Water treatment device and water treatment method

Abstract

The present invention provides a water treatment apparatus and a water treatment method that can improve purification efficiency without causing a decrease in dissolved hydrogen concentration. The water treatment apparatus (1) includes a water treatment unit (2) that generates treated water by treating supplied raw water. The water treatment apparatus (1) also includes a degassing device (3) for removing gas from the treated water and a recovery device (4) for recovering hydrogen from the gas and supplying it to the raw water or the treated water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a water treatment apparatus and a water treatment method for treating supplied raw water. [Previous Technology]

[0002] In the prior art, as a form of water treatment device for hemodialysis treatment, a dissolved hydrogen water generating device has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Hemodialysis using dissolved hydrogen water has received attention in recent years as a means of reducing oxidative stress in patients.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP Patent No. 5840248

[0006] In view of this, we, the inventors, devoted ourselves to further research and development and improvement, hoping to solve the above problems with a better invention. After continuous experimentation and modification, this invention came into being. [Summary of the Invention]

[0007] (The problem to be solved by the invention)

[0008] Hemodialysis is a treatment that uses a dialyzer to purify a patient's blood. During hemodialysis, if gas mixes with the dialysate supplied to the dialyzer, the tiny pores of the hollow fiber membrane formed within the dialyzer become clogged by air bubbles, reducing purification efficiency. Therefore, in the device of Patent Document 1, a degassing device is provided in the dialysis apparatus to remove gas from the dialysate.

[0009] However, in the above-mentioned device, even the hydrogen dissolved in the dialysate is removed by the degassing device, which may lead to a decrease in the concentration of dissolved hydrogen.

[0010] The present invention is proposed in view of the above facts, and its main objective is to provide a water treatment device and a water treatment method that can improve purification efficiency without causing a decrease in dissolved hydrogen concentration.

[0011] (Technical solution used to solve the problem)

[0012] The first invention of the present invention provides a water treatment apparatus comprising a water treatment unit that generates treated water by treating supplied raw water, the water treatment apparatus further comprising: a degassing device that removes gas from the treated water; and a recovery device that recovers hydrogen from the gas and supplies it to the raw water or the treated water.

[0013] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment unit includes a hydrogen dissolution device, which dissolves hydrogen in the raw water to generate first treated water, and the recovery device supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water or the first treated water.

[0014] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment unit further includes a reverse osmosis treatment device, which causes the first treated water to pass through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate second treated water, and the recovery device supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water, the first treated water or the second treated water.

[0015] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment unit further includes a dialysis fluid preparation device, which mixes the dialysis stock solution with the second treated water to prepare the third treated water, and the recovery device supplies the recovered hydrogen to the stock water, the first treated water, the second treated water or the third treated water.

[0016] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment unit includes a reverse osmosis treatment device, which allows the raw water to pass through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate fourth treated water, and the recovery device supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water or the fourth treated water.

[0017] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment unit further includes a hydrogen dissolution device, which dissolves hydrogen in the fourth treated water to generate a fifth treated water, and the recovery device supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water, the fourth treated water or the fifth treated water.

[0018] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment unit further includes a dialysis fluid preparation device, which mixes the dialysis stock solution with the fifth treated water to prepare the sixth treated water, and the recovery device supplies the recovered hydrogen to the stock water, the fourth treated water, the fifth treated water or the sixth treated water.

[0019] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment unit further includes a dialysis fluid preparation device, which mixes the dialysis stock solution with the fourth treated water to prepare the seventh treated water, and the recovery device supplies the recovered hydrogen to the stock water, the fourth treated water or the seventh treated water.

[0020] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment unit further includes a hydrogen dissolution device, which dissolves hydrogen in the seventh treated water to generate an eighth treated water, and the recovery device supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water, the fourth treated water, the seventh treated water or the eighth treated water.

[0021] In the water treatment device involved in the present invention, preferably, the hydrogen dissolution device includes an electrolytic cell, which generates hydrogen by electrolysis.

[0022] In the water treatment apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the recovery device includes a valve for adjusting the supply of hydrogen.

[0023] A second invention of the present invention provides a water treatment method, comprising a water treatment step in which treated water is generated by treating supplied raw water. The water treatment method further comprises: a degassing step to remove gas from the treated water; and a recovery step to recover hydrogen from the gas and supply it to the raw water or the treated water.

