Liquid treatment system and method for conveying water between tanks

Abstract

This makes it possible to deliver fluid between the tanks without providing a pump. [Solution] The negative pressure generating device has a suction blower capable of generating negative pressure, and a switching valve arranged between the suction blower and the water treatment tank and the treated water storage tank. The switching valve is configured to be able to switch at least between a first valve state in which the suction blower is connected to the water treatment tank and the suction blower is not connected to the treated water storage tank, and a second valve state in which the suction blower is not connected to the water treatment tank and the suction blower is connected to the treated water storage tank. In the first valve state, raw water can be transferred from the raw water storage tank to the water treatment tank due to the internal pressure difference between the raw water storage tank and the water treatment tank caused by the suction blower, and in the second valve state, treated water can be transferred from the water treatment tank to the treated water storage tank due to the internal pressure difference between the water treatment tank and the treated water storage tank caused by the suction blower.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid treatment system and a method for transferring water between tanks. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as one type of liquid treatment system for treating liquids, a liquid purification system that purifies wastewater using microorganisms has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a circulating wastewater treatment unit that includes a wastewater adjustment tank that stores wastewater from a consumer, a biological treatment tank that performs biological treatment on the wastewater supplied from the wastewater adjustment tank, a treated water storage tank that stores the treated water obtained by the biological treatment, a means for supplying ozone to the liquid phase of the treated water storage tank, and a means for supplying gas in the treated water storage tank to the biological treatment tank via the wastewater adjustment tank.

[0003] The circulating wastewater treatment unit of Patent Document 1 is configured such that a wastewater adjustment tank and a biological treatment tank, and a biological treatment tank and a treated water storage tank are connected by drainage pipes, and pumps installed on each of these drainage pipes are used to pressure-feed wastewater from the wastewater adjustment tank to the biological treatment tank, and to pressure-feed treated water from the biological treatment tank to the treated water storage tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7299664 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The circulation-type wastewater treatment unit of Patent Document 1 has pumps provided between each tank, making it difficult to reduce manufacturing costs, and there is room for improvement in terms of size reduction and noise reduction.

[0006] The present invention relates to a liquid treatment system and a method for transferring water between tanks, which are capable of transferring fluid without providing a pump between the tanks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A liquid treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises at least two or more tanks capable of storing liquid, piping connecting the two or more tanks, and a negative pressure generating device that generates negative pressure in at least one of the two or more tanks, and is configured so that liquid can be transferred between the two or more tanks due to the internal pressure difference between the two or more tanks created by the negative pressure generating device.

[0008] A liquid treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a sensor provided in at least one of the piping and the tank, and a control unit that monitors the transfer of liquid between the two or more tanks based on the measurement results of the sensor.

[0009] In a liquid treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may include an electrical conductivity measurement sensor capable of measuring the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the piping, and a pressure sensor capable of measuring the pressure within the tank, and the control unit may be configured to monitor the direction of movement of the liquid between the two or more tanks and the physical properties of the liquid flowing through the piping based on changes in the pressure within the tank and the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the piping.

[0010] Furthermore, an inter-tank water transfer method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for transferring liquid between at least two or more tanks capable of storing liquid through piping, in which a negative pressure is generated in at least one of the two or more tanks, and the liquid is transferred between the two or more tanks due to the internal pressure difference between the two or more tanks.

[0011] An inter-tank water transfer method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a tank internal pressure measuring step of measuring a change in pressure inside the tank using a pressure sensor, an EC value measuring step of measuring the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the piping using an electrical conductivity measuring sensor, and a monitoring step of monitoring the movement direction of the liquid between the two or more tanks and the physical property values ​​of the liquid flowing through the piping based on the change in pressure inside the tank and the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the piping measured by the tank internal pressure measuring step and the EC value measuring step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the liquid treatment system and the method for transferring water between tanks of the present invention, it is possible to transfer fluid between the tanks without providing a pump between the tanks. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a liquid processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state of water being conveyed from the raw water storage tank to the water treatment tank. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of aeration treatment in the water treatment tank. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing the state of water being sent from the water treatment tank to the upstream storage tank. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state of water being sent from the upstream storage tank to the downstream storage tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the inventions according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Furthermore, in the present embodiments, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

[0015] [Liquid treatment system applications] The liquid treatment system according to this embodiment is a system that produces treated water by subjecting raw water to liquid treatment. Examples of liquid treatment performed in the liquid treatment system according to this embodiment include water purification treatment for purifying raw water. Specifically, the liquid treatment system according to this embodiment can be used to purify various types of raw water, such as domestic wastewater, sewage, rainwater, surface water, and groundwater discharged from consumers, and to regenerate the treated water into domestic water that can be used for flushing toilets, baths, showers, laundry, dishwashing, and the like, or as potable water.

[0016] The liquid treatment system according to this embodiment may be a system incorporated into a building or a mobile object. Examples of buildings include, but are not limited to, houses, vacation homes, mountain huts, temporary housing, and mobile homes built in mountainous areas where water supply and sewage systems are not available. Examples of mobile objects include, but are not limited to, automobiles, trains, ships, airplanes, and trailer homes.

[0017] Furthermore, the liquid treatment system according to the present embodiment may be a system independent of a building or a mobile object. For example, the liquid treatment system according to the present embodiment may be a portable system that can be transported and used at a predetermined location such as an outdoor event venue, a construction site, a campsite, or a disaster evacuation shelter.

[0018] The liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned water purification treatment application, and can be used for various applications. That is, the principle of inter-tank water transfer provided in the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment, which will be described later, is a principle that can be adopted in general facilities that transfer liquid between multiple tanks, and can also be adopted in facilities related to food and beverages, for example.

[0019] [Overall configuration of liquid treatment system] As shown in Figure 1, the liquid treatment system 1 of this embodiment includes a raw water storage tank 10 for storing raw water, a water treatment tank 20 for performing water treatment on the raw water supplied from the raw water storage tank 10, and a treated water storage tank 30 for storing treated water supplied from the water treatment tank 20.

