Water quality monitoring device, plant control device, plant control method, and automatic filter supply device

Abstract

To provide a water quality monitoring device, and a plant control device and method using this water quality monitoring device, making it possible to suppress an influence of a disturbance other than a monitoring target and performs stable and accurate component analysis of the monitoring target online, in water quality monitoring of a water treatment plant.SOLUTION: A water quality monitoring device includes an automatic water sampling unit that automatically samples water from a water treatment plant and an automatic filtration unit that automatically filters the sampled water, and analyzes a component of a filtered filtrate. There are also provided a plant control device and method using the water quality monitoring device. By automating operations related to water sampling and filtration, and performing component analysis to the filtrate, it is possible to suppress an influence of a disturbance other than those to be monitored, and to perform component analysis stably and accurately online. Further, by performing control based on a result of the component analysis, a stable operating state of the water treatment plant can be maintained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water quality monitoring device, and a plant control device and a plant control method using the water quality monitoring device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a water quality monitoring device that can perform online component analysis of water quality in a water treatment plant, and a plant control device and a plant control method using the water quality monitoring device. The present invention also relates to an automatic filter supplying device, and more particularly to an automatic filter supplying device that enables automation of a filtration process that is useful as a pretreatment in component analysis. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in a water treatment plant that treats water to be treated, data relating to the water quality is measured, and the state of the water quality is determined based on the measured data, and processes relating to the water treatment are controlled.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an operation support system for a water treatment plant that includes an automatic measurement value input means for inputting automatic measurement values of multiple process data (DO, SS, MLSS, etc.) from automatic measuring instruments installed in the water treatment plant, a manual analysis value input means for inputting manual analysis values of multiple process data obtained by manual analysis, and a correlation analysis means for determining the error between the automatic analysis value and the manual analysis value, and also describes that the operation support system is used to monitor and control the state of the process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-261361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, it is already known that process data such as DO, SS, and MLSS are measured as the water quality of the water to be treated and the treated water in a water quality plant, and the operation of the water treatment plant is controlled based on this measured data. Also, as described in Patent Document 1, a technique for acquiring process data by directly installing measuring devices such as sensors in the water treatment plant and performing measurements in real time is also already known.

[0006] However, the process data (DO, SS, MLSS, etc.) described in Patent Document 1 indirectly obtains information on the components contained in the water to be treated or the treated water from the oxygen content, the concentration of solids (suspended matter and suspended solids), etc. Therefore, when controlling the operation of a water treatment plant, it is difficult to specifically understand how the water quality of the water to be treated or the treated water is fluctuating, or to fully understand the treatment status at the water treatment plant. Similarly, with data related to the physical properties of the water to be treated or the treated water, such as pH or temperature, it is difficult to specifically understand how the water quality of the water to be treated or the treated water is fluctuating, or to fully understand the treatment status at the water treatment plant. In particular, when a water treatment plant includes a biological treatment process, it is difficult to accurately determine the status of changes in the water quality of the water to be treated or the treated water after the biological treatment process, particularly changes in the amount and type of organic matter contained in the water to be treated or the treated water, and changes in the types and concentrations of eutrophication-causing substances such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and toxic substances such as metals, making it difficult to appropriately control the operation of the water treatment plant. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an analysis (component analysis) to directly obtain data on the various components contained in the water to be treated or the treated water at the water treatment plant.

[0007] In order to obtain direct data on the various components in the water to be treated and the treated water at a water treatment plant, due to issues with stability and accuracy related to the analysis, manual analysis (offline analysis) is generally performed, in which workers are dispatched to the site on a regular or irregular basis to collect samples of the water to be treated and the treated water and analyze their components. On the other hand, in order to reduce operating costs and enable rapid responses to water treatment plant operations, there is a demand for technology (online analysis) that can analyze the components contained in the water to be treated and the treated water in real time for water quality monitoring at water treatment plants.

[0008] However, when monitoring the water quality of a water treatment plant, simply sampling water from the plant makes it difficult to perform stable and highly accurate component analysis due to disturbances such as impurities other than the components being monitored. Therefore, there is a need for technology that can effectively suppress the effects of disturbances other than the components being monitored and enable component analysis to be performed online.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a water quality monitoring device that can effectively suppress the effects of disturbances other than those being monitored when monitoring the water quality of a water treatment plant, and can perform stable, accurate, online component analysis of the monitored object, as well as a plant control device and plant control method that use this water quality monitoring device. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic filter supplying device that facilitates automation of filtration processing, which is useful as pre-processing in order to effectively suppress the influence of disturbances other than those being analyzed, in online component analysis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a result of extensive research into the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that by automating the operations related to the collection of water from a water treatment plant and the filtration process and performing component analysis on the filtrate after filtration, it is possible to suppress the effects of disturbances other than those being monitored and to perform stable, accurate online component analysis of the monitored object, thereby completing the present invention. Furthermore, as a result of thorough research into the above-mentioned problems, the inventor discovered that by removing and transporting filter cartridges stored in a vertically stacked manner from the top, it is possible to improve the efficiency of automatically supplying filters required for filtration processing, and as a result, it is possible to easily automate the filtration processing, and thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention provides the following water quality monitoring device, plant control device, plant control method, and automatic filter supply device.

[0011] In the following description, "automatic" does not include direct manual operation by a human being such as an operator, but refers to various operations being performed by sending and receiving programs or instruction signals. In addition, "online" in the present invention means that treatment and operation are carried out without being separated from the water treatment plant.