[0024] In the water treatment method of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment steps include: a hydrogen dissolution step, in which hydrogen is dissolved in the raw water to generate first treated water, and in the recovery step, the recovered hydrogen is supplied to the raw water or the first treated water.

[0025] In the water treatment method of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment step further includes: a reverse osmosis treatment step, in which the first treated water is passed through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate second treated water, and in the recovery step, the recovered hydrogen is supplied to the raw water, the first treated water or the second treated water.

[0026] In the water treatment method of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment step further includes: a dialysis fluid preparation step, in which the dialysis stock solution is mixed with the second treated water to prepare the third treated water; and in the recovery step, the recovered hydrogen gas is supplied to the stock water, the first treated water, the second treated water or the third treated water.

[0027] In the water treatment method of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment steps include: a reverse osmosis treatment step, in which the raw water is passed through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate fourth treated water, and in the recovery step, the recovered hydrogen is supplied to the raw water or the fourth treated water.

[0028] In the water treatment method of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment step further includes: a hydrogen dissolution step, in which hydrogen is dissolved in the fourth treated water to generate a fifth treated water, and in the recovery step, the recovered hydrogen is supplied to the raw water, the fourth treated water or the fifth treated water.

[0029] In the water treatment method of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment steps further include: a dialysis fluid preparation step, in which the dialysis stock solution is mixed with the fifth treated water to prepare the sixth treated water, and in the recovery step, the recovered hydrogen is supplied to the stock water, the fourth treated water or the sixth treated water.

[0030] In the water treatment method of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment steps further include: a dialysis fluid preparation step, in which the dialysis stock solution is mixed with the fourth treated water to prepare the seventh treated water, and in the recovery step, the recovered hydrogen gas is supplied to the stock water, the fourth treated water or the seventh treated water.

[0031] In the water treatment method of the present invention, preferably, the water treatment step further includes: a hydrogen dissolution step, in which hydrogen is dissolved in the seventh treated water to generate an eighth treated water, and in the recovery step, the recovered hydrogen is supplied to the raw water, the fourth treated water, the seventh treated water or the eighth treated water.

[0032] (Effects of the invention)

[0033] The water treatment apparatus of this first invention includes a recovery device that recovers hydrogen from the gas removed from the treated water by the degassing device and supplies it to the raw water or the treated water, thereby increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the treated water. This allows for improved purification efficiency of the dialyzer while maintaining a sufficient dissolved hydrogen concentration.

[0034] The water treatment method of this second invention includes a recovery step in which hydrogen is recovered from the gas removed from the treated water through the degassing step and supplied to the raw water or the treated water, thereby increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the treated water. This allows for improved purification efficiency of the dialyzer while maintaining a sufficient dissolved hydrogen concentration.

Implementation Method

[0036] Regarding the technical means of us inventors, several preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that you may understand and agree with the present invention.

[0037] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the water treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention. The water treatment apparatus 1 includes a water treatment unit 2, a degassing device 3, and a recovery device 4. The treated water generated by the water treatment apparatus 1 is supplied, for example, to a dialysis device for hemodialysis.

[0039] Raw water is supplied from outside the water treatment unit 1 to the water treatment section 2. In addition to tap water, well water, or groundwater, hydrogen-dissolved water containing dissolved hydrogen gas is also used in the raw water. Preferably, the raw water is purified by a filter or the like, and hypochlorous acid is removed by activated carbon or the like.

[0040] The water treatment unit 2 generates treated water by treating the supplied raw water and supplies it to the degassing unit 3 (water treatment step S2) via pipes, etc. For more specific functions of the water treatment unit 2, please refer to the following description of water treatment apparatus 1A to 1H.

[0041] When using water without dissolved hydrogen as the raw water, the processing performed by the water treatment unit 2 includes a process for dissolving hydrogen. On the other hand, when using hydrogen-dissolved water with dissolved hydrogen as the raw water, the processing performed by the water treatment unit 2 may not include a process for dissolving hydrogen.

[0042] The treated water generated by the water treatment unit 2 contains gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen during the raw water stage or the water treatment process. The degassing device 3 removes the gases from the treated water supplied by the water treatment unit 2 (degassing step S3). The degassing device 3 is composed, for example, of a membrane module and a pump. The membrane of the membrane module has fine pores that allow gas to permeate. The pump pressurizes the treated water, thereby removing the gas that has permeated through the membrane from the treated water.