[0020] The raw water storage tank 10, the water treatment tank 20, and the treated water storage tank 30 are connected by a plurality of pipes so that raw water or treated water can be sent between these tanks. Specifically, the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment includes a water supply pipe 100 for sending raw water from a raw water source (not shown) to the raw water storage tank 10, a first pipe 102 connecting the raw water storage tank 10 and the water treatment tank 20, a second pipe 104 connecting the water treatment tank 20 and the treated water storage tank 30, a third pipe 106 connecting an upstream storage tank 40 and a downstream storage tank 50 (described later) of the treated water storage tank 30, and a water supply pipe 108 for sending treated water further downstream from the treated water storage tank 30 (the downstream storage tank 50 in this embodiment).

[0021] Furthermore, the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment is provided with sensors for measuring the physical properties of the flowing liquid at any location in one or more pipes. Specifically, the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a first raw water sensor S1 provided in the water supply pipe 100, a second raw water sensor S2 provided in the first pipe 102, a first treated water sensor S3 provided in the second pipe 104, and a second treated water sensor S4 provided in the third pipe 106. However, the number and locations of the sensors are not limited to these, and any number of sensors can be installed at any location. Furthermore, each sensor may be provided in each tank.

[0022] Furthermore, the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment includes a negative pressure generator 70 that generates negative pressure in at least one of the water treatment tank 20 and the treated water storage tank 30, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the entire system including the negative pressure generator 70. The negative pressure generator 70 is connected to the water treatment tank 20 via a first suction pipe 110, and is also connected to the treated water storage tank 30 (the defoaming tank 60 in this embodiment) via a second suction pipe 112.

[0023] The liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment is configured so that, when negative pressure is generated by the negative pressure generator 70, the raw water storage tank 10, the water treatment tank 20, and the treated water storage tank 30 form an enclosed space in communication with each other via a first pipe 102 and a second pipe 104. Specifically, in the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment, the raw water storage tank 10, the water treatment tank 20, and the treated water storage tank 30 are sealed except for the respective ports, and the raw water storage tank 10, the water treatment tank 20, and the treated water storage tank 30 are airtightly connected by the respective pipes, so that the region from the raw water storage tank 10 to the treated water storage tank 30 is an enclosed space. In particular, the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment is configured so that, even if a water supply pipe 108 is provided to the treated water storage tank 30, the region from the raw water storage tank 10 to the treated water storage tank 30 can be an enclosed space because the treated water storage tank 30 is provided with a check valve 56, which will be described later. The specific configuration of each tank, etc., for forming such an enclosed space will be described later.

[0024] The liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment may further include a post-treatment system (not shown) that performs further liquid treatment on the treated water delivered via the water delivery pipe 108. In this case, the treated water stored in the treated water storage tank 30 is intermediate treated water before further liquid treatment by the post-treatment system. In other words, in this specification, "treated water" is not limited to final treated water that has undergone all liquid treatments, but also includes intermediate treated water that undergoes further liquid treatment by a post-treatment system provided downstream of the treated water storage tank 30.

[0025] The post-treatment system may be, for example, a liquid purification system that further purifies the treated water delivered from the treated water storage tank 30. For example, the post-treatment system may include a filter mechanism for reducing the impurity content of the treated water to a desired standard, a decolorization mechanism for decolorizing the treated water, and a disinfection mechanism for disinfecting the treated water by adding chemicals such as chlorine to the treated water. Examples of the filter mechanism that can be used include a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane), an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane), and a microfiltration membrane (MF membrane). Examples of the decolorization mechanism that can be used include an ozone generator and an activated carbon filter. However, the configuration of the post-treatment system is not limited to these and may be any configuration. Furthermore, the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment may not include a post-treatment system, and the treated water stored in the treated water storage tank 30 may be used as the final treated water.

[0026] In the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment, if the raw water storage tank 10 is a pump-and-store storage tank, the system may not be provided with the water supply pipe 100. In addition, in the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment, if the treated water storage tank 30 (downstream storage tank 50) is a pump-and-store storage tank, the system may not be provided with the water transport pipe 108 and the post-treatment system.

[0027] [Configuration of raw water storage tank] The raw water storage tank 10 is configured to be able to store raw water to be subjected to liquid treatment by the liquid treatment system 1, and is, for example, a wastewater adjustment tank for adjusting the amount and flow of inflowing wastewater, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the raw water storage tank 10 has an inlet port 12 that can be connected to a water supply pipe 100 or through which the water supply pipe 100 can be inserted, and an outlet port 14 that can be connected to a first pipe 102 or through which the first pipe 102 can be inserted.

[0028] The inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14 are airtightly connected to prevent leakage of gas and liquid from the connection portion with the water supply pipe 100 or the first pipe 102. Furthermore, the raw water storage tank 10 is sealed except for the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14. In other words, the raw water storage tank 10 is a sealed container having the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14. In this embodiment, the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14 are provided on the lid of the raw water storage tank 10, but are not limited thereto and may be provided at any location on the raw water storage tank 10.

[0029] The raw water storage tank 10 is equipped with a first pressure measuring unit P1 that can measure the pressure (internal pressure) inside the raw water storage tank 10. The first pressure measuring unit P1 can be, for example, a pressure sensor. The first pressure measuring unit P1 is provided on the lid of the raw water storage tank 10, but is not limited to this and can be provided at any location.

[0030] The raw water storage tank 10 is provided with an air pressure relief valve (not shown) that allows gas to flow from the raw water storage tank 10 to the outside when the raw water storage tank 10 is under positive pressure and restricts gas to flow from the outside to the raw water storage tank 10 when the raw water storage tank 10 is under negative pressure. The air pressure relief valve is configured to open when the raw water storage tank 10 is under excessively positive pressure during aeration treatment, which will be described later, thereby preventing backflow of raw water from the raw water storage tank 10 to the raw water source.