[0012] The water quality monitoring device of the present invention, which solves the above problems, is a water quality monitoring device for a water treatment plant, and is characterized by comprising an automatic water sampling unit that automatically samples water from the water treatment plant, and an automatic filtration unit that automatically filters the sample sampled by the automatic water sampling unit, and performing component analysis on the filtrate filtered by the automatic filtration unit. This water quality monitoring device automates the operations related to the collection of water from the water treatment plant and the operations related to the filtration process of the collected water sample, and by performing component analysis on the filtrate after filtering the collected water sample, it is possible to effectively suppress the effects of external disturbances other than the monitored object, and to perform component analysis of the monitored object online in a stable and accurate manner. In particular, by automating pre-treatment (filtration), which has traditionally been performed offline, it becomes possible to use various analytical devices for component analysis, which has previously been considered difficult to perform online, thereby improving the quality of water quality monitoring at water treatment plants.

[0013] In one embodiment of the water quality monitoring device of the present invention, the automatic water sampling unit is characterized in that it automatically samples inflow water and outflow water from a water treatment plant. This feature allows the water quality monitoring target in a water treatment plant to cover both the inflow water (inflow water) and the outflow water (outflow water), and makes it possible to compare information on the components contained in the inflow water and the outflow water. This makes it possible to obtain information on how the quality of the water being treated changes as it goes through water treatment at the water treatment plant, and to grasp the treatment status within the water treatment plant in more detail. Furthermore, this feature allows component analysis of inflow water and outflow water to be performed with a single water quality monitoring device, thereby reducing running costs and saving space for water quality monitoring in water treatment plants.

[0014] Furthermore, one embodiment of the water quality monitoring device of the present invention is characterized by comprising an automatic dilution means for automatically diluting the sample or filtrate at an arbitrary dilution ratio. Generally, an analyzer, which is a means for performing component analysis, has a measurable concentration range (measurement range). This feature enables the automatic dilution of samples or filtrate collected from a water treatment plant so that the concentration of the monitored substance falls within the measurement range of the analyzer used for component analysis. Furthermore, a single pretreatment device can be used to handle multiple analyzers with different measurement ranges. This allows for more stable and accurate online component analysis of the monitored substance. In particular, even for multiple samples (filtrates) with different concentrations of the target substance, such as influent and effluent from a water treatment plant, it is possible to perform component analysis while automatically ensuring that the concentration of the target substance in each sample (filtrate) falls within the measurement range of the analyzer, thereby further improving the quality of water quality monitoring.

[0015] In addition, in one embodiment of the water quality monitoring device of the present invention, the automatic filtration unit is characterized by having an automatic filter supply unit that automatically supplies filters, and the automatic filter supply unit is capable of storing multiple filter cartridges. According to this feature, the automatic filtration unit automatically supplies the filters (filter bodies) necessary for the filtration process of the sample, and by disposing of one filter after each filtration, the filters (filter bodies) do not become clogged, and cleaning of the filters is not necessary, making it possible to easily automate stable filtration processes. Furthermore, by making it possible to store multiple filter cartridges in the automatic filter supply unit, it is possible to improve the efficiency of automatic filter supply.

[0016] The plant control device of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a plant control device that controls the operation of a water treatment plant, and is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned water quality monitoring device and a control unit that controls the operating conditions of the water treatment plant based on the analysis results obtained by the water quality monitoring device. According to this plant control system, the water quality monitoring device described above can obtain highly accurate information about the monitored object, and by performing control based on this information, it becomes possible to appropriately take measures necessary to maintain stable operating conditions of the water treatment plant.

[0017] The plant control method of the present invention for solving the above problems is a plant control method for controlling the operation of a water treatment plant, and is characterized by including a control step for controlling the operating conditions of the water treatment plant based on the analysis results obtained by the above-mentioned water quality monitoring device. According to this plant control method, the water quality monitoring device described above can obtain highly accurate information about the monitored object, and by performing control based on this information, it becomes possible to appropriately take measures necessary to maintain stable operating conditions of the water treatment plant.

[0018] In order to solve the above problems, the automatic filter supplying device of the present invention is an automatic filter supplying device that automatically supplies filters during filtration processing, and is equipped with a filter storage cylinder, a plurality of filter cartridges stored in a vertically stacked manner within the filter storage cylinder, and a transport means for removing and transporting the filter cartridges, characterized in that the transport means removes the filter cartridges from the top of the filter storage cylinder. In online component analysis, it is necessary to effectively suppress the effects of disturbances other than those being analyzed. To achieve this, it is necessary to automate the filtration process, which is useful as a pre-processing step in component analysis. This automatic filter supply device allows filter cartridges to be stacked vertically, thereby saving space for storing the filter cartridges. Furthermore, by removing stacked filter cartridges from the top, it is possible to easily remove a single filter cartridge. This improves the efficiency of the automatic supply of filters required for filtration, and makes it easy to automate the associated filtration process. Furthermore, by applying this automatic filter supply device to existing equipment that performs component analysis, such as the water quality monitoring device at the water treatment plant mentioned above, it is possible to automate and streamline the filtration process, and it also becomes easier to perform component analysis online. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water quality monitoring device that can effectively suppress the effects of disturbances other than those being monitored when monitoring the water quality of a water treatment plant, and can perform stable, accurate, online component analysis of the monitored object, as well as a plant control device and plant control method that use this water quality monitoring device. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an automatic filter supplying device can be provided that facilitates automation of filtration processing, which is useful as pre-processing in order to effectively suppress the influence of disturbances other than those being analyzed when performing online component analysis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of a water quality monitoring device in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of a plant control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of an automatic filter supplying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing another aspect of the automatic filter supplying device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of a water quality monitoring device in a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The water quality monitoring device of the present invention is for monitoring the water quality of a water treatment plant, and in particular for monitoring the water quality online by analyzing the components of the monitored object. The plant control device and plant control method of the present invention are for controlling the operation of a water treatment plant using the water quality monitoring device of the present invention. Furthermore, the automatic filter supplying device of the present invention is for automatically supplying filters (filter bodies) used in filtration treatment, and is particularly applicable to filtration treatment as a pretreatment in component analysis.

