Water purification system

Abstract

To adjust a flow rate of water flowing into a filtration system according to a measured water quality in a water tank.SOLUTION: A sensor part measures an ammonia and nitrate concentrations in a water tank, and a calculation part calculates an adjustment amount of an inflow into a biological filtration part by aerobic bacteria and / or an outflow from the biological filtration part by anaerobic bacteria according to measured concentrations. The display part displays the calculated adjustment amount, and the control part automatically adjusts the flow rate according to the adjustment amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water purification system. [Background technology]

[0002] Filtration has traditionally been used as a method for purifying water such as domestic wastewater and sewage. There are two types of filtration for water purification: physical filtration, which uses filter media to absorb impurities, and biological filtration, which purifies water through the action of bacteria. Filtration devices that use these filtration principles are designed to replicate the natural water purification process within a septic tank. In conventional water purification systems, 1) solids are first physically removed by being adsorbed onto a filter material such as a screen (physical filtration), 2) organic matter such as biological waste is then broken down into ammonia by enzymes, and 3) aerobic bacteria further oxidize and decompose the solids into nitrite and then nitrate (nitrification).

[0003] In the process of oxidative decomposition (nitrification) of ammonia to nitrate, oxygen is used and hydrogen ions increase, causing the water in the aquarium to become acidic and the pH index (hereafter referred to as "pH"). In other words, an increase in nitrates causes the water in the aquarium to become acidic (the pH decreases). Nitrates are also a cause of eutrophication. As eutrophication progresses, plankton can multiply abnormally, potentially leading to the outbreak of blue-green algae. If eutrophication progresses further, dissolved oxygen in the water can become insufficient, causing the death of algae and fish, resulting in a foul odor.

[0004] In natural rivers and soils, nitrates produced by nitrification are broken down by anaerobic bacteria into nitrogen gas (denitrification), which is then returned to the air, completing the nitrification-denitrification cycle (nitrogen cycle). When this nitrogen cycle is functioning properly and in a balanced state, rivers and soils are maintained at a nearly neutral pH. However, particularly in mountainous areas where sewerage systems are not fully developed, domestic wastewater is discharged directly into rivers, and in urban areas, treated sewage water and industrial wastewater are discharged into rivers without being purified, before being fully purified at sewage treatment plants or factories.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a filtration device developed for the purpose of efficiently circulating the above-mentioned nitrogen in an aquarium or the like. Patent Document 1 discloses a filtration device in which cylindrical bodies filled with filter media are arranged so as to communicate with each other, with the first cylindrical body being a biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria, the last cylindrical body being a biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria, and a flow control valve between the aerobic and anaerobic bacterial biological filtration sections. According to this technology, if the flow control valve is set to an ideal state, it is possible to carry out not only nitrification but also denitrification in a continuous series of purification processes within the same facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014-184948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 was unable to grasp the situation in which the water quality in the aquarium was deteriorating, and the person adjusting the valve had to rely on trial and error to determine how to adjust the flow control valve, which regulates the amount of water flowing from the biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria to the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to adjust the amount of inflow to the biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria, or the amount of discharge from the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria, depending on the ammonia concentration, nitrate concentration, or pH value in the aquarium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) In order to achieve the above object, the water purification system of the present invention comprises: filter Multiple storage spaces for materials filter A water purification system in which the material containers are arranged in a water tank for purified water so that they are connected to each other by a communication part that forms a water channel, filter At least one of the material containers filter a biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria, which is a material container; and a biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria, which is disposed downstream of the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria. filter a biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria, which is a material container; a sensor unit in the aquarium that measures the ammonia concentration and nitrate concentration or hydrogen ion concentration index of the water to be purified outside the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria and the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria; a first flow rate adjusting unit capable of adjusting the flow rate of the water flowing into the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria; To the tank The apparatus has a second flow rate adjusting unit capable of adjusting the outflow rate, and a bypass unit that causes a portion of the flow rate of water flowing from the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria to the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria to flow out to the water tank outside the filter medium container, and the flow rate measured by the sensor unit is The ammonia concentration Based on the above, the amount of adjustment regarding the flow rate of water flowing into the biological filtration unit by aerobic bacteria and / or the amount of adjustment measured by the sensor unit is The nitrate concentration or pH index Based on this, the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria To the tank a calculation unit that calculates an adjustment amount related to the flow rate of outflowing water; A water quality manager adjusts the adjustment valve that is the first flow rate adjustment unit or the second flow rate adjustment unit. and a display unit that displays the amount of adjustment regarding the water flow rate calculated by the calculation unit.

[0010] According to the invention of (1), the amount of flow rate adjustment for the biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria and the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria is displayed based on the measurement results of the water quality of the aquarium, thereby helping to properly and efficiently maintain and manage the water quality of the flow rate aquarium.