[0031] A strainer 16 for removing solid matter such as hair contained in the raw water is provided inside the raw water storage tank 10. In this embodiment, the first pipe 102 enters the raw water storage tank 10 through the outlet port 14, and the strainer 16 is provided at the end of the first pipe 102 located inside the raw water storage tank 10.

[0032] [Water treatment tank configuration] The water treatment tank 20 is configured to store raw water to be liquid-treated and to produce treated water by performing liquid treatment on the stored raw water. In the following description of this embodiment, the water treatment tank 20 will be described as a biological treatment tank that performs purification treatment on raw water using microorganisms, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0033] Water treatment tank 20 is configured to be able to store a mixture of raw water delivered from raw water storage tank 10 and microorganisms. There are no particular restrictions on the type of microorganisms contained in water treatment tank 20, as long as they are capable of purifying raw water. For example, the microorganisms may be aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, or a combination of these. Water treatment tank 20 may also be a tank that combines aerobic and anaerobic areas, or a multi-tank tank with separate aerobic and anaerobic tanks.

[0034] The water treatment tank 20 is equipped with an aeration mechanism that aerates the mixed liquid in the water treatment tank 20 by supplying gas to it, a filter 86 that prevents microorganisms from escaping from the water treatment tank 20, and a second pressure measurement unit P2 that can measure the pressure (internal pressure) within the water treatment tank 20.

[0035] The second pressure measurement unit P2 may be, for example, a pressure sensor. The second pressure measurement unit P2 is provided on the lid of the water treatment tank 20, but is not limited thereto and may be provided at any location.

[0036] The aeration mechanism includes, for example, a gas supply unit 80 that sends out gas, an air supply pipe 81 that introduces the gas sent out from the gas supply unit 80 into the water treatment tank 20, a gas release unit 82 that releases the gas flowing through the air supply pipe 81 into the water treatment tank 20, an inner cylinder 83 provided in the water treatment tank 20, a lower swirling flow generating unit 84 provided below the inner cylinder 83, and an upper swirling flow generating unit 85 provided above the inner cylinder 83.

[0037] The gas supply unit 80 is, for example, a fan or a blower. The gas supplied by the gas supply unit 80 is, for example, air, and contains oxygen. The gas supply unit 80 is configured to be able to automatically start or stop the supply of gas under the control of the control unit. In this case, the gas supply unit 80 may supply gas continuously or intermittently. Furthermore, the gas supply unit 80 may have a switch that starts or stops the supply of gas, and may be configured to be able to start or stop the supply of gas manually.

[0038] The gas release section 82 is configured to release gas into the inside of the inner cylinder 83, thereby generating an upward flow containing air bubbles inside the inner cylinder 83. The inner cylinder 83 is formed in a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower ends, and is configured to form a circulation flow path in which air flows out from the upper end of the inner cylinder 83 to the outside of the inner cylinder 83, flows down outside the inner cylinder 83, and flows back into the inside of the inner cylinder 83 from the lower end of the inner cylinder 83. Note that the gas release section 82 may be configured to release gas outside the inner cylinder 83. In this case, an upward flow containing air bubbles is generated outside the inner cylinder 83, and a downward flow containing air bubbles is generated inside the inner cylinder 83.

[0039] The lower swirl flow generating unit 84 and the upper swirl flow generating unit 85 are configured to be able to respectively turn the upward flow and downward flow in the circulation flow path within the water treatment tank 20 into swirling flows. That is, when an upward flow is generated inside the inner cylinder 83, the lower swirl flow generating unit 84 is configured to be able to turn the upward flow generated inside the inner cylinder 83 into a swirling flow, and when a downward flow is generated inside the inner cylinder 83, the lower swirl flow generating unit 84 is configured to be able to turn the upward flow generated outside the inner cylinder 83 into a swirling flow. Furthermore, the upper swirl flow generating unit 85 is configured to be able to turn the downward flow generated outside the inner cylinder 83 into a swirling flow when an upward flow is generated inside the inner cylinder 83, and when an upward flow is generated outside the inner cylinder 83, the upper swirl flow generating unit 85 is configured to be able to turn the downward flow generated inside the inner cylinder 83 into a swirling flow.

[0040] Specifically, the lower swirl flow generating section 84 and the upper swirl flow generating section 85 each include a plurality of (e.g., seven) blades provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 83. Each blade extends along the radial direction of the inner cylinder 83 and has a shape that is curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 83. That is, the blades are arc-shaped wall portions that stand in the axial direction of the inner cylinder 83, and a plurality of blades are provided radially around the axis of the inner cylinder 83. The blades are fixed so as not to rotate within the water treatment tank 20. The blades of the lower swirl flow generating section 84 and the blades of the upper swirl flow generating section 85 may be curved in the same direction or in different directions.

[0041] With this configuration, the lower swirl flow generating unit 84 and the upper swirl flow generating unit 85 can generate a spiral swirl flow simply by flowing the mixed liquid, which is raw water mixed with microorganisms, between the blades. Generating a spiral swirl flow in this manner increases the circulation path of the mixed liquid (contact distance between the liquid and air bubbles). Furthermore, the curved shape of the blades increases the number of spiral swirls, further lengthening the circulation path of the mixed liquid, thereby promoting agitation of the mixed liquid and improving the microbial treatment efficiency. Furthermore, because the swirl flow can be generated without rotating the blades, it is possible to reduce the cost of installing a motor, the power cost of the blades, and the cost of replacing parts. Furthermore, even if foreign matter (solids) such as hair is present in the raw water, the blades can break down and break down the foreign matter, further improving the microbial treatment efficiency. The swirl flow can also be used to clean the filter 86.