[0022] The water treatment plant in the present invention may be any plant that performs water treatment on water to be treated, and examples thereof include plants equipped with various known treatment facilities (various treatment devices) related to water treatment. Examples of the water treatment plant of the present invention include sewage treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, organic wastewater treatment facilities such as food factories and pharmaceutical factories, inorganic wastewater treatment facilities such as plating factories, and drinking water treatment facilities such as water purification plants. Examples of various treatment facilities included in the water treatment plant of the present invention include wastewater treatment facilities such as grit deposition facilities, sedimentation tank facilities, aeration tanks, aerobic reaction tanks, anaerobic reaction tanks, oxidation ditch tanks, coagulation tanks, sedimentation tanks, sludge concentration facilities, sludge digestion facilities, storage tanks, and disinfection facilities, as well as water treatment facilities such as receiving wells, flocculation tanks, sedimentation tanks, filtration tanks, and distribution tanks. Note that the water treatment plants in the embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not limited thereto.

[0023] Furthermore, the water to be treated in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is treated in a water treatment plant. Examples of the water to be treated include sewage, industrial wastewater (industrial effluent), and natural water such as river water and rainwater. Note that the water to be treated in the embodiments is merely an example for explaining the present invention, and is not limited thereto.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the water quality monitoring device, plant control device, plant control method, and automatic filter supply device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description of the plant control method according to the present invention will be replaced with a description of the configuration and operation of the plant control device according to the present invention. It should be noted that the water quality monitoring device, plant control device, plant control method, and automatic filter supply device described in the embodiments are merely examples used to explain the water quality monitoring device, plant control device, plant control method, and automatic filter supply device of the present invention, and are not limited to these.

[0025] [First embodiment] [Water quality monitoring device] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of a water quality monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The water quality monitoring device 1A of this embodiment monitors the water quality of a water treatment plant 100, and as shown in Figure 1, is equipped with an automatic water sampling unit 2 that automatically samples water from the water treatment plant 100, an automatic filtration unit 3 that automatically filters the sample S sampled by the automatic water sampling unit 2, and an analysis device 4 that analyzes the components of the filtrate F filtered by the automatic filtration unit 3. Furthermore, the water treatment plant 100 in this embodiment is an example of a configuration related to a wastewater treatment facility that treats wastewater W containing organic matter as the treated water, and is shown to include a settling tank 101, a biological treatment tank 102, and a disinfection treatment tank 103 as treatment equipment. 1, arrows shown with solid lines indicate connections that allow water to flow through pipes, etc. Arrows shown with dashed dotted lines indicate connections that allow control or input.

[0026] In the water treatment plant 100 shown in Fig. 1, wastewater W (influent) first flows into a grit chamber 101 via pipe L1, where impurities and the like are removed from the wastewater W, and then the wastewater W is supplied via pipe L2 to a biological treatment tank 102 that biologically treats organic matter in the wastewater W. The wastewater W that has been biologically treated in the biological treatment tank 102 is supplied via pipe L3 to a disinfection treatment tank 103 that performs disinfection, and after being sterilized by a disinfectant solution added to the disinfection treatment tank 103, it is released into a public water body via pipe L4 as treated water W1 (effluent). 1 are merely examples, and other treatment facilities may be provided. For example, a balancing pond may be provided between the settling basin 101 and the biological treatment tank 102. Also, settling ponds may be provided before and after the biological treatment tank 102. Furthermore, a filtration facility may be provided before the disinfection treatment tank 103.

[0027] Each component of the water quality monitoring device 1A in this embodiment will be described below. (Automatic water sampling unit) The automatic water sampling unit 2 is for automatically sampling water from the water treatment plant 100. More specifically, it automatically samples wastewater W or treated water W1 as the sample S to be monitored from within each treatment facility (facilities 101 to 103) in the water treatment plant 100 or from the piping (pipes L1 to L4) connecting the treatment facilities.

[0028] The automatic water sampling unit 2 may be any unit capable of automatically sampling water from at least one location in the water treatment plant 100, and there are no particular limitations on the specific structure for automatic water sampling and the location from which water is sampled. For example, locations where automatic water sampling is performed by the automatic water sampling unit 2 include the settling tank 101, which is the treatment facility where wastewater W (influent water) is first introduced into the water treatment plant 100, the disinfection treatment tank 103, which is the treatment facility where treated water W1 (effluent water) is stored just before it is released into public waters after treatment in the water treatment plant 100 is completed, various water tanks (storage tanks, various reaction tanks) in the treatment facilities of the water treatment plant 100, as well as piping installed between various treatment facilities in the water treatment plant 100, such as piping L1 through which wastewater W (influent water) passes and piping L4 through which treated water W1 (effluent water) to be released into public waters passes. In particular, in the automatic water sampling unit 2 in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable to automatically sample water from the grit basin 101 and the disinfection treatment tank 103 (or the pipes L1 and L4) to obtain samples S1 and S2, respectively. This allows both the side introduced into the water treatment plant 100 (inflow water) and the side discharged from the water treatment plant 100 (effluent water) to be monitored. Then, from the results of component analysis of the samples S1 and S2, it becomes possible to compare information related to the components contained in the inflow water and the effluent water. In other words, from the results of component analysis of the samples S1 and S2, it is possible to obtain information on how the water quality of the treatment target (wastewater W) changes as the water undergoes water treatment in the water treatment plant 100, and it becomes possible to grasp the treatment status within the water treatment plant 100 in more detail. Furthermore, the components of the inflow water and the outflow water can be analyzed using a single water quality monitoring device 1A, which reduces the running costs and space required for water quality monitoring in the water treatment plant 100.