[0043] The treated water after gas removal is taken out through pipes or the like and sent to the outside of the water treatment device 1, for example, and supplied to a dialysis device (not shown). As a result, the blockage of the tiny pores of the hollow fiber membrane formed in the dialyzer by air bubbles is suppressed, and the purification efficiency is well maintained.

[0044] The gas removed by the degassing device 3 is sent to the recovery device 4 via pipes, etc.

[0045] The recovery device 4 has a hydrogen-permeable membrane such as a palladium membrane. The hydrogen-permeable membrane is not particularly limited as long as it is a membrane that allows hydrogen to pass through. For example, it can be a membrane containing a metal such as vanadium, niobium, or tantalum. Preferably, the hydrogen-permeable membrane is a membrane that allows hydrogen in the gas removed by the degassing device 3 to pass through.

[0046] The recovery device 4 uses a hydrogen permeation membrane to separate hydrogen from other gases. Hydrogen is recovered from the gas fed in by the degassing device 3 using the recovery device 4. Then, the recovery device 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes, etc. (recovery step S4). As a result, the hydrogen concentration in the treated water, which contains dissolved hydrogen in the raw water supplied to the water treatment unit 2 and passes through the water treatment unit 2 and the degassing device 3, is increased. Therefore, the purification efficiency of the dialyzer can be improved while maintaining a sufficient hydrogen concentration.

[0047] As shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery device 4 can be supplied via pipes to the treated water downstream of the water treatment unit 2 or the treated water downstream of the degassing device 3. Even in these cases, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the treated water finally taken out from the water treatment unit 1 is increased.

[0048] In addition, the hydrogen molecules dissolved in the treated water are very small, so they can easily pass through the pores of the hollow fiber membrane used for hemodialysis without affecting the purification efficiency of the dialyzer.

[0049] On the other hand, the gas not recovered by the recovery device 4 (i.e., nitrogen other than hydrogen) is discharged to the outside of the water treatment device 1.

[0050] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a water treatment apparatus 1A, which is a specific example of the water treatment apparatus 1 of Figure 1. The above-described configuration of the water treatment apparatus 1 can be used for the following parts of the water treatment apparatus 1A that are not described.

[0051] Figure 4 is a flowchart of water treatment method 100A, which is a specific example of the water treatment method 100 of Figure 2. The above-described configuration of water treatment method 100 can be used for the following parts of water treatment method 100A that are not described.

[0052] In the water treatment apparatus 1A, the water treatment unit 2 includes a hydrogen dissolution device 21. The hydrogen dissolution device 21 dissolves hydrogen in raw water to generate hydrogen-dissolved water (first treated water) (hydrogen dissolution step S21). Therefore, the water treatment apparatus 1A and the water treatment method 100A can also handle raw water that has not dissolved hydrogen.

[0053] After hydrogen-dissolving water is generated in the hydrogen dissolving device 21, the degassing device 3 performs a degassing step S3, and the recovery device 4 performs a recovery step S4. The hydrogen-dissolving water generated by the water treatment device 1A is supplied, for example, to a reverse osmosis treatment device outside the water treatment device 1A for the generation of reverse osmosis water. Alternatively, the hydrogen-dissolving water generated by the water treatment device 1A can be supplied to a dialysate preparation device outside the water treatment device 1A for the preparation of dialysate. By placing the water treatment device 1A outside a conventional dialysis device that does not have a hydrogen dissolving device, the function of hydrogen water dialysis can be added to the aforementioned conventional dialysis device.

[0054] Similarly, in the water treatment apparatus 1A, the recovery device 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes or the like. As a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen-rich water ultimately extracted from the water treatment apparatus 1A is increased. Furthermore, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery device 4, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 3, can be supplied via pipes or the like to the dissolved hydrogen water downstream of the hydrogen dissolving device 21 or the dissolved hydrogen water downstream of the degassing device 3. Even in these cases, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen-rich water ultimately extracted from the water treatment apparatus 1A is increased.

[0055] Dialysis fluid can be used as the raw water in the water treatment apparatus 1A. The dialysis fluid is generated by mixing the dialysis stock solution (or powdered dialysis components dissolved in it) with dialysis water that has undergone reverse osmosis treatment. By installing such a water treatment apparatus 1A outside the aforementioned conventional dialysis apparatus that does not have a hydrogen dissolution device, the function of hydrogen-water dialysis can be added to the aforementioned conventional dialysis apparatus.