[0042] The filter 86 is disposed inside the inner cylinder 83 and is configured to separate the microorganisms contained in the mixed liquid after biological treatment from the treated water after biological treatment, and to recover only the treated water. As the filter 86, for example, a water treatment membrane that inhibits the penetration of substances not dissolved in water, such as microparticles of 0.1 μm to 1 μm and microorganisms, can be used, and in particular, a microfiltration membrane (MF membrane) or the like can be used, but is not limited to this.

[0043] 1, the water treatment tank 20 has an inlet port 22 connectable to the first pipe 102 or through which the first pipe 102 can be inserted, and an outlet port 24 connectable to the second pipe 104 or through which the second pipe 104 can be inserted. The water treatment tank 20 also has an exhaust port 26 connectable to the first suction pipe 110 or through which the first suction pipe 110 can be inserted, and an air supply port 28 connectable to the air supply pipe 81 or through which the air supply pipe 81 can be inserted.

[0044] The inlet port 22, the outlet port 24, the exhaust port 26, and the air supply port 28 are airtightly connected to the first pipe 102, the second pipe 104, the first suction pipe 110, or the air supply pipe 81 so that gas and liquid do not leak from the connection portions. Furthermore, the water treatment tank 20 is sealed except for the inlet port 22, the outlet port 24, the exhaust port 26, and the air supply port 28. In other words, the water treatment tank 20 is a sealed container having the inlet port 22, the outlet port 24, the exhaust port 26, and the air supply port 28. In this embodiment, the inlet port 22, the outlet port 24, the exhaust port 26, and the air supply port 28 are provided in the lid of the water treatment tank 20, but are not limited to this and may be provided in any location in the water treatment tank 20.

[0045] [Configuration of treated water storage tank] The treated water storage tank 30 includes an upstream storage tank 40 that receives treated water transported from the water treatment tank 20 via the second pipe 104, a downstream storage tank 50 that stores treated water discharged from the upstream storage tank 40, and a defoaming tank 60 that liquefies bubbles generated in the upstream storage tank 40.

[0046] The downstream storage tank 50 is disposed below the upstream storage tank 40, and is connected to the upstream storage tank 40 by a third pipe 106. The defoaming tank 60 is disposed above the upstream storage tank 40, and is connected to the upstream storage tank 40 by a defoaming pipe 32. The third pipe 106 connecting the upstream storage tank 40 and the downstream storage tank 50 is formed with a narrowed section 107 in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path is locally reduced, and the defoaming tank 60 is connected to the narrowed section 107 of the third pipe 106 by a return pipe 34. By having such a piping structure, the treated water storage tank 30 is able to cause the treated water to flow under its own weight from the upstream storage tank 40 toward the downstream storage tank 50, and is also able to suck in the treated water from the defoaming tank 60 by the Venturi effect generated in the narrow section 107 of the third piping 106, so that the treated water from the upstream storage tank 40 and the defoaming tank 60 can be discharged into the downstream storage tank 50 without using power such as a pump.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the upstream storage tank 40 has an inlet port 42 that can be connected to the second pipe 104 or through which the second pipe 104 can be inserted, an outlet port 44 that can be connected to the third pipe 106 or through which the third pipe 106 can be inserted, and a foam discharge port 46 that can be connected to the defoaming pipe 32 or through which the defoaming pipe 32 can be inserted.

[0048] The inlet port 42, the outlet port 44, and the foam drain port 46 are airtightly connected to the second pipe 104, the third pipe 106, or the defoaming pipe 32 so that gas and liquid do not leak from the connection portions. Furthermore, the upstream storage tank 40 is sealed except for the inlet port 42, the outlet port 44, and the foam drain port 46. That is, the upstream storage tank 40 is a sealed container having the inlet port 42, the outlet port 44, and the foam drain port 46. In this embodiment, the inlet port 42 and the foam drain port 46 are provided in the lid of the upstream storage tank 40, and the outlet port 44 is provided in the bottom of the upstream storage tank 40, but this is not limited thereto and the outlet port 44 may be provided in any position in the upstream storage tank 40.

[0049] The upstream storage tank 40 is equipped with a third pressure measurement unit P3 that can measure the pressure (internal pressure) inside the upstream storage tank 40. The third pressure measurement unit P3 can be, for example, a pressure sensor. The third pressure measurement unit P3 is provided on the lid of the treated water storage tank 30, but is not limited to this and may be provided at any location inside the treated water storage tank 30, or may be provided on the defoaming piping 32.

[0050] The upstream storage tank 40 is also equipped with a floater valve 47 that stops the water supply from the second pipe 104 when the treated water in the upstream storage tank 40 reaches a predetermined water level. The upstream storage tank 40 is also equipped with a liquid purification mechanism 48 that further purifies the treated water stored in the upstream storage tank 40. The liquid purification mechanism 48 may be, for example, an ozone generator that generates ozone gas to disinfect and decolorize the treated water. The ozone generator may generate ozone gas using, for example, a discharge method (silent discharge method), an electrolysis method (water electrolysis cell method), or an ultraviolet method (mercury UV lamp method or mercury-free UV lamp (excimer lamp) method). However, the present invention is not limited to these methods, and various other liquid purification mechanisms may be employed. Furthermore, the upstream storage tank 40 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the liquid purification mechanism 48.

[0051] The defoaming tank 60 has an inlet port 62 connectable to the defoaming piping 32 or through which the defoaming piping 32 can be inserted, and an outlet port 64 connectable to the reflux piping 34 or through which the reflux piping 34 can be inserted. The defoaming tank 60 also has an exhaust port 66 connectable to the second suction piping 112 or through which the second suction piping 112 can be inserted.

[0052] The inlet port 62, the outlet port 64, and the exhaust port 66 are airtightly connected to the defoaming pipe 32, the reflux pipe 34, or the second suction pipe 112 so that gas and liquid do not leak from their connection parts. The defoaming tank 60 is sealed except for the inlet port 62, the outlet port 64, and the exhaust port 66. That is, the defoaming tank 60 is a sealed container having the inlet port 62, the outlet port 64, and the exhaust port 66. In this embodiment, the inlet port 62 and the outlet port 64 are provided at the bottom of the defoaming tank 60, and the exhaust port 66 is provided at the lid of the defoaming tank 60, but the present invention is not limited to this and the port may be provided at any position in the defoaming tank 60.