[0029] An example of the structure of the automatic water sampling unit 2 is one that includes, as shown in Figure 1, water sampling pipes 20a and 20b provided in the settling tank 101 and the disinfection treatment tank 103, pumps 21a and 21b that suck and collect the sample S through the water sampling pipes 20a and 20b, and pump control means 22 that controls the operation of the pumps 21a and 21b. Here, pumps 21a and 21b may be constant-volume pumps such as syringe pumps, which facilitates controlling the amount of sample S collected to a constant amount, thereby enabling a constant amount of sample S to be stably supplied to automatic filtration unit 3 and analyzer 4, which will be described later. 1 shows one pump 21a and one pump 21b provided for each of the water sampling pipes 20a and 20b, but this is not limiting. For example, a flow path switching unit may be provided for each of the water sampling pipes 20a and 20b, and a pump may be provided downstream of the flow path switching unit, allowing water to be sampled from either the water sampling pipe 20a or the water sampling pipe 20b by switching the flow path switching unit. In addition, when the water sampling point is a pipe, the automatic water sampling unit 2 may be configured to connect a branch pipe to the pipe (pipe L1, pipe L4, etc.) and include a pump that aspirates and collects the sample S through the branch pipe, and a control means that controls the operation of the pump.

[0030] Another example of the automatic water sampling unit 2 is one that includes a water sampling pipe that is inserted into the water treatment plant 100 only when sampling water, an insertion means for inserting the water sampling pipe, a pump that sucks and collects the sample S through the water sampling pipe, and a control means for controlling the operation of the insertion means and the pump. This reduces the chance of contact between the automatic water sampling unit 2 and the monitored object (the water to be treated or the treated water), and makes it possible to prevent the automatic water sampling unit 2 from being affected by contamination or the like due to impurities contained in the monitored object.

[0031] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the frequency and amount of water sampled by the automatic water sampler 2. The frequency and amount of water sampled by the automatic water sampler 2 can be set as appropriate by an operator who monitors the operation of the water treatment plant 100, for example, based on the structure and treatment details of the water treatment plant 100 as well as the types of water to be treated and treated water to be monitored. Based on the set values for the frequency and amount of water sampled, a control means provided in the automatic water sampler 2 can sample water continuously or periodically, or can sample water irregularly, for example, in response to an instruction (transmission of an instruction signal) from the operator. As shown in Figure 1, when collecting multiple samples S1 and S2, it is preferable to control the operation of pumps 21a and 21b using pump control means 22 or control the flow path switching using the flow path switching unit so that samples S1 and S2 introduced into the automatic filtration unit 3 do not mix.

[0032] (Automatic filtration section) The automatic filtering unit 3 is for automatically filtering the sample S collected by the automatic water sampling unit 2. The automatic filtration unit 3 may be any unit that can automatically filter the sample S and obtain the filtrate F, and there are no particular limitations on the specific structure, etc.

[0033] The automatic filtration unit 3 in this embodiment may have, for example, a function related to automatic supply of a filter (filter body) for filtering the sample S, and a function to automatically introduce the sample S into the filter, which makes it easy to automate the filtering process. Here, the specific structure relating to the function of automatically supplying filters and automatically introducing the sample S into the filters is not particularly limited.

[0034] An example of a function related to the automatic supply of filters is the provision of an automatic filter supply unit 30 that automatically supplies filters. Furthermore, this automatic filter supply unit 30 can be configured to store multiple filter cartridges FC. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the automatic supply of filters.

[0035] 1, automatic filter supply unit 30 may have a mechanism for automatically supplying filter cartridges FC onto a stage 31 where a filtration process is performed. For example, automatic filter supply unit 30 may be configured to remove one filter cartridge FC from a storage area where multiple filter cartridges FC are stored and place it on stage 31. Note that automatic filter supply unit 30 may also be configured to automatically supply filters using an automatic filter supply device 5, which will be described later.

[0036] The stage 31 is not particularly limited in other structure as long as it has a space for arranging the filter cartridge FC and has holes through which the filtrate F passes. For example, the stage 31 may be provided with a structure for fixing the filter cartridge FC (a filter fixing portion). Examples of the filter fixing portion include providing a recess in the stage 31 into which the filter cartridge FC is fitted, or providing a structure (base) on the stage 31 on which the filter cartridge FC is placed.

[0037] The filter cartridge FC is not particularly limited in terms of shape or membrane material, but it is preferable to use a commercially available, widely distributed filter cartridge. More specifically, it is preferable to use a disposable filter cartridge in which the membrane filter and housing are integrated. This makes it easy to procure and store the filter.

[0038] It is also preferable to replace the filter cartridge FC with a new one after each use, which prevents clogging of the filter cartridge FC and eliminates the need to clean the filter, allowing for stable filtration. The means for replacing the filter cartridges FC is not particularly limited. For example, in the automatic filter supplying unit 30, the mechanism that removes the filter cartridges FC and places them on the stage 31 may be further equipped with a function for collecting used filter cartridges FC, or a separate mechanism for collecting used filter cartridges FC may be provided. From the perspective of simplifying the device configuration, it is preferable to provide the automatic filter supplying unit 30 with a function for collecting used filter cartridges FC, so that a single mechanism can perform both the automatic supply and automatic collection of filters. When the automatic filter supplying device 5 is used as the automatic filter supplying unit 30, the conveying means 51 of the automatic filter supplying device 5 may be equipped with functions related to the automatic supply and automatic collection of filters.

[0039] The filters automatically supplied by the automatic filter supply unit 30 are not limited to filter cartridges FC. Another example is continuous supply of strip-shaped filter cloth wound around a roller or the like.