[0056] FIG5 is a block diagram of a water treatment device 1B, which is a modified example of the water treatment device 1A of FIG3. The following parts of the water treatment device 1B, which are not described, can be constructed using the same configuration as the water treatment device 1A.

[0057] Figure 6 is a flowchart of water treatment method 100B, a variation of water treatment method 100A of Figure 4. The following undescribed parts of water treatment method 100B can be constructed using the above-described configuration of water treatment method 100A.

[0058] In the water treatment apparatus 1B, the water treatment unit 2 includes a hydrogen dissolution device 21 and a reverse osmosis treatment device 22. The reverse osmosis treatment device 22 is equipped with a reverse osmosis membrane. After the hydrogen dissolution device 21 performs the hydrogen dissolution step S21, the reverse osmosis treatment device 22 allows the hydrogen-dissolved water to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane to generate reverse osmosis hydrogen water (second treated water) (reverse osmosis treatment step S22). In the reverse osmosis treatment device 22, the components that cannot pass through the reverse osmosis membrane are discharged to the outside of the water treatment apparatus 1B as concentrated water.

[0059] Subsequently, the degassing device 3 performs the degassing step S3, and the recovery device 4 performs the recovery step S4. The reverse osmosis hydrogen water generated by the water treatment device 1B is supplied, for example, to a dialysate preparation device outside the water treatment device 1B for dialysate preparation.

[0060] Similarly, in the water treatment unit 1B, the recovery unit 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes, etc. As a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen-rich water ultimately extracted from the water treatment unit 1B is increased. Furthermore, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery unit 4, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 5, can be supplied via pipes to the dissolved hydrogen water downstream of the hydrogen dissolution unit 21, the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the reverse osmosis treatment unit 22, or the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the degassing unit 3. Even in these cases, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the reverse osmosis hydrogen water ultimately extracted from the water treatment unit 1B is increased.

[0061] FIG7 is a block diagram of a water treatment apparatus 1C, which is a modified example of the water treatment apparatus 1B of FIG5. The following parts of the water treatment apparatus 1C, which are not described, can be constructed using the same configuration as the water treatment apparatus 1B.

[0062] FIG8 is a flowchart of a water treatment method 100C, which is a variation of the water treatment method 100B of FIG6. The following parts of the water treatment method 100C, which are not described, can be constructed using the above-described water treatment method 100B.

[0063] In the water treatment apparatus 1C, the water treatment unit 2 includes a hydrogen dissolution device 21, a reverse osmosis treatment device 22, and a dialysate preparation device 23. After the hydrogen dissolution step S21 performed by the hydrogen dissolution device 21 and the reverse osmosis treatment step S22 performed by the reverse osmosis treatment device 22, the dialysate preparation device 23 mixes the dialysate feed solution with reverse osmosis hydrogen water to prepare hydrogen dialysate (third treated water) (dialysate preparation step S23).

[0064] Subsequently, the degassing device 3 performs the degassing step S3, and the recovery device 4 performs the recovery step S4. The hydrogen dialysate generated by the water treatment device 1C is supplied to the dialysis device for hemodialysis, for example.

[0065] Similarly, in the water treatment apparatus 1C, the recovery device 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes or the like. As a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen dialysate finally taken from the water treatment apparatus 1C is increased. Furthermore, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery device 4, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG7, can be supplied via pipes or the like to the dissolved hydrogen water downstream of the hydrogen dissolution device 21, the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the reverse osmosis treatment device 22, the hydrogen dialysate downstream of the dialysate preparation device 23, or the hydrogen dialysate downstream of the degassing device 3.

[0066] The reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 can be omitted in the water treatment apparatus 1C. In this case, the reverse osmosis treatment step S22 is also omitted in the water treatment apparatus 1C.

[0067] FIG9 is a block diagram of a water treatment apparatus 1D, which is another specific example of the water treatment apparatus 1 of FIG1. ​​The above-described configuration of the water treatment apparatus 1 can be used for the following parts of the water treatment apparatus 1D that are not described.

[0068] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a water treatment method 100D, which is another specific example of the water treatment method 100 of Figure 2. The following undescribed parts of the water treatment method 100D can be constructed using the above-described water treatment method 100.

[0069] In the water treatment apparatus 1D and the water treatment method 100D, hydrogen-dissolved water containing dissolved hydrogen is supplied as raw water. The hydrogen-dissolved water is generated in advance, for example, by a hydrogen dissolution device installed outside the water treatment apparatus 1D.