[0011] (2) In order to achieve the above object, the water purification system of the present invention comprises: filter Multiple storage spaces for materials filterA water purification system in which the material containers are arranged in a water tank for purified water so that they are connected to each other by a communication part that forms a water channel, filter At least one of the material containers filter a biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria, which is a material container; and a biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria, which is disposed downstream of the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria. filter a biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria, which is a material container; a sensor unit that is located in the water tank and measures the ammonia concentration and nitrate concentration or hydrogen ion concentration index of the water to be purified outside the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit and the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit; and a part of the flow rate of water flowing from the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit to the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit is discharged into the water tank outside the filter medium container. A first flow rate adjusting unit capable of adjusting the flow rate and a biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria To the tank a second flow rate adjusting unit capable of adjusting the outflow flow rate; The ammonia concentration Based on this, aerobic bacteria biofiltration section into the tank Adjustment amount for the flow rate of water and The value measured by the sensor unit Nitrate concentration or pH index Based on this, the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria To the tank a calculation unit that calculates an adjustment amount related to the flow rate of outflowing water; and Adjust the flow rate and a flow rate control unit having a first flow rate adjustment unit and / or a second flow rate adjustment unit.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the invention (2), the flow rate adjustment amount for the biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria and the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria is calculated based on the measurement results of the water quality of the aquarium, and the first flow rate adjustment section and the second flow rate adjustment section are controlled based on the calculated adjustment amount to control the flow rate, thereby making it possible to appropriately and efficiently maintain and manage the water quality of the aquarium.

[0015] ( 3 In order to achieve the above object, the water purification system of the present invention is characterized in that the flow rate control unit controls the flow rate measured by the sensor unit. Taa When the ammonia concentration is higher than a predetermined value, the biological filtration section using the aerobic bacteria is activated. Outflow from The present invention is characterized by increasing the flow rate of water.

[0016] Also,( 3 According to the invention of Ammonia concentrationBased on the measurement results, the biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria The outflow rate from This allows the water quality of the aquarium to be maintained and managed appropriately and efficiently.

[0017] ( 4 In order to achieve the above object, the water purification system of the present invention is characterized in that the flow rate control unit controls the flow rate measured by the sensor unit. Nitto The acid salt concentration is higher than a predetermined value or Water When the elementary ion concentration index is lower than a predetermined value, the flow rate of the water flowing out from the biological filtration section using the anaerobic bacteria is reduced.

[0018] Also,( 4 According to the invention of or pH index Based on the measurement results, the amount of flow rate adjustment from the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria is calculated, allowing the water quality of the aquarium to be maintained and managed appropriately and efficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a purification device and method that utilizes a particularly long, narrow, enclosed waterway, improves purification efficiency, and facilitates maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a biological filtration section of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the housing of the biological filtration unit of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bypass portion of a water purification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a water purification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a correspondence table between measured values ​​of water quality and adjustment amounts related to the water flow rate. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a screen displayed by a display unit of the water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a water purification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a graph showing a time-series change in ammonia concentration. [Figure 12] 1 is a graph showing the change in nitrate concentration over time. [Figure 13] 1 is a graph showing a time-series change in hydrogen ion concentration index. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. [First embodiment] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The water purification system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is composed of a sensor unit 4 and a filtration device 20 installed in an aquarium 2, a server 3 connected to the sensor unit 4 via a network 80, and a terminal device 70. The water tank 2 does not have to be a closed water environment, but may be a water tank with inflow and outflow of water, such as a tank in a water treatment plant. Also, the server 3 and the terminal device 70 do not need to be separate devices and may be the same device.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The water purification system 1 has an aquarium 2 and a server 3, and is composed of a sensor unit 4 arranged in the aquarium 2, a first flow rate adjustment unit 5, a biological filtration unit 6 using aerobic bacteria, a bypass unit 7, a biological filtration unit 8 using anaerobic bacteria, a second flow rate adjustment unit 9, a calculation unit 10 in the server 3, and a display unit 11.

[0023] In this embodiment, the water tank 2 is a closed water storage space, but it may be a water storage area with inflow from the outside or outflow to the outside. The sensor unit 4 is composed of an ammonia concentration sensor that measures the ammonia concentration of the water in the aquarium 2 and / or a nitrate concentration sensor that measures the nitrate concentration. The measurement data of the ammonia concentration and / or the nitrate concentration measured by the sensor unit 4 is transmitted to the calculation unit 10. The communication between the sensor unit 4 and the calculation unit 10 may be wireless or wired.

[0024] The first flow rate adjustment unit 5 adjusts the amount of water flowing into the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6. For example, the first flow rate adjustment unit 5 may be a pump that sucks in the water to be purified in the aquarium and supplies it to the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6. By adjusting the operation of the pump, the amount of water flowing into the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 can be increased or decreased. The first flow rate adjustment unit 5 may also be a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the amount of water flowing into the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6. When it is desired to further activate the aerobic bacteria, the first flow rate adjustment unit 5 is adjusted to increase the amount of water to be purified flowing into the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6.

[0025] The aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 is a filtration unit where aerobic bacteria grow. To activate the aerobic bacteria, an oxygen-rich environment is required. Therefore, if you want to activate the aerobic bacteria more, adjust the flow rate to increase the amount of water that flows into the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6.