[0053] The defoaming tank 60 is configured such that, when a negative pressure is created inside the defoaming tank 60 by the negative pressure generator 70, bubbles generated in the upstream storage tank 40 are sucked up into the defoaming tank 60 via the defoaming piping 32, liquefied in the defoaming tank 60, and the liquefied treated water is then discharged into the downstream storage tank 50 via the return piping 34 and the third piping 106.

[0054] The downstream storage tank 50 has an inlet port 52 that can be connected to the third pipe 106 or through which the third pipe 106 can be inserted, and an outlet port 54 that can be connected to the water supply pipe 108 or through which the water supply pipe 108 can be inserted.

[0055] The inlet port 52 and the outlet port 54 are airtightly connected to prevent leakage of gas and liquid from the connection portion with the third pipe 106 or the water supply pipe 108. Furthermore, the downstream storage tank 50 is sealed except for the inlet port 52 and the outlet port 54. In other words, the downstream storage tank 50 is a sealed container having the inlet port 52 and the outlet port 54. In this embodiment, the inlet port 52 is provided in the lid of the downstream storage tank 50, and the outlet port 54 is provided in the peripheral wall near the bottom of the downstream storage tank 50, but the present invention is not limited to this and the outlet port 54 may be provided at any location in the downstream storage tank 50.

[0056] The downstream storage tank 50 is also provided with a check valve 56 that allows the flow of fluid from the third pipe 106 toward the inside of the downstream storage tank 50 and restricts the flow of fluid from the inside of the downstream storage tank 50 toward the third pipe 106. The check valve 56 is configured to close due to the negative pressure in the third pipe 106 when the upstream storage tank 40 is placed in a negative pressure state by the negative pressure generator 70, and to open due to the weight of the treated water flowing out of the upstream storage tank 40 via the third pipe 106 when the negative pressure state of the upstream storage tank 40 is released.

[0057] [Configuration of negative pressure generator] As shown in Figure 1, the negative pressure generator 70 includes a suction blower 72 capable of generating negative pressure, and a switching valve 74 provided between the suction blower 72 and the defoaming tank 60 of the water treatment tank 20 and the treated water storage tank 30.

[0058] The switching valve 74 has a first intake port 76 connected to the water treatment tank 20 via a first suction pipe 110, a second intake port 77 connected to the defoaming tank 60 of the treated water storage tank 30 via a second suction pipe 112, and an atmosphere port 78 that opens the first suction pipe 110 and the second suction pipe 112 to the atmosphere. As the switching valve 74, for example, a solenoid valve can be used, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0059] The switching valve 74 is configured to be switchable, under the control of the control unit, between at least a first valve state in which the suction blower 72 is in communication with the water treatment tank 20 and is in a non-communicative state with the treated water storage tank 30, and a second valve state in which the suction blower 72 is in a non-communicative state with the water treatment tank 20 and is in communication with the treated water storage tank 30. The switching valve 74 is also configured to be further switchable, under the control of the control unit, to a third valve state in which the water treatment tank 20 and the treated water storage tank 30 are open to the atmosphere.

[0060] In this embodiment, the negative pressure generator 70 is described as being equipped with the switching valve 74, but this is not limited to this. For example, if a suction blower 72 is provided for each of the water treatment tank 20 and the treated water storage tank 30, the switching valve 74 does not need to be used.

[0061] [Sensor configuration] The first raw water sensor S1, the second raw water sensor S2, the first treated water sensor S3, and the second treated water sensor S4 are each configured to be able to measure the physical properties of a flowing liquid. The liquid treatment system 1 also includes a memory unit (not shown) that stores information measured by each sensor, and is configured to update each piece of information in real time and feed it back to the control unit.

[0062] The first raw water sensor S1, the second raw water sensor S2, the first treated water sensor S3, and the second treated water sensor S4 may be, for example, an electrical conductivity measuring sensor (EC sensor) capable of measuring the electrical conductivity (EC value) of a flowing liquid. Furthermore, the first raw water sensor S1, the second raw water sensor S2, the first treated water sensor S3, and the second treated water sensor S4 may be the same type of sensor or different types of sensors.

[0063] In addition, the first raw water sensor S1, the second raw water sensor S2, the first treated water sensor S3 and the second treated water sensor S4 are not limited to EC sensors and may be, for example, sensors that sense at least one of the elements listed below. (1) pH, oxidation-reduction potential, alkalinity, ion concentration, hardness (2) Turbidity, color, opacity, viscosity, dissolved oxygen (3) Odor, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, total nitrogen, residual chlorine, total phosphorus, total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon, total trihalomethanes (4) Detection results of microbial sensors, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, (5) Cyanide, mercury, oil, surfactants (6) Detection results of optical sensors and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensors (7) Mass spectrometry results, fine particles, zeta potential, surface potential (8) Sound

[0064] [Controller configuration]

[0065] The control unit is configured to control the switching of the switching valve 74 and the operation of the suction blower 72 based on a pre-registered liquid treatment program. The control by the control unit may be performed by time control, or may be performed based on the measurement results of various sensors such as water level sensors provided in each tank, pipe, etc.

[0066] Specifically, the control unit is configured to be able to execute raw water transfer control for transferring raw water from the raw water storage tank 10 to the water treatment tank 20, aeration control for performing an aeration treatment in the water treatment tank 20, and treated water transfer control for transferring treated water from the water treatment tank 20 to the treated water storage tank 30. Details of each control will be described later.