[0070] In the water treatment apparatus 1D, the water treatment unit 2 includes a reverse osmosis treatment device 22. The reverse osmosis treatment device 22 is equipped with a reverse osmosis membrane. The reverse osmosis treatment device 22 allows raw water to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane to generate reverse osmosis hydrogen water (fourth treated water) (reverse osmosis treatment step S22). In the reverse osmosis treatment device 22, the components that cannot pass through the reverse osmosis membrane are discharged to the outside of the water treatment apparatus 1B as concentrated water.

[0071] Subsequently, the degassing device 3 performs the degassing step S3, and the recovery device 4 performs the recovery step S4. The reverse osmosis hydrogen water generated by the water treatment device 1D is supplied, for example, to a dialysate preparation device outside the water treatment device 1D for dialysate preparation.

[0072] Similarly, in the water treatment apparatus 1D, the recovery device 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes or the like. As a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the reverse osmosis hydrogen water finally extracted from the water treatment apparatus 1D is increased. Furthermore, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery device 4, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG9, can be supplied via pipes or the like to the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the reverse osmosis treatment apparatus 22 or the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the degassing device 3.

[0073] FIG11 is a block diagram of a water treatment apparatus 1E, which is a modified example of the water treatment apparatus 1D of FIG9. The following parts of the water treatment apparatus 1E, which are not described, can be constructed using the above-described water treatment apparatus 1D.

[0074] FIG12 is a flowchart of a water treatment method 100E, which is a variation of the water treatment method 100D of FIG10. The following undescribed parts of the water treatment method 100E can be constructed using the above-described water treatment method 100D.

[0075] In the water treatment apparatus 1E, the water treatment unit 2 includes a reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 and a hydrogen dissolution unit 21. Therefore, water without dissolved hydrogen can be used as raw water. In the water treatment apparatus 1E, the reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 passes the raw water through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate reverse osmosis water (fourth treated water) (reverse osmosis treatment step S22). Then, the hydrogen dissolution unit 21 dissolves hydrogen in the reverse osmosis water to generate reverse osmosis hydrogen water (fifth treated water) (hydrogen dissolution step S21).

[0076] Subsequently, the degassing device 3 performs the degassing step S3, and the recovery device 4 performs the recovery step S4. The reverse osmosis hydrogen water generated by the water treatment device 1E is supplied, for example, to a dialysate preparation device outside the water treatment device 1E for dialysate preparation.

[0077] In the water treatment apparatus 1E, when hydrogen-dissolved water containing dissolved hydrogen is used as the raw water, the hydrogen concentration is further increased based on the hydrogen dissolution device 21.

[0078] Similarly, in the water treatment apparatus 1E, the recovery device 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes or the like. As a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the reverse osmosis hydrogen water finally extracted from the water treatment apparatus 1E is increased. Furthermore, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery device 4, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG11, can be supplied via pipes or the like to the reverse osmosis water downstream of the reverse osmosis treatment apparatus 22, the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the hydrogen dissolution device 21, or the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the degassing device 3.

[0079] FIG13 is a block diagram of a water treatment apparatus 1F, which is a modified example of the water treatment apparatus 1E of FIG11. The following parts of the water treatment apparatus 1F, which are not described, can be constructed using the configuration of the water treatment apparatus 1E described above.

[0080] Figure 14 is a flowchart of a water treatment method 100F, which is a variation of the water treatment method 100E of Figure 12. The following parts of the water treatment method 100F, which are not described, can be constructed using the above-described water treatment method 100E.

[0081] In the water treatment apparatus 1F, the water treatment unit 2 includes a reverse osmosis treatment unit 22, a hydrogen dissolution unit 21, and a dialysate preparation unit 23. In the water treatment apparatus 1F, the reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 permeates raw water through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate reverse osmosis water (fourth treated water) (reverse osmosis treatment step S22). In the reverse osmosis treatment unit 22, components that cannot permeate through the reverse osmosis membrane are discharged as concentrated water to the outside of the water treatment apparatus 1B.

[0082] Then, the hydrogen dissolution device 21 dissolves hydrogen in reverse osmosis water to generate reverse osmosis hydrogen water (fifth treated water) (hydrogen dissolution step S21). Furthermore, the dialysate preparation device 23 mixes the dialysate with the reverse osmosis hydrogen water to prepare hydrogen dialysate (sixth treated water) (dialysis solution preparation step S23).