[0026] The anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8 is a filtration unit where anaerobic bacteria grow. In order for anaerobic bacteria to grow, an environment with low oxygen is required. Therefore, if you want to further activate the anaerobic bacteria, you can reduce the amount of water flowing out from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8 and adjust the environment inside the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8 to become anaerobic.

[0027] The bypass unit 7 is a component that provides a path for returning a portion of the unpurified water passing through the filtration unit to the aquarium. For example, it may be a hole provided in the communication section between the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 and the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8. Alternatively, it may be a valve that returns a portion of the water flowing from the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 to the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8 to the aquarium. The valve serving as the bypass unit 7 may be a valve with a fixed flow rate ratio or a regulating valve that can adjust the flow rate as desired. Furthermore, the bypass unit 7 is not limited to being provided in the communication section between the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 and the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8. Multiple bypass units 7 may be provided along the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 or the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8.

[0028] The second flow rate adjustment unit 9 adjusts the amount of water flowing out from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8. For example, the second flow rate adjustment unit 9 may be a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the amount of water flowing out from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8. When it is desired to increase the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria, the second flow rate adjustment unit 9 is adjusted to reduce the amount of water flowing out from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8 and make the environment inside the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8 anaerobic.

[0029] The calculation unit 10 calculates an adjustment amount for the water flow rate of the first flow rate control unit 5 and / or the second flow rate control unit 9 based on the measurement data of the ammonia concentration and / or the nitrate concentration measured by the sensor unit 4. The adjustment amount for the water flow rate is an amount that serves as a reference when adjusting the inflow rate to the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 or the outflow rate from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8. The adjustment amount for the water flow rate may be the inflow rate to the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 or the outflow rate from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8. The adjustment amount for the water flow rate may be an amount by which the inflow rate to the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 or the outflow rate from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8 should be increased or decreased. The adjustment amount for the water flow rate may be a numerical value indicating the open / close state of a valve or a numerical value indicating the operating state of a pump for adjusting the inflow rate to the aerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 6 or the outflow rate from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8. The adjustment amount for the water flow rate may be a level indicating the opening / closing state of a valve or a level indicating the operating state of a pump to adjust the amount of water flowing into the biological filtration section 6 using aerobic bacteria or the amount of water flowing out of the biological filtration section 8 using anaerobic bacteria.

[0030] Display unit 11 displays the adjustment amount for the water flow rate calculated by calculation unit 10. For example, display unit 11 may display, as the adjustment amount for the water flow rate, a numerical value indicating the open / closed state of a valve or a numerical value indicating the operating state of a pump for adjusting the amount of water inflow into biological filtration unit 6 using aerobic bacteria or the amount of water outflow from biological filtration unit 8 using anaerobic bacteria. The aquarium manager adjusts first flow rate adjustment unit 5 or second flow rate adjustment unit 9 based on the numerical value displayed on display unit 11.

[0031] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a biological filtration unit of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The biological filtration unit is composed of a pump 21, a flow control valve 22, cylindrical bodies 31-38, communication units 41-48, a flow control valve 23, a bypass unit 7, and an outlet 49.

[0032] The pump 21 sucks water from the aquarium and supplies the water to be purified to the cylindrical body 31 via a communication part 41, which will be described later. The pump 21 is a pump that can adjust the amount of water inflow to the biological filtration part, which can automatically or manually adjust the amount of water sucked from the aquarium.

[0033] The flow rate adjustment valve 22 is provided in the communication part 41 between the pump 21 and the cylindrical body 31. The flow rate adjustment valve 22 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of fluid flowing into the cylindrical body 31. For example, if the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is set to a "100% closed" state, no fluid will flow into the cylindrical body 31, but if the valve is opened, the amount of fluid flowing into the cylindrical body 31 will increase.

[0034] Each of the cylinders 31 to 38 is a cylindrical container capable of accommodating a filter medium therein, and is arranged in parallel. Hereinafter, when the multiple cylinders 31 to 38 are described as having a common configuration and function, they may be referred to simply as "cylinder 30." Of the cylinders arranged in parallel, the last cylinder 38 is provided with an outlet for discharging purified water into the water tank. In this embodiment, the cylindrical bodies 31 to 38 are hollow cylindrical bodies, but are not limited to this and may be any hollow container that can accommodate filter material, and may be rectangular.

[0035] The communication section 41 is a pipe provided to allow water to circulate between the pump 21 and the cylindrical body 31. The communication sections 42 to 48 are pipes provided between adjacent cylindrical bodies 31 to 38 to allow water to circulate between them. That is, the pump 21 and cylinder 31 are connected by a communication part 41, the cylinder 31 and cylinder 32 are connected by a communication part 42, the cylinder 32 and cylinder 33 are connected by a communication part 43, the cylinder 33 and cylinder 34 are connected by a communication part 44, the cylinder 34 and cylinder 35 are connected by a communication part 45, the cylinder 35 and cylinder 36 are connected by a communication part 46, the cylinder 36 and cylinder 37 are connected by a communication part 47, and the cylinder 37 and cylinder 38 are connected by a communication part 48 to form a waterway. Hereinafter, when the communicating portions 42 to 48 that connect the plurality of cylindrical bodies 30 arranged in parallel to each other are described as having a common configuration and function, they may be simply referred to as "communicating portion 40." The outlet 49 has an opening through which the water to be purified that has moved inside the cylindrical body 38 flows out into the water tank.