[0040] Furthermore, the function of automatically introducing the sample S into the filter may, for example, be to provide a nozzle 32 for introducing the sample S into the filter cartridge FC, and to attach the nozzle 32 to the filter cartridge FC placed on the stage 31. At this time, by connecting the nozzle 32 to the automatic water sampling unit 2, it becomes possible to introduce the sample S collected from the water treatment plant 100 into the filter cartridge FC online via the water sampling pipes 20a, 20b and the pumps 21a, 21b. The shape of the nozzle 32 is not particularly limited as long as it can be inserted into the inlet side of the filter cartridge FC. The nozzle 32 may also be provided with an elevation mechanism for moving it up and down, which allows smooth attachment and detachment of the nozzle 32 and the filter cartridge FC in conjunction with replacement of the filter cartridge FC on the stage 31.

[0041] The sample S supplied from the nozzle 32 to the filter cartridge FC on the stage 31 is filtered to become a filtrate F. This filtrate F is stored in a filtrate reservoir 33 provided below the stage 31 and introduced into the analyzer 4. Note that the filtrate reservoir 33 may be omitted, and the filtrate F may be introduced directly into the analyzer 4.

[0042] The analyzer 4 is for performing component analysis on the filtrate F obtained in the automatic filtration unit 3. The analyzer 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform component analysis of the monitored object. Examples of the analyzer 4 include analyzers based on spectroscopy (UV, visible light, etc.), various types of chromatography (ion chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography, etc.), and analyzers specialized for detecting specific components (TOC meter, total phosphorus meter, total nitrogen meter, etc.). In this embodiment, it is particularly preferable to use an analyzer based on spectroscopy or various types of chromatography. This enables rapid component analysis and highly accurate component analysis. There is no particular limitation on the number of devices used as the analysis device 4. For example, a plurality of the same analysis devices may be provided, or a plurality of types of analysis devices with different analysis methods may be provided.

[0043] The results of the component analysis performed by the analyzer 4 may be simply output to the outside in the form of measurement data, or the measurement data may be analyzed and a judgment regarding the state of the monitored object (the water to be treated or the treated water) and a judgment regarding the state of the water treatment plant 100 may be output to the outside. This makes it possible to notify the operator who monitors the operation of the water treatment plant 100 of the current state of the water treatment plant 100. Furthermore, rather than outputting the analysis results obtained by the water quality monitoring device 1A directly from the water quality monitoring device 1A to the outside, the analysis results obtained by the water quality monitoring device 1A may be utilized by inputting them into another device (such as a control unit 11), such as the plant control device 10 described below.

[0044] As described above, this water quality monitoring device 1A automates the operations related to the collection of water from the water treatment plant 100 and the operations related to the filtration process of the collected water sample S, and performs component analysis on the filtrate F obtained after filtering the collected water sample S, thereby effectively suppressing the effects of disturbances other than those being monitored, and making it possible to perform component analysis of the monitored object online in a stable and accurate manner. In particular, the water quality monitoring device 1A of this embodiment automates the pretreatment (filtration process) that has conventionally been performed offline, making it possible to use various analytical devices for component analysis that has previously been considered difficult to perform online, thereby improving the quality of water quality monitoring in water treatment plants.

[0045] [Plant control device] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of a plant control device in a first embodiment of the present invention. The plant control device 10 according to this embodiment uses the water quality monitoring device 1A described above to control the operation of the water treatment plant 100 based on the results of component analysis of the monitored object.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 2, the plant control device 10 in this embodiment includes, in addition to the water quality monitoring device 1A described above, a control unit 11 that controls the operating conditions of the water treatment plant 100. Note that the dashed dotted lines in Fig. 2 indicate connections that allow input and output.

[0047] The control unit 11 controls the operating conditions of the water treatment plant 100, and can perform operations for changing the operating conditions of each treatment facility of the water treatment plant 100. The control unit 11 also controls the operating conditions of the water treatment plant 100 based on the analysis results obtained by the water quality monitoring device 1A.

[0048] Here, the analysis results obtained by the water quality monitoring device 1A include the results of measuring sample S1 (or sample S2) collected from the water treatment plant 100 using the analysis device 4, comparing current measurement data of component analysis related to sample S1 with past data, or comparing measurement data of component analysis related to samples S1 and S2 with each other. If these analysis results exceed a preset threshold, it is determined that the operation of the water treatment plant 100 is being affected or is predicted to be affected, and control is performed via the control unit 11 to ensure stable operation of the water treatment plant 100.

[0049] For example, if the analysis results of the water quality monitoring device 1A determine that the treatment at the water treatment plant 100 is insufficient, the control unit 11 may control the operating conditions of the water treatment plant 100 in order to increase the treatment capacity of the water treatment plant 100. Here, examples of control related to the operating conditions of the water treatment plant 100 include controlling the flow rate of inflow water and / or outflow water in each treatment facility, and setting and adjusting the treatment conditions in each treatment facility (setting the amount and type of treatment agent or treatment auxiliary agent to be used, adjusting the mixing time and residence time, etc.).

[0050] A specific example of control by the control unit 11 is to increase the treatment capacity of the biological treatment tank 102 that biologically treats the wastewater W. In this embodiment, the biological treatment performed in the biological treatment tank 102 may be either aerobic treatment or anaerobic treatment, and is not particularly limited. For example, when aerobic treatment is performed as the biological treatment, the biological treatment tank 102 is generally equipped with an aeration device and an agitator to create aerobic conditions and improve the contact efficiency between the water to be treated and microorganisms. In this case, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the aeration device and agitator in the biological treatment tank 102, thereby increasing the treatment capacity of the biological treatment tank 102. Furthermore, when the biological treatment is anaerobic treatment, the control unit 11 controls the temperature of the biological treatment tank 102 and the operation of the agitator, which are suitable for decomposing organic matter by microorganisms under anaerobic conditions, thereby increasing the treatment capacity of the biological treatment tank 102.