[0067] The control unit is also configured to monitor the transfer of liquid between two or more tanks based on measurement results from sensors installed in at least one of the pipes and the tanks. Specifically, the control unit is configured to monitor the direction of liquid movement between the two or more tanks and the physical properties of the liquid flowing through the pipes based on changes in pressure within the tanks measured by pressure sensors (first pressure measurement unit P1, second pressure measurement unit P2, and third pressure measurement unit P3) and the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through each pipe measured by electrical conductivity measurement sensors (first raw water sensor S1, second raw water sensor S2, first treated water sensor S3, and second treated water sensor S4). The control unit is also configured to set cycles for the nitrification process and denitrification process in the water treatment tank 20 based on, for example, the electrical conductivity (EC value) of the raw water measured by the electrical conductivity measurement sensors (first raw water sensor S1, second raw water sensor S2).

[0068] [Liquid Handling System Operation] Next, a method for transferring water between tanks using the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] 2, in the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment, raw water is transferred from the raw water storage tank 10 to the water treatment tank 20 by raw water transfer control by the control unit. Specifically, the control unit sets the switching valve 74 to a first valve state (a valve state in which the suction blower 72 and the water treatment tank 20 are in communication with each other and the suction blower 72 and the treated water storage tank 30 are in a non-communication state) and activates the suction blower 72. As a result, gas in the water treatment tank 20 is sucked in by the suction blower 72, creating a negative pressure inside the water treatment tank 20 that is lower than the internal pressure of the raw water storage tank 10. As a result, the raw water in the raw water storage tank 10 is transferred to the water treatment tank 20 via the first piping 102 due to the internal pressure difference between the water treatment tank 20 and the raw water storage tank 10. In addition, as raw water is transferred from the raw water storage tank 10 to the water treatment tank 20, the pressure inside the raw water storage tank 10 decreases, so raw water is replenished from the raw water source to the raw water storage tank 10 via the water supply piping 100.

[0070] Here, when raw water is transferred from the raw water storage tank 10 to the water treatment tank 20 and when raw water is replenished from the raw water source to the raw water storage tank 10, the control unit monitors the movement of raw water in the direction from the raw water storage tank 10 to the water treatment tank 20 and the physical properties of the raw water flowing through the pipes based on the change in pressure inside the tank measured by the pressure sensors (first pressure measurement unit P1 and second pressure measurement unit P2) and the electrical conductivity of the raw water flowing through each pipe measured by the electrical conductivity measurement sensors (first raw water sensor S1 and second raw water sensor S2), and performs various feedback controls based on the results.

[0071] Next, in the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, aeration is performed in the water treatment tank 20 by aeration control by the control unit. Specifically, the control unit stops suction by the suction blower 72, and in parallel with this or after the suction blower 72 has stopped, operates the gas supply unit 80 of the aeration mechanism. As a result, gas is supplied into the water treatment tank 20, and the aeration is performed.

[0072] Next, in the liquid treatment system 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the control unit controls the transfer of treated water to transfer the treated water from the water treatment tank 20 to the treated water storage tank 30. Specifically, the control unit sets the switching valve 74 to the second valve state (a valve state in which the suction blower 72 and the water treatment tank 20 are not in communication with each other and the suction blower 72 and the treated water storage tank 30 are in communication with each other) and activates the suction blower 72. As a result, gas in the upstream storage tank 40 is sucked by the suction blower 72 through the defoaming tank 60, creating a negative pressure in the upstream storage tank 40 that is lower than the internal pressure of the water treatment tank 20. As a result, the treated water in the water treatment tank 20 is transferred to the upstream storage tank 40 via the second pipe 104 due to the internal pressure difference between the upstream storage tank 40 and the water treatment tank 20. At this time, the pressure inside the third pipe 106 is low, and the check valve 56 of the downstream storage tank 50 is closed, so the treated water does not flow into the downstream storage tank 50 and is gradually stored in the upstream storage tank 40.

[0073] In addition, as the treated water from the water treatment tank 20 is transferred to the upstream storage tank 40, the water treatment tank 20 is placed under negative pressure, and the difference in internal pressure between the tanks causes the raw water from the raw water storage tank 10 to be transferred to the water treatment tank 20 via the first piping 102.In conjunction with this, the raw water storage tank 10 is placed under negative pressure, and raw water is replenished from the raw water source to the raw water storage tank 10 via the water supply piping 100.

[0074] Here, when treated water is transferred from the water treatment tank 20 to the upstream storage tank 40, the control unit monitors the movement of the treated water in the direction from the water treatment tank 20 toward the upstream storage tank 40 and the physical properties of the treated water flowing through the pipes based on the change in pressure inside the tank measured by the pressure sensors (second pressure measurement unit P2 and third pressure measurement unit P3) and the electrical conductivity of the treated water flowing through each pipe measured by the electrical conductivity measurement sensor (first treated water sensor S3), and executes various feedback controls based on the results. Also, when raw water is transferred from the raw water storage tank 10 to the water treatment tank 20 and when raw water is replenished from the raw water source to the raw water storage tank 10, the control unit monitors the movement direction and physical properties of the raw water in the same manner as above, and executes various feedback controls based on the results.

[0075] The treated water is then stored in the upstream storage tank 40, and when the water level reaches a predetermined level, the floater valve 47 is activated, causing the upstream storage tank 40 to be filled with treated water, and the treated water is further purified by the liquid purification mechanism 48. At this time, suction by the suction blower 72 may be continued, or suction by the suction blower 72 may be stopped. Even when suction by the suction blower 72 is stopped, the internal pressure of the upstream storage tank 40 is lower than the internal pressure of the downstream storage tank 50, and the check valve 56 of the downstream storage tank 50 remains closed, so the treated water does not flow into the downstream storage tank 50 and remains in the upstream storage tank 40. In addition, if bubbles are mixed into or generated in the upstream storage tank 40 during the transfer of treated water from the water treatment tank 20 to the upstream storage tank 40 or during the purification of the treated water by the liquid purification mechanism 48, the bubbles in the upstream storage tank 40 are sucked up into the defoaming tank 60 via the defoaming piping 32 and liquefied in the defoaming tank 60.

