit 6 that individually controls the supply valves V1 to V3 and the discharge valve V4. This allows the supply valves V1 to V3 and the discharge valve V4 to be automatically controlled by the valve control unit 6. This further reduces the workload associated with measuring the FI value.

[0070] The FI output unit 132 also serves as an information output unit that outputs predetermined information related to the water treatment device 100. This allows the FI output unit 132 to be configured using, for example, an existing information output unit provided in the water treatment device 100. This further simplifies the configuration of the FI measurement unit 1.

[0071] The FI measurement unit 1 also includes a communication unit 135 that communicates with at least one information terminal 150. The communication unit 135 transmits at least one of the measurement results of the timing unit 130 and the calculation results output by the FI output unit 132 to the information terminal 150. This reduces the workload of the person performing the FI measurement, and allows the user of the information terminal 150 to know at least one of the measurement results of the timing unit 130 and the calculation results of the FI calculation unit 131 even when they are not at the FI value measurement site. After replacing the filter 2 at the FI measurement site, for example, once a day, the person can use the information terminal 150 to check the FI value at a location remote from the FI measurement site. Therefore, for example, the person can replace the filter 2 with minimal effort and check the FI value measured at the FI measurement site from a different location while visiting a work site different from the FI measurement site.

[0072] The communication unit 135 also receives an execution command from the information terminal 150 to execute at least one of the measurement by the timer unit 130 and the calculation by the FI calculation unit 131. This allows the person performing the measurement to remotely instruct the FI measurement unit 1 to perform FI measurement even if they are not at the site where the FI value is to be measured. This further reduces the workload associated with measuring the FI value. Other embodiments will be described below.

[0073] (Second embodiment) FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an FI information system 151 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data structure of FI-related information 140 stored in the FI-related information storage unit 153 of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the FI information system 151 includes an FI-related information receiving unit 152, an FI-related information storage unit 153, and an FI information output unit 154. The FI-related information receiving unit 152 receives FI-related information 140 transmitted by the communication unit 135 of the FI measurement unit 1. The FI-related information storage unit 153 accumulates and records the plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140 received by the FI-related information receiving unit 152. The plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140 accumulated and recorded by the FI-related information receiving unit 152 includes at least one of the plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140 transmitted by the communication unit 135 of the same FI measurement unit 1 and the plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140 transmitted by the communication unit 135 of different FI measurement units 1. The FI information output unit 154 selects and outputs, at the request of the user, a plurality of pieces of information included in each of the plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140 recorded in the FI-related information storage unit 153.

[0074] The FI information system 151 is configured by a computer separate from the computer 107. As an example, the computer configuring the FI information system 151 has a CPU, storage, a display, and a communication antenna, similar to the computer 107. The FI-related information receiving unit 152 is realized by a CPU and a communication antenna. The FI-related information storage unit 153 is realized by storage. The FI information output unit 154 is realized by a display. The FI information output unit 154 is connected to the FI-related information storage unit 153 by wired or wireless communication, and may be a display located remotely from the FI-related information storage unit 153.

[0075] 8 is data in units of packets transmitted from the FI measurement unit 1. The FI related information 140 includes the FI value output from the FI output unit 132 and information related to the measurement by the timing unit 130. As a specific example of the information, the FI related information 140 includes a header 141 including the IP address and user data of the sender, and measurement related information 142 including information such as the FI value, the location where the FI value was measured, and the measurement time.

[0076] The FI-related information 140 may include other optional information 143. The optional information 143 includes, for example, apparatus-related information, which is information related to the water treatment device 100 equipped with the FI measurement unit 1. Examples of the apparatus-related information include the water pressure of a specific portion of the water treatment device 100 when the FI value was measured, the operating water pressure of any of the prefilters PF1 and PF2, the water softener 103, the activated carbon filtration device 104, and the filtration section 101, and the water flow rate of a specific portion of the water treatment device 100 (e.g., the flow rate of raw water, the flow rate of permeated water through the reverse osmosis membrane 114, and the flow rate of concentrated water). Examples of the apparatus-related information include water quality-related information of the water to be measured (e.g., information on the electrical conductivity of the raw water, the electrical conductivity of the permeated water through the reverse osmosis membrane 114, the water temperature, the outside air temperature, and the residual chlorine concentration). Examples of the apparatus-related information include the maintenance history of the water treatment device 100 and information on the hospital where the water treatment device 100 is installed. The apparatus-related information is not limited to these.

[0077] As described above, the FI-related information 140 includes a plurality of pieces of information. For this reason, for example, a user of the FI information system 151 may request that only predetermined information included in the plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140 be extracted and output in order to proceed with a specific study based on the FI value. In response to such a user request, the FI information output unit 154 selects and outputs a plurality of pieces of information included in each of the plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140.