[0051] Furthermore, the biological treatment tank 102 may be provided with an addition means for adding a substance that serves as a nutrient source to improve the activity of microorganisms. In this case, the control unit 11 may adjust the amount of the substance added by the addition means to increase the treatment capacity of the biological treatment tank 102.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may control the flow rate of the pipe L2 that sends the wastewater W from the settling basin 101 to the biological treatment tank 102, thereby controlling the amount of treatment in the biological treatment tank 102.

[0053] Other components that may be provided in the plant control device 10 include an analysis unit that analyzes the analysis results related to the component analysis obtained by the water quality monitoring device 1A, and a judgment unit that judges the status of the water treatment plant 100 based on the analysis results of the analysis unit. The analysis unit and the judgment unit may be any unit capable of analyzing data based on the component analysis results and judging the status of the water treatment plant 100 based on the results of this analysis, and may be, for example, a computing device that uses a processor such as a CPU to execute a program required for calculating the analysis results (data related to component concentrations, component types, etc.). Also, the control unit 11 may be controlled based on the judgment results by the judgment unit. This makes it possible to more accurately grasp the situation in the water treatment plant 100 and, based on that, control the operation of the water treatment plant 100. It also makes it possible to appropriately take measures necessary to maintain a stable operating state of the water treatment plant.

[0054] [Automatic filter supply device] As described above, in online component analysis, it is necessary to effectively suppress the effects of disturbances other than those being analyzed. To achieve this, it is necessary to automate and streamline the filtration process, which is useful as a pretreatment in component analysis. One of the means for automating and improving the efficiency of the filtration process is to use an automatic filter supplying device having a structure that can automatically and efficiently supply filters. The automatic filter supplying device according to this embodiment will now be described.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of the automatic filter supplying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the automatic filter supply device 5 comprises a filter storage cylinder 50, a plurality of filter cartridges FC stored in a vertically stacked manner within the filter storage cylinder 50, and a transport means 51 for removing and transporting the filter cartridges FC. In FIG. 3, the destination of the filter supplied by the automatic filter supply device 5 (the location where the filtration process is performed) is the stage 31 in the water quality monitoring device 1A described above, but this is an example for explaining this embodiment and is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the destination of the filter supplied by the automatic filter supply device 5 may be any location where the filtration process is performed, and the destination of the filter may be a location other than the automatic filtration unit 3 in the water quality monitoring device 1A described above. In particular, it is preferable to supply the filter to a location where the filtration process is performed as a pre-processing step in conjunction with online component analysis. This makes it possible to effectively suppress the influence of disturbances other than those being analyzed in online component analysis.

[0056] The filter storage cylinder 50 is for storing the filter cartridge FC, and as shown in FIG. 3, is made of a cylindrical member having a slit 50a in a part thereof. The diameter and length of the filter storage cylinder 50 can be appropriately selected depending on the diameter and number of filter cartridges FC to be stored, and are not particularly limited.

[0057] 3, the filter cartridges FC are stored in a vertically stacked state within the filter storage cylinder 50. This allows a greater number of filter cartridges FC to be stored in the same bottom area compared to lining up the filter cartridges FC horizontally, thereby enabling space savings in storing the filter cartridges FC. Furthermore, when the filter cartridges FC are configured to have a separate inlet side for introducing the sample S and an outlet side for discharging the filtrate F, they are preferably stacked so that the inlet side for introducing the sample S is on top. This allows the filter cartridge FC to be placed at the location where the filtration process is performed (stage 31) in the same orientation as when it was removed by the transport means 51, making it possible to improve the efficiency of automatic filter supply.

[0058] The transport means 51 is used to remove the filter cartridge FC from the filter storage cylinder 50 and to transport the filter cartridge FC to the location (stage 31) where the filtration process is performed. The conveying means 51 is for removing the filter cartridge FC from the top of the filter storage cylinder 50.

[0059] When attempting to remove the filter cartridge FC from the bottom of the filter storage cylinder 50, there is a risk that the filter cartridges FC may fall down in a stacked state due to their own weight. On the other hand, the conveying means 51 in this embodiment makes it possible to easily remove a single filter cartridge FC by removing the filter cartridges FC stacked in the filter storage cylinder 50 from the top, thereby improving the efficiency of automatic filter supply.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the transport means 51 includes a filter hand 52 that grips the filter cartridge FC, and a transport arm 53 to which the filter hand 52 is attached and that transports the filter cartridge FC.

[0061] The filter hand 52 is attached to a transport arm 53, and two hand members 52a move left and right to open and close, thereby enabling removal and transport of the filter cartridge FC. Note that the hand members 52a may be any member that can stably hold the filter cartridge FC, and one example of such a member is that it has a recess that matches the exterior (circumference) of the filter cartridge FC.

[0062] The transfer arm 53 is used to transfer the filter cartridge FC taken out by the filter hand 52 to the location (stage 31) where the filtration process is performed. The specific means and structure for transporting the filter cartridge FC by the transfer arm 53 are not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the transfer arm 53 may be provided with a rotation drive mechanism 53a and a movement mechanism 53b that allows vertical movement, thereby enabling the transfer of the filter cartridge FC removed by the filter hand 52. Note that the rotation drive mechanism 53a may be provided by providing the transfer arm 53 with a rotation axis R1 and a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor for rotating the rotation axis R1. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 53b may be provided by providing the transfer arm 53 with an elevation cylinder that allows it to move vertically along the rotation axis R1.