[0083] Subsequently, the degassing device 3 performs the degassing step S3, and the recovery device 4 performs the recovery step S4. The hydrogen dialysate generated by the water treatment device 1F is, for example, supplied to the dialysis device for hemodialysis.

[0084] Similarly, in the water treatment unit 1F, the recovery unit 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes, etc. As a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen dialysate finally taken from the water treatment unit 1F is increased. Furthermore, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery unit 4, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG13, can be supplied via pipes, etc., to the reverse osmosis water downstream of the reverse osmosis treatment unit 22, the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the hydrogen dissolution unit 21, the hydrogen dialysate downstream of the dialysate preparation unit 23, or the hydrogen dialysate downstream of the degassing unit 3.

[0085] FIG15 is a block diagram of a water treatment apparatus 1G, which is a modified example of the water treatment apparatus 1D of FIG9. The following parts of the water treatment apparatus 1G, which are not described, can be constructed using the above-described water treatment apparatus 1D.

[0086] FIG16 is a flowchart of a water treatment method 100G, which is a variation of the water treatment method 100D of FIG10. The following parts of the water treatment method 100G, which are not described, can be constructed using the above-described water treatment method 100D.

[0087] In the water treatment apparatus 1G and the water treatment method 100G, hydrogen-dissolved water containing dissolved hydrogen is supplied as raw water. The hydrogen-dissolved water is generated in advance, for example, by a hydrogen dissolution device installed outside the water treatment apparatus 1G.

[0088] In the water treatment apparatus 1G, the water treatment unit 2 includes a reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 and a dialysate preparation unit 23. In the water treatment apparatus 1F, the reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 permeates raw water through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate reverse osmosis water (fourth treated water) (reverse osmosis treatment step S22). Then, the dialysate preparation unit 23 mixes the dialysate with reverse osmosis hydrogen water to prepare hydrogen dialysate (seventh treated water) (dialysate preparation step S23).

[0089] Subsequently, the degassing device 3 performs the degassing step S3, and the recovery device 4 performs the recovery step S4. The hydrogen dialysate generated by the water treatment device 1G is supplied to the dialysis device for hemodialysis, for example.

[0090] Similarly, in the water treatment apparatus 1G, the recovery device 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes or the like. As a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen dialysate finally extracted from the water treatment apparatus 1G is increased. Furthermore, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery device 4, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 15, can be supplied via pipes or the like to the reverse osmosis hydrogen water downstream of the reverse osmosis treatment apparatus 22, the hydrogen dialysate downstream of the dialysate preparation apparatus 23, or the hydrogen dialysate downstream of the degassing apparatus 3.

[0091] The reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 can be omitted in the water treatment device 1G. In this case, the reverse osmosis treatment step S22 is also omitted in the water treatment device 1G.

[0092] FIG17 is a block diagram of a water treatment apparatus 1H, which is a modified example of the water treatment apparatus 1G of FIG15. The following parts of the water treatment apparatus 1H, which are not described, can be constructed using the above-described water treatment apparatus 1G.

[0093] Figure 18 is a flowchart of a water treatment method 100H, which is a variation of the water treatment method 100G of Figure 16. The following parts of the water treatment method 100H, which are not described, can be constructed using the above-described water treatment method 100G.

[0094] In the water treatment apparatus 1H, the water treatment unit 2 includes a reverse osmosis treatment unit 22, a dialysate preparation unit 23, and a hydrogen dissolution unit 21. In the water treatment apparatus 1H, the reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 permeates raw water through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate reverse osmosis water (fourth treated water) (reverse osmosis treatment step S22). Then, the dialysate preparation unit 23 mixes the dialysate with reverse osmosis hydrogen water to prepare dialysate (seventh treated water) (dialysate preparation step S23). Furthermore, the hydrogen dissolution unit 21 dissolves hydrogen gas in the dialysate to generate hydrogen dialysate (eighth treated water) (hydrogen dissolution step S21).

[0095] Subsequently, the degassing device 3 performs the degassing step S3, and the recovery device 4 performs the recovery step S4. The hydrogen dialysate generated by the water treatment device 1H is supplied to the dialysis device for hemodialysis, for example.

[0096] Similarly, in the water treatment unit 1H, the recovery unit 4 supplies the recovered hydrogen to the raw water via pipes or the like. As a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen dialysate finally extracted from the water treatment unit 1H is increased. Furthermore, the hydrogen recovered by the recovery unit 4, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG17, can be supplied via pipes or the like to the reverse osmosis water downstream of the reverse osmosis treatment unit 22, the dialysate downstream of the dialysate preparation unit 23, the hydrogen dialysate downstream of the hydrogen dissolution unit 21, or the hydrogen dialysate downstream of the degassing unit 3.