[0078] According to the FI information system 151 having the above configuration, the user can easily compare and examine the selected information by selecting desired information from each of the abundant pieces of FI-related information 140 transmitted from the communication unit 135 of the FI measurement unit 1 and accumulated and recorded in the FI-related information storage unit 153 and outputting the information to the FI information output unit 154. This makes it easy for the user to grasp, for example, differences in water quality and trends in changes in water quality between the pieces of FI-related information 140.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating an FI database 170 configured from a plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140 according to the second embodiment. As an example, in the FI database 170, some information included in each of the plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140 is extracted and organized in a predetermined item order. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the FI database 170 organizes some information, including the FI values extracted from the measurement-related information 142 and the arbitrary information 143 of the plurality of pieces of FI-related information 140, the measurement locations and times of the FI values, and the maintenance history of the water treatment device 100. This allows a user to compare the information between different pieces of FI-related information 140 and examine in detail, for example, when and where, for what purpose, and what level of water quality water was used, in light of the maintenance history of the water treatment device 100.

[0080] The method of constructing the FI database 170 in this embodiment involves: connecting a water sampling channel R2 so that it branches off from a flow channel R1 through which pressurized water flows; arranging a filter 2 midway along the water sampling channel R2 so that it can be replaced by the measurer and so that it filters the water flowing through the water sampling channel R2; and performing a measurement process to measure the filtration time required for the filter 2 to filter a target volume of water at different times; and calculating an FI value based on Equations 1 and 2, where T1 is the measured filtration time and T2 is the filtration time measured a certain time T after measuring T1. The FI database 170 then accumulates and records a plurality of FI values obtained by performing this process on water flowing through the same or different flow channels R1, and a plurality of FI-related information 140 including information related to the measurements.

[0081] According to this method for constructing the FI database 170, by constructing the FI database 170 in which FI-related information 140 is accumulated and recorded for the same or different flow paths R1, it becomes easier to compare and examine trends in water quality changes in the same or different flow paths R1, differences in the water quality of water flowing through different flow paths R1, etc. This makes it possible to examine and manage the water quality of water flowing through the same or different flow paths R1 from a wide range of perspectives, including the FI value. Therefore, the FI value can be used more effectively.

[0082] As an example, the different flow paths R1 to be measured in the measurement process include at least one of flow paths R1 through which water from different water sources flows and flow paths R1 provided in different water treatment devices 100. This makes it easier to use the FI database 170 to compare and examine, for example, trends in water quality changes and differences in water quality between water from different water sources or water used in different water treatment devices 100.

[0083] Factors that cause fluctuations in water quality include regional variations (variations in water quality in rivers, lakes, and other water sources), seasonal and weather-related fluctuations in water quality, changes in water treatment conditions at water purification plants, and changes in the state of the water supply system. The FI value varies, for example, depending on the amount of suspended matter, such as colloidal silica, in the water being measured. The amount of suspended matter, such as colloidal silica, in the water being measured is difficult to analyze using measured values such as electrical conductivity and turbidity. Therefore, considering the FI value is effective in such analyses. Furthermore, to identify these factors and investigate trends in water quality fluctuations, it is effective to consider FI values measured at different locations along with the measurement conditions. The FI database 170 and its construction method of this embodiment can effectively utilize multiple FI-related information 140 to facilitate the above-mentioned analysis. Furthermore, monitoring the water quality of the water being measured using the FI value can contribute to water quality management of raw water for dialysis, as in the first embodiment, and contribute to maintaining stable dialysis treatment.

[0084] The configurations and combinations thereof in each embodiment are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims. Furthermore, each aspect disclosed in this specification can be combined with any other feature disclosed in this specification.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the dialysis system equipped with the water treatment device 100 may be configured to hemodialyze only one patient. The dialysis system may also be configured to perform hemodialysis using a dialysis method other than online hemodiafiltration. The dialysis system may also include an electrodeionization (EDI) device.

[0086] Furthermore, the water treatment device 100 may be a device that treats water other than dialysis water. Furthermore, the water treatment device 100 does not need to include the filtration unit 101. The water flowing through the circulation path R1 may be water other than dialysis water, such as industrial water, industrial wastewater (discharge water), raw boiler water, or water flowing through various pipes.

[0087] By examining the FI values measured using water flowing through various pipes as the measurement water, it is possible to diagnose, for example, the degree of pipe deterioration, corrosion, and the adhesion of dirt such as limescale. Furthermore, by comparing and examining multiple FI values measured using water from a water receiving tank and water at the water supply terminal as the measurement water, such diagnosis can be made even more effective. Furthermore, if the pipes are steel pipes, it is also possible to diagnose the degree of rust in the pipes. Furthermore, by analyzing the captured matter attached to the filter 2, it is possible to identify the substance causing corrosion in the pipes. This makes it possible to consider, for example, the timing of pipe replacement.