[0036] The cylinder 31 constitutes a "physical filter" for removing solids, and the six cylinders 32-37 following the cylinder 31 constitute a biological filter 6 using aerobic bacteria. The final cylinder 38 constitutes a biological filter 8 using anaerobic bacteria. As can be seen from the arrows representing the water flow in FIG. 3, the cylinder 31 is located at the most upstream side, and the water moves downstream from cylinder 31 to the adjacent cylinders 32, ..., 38. In other words, the water to be purified, sucked from the pump, moves downstream in the order of the "physical filter," "biological filter using aerobic bacteria," and "biological filter using anaerobic bacteria." The physical filter may also function as a biological filter using aerobic bacteria.

[0037] Here, "aerobic bacteria" refers to bacteria that require oxygen, such as ammonia-oxidizing bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas, which convert ammonia into nitrite through respiration, and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria of the genus Nitrospira, which convert nitrite into nitrate. Furthermore, "anaerobic bacteria" refers to bacteria that perform anaerobic respiration (metabolism without oxygen), including denitrifying bacteria such as Pseudomonas denitrificans and Micrococcus denitrificans, which convert nitrates into nitrogen gas (denitrification) through nitrate respiration. Denitrifying bacteria will perform aerobic respiration and will no longer perform denitrification when the dissolved oxygen concentration in the water is approximately 2 mg / L or higher. Therefore, in order to promote denitrification, it is desirable to create an anaerobic environment in which the dissolved oxygen concentration in the biological filtration unit 8 using anaerobic bacteria is 2 mg / L or lower.

[0038] Furthermore, Pseudomonas and Micrococcus are heterotrophic bacteria that require organic matter as a carbon source for energy, so the biological filtration unit 8 using anaerobic bacteria must be filled with an organic carbon preparation, which will be described later.

[0039] Communication parts 41, 43, 45, and 47 are provided near the upper end of cylindrical body 30, and communication parts 42, 44, and 46 are provided near the lower end of cylindrical body 30. Communication parts 40 are alternately arranged above and below arranged cylindrical bodies 30, so that the water channel through which the water to be purified passes has a zigzag shape.

[0040] In this embodiment, the communication section 48 is provided with a bypass section 7. The bypass section 7 is a valve that divides the destination of the water to be purified that flows into the communication section 48, and can divide the water into an amount that flows into the cylindrical body 38 and an amount that flows out to the water tank. The bypass section 7 does not necessarily have to be a branch with a fixed ratio of the divided amount, and may be an adjustment valve that can vary the ratio of the divided amount. For example, if the bypass section 7 as an adjustment valve is set to a "30% open" state, 30% of the water to be purified that flows into the communication section 48 can flow into the cylindrical body 38, and 70% can flow out to the water tank. If the bypass section 7 as an adjustment valve is set to a "fully open" state, all of the water to be purified that flows into the communication section 48 flows into the cylindrical body 38. On the other hand, if the bypass section 7 is set to a "100% closed" state, all of the water to be purified that flows into the communication section 48 returns to the water tank.

[0041] In this embodiment, the flow rate adjustment valve 23 is provided midway between the cylindrical body 38 and the outlet 49. The flow rate adjustment valve 23 is a valve for throttling the flow rate out of the cylindrical body 38. For example, if the flow rate adjustment valve 23 is set to a "100% closed" state, no amount of fluid will flow out of the cylindrical body 38 to the outlet 49, but if the valve is opened, the amount of fluid flowing out of the cylindrical body 38 to the outlet 49 will increase.

[0042] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the housing of the biological filtration unit of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cylindrical body 30 shown in Figure 4 has a pair of communication part components 62a, 62b with lids 61a, 61b at opposing positions on the upper ends of its side. Furthermore, the cylindrical body 30 also has a pair of communication part components 62c, 62d with lids 61c, 61d at opposing positions on the lower ends of its side.

[0043] The communication component 62b at the upper end of one cylinder 30 is structured to be able to fit into the communication component 62a at the upper end of the adjacent cylinder 30 (not shown) on the right side, and by fitting these together, a continuous water channel, i.e., a communication section 40, is formed between the two cylinders 30. Similarly, a water channel can be formed by fitting between the communication component elements 62c and 62d at the lower ends of two adjacent cylinders 30. Even if these components do not fit together directly, they can be connected by rubber or plastic pipes, etc. It is also possible to connect the communication portion constituent element 62d at the lower end of the cylindrical body 30 with the communication portion constituent element 62a at the upper end of the adjacent cylindrical body 30 (not shown) on the right side using a pipe. In this embodiment, the communication portion component 62b in the state where the lid 61b is removed forms the outlet 49 in FIG.

[0044] Nets 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d are fixed to the openings of the communication portion components 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d on the inner wall side of the cylindrical body 30, respectively, to prevent the filter material from leaking out.

[0045] In addition, small holes with lids (not shown) can be formed on the side of the cylindrical body 30 above the communication section components 62a and 62b, or on the side of the communication section components 62c and 62d below, and can be used as ventilation holes or drainage holes as needed.