[0076] Next, in the liquid treatment system 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the control unit controls drainage to transfer treated water from the upstream storage tank 40 to the downstream storage tank 50. Specifically, the control unit sets the switching valve 74 to the third valve state (a valve state in which the water treatment tank 20 and the treated water storage tank 30 are open to the atmosphere). As a result, atmospheric pressure is reached in the defoaming tank 60 and the upstream storage tank 40, and the check valve 56 in the downstream storage tank 50 opens due to the weight of the treated water flowing out of the upstream storage tank 40 via the third pipe 106. The treated water in the upstream storage tank 40 is then transferred to the downstream storage tank 50 via the third pipe 106. At this time, the Venturi effect generated in the narrowed portion 107 of the third pipe 106 causes the treated water in the defoaming tank 60 to also be transferred to the downstream storage tank 50. The water is then transported from the downstream storage tank 50 to the destination of treated water supply, such as a consumer, via a water transport pipe 108 and a post-treatment system.

[0077] Here, when the treated water is transferred from the upstream storage tank 40 to the downstream storage tank 50, the control unit monitors the physical properties of the treated water flowing through the pipes based on the electrical conductivity of the treated water flowing through each pipe measured by the electrical conductivity measurement sensor (second treated water sensor S4), and performs various feedback controls based on the results.

[0078] [Advantages of the liquid treatment system according to this embodiment] The liquid treatment system 1 of this embodiment comprises at least two or more tanks capable of storing liquid (raw water storage tank 10, water treatment tank 20, and treated water storage tank 30), piping connecting the two or more tanks (first piping 102 and second piping 104), and a negative pressure generator 70 that generates negative pressure in at least one of the two or more tanks, and is configured so that liquid can be transferred between the two or more tanks due to the internal pressure difference between the two or more tanks created by the negative pressure generator 70.

[0079] With the liquid treatment system 1 having such a configuration, it is possible to transfer liquid only by the internal pressure difference between two or more tanks generated by the negative pressure generator 70, without providing a pump between each tank. Furthermore, with such a liquid treatment system 1, it is not necessary to provide a pump for each pipe, which reduces manufacturing costs compared to a configuration in which a pump is provided for each pipe, and it is possible to achieve a smaller size and quieter system than a configuration in which a pump is provided for each pipe. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a pump for each pipe, it is possible to prevent problems such as foreign matter clogging the pump, and also to reduce the effects of pulsation caused by the pump.

[0080] Furthermore, the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment includes sensors (first raw water sensor S1, second raw water sensor S2, first treated water sensor S3, second treated water sensor S4, first pressure measurement unit P1, second pressure measurement unit P2, third pressure measurement unit P3) installed in at least one of the piping and the tanks, and a control unit that monitors the transfer of liquid between two or more tanks based on the measurement results of the sensors. The liquid treatment system 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that by monitoring the transfer of liquid between two or more tanks, it becomes possible to perform appropriate feedback control according to the status of the liquid being transferred.

[0081] In particular, the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment includes an electrical conductivity measurement sensor capable of measuring the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the pipes and a pressure sensor capable of measuring the pressure inside the tanks, and the control unit is configured to monitor the movement direction of the liquid between two or more tanks and the physical property values ​​of the liquid flowing through the pipes based on changes in the pressure inside the tanks and the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the pipes. The liquid treatment system 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that it is possible to monitor the movement direction of the liquid and the physical property values ​​of the liquid without using a complex monitoring system, and it is possible to more accurately monitor the status of the liquid being transported and perform appropriate feedback control.

[0082] Furthermore, in the liquid treatment system 1 according to this embodiment, the negative pressure generator 70 includes a suction blower 72 and a switching valve 74 provided between the suction blower 72 and the water treatment tank 20 and the treated water storage tank 30, and the switching valve 74 is configured to be switchable between at least a first valve state in which the suction blower 72 is in communication with the water treatment tank 20 and is in a non-communicative state with the treated water storage tank 30, and a second valve state in which the suction blower 72 is in a non-communicative state with the water treatment tank 20 and is in communication with the treated water storage tank 30. The liquid treatment system 1 having such a configuration can perform, with a single suction blower 72, the raw water transfer control for transferring raw water from the raw water storage tank 10 to the water treatment tank 20 and the treated water transfer control for transferring treated water from the water treatment tank 20 to the treated water storage tank 30, thereby advantageously reducing equipment costs.

[0083] [Variations] The liquid treatment system according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the liquid treatment system 1 has been described as comprising a raw water storage tank 10, a water treatment tank 20, and a treated water storage tank 30, but the purpose and number of each tank are not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the system has at least two or more tanks capable of storing liquid.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the liquid treatment system 1 has been described as including sensors (first raw water sensor S1, second raw water sensor S2, first treated water sensor S3, second treated water sensor S4, first pressure measurement unit P1, second pressure measurement unit P2, third pressure measurement unit P3) installed in at least one of the piping and the tank, and a control unit that monitors the transfer of liquid between two or more tanks based on the measurement results of the sensors, but is not limited to this and may be configured without sensors and a control unit.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the negative pressure generating device 70 is described as being connected to the water treatment tank 20 via the first suction pipe 110 and to the treated water storage tank 30 (antifoaming tank 60) via the second suction pipe 112, but this is not limited to this, and the configuration may also be such that the first suction pipe 110 is not provided and the device is connected only to the treated water storage tank 30 (antifoaming tank 60) via the second suction pipe 112.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the defoaming tank 60 is described as being provided on the second suction pipe 112, but this is not limiting. For example, the defoaming tank 60 may be provided not only on the second suction pipe 112 but also on the first suction pipe 110, or may be provided only on the first suction pipe 110 without being provided on the second suction pipe 112, or may not be provided on either the first suction pipe 110 or the second suction pipe 112. When the defoaming tank 60 is provided on the first suction pipe 110, the return pipe 34 of the defoaming tank 60 provided on the first suction pipe 110 may be connected to a pipe such as the water supply pipe 100 or the first pipe 102, or to a tank such as the raw water storage tank 10 or the water treatment tank 20. In addition, the return pipe 34 of the defoaming tank 60 provided on the first suction pipe 110 may be provided with a check valve to allow the flow of fluid in the direction discharged from the defoaming tank 60 and to prevent the flow of fluid in the direction toward the defoaming tank 60 (i.e., backflow).

