Circulating-water scale removal device having conductivity sensor

Abstract

A circulating-water scale removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a water tank in which circulating water containing a predetermined hardness-causing material is accommodated; an electrode including a first electrode and a second electrode, which have different polarities and are spaced apart from each other in the water tank; a separation unit for separating, from the electrode, scale precipitated from the circulating water by an electrolysis reaction using the first electrode and the second electrode; a collection unit for collecting the scale separated from the electrode by the separation unit; a measurement unit including two or more conductivity sensors disposed inside and outside the water tank, respectively, to measure the conductivity of the circulating water; and a control unit for determining average values of the measured conductivity inside and outside the water tank, respectively, and displaying the determined average values of the conductivity as text or voice. Therefore, the circulating-water scale removal device provides the convenience of enabling a user to check the conductivity in real time, allowing for a more active response.

Description

Scale removal device for circulating water equipped with a conductivity sensor

[0001] The present invention relates to a scale removal device for circulating water, and more particularly, to a scale removal device that increases convenience and stability of operation by easily separating and removing scale separated and precipitated from circulating water by electrolysis from an electrode.

[0002] The present invention relates to a scale removal device for circulating water, and more particularly, to a scale removal device that increases convenience and stability of operation by easily separating and removing scale separated and precipitated from circulating water by electrolysis from an electrode.

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a scale removal device for circulating water is provided, which uses electrolysis to precipitate scale from circulating water in which hardness substances such as CaO, SiO2, and MgO are dissolved, and effectively separates and discharges the precipitated scale from the surface of an electrode through a separation unit such as spraying a water jet containing high-pressure water.

[0004] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a scale removal device for circulating water is provided that can prevent unnecessary scale from being formed on the inner wall of the tank by electrolysis by forming the tank with an insulating material.

[0005] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a scale removal device for circulating water is provided that can easily determine whether scale precipitation and decomposition by electrolysis are being carried out smoothly by measuring the conductivity value of circulating water through an electrical conductivity measurement sensor.

[0006] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a scale removal device for circulating water is provided that removes respiratory infection-causing bacteria that proliferate in circulating water through a sterilizing means such as a UV lamp in a tank.

[0007]

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problem(s) mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] A scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a tank in which circulating water containing a set hardness substance is accommodated; electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode having different polarities and spaced apart from each other inside the tank; a separation unit for separating scale precipitated from the circulating water by an electrolytic reaction using the first and second electrodes from the electrodes; a collection unit for collecting scale separated from the electrodes by the separation unit; a measurement unit including two or more conductivity sensors respectively disposed inside and outside the tank to measure conductivity of the circulating water; and a control unit for determining average conductivity values ​​of the inside and outside of the tank and displaying the determined average conductivity values ​​in text or voice.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the scale removal device includes an inlet for introducing new circulating water from outside; and an outlet for discharging circulating water contained in the tank to the outside; and the control unit can control the inlet to replenish the new circulating water when the conductivity average values ​​exceed a preset value, or control the outlet to discharge the circulating water contained in the tank.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the control unit is disposed outside the scale removal device to control an inlet through which new circulating water flows into the circulating water circulation system, and the control unit is disposed outside the scale removal device to control an outlet through which circulating water is discharged outside the circulating water circulation system, and when the conductivity average values ​​exceed a preset value, the control unit can control the inlet to replenish the new circulating water or control the outlet to discharge the circulating water.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the measuring unit includes two or more pH sensors each disposed inside and outside the tank to measure the pH of the circulating water, and the control unit determines the measured average pH values ​​inside and outside the tank, and can control the inflow and discharge of the circulating water so that the determined average pH values ​​are within a preset range.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the scale removal device includes an inlet for introducing new circulating water from the outside; and an outlet for discharging the circulating water contained in the tank to the outside; and the control unit can control the inlet to replenish the new circulating water or control the outlet to discharge the circulating water contained in the tank when the pH average values ​​are outside the preset range.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the control unit is disposed outside the scale removal device to control an inlet through which new circulating water flows into the circulating water circulation system, and the control unit is disposed outside the scale removal device to control an outlet through which circulating water is discharged outside the circulating water circulation system, and when the pH average values ​​are outside the preset range, the control unit can control the inlet to replenish the new circulating water or control the outlet to discharge the circulating water.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the separating unit can form a water jet containing high-pressure water and spray the formed water jet onto the surface of the electrode.

[0016] In the above embodiment, the tank may be formed by including polyethylene (PE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyphenylenesulfide (PPS), acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), or fiber reinforced plastics (FRP).