[0046] When assembling, the cylindrical bodies 30 are arranged in parallel so that their longitudinal directions are oriented vertically, and the upper and lower communication section components 62a to 62d are connected alternately in sequence. Unnecessary communication sections 40 are closed with lids, thereby creating a long, zigzag waterway as shown by the arrow in Figure 3. It is also possible to prepare a block by combining a plurality of cylindrical bodies 30 in advance and then connect these blocks for use.

[0047] A filter medium 64 is stored inside the cylindrical body 30. The bottom of the cylindrical body 30 is closed, but the top is open to allow the filter medium 64 to be put in and taken out, and can be opened and closed freely by providing a lid 65. Then, by connecting an appropriate number of cylindrical bodies 30, a filtration device of the required length can be assembled.

[0048] The water to be purified that flows into the cylindrical body 30 from the communication part 40 on the upper end side passes through the filter material 64 and then flows into the lower end side of the adjacent cylindrical body 30 through the communication part 40 on the lower end side. The water to be purified that flows into the cylindrical body 30 from the communication part 40 on the lower end side of the adjacent cylindrical body 30 passes through the filter material 64 and then flows into the upper end side of the adjacent cylindrical body 30 through the communication part 40 on the upper end side. By repeating the above series of movements of the water to be purified, the path of movement of the water to be purified takes a zigzag shape, and the water to be purified travels a long distance even in a small tank, thereby enabling efficient water purification.

[0049] The cylindrical body 31, which is the "physical filtration section," is filled with a filter medium suitable for physical filtration. The filter medium 64 filled in the cylindrical bodies 32-37, which are the "biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria," is made up of numerous porous rings that ensure water permeability and have a large surface area. The filter medium 64 filled in the cylindrical body 38, which is the "anaerobic bacteria" section, is a filter medium suitable for the growth of anaerobic bacteria, i.e., an organic carbon preparation that serves as a nutrient source. For example, the organic carbon preparation is made from a water-insoluble organic plastic.

[0050] The water to be purified is sucked into pump 21 and moves to cylindrical body 31, where solid matter is removed. Then, as it moves from cylindrical body 32 to cylindrical body 37, the organic matter in the water to be purified is nitrified into ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. This nitrate flows into cylindrical body 38, the final stage, as the water to be purified flows, and is denitrified by the activity of anaerobic bacteria inside cylindrical body 38. After going through the above series of nitrification and denitrification processes, the water to be purified is returned to the aquarium.

[0051] When the water to be purified is supplied from pump 21 to cylindrical body 31, it contains organic matter and sufficient dissolved oxygen for the growth of aerobic bacteria. However, as the water progresses from cylindrical body 31 to cylindrical body 37, the oxygen is consumed by aerobic bacteria and the like, and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreases. Generally, the dissolved oxygen concentration in water required for anaerobic bacteria to grow is said to be 2 mg / L or less. If the dissolved oxygen concentration flowing out of cylinder 37, the final cylinder in the "biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria," is high, and the water to be purified, which has a high oxygen concentration, flows directly into cylinder 38, which is also the "biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria," the dissolved oxygen concentration of the water to be purified inside cylinder 38 will exceed 2 mg / L.

[0052] The pump 21, flow control valve 22, and bypass unit 7 allow for adjustment of the amount of purified water flowing from the aerobic bacteria biological filtration section to the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration section. Even if the amount of water flowing into the cylinder 38 decreases, the dissolved oxygen concentration immediately after flowing into the cylinder 38 remains high. However, if the amount of water flowing into the cylinder 38 is low, oxygen diffuses within the cylinder 38, allowing the dissolved oxygen concentration within the cylinder 38 to be kept low. Therefore, the dissolved oxygen concentration of the purified water within the cylinder 38, which serves as the "anaerobic bacteria biological filtration section," becomes high enough to allow anaerobic bacteria to be active. This means that the anaerobic bacteria within the cylinder 38 can denitrify nitrates, allowing purified water to flow back into the aquarium. By adjusting the pump 21 and the flow rate adjusting valve 22 in this way, an environment suitable for the proliferation of anaerobic and anaerobic bacteria can be created.

[0053] On the other hand, the water discharged into the aquarium through the bypass section 7 contains nitrates, so some of the water containing nitrates is temporarily returned to the aquarium, but the water in the aquarium is taken back into the biological filtration section, and a certain proportion of the water flows into the cylinder 38 where anaerobic bacteria grow. Therefore, the nitrates contained in the water discharged into the aquarium from the bypass section 7 are eventually denitrified by the anaerobic bacteria in the cylinder 38.

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bypass section of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. If the flow rate into the biological filtration section 6 using aerobic bacteria is Q1, the bypass section 7 serves to divide the flow rate Q1 out of the biological filtration section 6 using aerobic bacteria into a flow rate Q2 flowing out of the filtration section and a flow rate Q3 flowing into the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria. The flow rates Q1, Q2, and Q3 are related by the following formula (1): Q1=Q2+Q3 (1)

[0055] The first flow rate control unit 5 adjusts the flow rate Q1 of water flowing into the biological filtration unit 6 by aerobic bacteria by adjusting the pump 21 and the flow rate control valve 22. For example, if the value of the ammonia concentration sensor indicates a high ammonia concentration, it is necessary to activate the aerobic bacteria to break down the ammonia. In this case, the pump 21 and the flow rate control valve 22 can be adjusted to increase the flow rate Q1.