[0097] The reverse osmosis treatment unit 22 can be omitted in the water treatment unit 1H. In this case, the reverse osmosis treatment step S22 is also omitted in the water treatment unit 1H.

[0098] Figure 19 shows an example of a hydrogen dissolving device 21. The hydrogen dissolving device 21 includes an electrolytic cell 5. The electrolytic cell 5 generates hydrogen gas by electrolyzing water. The generated hydrogen gas dissolves in water, thereby generating hydrogen-dissolved water.

[0099] The electrolytic cell 5 includes an electrolysis chamber 50, in which a first power supply body 51 and a second power supply body 52 are provided. The first power supply body 51 and the second power supply body 52 are disposed in the electrolysis chamber 50.

[0100] A diaphragm 53 is provided between the first power supply body 51 and the second power supply body 52. ​​The electrolysis chamber 50 is divided by the diaphragm 53 into a first electrode chamber 50a equipped with the first power supply body 51 and a second electrode chamber 50b equipped with the second power supply body 52.

[0101] The polarity of the first power supply body 51 and the second power supply body 52 and the voltage applied to the first power supply body 51 and the second power supply body 52 are controlled by the control unit (not shown).

[0102] A current detection unit is provided on the current supply line between the power supply units 51 and 52 and the control unit. The current detection unit detects the electrolytic current supplied to the first power supply unit 51 and the second power supply unit 52, and outputs an electrical signal with a value equivalent to the current to the control unit.

[0103] The control unit controls the DC voltage applied to the first power supply 51 and the second power supply 52 based, for example, on the electrical signal output from the current detection unit. More specifically, the control unit performs feedback control on the DC voltage applied to the first power supply 51 and the second power supply 52 so that the electrolytic current detected by the current detection unit becomes a preset desired value. For example, if the electrolytic current is too large, the control unit reduces the voltage; if the electrolytic current is too small, the control unit increases the voltage. Thus, the electrolytic current supplied to the first power supply 51 and the second power supply 52 is appropriately controlled.

[0104] Hydrogen and oxygen are produced by electrolyzing water in the electrolysis chamber 50. For example, hydrogen is produced in the second electrode chamber 50b on the cathode side to generate dissolved hydrogen water. Furthermore, the dissolved hydrogen water generated with such electrolysis is also called "electrolyzed hydrogen water," and dialysis treatment using electrolyzed hydrogen water is also called "electrolyzed water dialysis." On the other hand, oxygen is produced in the first electrode chamber 50a on the anode side.

[0105] The diaphragm 53, for example, is a solid polymer membrane made of a fluorinated resin with sulfonic acid groups, as appropriate. The solid polymer membrane causes oxonium ions generated in the first electrode chamber 50a on the anode side to move towards the second electrode chamber 50b on the cathode side via electrolysis, serving as a raw material for hydrogen generation. Therefore, no hydroxide ions are generated during electrolysis, and the pH of the hydrogen-dissolved water remains unchanged.

[0106] The hydrogen dissolution device 21 is not limited to the electrolytic cell 5 for electrolyzing water. For example, it may be a device that dissolves hydrogen gas produced by the chemical reaction of water and magnesium into water, or a device that dissolves hydrogen gas filled in a storage tank into water.

[0107] The recovery device 4 may include a valve for adjusting the hydrogen supply. This valve is disposed in a pipe or the like extending from the main body of the recovery device 4 (the part that recovers hydrogen). The valve is controlled, for example, by the control unit described above. When the recovery device 4 is configured to include a valve, it is preferable to provide a concentration sensor that detects the hydrogen concentration in the treated water taken from the water treatment device 1, etc. In this configuration, the control unit performs feedback control on the valve opening based on the signal input from the concentration sensor. As a result, the hydrogen concentration in the treated water is stabilized.

[0108] The water treatment apparatus and water treatment method of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above and can be implemented in various forms. That is, the water treatment apparatus of the present invention is at least a water treatment apparatus 1 comprising a water treatment unit 2 for generating treated water by treating supplied raw water, and further comprising a degassing device 3 for removing gas from the treated water and a recovery device 4 for recovering hydrogen from the gas and supplying it to the raw water or the treated water.