[0088] It is clear from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: Liquid handling system 10: Raw water storage tank 12: Inlet port 14: Outlet port 16: Strainer 20: Water treatment tank 22: Inlet port 24: Outlet port 26: Exhaust port 28: Air supply port 30: Treated water storage tank 32: Defoaming piping 34: Reflux piping 40: Upstream storage tank 42: Inlet port 44: Outlet port 46: Foam discharge port 47: Float valve 48: Liquid purification mechanism 50: Downstream storage tank 52: Inlet port 54: Outlet port 56: Check valve 60: Antifoam tank 62: Inlet port 64: Outlet port 66: Exhaust port 70: Negative pressure generator 72: Suction blower 74: Switching valve 76: First intake port 77: Second intake port 78: Atmospheric port 80: Gas supply section 81: Air pipe 82: Gas release section 83: Inner cylinder 84: Lower swirl flow generation section 85: Upper swirl flow generation section 86: Filter 100: Water supply piping 102: First piping 104: Second piping 106: Third piping 107: Narrow part 108: Water supply piping 110: 1st suction pipe 112:Second suction pipe P1: First pressure measurement section P2: Second pressure measurement section P3: Third pressure measurement section S1: First raw water sensor S2: Second raw water sensor S3: First treated water sensor S4: Second treated water sensor

Claims

1. a raw water storage tank for storing raw water; a water treatment tank for performing water treatment on the raw water supplied from the raw water storage tank; a treated water storage tank for storing treated water supplied from the water treatment tank; a first pipe connecting the raw water storage tank and the water treatment tank; a second pipe connecting the water treatment tank and the treated water storage tank; a negative pressure generating device that generates negative pressure in the water treatment tank or the treated water storage tank; Equipped with the negative pressure generating device includes a suction blower capable of generating negative pressure, and a switching valve provided between the suction blower and the water treatment tank and between the suction blower and the treated water storage tank; the switching valve is configured to be switchable at least between a first valve state in which the suction blower and the water treatment tank are in a communication state and the suction blower and the treated water storage tank are in a non-communication state, and a second valve state in which the suction blower and the water treatment tank are in a non-communication state and the suction blower and the treated water storage tank are in a communication state, In the first valve state, raw water can be transferred from the raw water storage tank to the water treatment tank by an internal pressure difference between the raw water storage tank and the water treatment tank caused by the suction blower, In the second valve state, the suction blower is configured to create an internal pressure difference between the water treatment tank and the treated water storage tank, thereby allowing treated water to be transferred from the water treatment tank to the treated water storage tank. Liquid handling systems.

2. a sensor provided in at least one of the first pipe and the second pipe, and in at least one of the raw water storage tank, the water treatment tank, and the treated water storage tank; a control unit that monitors the transfer of liquid between the tanks based on the measurement results of the sensors; Further provided with The liquid treatment system of claim 1 .

3. At least two or more tanks capable of storing liquid; A pipe connecting the two or more tanks; a negative pressure generating device that generates a negative pressure in at least one of the two or more tanks; a sensor provided in at least one of the piping and the tank; a control unit that monitors the transfer of liquid between the two or more tanks based on the measurement results of the sensor; Equipped with a liquid can be transferred between the two or more tanks by an internal pressure difference between the two or more tanks caused by the negative pressure generating device, The sensor an electrical conductivity measuring sensor capable of measuring the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the pipe; a pressure sensor capable of measuring the pressure inside the tank; Including, The control unit is configured to monitor a movement direction of the liquid between the two or more tanks and a physical property value of the liquid flowing through the pipe based on a change in pressure in the tank and an electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the pipe. Liquid handling systems.

4. A method for transferring raw water stored in a raw water storage tank to a water treatment tank via a first pipe, and transferring treated water obtained by performing water treatment on the raw water in the water treatment tank to a treated water storage tank via a second pipe, generating a negative pressure in the water treatment tank or the treated water storage tank by a negative pressure generating device; the negative pressure generating device includes a suction blower capable of generating negative pressure, and a switching valve provided between the suction blower and the water treatment tank and between the suction blower and the treated water storage tank; the switching valve is configured to be switchable at least between a first valve state in which the suction blower and the water treatment tank are in a communication state and the suction blower and the treated water storage tank are in a non-communication state, and a second valve state in which the suction blower and the water treatment tank are in a non-communication state and the suction blower and the treated water storage tank are in a communication state, In the first valve state, raw water is transferred from the raw water storage tank to the water treatment tank by an internal pressure difference between the raw water storage tank and the water treatment tank caused by the suction blower, In the second valve state, the suction blower creates an internal pressure difference between the water treatment tank and the treated water storage tank, causing treated water to be transferred from the water treatment tank to the treated water storage tank. Inter-tank water supply method.

5. A method for transferring liquid between at least two or more tanks capable of storing liquid through piping, comprising: generating a negative pressure in at least one of the two or more tanks, and transferring liquid between the two or more tanks due to an internal pressure difference between the two or more tanks; a tank internal pressure measuring step of measuring a change in pressure inside the tank using a pressure sensor; an EC value measurement step of measuring the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the pipe using an electrical conductivity measurement sensor; a monitoring step of monitoring a moving direction of the liquid between the two or more tanks and a physical property value of the liquid flowing through the pipe based on a change in the pressure inside the tank measured in the tank internal pressure measuring step and the electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the pipe; Contains Inter-tank water supply method.

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