[0063] 3, the conveying means 51 may include a push-up unit 54 that pushes up the filter cartridge FC inside the filter storage cylinder 50. The push-up unit 54 may include a pole 54a that is provided parallel to the filter storage cylinder 50 and push-up claws 54b that are attached to the pole 54a. The push-up claws 54b move up and down inside the filter storage cylinder 50 through the slits 50a in the filter storage cylinder 50, and push up the filter cartridge FC from the bottom. The mechanism by which the push-up claws 54b move up and down inside the filter storage cylinder 50 is not particularly limited. For example, the pole 54a may have a screw structure, and the parts that attach the pole 54a and the push-up claws 54b may be designed so that the pole 54a moves up and down as the pole 54a rotates.

[0064] The removal and transportation of the filter cartridge FC by the transport means 51 will now be described. First, of the filter cartridges FC stacked inside the filter storage cylinder 50, the uppermost filter cartridge FC1 is pushed up by the push-up portion 54 so that it reaches a position above the upper end of the filter storage cylinder 50.

[0065] Next, the transfer arm 53 is rotated and moved vertically so that the filter hand 52 is positioned so that it can grasp the uppermost filter cartridge FC1. The movement of the transfer arm 53 may be programmed in advance, or may be adjusted slightly using a position sensor or the like.

[0066] Then, after the filter hand 52 grasps the uppermost filter cartridge FC1, the transfer arm 53 is moved upward to remove the filter cartridge FC1 from the filter cartridge FC positioned below it. At this time, to ensure that the filter cartridge FC1 is removed reliably, a pressing member that prevents the filter cartridge FC located below the filter cartridge FC1 being removed from lifting up may be provided on the filter hand 52 or the transfer arm 53. Furthermore, if such a pressing member is provided, it is preferable that the pressing member be designed to be retractable except when the filter cartridge FC is being removed, in order to prevent it from affecting other operations.

[0067] The filter cartridge FC is then transported to the location (stage 31) where the filtration process is performed by rotating and moving the transfer arm 53 up and down. Note that in order to transport the filter cartridge FC to the location (stage 31) where the filtration process is performed, a movement mechanism that enables horizontal movement of the transfer arm 53 may be further provided, but it is preferable that the location (stage 31) where the filtration process is performed is located within the rotation diameter of the transfer arm 53. This allows for smooth automatic supply of filters.

[0068] The filter cartridge FC is transported by the automatic filter supply device 5 to the place where the filtration process is performed (stage 31), and the liquid to be treated, such as the sample S, is supplied to the filter cartridge FC, and the filtration process is performed.

[0069] After the filtration process, the used filter cartridges FC are collected (discarded), and at this time, it is preferable to use the transport means 51 (filter hand 52 and transport arm 53) to automatically supply and collect the filter cartridges FC, which makes it possible to automate and streamline the filtration process.

[0070] 3 shows an automatic filter supplying device equipped with one filter storage cylinder 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the automatic filter supplying device in this embodiment may be equipped with a plurality of filter storage cylinders 50.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another example of the automatic filter supplying device in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, another example of the automatic filter supplying device 5 in this embodiment is one in which a plurality of filter storage cylinders 50 are provided, and a rotating body 55 on which the filter storage cylinders 50 are arranged and which is driven to rotate is provided. Note that in Fig. 4, the configuration relating to the filter hand 52 and the transport arm 53 of the transport means 51 in the automatic filter supplying device 5 is omitted from the illustration.

[0072] Rotating body 55 has a rotating body main body 55a on which filter accommodating cylinder 50 is disposed, and a rotation axis R2, and rotation axis R2 is provided so as to be parallel to pole 54a of push-up section 54 of conveying means 51. Filter accommodating cylinder 50 is disposed concentrically on rotating body main body 55a with rotation axis R2 as the center, and rotating body 55 as a whole forms a revolver-like structure. Although not shown, it is preferable that the rotating body main body 55a be provided with a structure for fixing the filter accommodating cylinder 50. For example, the rotating body main body 55a may be provided with a fitting structure or a holder structure for the filter accommodating cylinder 50.

[0073] An example of the operation of the automatic filter supplying device 5 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The rotating body main body 55a is rotated after all of the filter cartridges FC have been removed from the filter storage cylinder 50 by the push-up portion 54. Specifically, a detection sensor (transmission sensor) or the like is provided to determine whether or not a filter cartridge FC is present in the filter storage cylinder 50, and the rotating body main body 55a is rotated in response to the response of this detection sensor. Then, the push-up claws 54b of the push-up portion 54 are inserted into the lower portion of the next filter storage cylinder 50, making it possible to remove the filter cartridge FC from within the next filter storage cylinder 50. By repeating this operation, all of the filter cartridges FC housed in the filter housing cylinders 50 arranged on the rotator 55 can be continuously supplied. This reduces the frequency of replenishing the filter cartridges FC, making it possible to further improve the efficiency of automatic filter supply.

[0074] The automatic filter supply device of this embodiment can be used as an automatic filter supply unit in the water quality monitoring device 1A. The automatic filter supply device of this embodiment can also be applied to existing devices that perform component analysis. This allows for automation and efficiency of the filtration process, and also makes it easier to perform component analysis online.

[0075] [Second embodiment] FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of a water quality monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, a water quality monitoring device 1B in a second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the water quality monitoring device 1A in the first embodiment, but further includes an automatic dilution means 6 that automatically dilutes the sample S or filtrate F at an arbitrary dilution ratio. Note that a description of the same structures as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0076] Generally, an analyzer 4, which is a means for performing component analysis, has a measurable concentration range (measurement range), and if this measurement range is exceeded, not only will data related to component analysis not be obtained, but the detection unit of the analyzer 4 will also be affected. On the other hand, the concentrations of components contained in the sample S (or filtrate F) collected from the water treatment plant 100 vary greatly depending on where in the water treatment plant 100 the water is collected. In particular, the inflow water before water treatment contains many components to be monitored, and therefore the filtrate F after filtration may also contain amounts of components that exceed the measurement range of the analyzer 4.