[0109] In addition, the water treatment method of the present invention includes at least a water treatment method 100 that generates treated water by treating the supplied raw water, and also includes a degassing step S3 that removes gas from the treated water and a recovery step S4 that recovers hydrogen from the gas and supplies it to the raw water or the treated water.

[0110] In summary, the technical means disclosed in this invention can effectively solve the problems of the prior art and achieve the expected purpose and effect. Moreover, it has not been published or publicly used before the application and has long-term progressiveness. It is indeed an invention as defined by the Patent Law. Therefore, the application is filed in accordance with the law. I earnestly request Your Excellency to give a detailed review and grant the invention patent. I am deeply grateful for Your Excellency's kindness.

[0111] However, the above description is only a few preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the contents of the specification of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0035] [Fig. 1] is a block diagram showing the general structure of the water treatment apparatus of the first invention; [Fig. 2] is a flowchart showing the process of the water treatment method of the second invention; [Fig. 3] is a block diagram showing the specific structure of the water treatment apparatus of Fig. 1; [Fig. 4] is a flowchart showing the specific process of the water treatment method of Fig. 2; [Fig. 5] is a block diagram showing the structure of a modified example of the water treatment apparatus of Fig. 3; [Fig. 6] is a flowchart showing the process of a modified example of the water treatment method of Fig. 4; [Fig. 7] is a block diagram showing the structure of a modified example of the water treatment apparatus of Fig. 5; [Fig. 8] is a flowchart showing the process of a modified example of the water treatment method of Fig. 6; [Fig. 9] is a block diagram showing another specific structure of the water treatment apparatus of Fig. 1; [Fig. 10] is a flowchart showing another specific process of the water treatment method of Fig. 2; [Fig. 11] is a block diagram showing the structure of a modified example of the water treatment apparatus of Fig. 9; [Fig. 12] is a flowchart showing the process of a modified example of the water treatment method of Fig. 10; [Fig. 13] is a block diagram showing the structure of a modified example of the water treatment apparatus of Fig. 11; [Fig. 14] is a flowchart showing a modified example of the water treatment method of Fig. 12; [Fig. 15] is a block diagram showing the configuration of another modified example of the water treatment apparatus of Fig. 9; [Fig. 16] is a flowchart showing the configuration of another modified example of the water treatment method of Fig. 10; [Fig. 17] is a block diagram showing the configuration of a modified example of the water treatment apparatus of Fig. 15; [Fig. 18] is a flowchart showing the configuration of a modified example of the water treatment method of Fig. 16; [Fig. 19] is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the hydrogen dissolution apparatus of Fig. 3, etc.

Claims

1. A water treatment apparatus comprising a water treatment unit that generates treated water by treating supplied raw water, the water treatment apparatus further comprising: a degassing unit that removes gas from the treated water; and a recovery unit that recovers hydrogen from the gas and supplies it to the treated water, the water treatment unit comprising: a hydrogen dissolution unit that dissolves hydrogen in the raw water to generate first treated water; a reverse osmosis treatment unit that permeates the first treated water through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate second treated water; and a dialysate preparation unit that mixes dialysate with the second treated water to prepare third treated water, the degassing unit comprising a membrane module and a pump, the pump pressurizing the treated water to remove the gas passing through the membrane module from the treated water, and the recovery unit comprising a hydrogen permeation membrane for separating the hydrogen from other gases and supplying the recovered hydrogen to the first treated water, the second treated water, or the third treated water.

2. The water treatment apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The hydrogen dissolution apparatus includes an electrolytic cell that generates hydrogen through electrolysis.

3. The water treatment apparatus as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The recovery device includes a valve for adjusting the supply of hydrogen.

4. A water treatment method comprising a water treatment step, wherein treated water is generated by treating supplied raw water, the water treatment method further comprising: a degassing step for removing gas from the treated water; and a recovery step for recovering hydrogen from the gas and supplying it to the treated water, the water treatment step comprising: a hydrogen dissolution step for dissolving hydrogen in the raw water to generate first treated water; a reverse osmosis treatment step for permeating the first treated water through a reverse osmosis membrane to generate second treated water; and a dialysate preparation step for mixing dialysate with the second treated water to prepare third treated water, wherein in the degassing step, the treated water is pressurized using a pump to remove the gas after passing through the membrane assembly from the treated water, and in the recovery step, the hydrogen is separated from other gases using a hydrogen permeation membrane, and the recovered hydrogen is supplied to the first treated water, the second treated water, or the third treated water.

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