[0056] The second flow rate adjuster 9 adjusts the flow rate Q3 flowing out from the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration unit 8 by adjusting the flow rate adjustment valve 23. For example, if the value of the nitrate concentration sensor indicates a high nitrate concentration, it is necessary to reduce the flow rate Q3, which is the amount of water flowing into and out of the cylindrical body 38, so that the dissolved oxygen concentration inside the cylindrical body 38 is high enough to activate the anaerobic bacteria and break down the nitrates. In this case, the flow rate adjustment valve 23 can be adjusted to narrow the flow rate Q3.

[0057] In the above description, the bypass section 7 has been described as having a fixed flow division ratio, but it is also possible to use a flow rate adjustment valve in the bypass section 7 to variably adjust the ratio.

[0058] As described above, the water purification system of this embodiment can increase the activity of aerobic bacteria by adjusting the flow rate of water into the biological filtration section 6 using aerobic bacteria and the flow rate of water outflowing from the filtration section 8 using anaerobic bacteria, and can create a low-oxygen environment in the filtration section using anaerobic bacteria that is suitable for the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria, thereby promoting the denitrification effect brought about by anaerobic bacteria. This allows the water in the tank to be maintained at a nearly neutral pH, making it possible to purify water over a long period of time using a single device. Furthermore, for example, when the water purification system of this embodiment is used in a fish tank, purification can be carried out continuously over a long period of time while maintaining the water at a neutral pH, thereby eliminating the need to replace the water in the tank.

[0059] In the water purification system of the first embodiment, the bypass section 7 is provided in the communication section 48 that connects the last cylinder 37 of the aerobic bacteria biological filtration section 6 to the cylinder 38 that is the anaerobic bacteria biological filtration section 8, but multiple bypasses may also be provided in the communication sections 42 to 47. In other words, it is sufficient for the bypass section 7 to be able to return a portion of the outflow from the aerobic bacteria biological filtration section 6 to the aquarium 2. Furthermore, although the anaerobic bacteria cylinder has been described as being only one cylinder 38, it may be a combination of multiple cylinders connected together.

[0060] Next, the process executed by the water purification system of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, calculation unit 10 calculates a first adjustment amount for the water flow rate based on the measurement value of a first element measured by sensor unit 4 (step 501). Next, calculation unit 10 calculates a second adjustment amount for the water flow rate based on the measurement value of a second element measured by sensor unit 4 (step 502). Display unit 11 displays the first and second adjustment amounts for the water flow rate (step 503). If a certain period of time has not elapsed, the system waits for the time to elapse, and after the certain period of time has elapsed, the system returns to the state immediately after the start and repeats the above processing (step 504).

[0061] For example, if the sensor unit 4 is an ammonia concentration meter, when the ammonia concentration exceeds a predetermined value, it is desirable to increase the amount of water flowing into the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria to enhance the activity of the aerobic bacteria and further decompose the ammonia. In this case, the adjustment amount for the water flow rate refers to the amount of water flowing into the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria, or the amount of water flowing to be increased. Typically, when the ammonia concentration exceeds 0.1 ppm, fish in the aquarium eat less or even die, so a predetermined threshold of 0.08 ppm can be set. When the threshold is exceeded, the display unit 11 displays "increase inflow rate by 10%" as the adjustment amount for the water flow rate. The person managing the aquarium's water quality can then view the adjustment amount for the water flow rate displayed on the display unit 11 and adjust the adjustment valve of the first flow rate control unit 5 to increase the inflow rate by 10%.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, if the sensor unit 4 is a nitrate concentration meter, when the nitrate concentration exceeds a predetermined value, it is desirable to reduce the amount of water inflow from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria in order to increase the activity of anaerobic bacteria and further decompose nitrates. In this case, the adjustment amount for the water flow rate is the amount of water outflow from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria, or the amount of water to be reduced. Although this depends on the fish species, a nitrate concentration above 100 ppm typically creates an environment that is difficult for fish to survive in, so the predetermined threshold can be set to 80 ppm. When the threshold is exceeded, the display unit 11 may display "10% decrease in outflow rate" as the adjustment amount for the water flow rate. The person managing the water quality of the aquarium can refer to the adjustment amount for the water flow rate displayed on the display unit 11 and adjust the adjustment valve of the second flow rate control unit 9 to reduce the outflow rate by 10%.