[0088] Furthermore, the diagnosis of the degree of fouling caused by limescale in pipes can be used to diagnose the degree of fouling in pipes caused by organic matter contained in the water to be measured (for example, tap water) and to predict the degree of fouling. Furthermore, when equipment that requires the use of relatively clean water is connected to the pipes, measures can be taken such as installing a dedicated branch line to supply water to the equipment, installing a filter midway through the pipes, or cleaning the inside of the pipes.

[0089] Furthermore, by examining the FI value measured using industrial wastewater as the sample water in conjunction with other specified water quality control items, the quality of wastewater treatment (e.g., sedimentation treatment, membrane treatment, etc.) can be effectively examined from a wide range of perspectives. For example, when relatively high-purity makeup water such as ion-exchanged water is used as raw water for a boiler, examining the FI value measured using that raw water as the sample water allows for effective diagnosis to consistently obtain raw water for a boiler that meets the water quality standards.

[0090] Additionally, the functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. Processors include transistors and other circuits. As such, a processor is considered a processing circuit or circuitry. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the recited functions or hardware that is programmed to perform the recited functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein. The hardware may also be other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. Where hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] M Recording medium R1 Distribution path R2 water sampling channel V1~V3 supply valve V4 exhaust valve 1 FI measurement unit 2. Filters 4 Measuring container 5 Water level detection sensor 6 Valve control section 100 Water treatment equipment 101 Filtration section 108 CPU (water treatment controller) 114 Reverse osmosis membrane 121 RO display unit (information output unit) 130 Timing section 131 FI calculation unit 132 FI output section 135 Communications Department 140 FI related information 150 Information terminal 151 FI Information System 152 FI related information receiving unit 153 FI related information storage unit 154 FI related information output section 170 FI database

Claims

1. A water collection channel is connected to a water treatment device having a flow passage through which raw water for dialysis, the raw water being pressurized to a range of 0.4 MPa to 1.0 MPa, so as to branch off from the flow passage; a filter that is replaceable by an operator and disposed midway along the water sampling channel, and that filters water flowing through the water sampling channel; a timer that measures, at different times, the filtration time required for the filter to filter the target amount of water; an FI calculation unit that calculates an FI value based on Equation 1 and Equation 2, where T1 is the filtration time measured by the timer unit and T2 is the filtration time measured by the timer unit after a certain time T has elapsed since the measurement of T1; An FI measurement unit for raw water for dialysis, comprising: an FI output unit that outputs an FI value that is the calculation result of the FI calculation unit. [Formula 1] FI = PF / T [Formula 2] PF=100×(1-T1 / T2) Here, PF is the clogging coefficient.

2. The FI measurement unit according to claim 1 , wherein the water treatment device comprises a filtration section having a reverse osmosis membrane.

3. a measuring container for storing filtered water from the filter; 3. The FI measurement unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a water volume detection sensor connected to the timer unit, the water volume detection sensor detecting when the water volume in the measuring container has reached the target water volume.

4. a supply valve disposed midway through the water collection channel to adjust the amount of water supplied to the filter; a discharge valve for adjusting the amount of drainage from the measuring container; The FI measurement unit according to claim 3 , further comprising: a valve control unit that individually controls the supply valve and the discharge valve.

5. 5. The FI measurement unit according to claim 1, wherein the FI output section also serves as an information output section that outputs predetermined information related to the water treatment device.

6. a communication unit for communicating with at least one information terminal; 6. The FI measurement unit according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits at least one of the measurement result of the timing unit and the calculation result of the FI calculation unit to the information terminal.

7. a communication unit for communicating with at least one information terminal; The FI measurement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the communication unit receives an execution command from the information terminal to execute at least one of the measurement of the timing unit and the calculation of the FI calculation unit.

8. The FI measurement unit described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the communication unit transmits to the information terminal FI-related information including the FI value output by the FI output unit and information related to the measurement of the timing unit, the FI-related information including a header including the IP address and user data of the sender, and measurement-related information including information such as the FI value, the location where the FI value was measured, and the measurement time.

9. an FI-related information receiving unit that receives the FI-related information transmitted by the communication unit according to claim 8; an FI-related information storage unit that accumulates and records the plurality of pieces of FI-related information received by the FI-related information receiving unit; An FI information system for raw water for dialysis, comprising: an FI information output unit that selects and outputs multiple pieces of information contained in each of the multiple pieces of FI-related information recorded in the FI-related information storage unit at the request of a user.

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