[0077] Therefore, the water quality monitoring device 1B in this embodiment is provided with an automatic dilution means 6 that automatically dilutes the sample S or filtrate F at an arbitrary dilution ratio, and automatically dilutes the sample S or filtrate F collected from the water treatment plant 100.

[0078] 5, an example of the automatic dilution means 6 includes a pure water for dilution supply unit 60 that supplies pure water for dilution to the filtrate reservoir 33 in the automatic filtration unit 3. Note that the destination of the pure water for dilution supplied by the pure water for dilution supply unit 60 is not limited to the filtrate reservoir 33, and the pure water for dilution may be supplied to the sample S before the filtration process. It is also preferable to provide a control unit (not shown) that controls the amount of pure water supplied from the dilution pure water supply unit 60 and the timing of supplying the pure water.

[0079] The dilution ratio may be set in advance based on past performance, or may be calculated and set based on feedback regarding the analysis results from the analysis device 4. In the water quality monitoring device 1B of this embodiment, it is possible to keep the amount of sample S collected from the automatic water sampling unit 2 approximately constant and introduce it into the automatic filtration unit 3. Therefore, by setting the dilution ratio, it is possible to keep constant the amount of pure water for dilution supplied to the sample S or filtrate F, and the operation of the automatic dilution means 6 can be simplified.

[0080] As described above, the water quality monitoring device 1B in this embodiment is provided with an automatic dilution means, which automatically dilutes the sample or filtrate collected from the water treatment plant, thereby bringing the concentration of the monitored object within the measurement range of the analytical device 4 for component analysis, making it possible to perform component analysis of the monitored object online more stably and accurately. In particular, even for multiple samples (filtrates) with different concentrations of the target substance, such as influent and effluent from a water treatment plant, it is possible to perform component analysis while automatically ensuring that the concentration of the target substance in each sample (filtrate) falls within the measurement range of the analyzer, thereby further improving the quality of water quality monitoring. Even when multiple analyzers with different measurement ranges are used as the analyzer 4 in this embodiment, a single pretreatment device (a combination of the automatic filtration unit 3 (automatic filter supply device 5) and automatic dilution means 6 in this embodiment) can keep the concentration of the monitored object in the sample (filtrate) within the measurement range of each analyzer, enabling appropriate response. This improves the stability and accuracy of the component analysis of the monitored object, and also enables reduced running costs and space savings associated with online component analysis.

[0081] Furthermore, the water quality monitoring device 1B in this embodiment can be used in place of the water quality monitoring device 1A in the plant control device 10 described above. This allows the concentration of the monitored component to be kept within the measurement range of the analyzer, and highly accurate information about the monitored component can be stably obtained. Therefore, by performing control based on this information, it becomes possible to more appropriately take measures necessary to maintain stable operating conditions of the water treatment plant.

[0082] The above-described embodiments are examples of the water quality monitoring device, plant control device, plant control method, and automatic filter supply device. The water quality monitoring device, plant control device, plant control method, and automatic filter supply device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the water quality monitoring device, plant control device, plant control method, and automatic filter supply device according to the above-described embodiments may be modified within the scope of the gist of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The water quality monitoring device, plant control device, and plant control method of the present invention can be used for the operation control and maintenance of water treatment plants.

[0084] The automatic filter supplying device of the present invention is also suitable for use in online filtration processes, particularly in automating filtration processes that are performed as pre-processing in online component analysis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1A, 1B Water quality monitoring device, 10 Plant control device, 11 Control unit, 2 Automatic water sampling unit, 20a, 20b Water sampling pipe, 21a, 21b Pump, 22 Pump control means, 3 Automatic filtration unit, 30 Automatic filter supply unit, 31 Stage, 32 Nozzle, 33 Filtrate storage unit, 4 Analytical device, 5 Automatic filter supply device, 50 Filter storage tube, 50a Slit, 51 Transport means, 52 Filter hand, 52a Hand member, 53 Transport arm, 53a Rotation drive mechanism, 53b Moving mechanism, 54 Push-up part, 54a Pole, 54b Push-up claw, 55 Rotating body, 55a Rotating body main body, 6 Automatic dilution means, 60 Dilution pure water supply unit, 100 Water treatment plant, 101 Settling basin, 102 Biological treatment tank, 103 Disinfection treatment tank, F Filtrate, FC, FC1 filter cartridge, L1~L4 piping, R1, R2 rotating shaft, S, S1, S2 sample, W wastewater, W1 treated water

Claims

1. A water quality monitoring device in a water treatment plant, an automatic water sampling unit that automatically samples water from the water treatment plant; an automatic filtration unit that automatically filters the sample collected by the automatic water sampling unit; the automatic filtration unit has a filter material for filtering the sample, The automatic water sampling unit samples inflow water introduced into the water treatment plant and outflow water discharged from the water treatment plant, The filter material is in contact with the atmosphere until the sample is filtered. The water quality monitoring device is characterized in that the filtrate filtered by the automatic filtration unit is subjected to component analysis.

2. The automatic water sampling unit automatically samples inflow water and outflow water in the water treatment plant. The water quality monitoring device according to claim 1 .

3. The sample or the filtrate may be automatically diluted at an arbitrary dilution ratio.

3. The water quality monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2,

4. the automatic filtering unit includes an automatic filter supply unit that automatically supplies a filter having a filter material, The automatic filter supply unit is capable of storing a plurality of filter cartridges. The water quality monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A plant control device that controls the operation of a water treatment plant, The water quality monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Based on the analysis results obtained by the water quality monitoring device, the operating conditions of the water treatment plant are and a control unit that performs control such that

6. A plant control method for controlling the operation of a water treatment plant, comprising: Based on the analysis results obtained by the water quality monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The plant is characterized by comprising a control step for controlling the operating conditions of the water treatment plant. Control method.

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