[0063] Note that a hydrogen ion concentration index (HPI) may be used instead of the nitrate concentration in the above-described embodiment. The HPI, or pH, tends to decrease with increasing nitrate concentration. Therefore, if the sensor unit 4 is a pH meter, when the pH falls below a predetermined threshold, it is desirable to reduce the amount of water inflow from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria to enhance anaerobic bacterial activity and further decompose nitrates. In this case, the adjustment amount for the water flow rate refers to the amount of water outflow or the reduction in the amount of outflow from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria. Although this depends on the fish species, a pH below 6 typically creates an environment that is difficult for fish to survive in, so the predetermined threshold can be set to 6. When the pH falls below the threshold, the display unit 11 may display "10% reduction in outflow" as the adjustment amount for the water flow rate. The person managing the aquarium's water quality can refer to the adjustment amount for the water flow rate displayed on the display unit 11 and adjust the adjustment valve of the second flow rate control unit 9 to reduce the outflow by 10%.

[0064] In the above description, the amount of water adjustment is calculated when the ammonia concentration or nitrate concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold value or when the pH falls below a predetermined threshold value. However, the amount of water flow rate adjustment may be calculated based on the amount of change in the ammonia concentration, nitrate concentration, or pH over time.

[0065] 7, a table 13 in which data on ammonia concentration and nitrate concentration or pH correspond to data on the amount of adjustment related to the water flow rate can be stored in the storage unit of the server 3. The calculation unit 10 may calculate the amount of adjustment related to the water flow rate by referring to table 13 from the data on ammonia concentration or data on nitrate concentration or pH measured by the sensor unit 4.

[0066] Fig. 8 is an example of a screen displayed by the display unit 11. For example, the measured ammonia concentration and the measured nitrate concentration or pH are displayed, and the amount to be adjusted as the amount of adjustment related to the water flow rate is also displayed. In the example of Fig. 8, the amount of increase or decrease in the flow rate is displayed, but the absolute amount of the flow rate can also be displayed.

[0067] As described above, the water purification system of the first embodiment of the present invention displays the amount by which to adjust the inflow rate to the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria and / or the outflow rate from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria, based on the results of water quality measurements such as ammonia concentration, nitrate concentration, or pH in the aquarium. Therefore, the water purification system of the first embodiment of the present invention allows the aquarium manager to purify the water in the aquarium so as to reduce the ammonia and nitrate concentrations by following the displayed adjustment amount, rather than adjusting the flow rate by trial and error.

[0068] [Second embodiment] Fig. 9 shows the configuration of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is different from that shown in Fig. 2. The water purification system of the second embodiment adds a control unit 12 to the first embodiment. Other configurations of the water purification system of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The control unit 12 acquires data on the adjustment amount regarding the water flow rate calculated by the calculation unit 10 via a communication line, and controls the first flow rate adjustment unit 5 and the second flow rate adjustment unit 9 according to the acquired adjustment amount, thereby controlling the flow rate passing through the first flow rate adjustment unit 5 and the second flow rate adjustment unit 9.

[0070] The first flow rate control unit 5 and the second flow rate control unit 9 may be, for example, adjustment valves that can be electrically or mechanically controlled. The valves may be opened or closed by receiving control information transmitted from the control unit 12 via wired or wireless communication. A control rod fixed to the valve in an adjustment unit may be controlled from outside the water tank. Furthermore, the first flow rate control unit 5 may be a pump, and the rotation speed of the pump may be set to change based on control information transmitted from the control unit.

[0071] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 10, the display unit 11, and the control unit 12 are described as being located within the server 3, but some or all of these may be located in the terminal device .

[0072] Next, the process executed by the water purification system of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of a water purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, the calculation unit 10 calculates a first adjustment amount for the water flow rate based on the measurement value of a first element measured by the sensor unit 4 (step 901). Next, the calculation unit 10 calculates a second adjustment amount for the water flow rate based on the measurement value of a second element measured by the sensor unit 4 (step 902). The control unit 12 controls the first flow rate adjustment unit 5 and / or the second flow rate adjustment unit 9 according to the first and second adjustment amounts for the water flow rate (step 903). After a certain period of time has elapsed, the process returns to the state immediately after the start and repeats the above processing (step 904). In the above flow, for example, the first element may be the ammonia concentration of the aquarium, and the second element may be the nitrate concentration or pH index of the aquarium.

[0073] As described above, the water quality in the aquarium is measured, and the inflow rate to the biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria and / or the outflow rate from the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria are automatically adjusted according to the state of the water quality. Therefore, the water purification system of the second embodiment of the present invention can purify the water in the aquarium so as to automatically reduce the ammonia concentration and nitrate concentration based on the water quality measurement results, without the need for a human to adjust the flow rate by trial and error.

[0074] 11 to 13 show a comparison of time-series changes in water quality in an aquarium for raising fish when the control unit of the water purification system of the present invention is operating and when it is not. Figure 11 is a graph showing the time series change in ammonia concentration, Figure 12 is a graph showing the time series change in nitrate concentration, and Figure 13 is a graph showing the time series change in pH.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 11 (solid line), the ammonia concentration gradually increased, and once it exceeded 0.07 ppm, just before the 0.1 ppm ammonia concentration warning line, control was implemented to increase the amount of inflow to the biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria. As a result, a gradual decrease in the ammonia concentration was observed. On the other hand, when no control was implemented and the system was left alone, the ammonia concentration continued to rise, as shown by the comparative example (dashed line), and the fish died around the 38th day.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 12 (solid line), the nitrate concentration gradually increased, and once it exceeded 70 ppm, just before the 100 ppm nitrate concentration warning line, control was implemented to reduce the amount of outflow from the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria. As a result, a gradual decrease in nitrate concentration was observed. On the other hand, if no control was implemented and the system was left alone, the nitrate concentration continued to rise, as shown by the comparative example (dashed line), and the fish died around the 43rd day.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 13 (solid line), the pH gradually decreased, and once it fell below 6, just before the pH 6.0 warning line, control was implemented to reduce the amount of effluent from the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria. As a result, the pH gradually increased and recovered. On the other hand, if no control was implemented and the water was left alone, the pH continued to decrease, as shown by the comparative example (dashed line), and the fish died around the 60th day.

[0078] In the above description, the amount of water to be adjusted is calculated when the ammonia concentration or nitrate concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold value or when the pH falls below a predetermined threshold value. However, control may also be performed to adjust the amount of adjustment related to the water flow rate calculated based on the amount of change in the ammonia concentration, nitrate concentration, or pH over time.

[0079] As described above, the water purification system of the second embodiment of the present invention automatically adjusts the amount of inflow to the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria and / or the amount of outflow from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria based on the results of water quality measurements such as ammonia concentration, nitrate concentration, or pH in the aquarium. Therefore, the water purification system of the second embodiment of the present invention can eliminate the need for a person to manually adjust the flow rate through trial and error, and can automatically purify the water in the aquarium so as to reduce the ammonia and nitrate concentrations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...water purification system, 2...aquarium, 3...server, 4...sensor unit, 5...first flow rate adjustment unit, 6...biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria, 7...bypass unit, 8...biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria, 10...calculation unit, 11...display unit, 12...control unit, 13...correspondence table between measured values ​​and adjustment amounts for water flow rate, 20...filtration device, 21...pump, 22, 23...flow rate adjustment valve, 31-38...cylinder, 41-48...communication unit, 49...outlet, 61a-61d...lid, 62a-62d...communication unit components, 63a-63d...net, 64...filter material, 65...lid, 70...terminal device, 80...network

Claims

1. A water purification system in which a plurality of filter media containers containing filter media are arranged in a tank of water to be purified so that they are connected to each other by communicating parts that form water channels, Among the filter media containers, at least one of the filter media containers is a biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria; A biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria, which is the filter medium container, is arranged downstream of the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria; a sensor unit in the aquarium that measures the ammonia concentration and nitrate concentration or hydrogen ion concentration index of the water to be purified outside the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria and the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria; a first flow rate adjusting unit capable of adjusting the flow rate of water flowing into the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria; a second flow rate adjusting unit capable of adjusting the flow rate of water flowing out from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria to the water tank; a bypass section that allows a portion of the flow rate of water flowing from the biological filtration section using aerobic bacteria to the biological filtration section using anaerobic bacteria to flow out to the water tank outside the filter medium container; a calculation unit that calculates an adjustment amount for the flow rate of water flowing into the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria based on the ammonia concentration measured by the sensor unit and / or an adjustment amount for the flow rate of water flowing out from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria to the aquarium based on the nitrate concentration or hydrogen ion concentration index measured by the sensor unit; a display unit that displays an adjustment amount related to the water flow rate calculated by the calculation unit so that a water quality manager can adjust the adjustment valve that is the first flow rate adjustment unit or the second flow rate adjustment unit; A water purification system comprising:

2. A water purification system in which a plurality of filter media containers containing filter media are arranged in a tank of water to be purified so that they are connected to each other by communicating parts that form water channels, Among the filter media containers, at least one of the filter media containers is a biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria; A biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria, which is the filter medium container, is arranged downstream of the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria; a sensor unit in the aquarium that measures the ammonia concentration and nitrate concentration or hydrogen ion concentration index of the water to be purified outside the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria and the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria; a first flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts the flow rate of the water flowing from the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria to the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria, and that flows out into the water tank outside the filter medium container; a second flow rate adjusting unit capable of adjusting the flow rate of water flowing out from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria to the water tank; a calculation unit that calculates an adjustment amount for the flow rate of water flowing from the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria to the aquarium based on the ammonia concentration measured by the sensor unit, and an adjustment amount for the flow rate of water flowing from the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria to the aquarium based on the nitrate concentration or hydrogen ion concentration index measured by the sensor unit; a flow rate control unit having a first flow rate adjustment unit and / or a second flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate based on the adjustment amount calculated by the calculation unit; A water purification system comprising:

3. 3. The water purification system according to claim 2, wherein the flow control unit increases the flow rate of the water flowing out of the biological filtration unit using aerobic bacteria when the ammonia concentration measured by the sensor unit is higher than a predetermined value.

4. 3. The water purification system of claim 2, wherein the flow control unit reduces the flow rate of water flowing out of the biological filtration unit using anaerobic bacteria when the nitrate concentration measured by the sensor unit is higher than a predetermined value or when the pH value measured by the sensor unit is lower than a predetermined value.

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