[0017] In the above embodiment, the tank is formed of a transparent insulating material, and the transparent insulating material may include PC (Polycarbonate), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate), PAN (Polyacrylonitrile), or PAA (Polyacrylic acid).

[0018] In the above embodiment, the tank is formed of a ceramic material, and the ceramic material may include Al2O3, SiO2, ZrO2, TiO2, Y2O3, Al2N3, SiN3, Si3N4, BN, SiC, B4C, WC, TiC, TaC, Cr3C2, or glass ceramic.

[0019] A scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention removes hardness substances such as CaO, SiO2, and MgO from circulating water in an environmentally friendly manner without using a separate scale inhibitor for scale removal, thereby preventing problems caused by scale without a separate chemical treatment method, enabling scale removal from a cooling water circulation system, and enabling the captured scale to be separated from an electrode by spraying a water jet formed with high-pressure washing water without a separate physical method.

[0020] In addition, the scale removal device of the circulating water according to the embodiment of the present invention prevents unnecessary scale from being formed on the inner wall of the water tank by electrolysis by forming the water tank with an insulating material, thereby improving the durability of the device and reducing maintenance costs.

[0021] In addition, the scale removal device of the circulating water according to the embodiment of the present invention can increase convenience in maintenance by enabling real-time confirmation through conductivity measurement whether scale precipitation and decomposition by electrolysis are occurring smoothly.

[0022] In addition, the scale removal device of circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide cleanliness to promote the health of users by removing respiratory infection-causing bacteria that proliferate in circulating water through a sterilizing means such as a UV lamp in the water tank.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a tank, electrodes, and separator included in a scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ultraviolet ray generating unit for preventing bacterial growth according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating each component of a scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]

[0028] *Explanation of major symbols in the drawing

[0029] 110: Tank

[0030] 110a: Inlet

[0031] 110b: Tank discharge port

[0032] 110c: exhaust

[0033] 110d: External exhaust

[0034] 112: Electrode placement section

[0035] 114: Scale discharge section

[0036] 116: Cover

[0037] 120: Electrode

[0038] 121: First electrode

[0039] 122: Second electrode

[0040] 130: Separation section

[0041] 140, 140a, 140b: Measuring section

[0042] 150: Power supply unit

[0043] 160: Control unit

[0044] 170: Capture Unit

[0045] 180: UV ray generation unit

[0046] 190: Communications Department

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that applies an electrolytic reaction to circulating water introduced from a component included in a circulating water circulation system such as a cooling tower to precipitate scale, and separates the precipitated scale from an electrode (120) and discharges it to the outside. The scale removal device may include a tank (110) for receiving circulating water, an electrode (120) for an electrolytic reaction, a separation unit (130) for separating scale precipitated and attached to the electrode (120), and a collection unit (170) for collecting the separated scale. The scale removal device may include an inlet unit (110a) into which circulating water circulated in the circulating system is introduced or into which new circulating water is introduced from the outside of the circulating system. The scale removal device may include a tank discharge unit (110b) for sending circulating water and scale from the tank (110) to the collection unit (170). In addition, the scale removal device may include a discharge portion (110c) that discharges circulating water into the circulation system or discharges circulating water outside the circulation system. In FIG. 1, the inlet portion (110a), the tank discharge portion (110b), and the discharge portion (110c) are each illustrated as a single pipe, but are not limited thereto and may be configured in the form of multiple pipes so as to communicate with the inside and outside of the circulation system, respectively.

[0050] The separation unit (130) separates the scale attached to the electrode (120). The separation unit (130) can separate the scale through direct friction in the form of scraping or brushing the scale attached to the electrode (120). In addition, the separation unit (130) can separate the scale from the electrode (120) by spraying high-pressure water or circulating water through a compressor in the form of a water jet.

[0051] The separating part (130) can be connected to the vicinity of the internal electrode (120) of the tank (110) through a connecting member, and the connection may be in the form of a welding connection, a screw connection, an integral connection, etc. The separating part (130) may be arranged on the upper part of the electrode (120), or may be arranged on the surface between the first electrode (121) and the second electrode (122) or near the back surface thereof.

[0052] The separating unit (130) can be moved up and down along the longitudinal direction of the electrode (120). In addition, the separating unit (130) may be formed in a fixed shape in a rod shape along the longitudinal direction of each electrode (121, 122) between the first electrode (121) and the second electrode (122), and a plurality of separating units may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the electrodes (121, 122). At this time, the separating unit (130) may be provided with a plurality of through holes for spraying a water jet along the longitudinal direction of the electrodes (121, 122). Through these structures, the separating unit (130) can uniformly spray a water jet throughout the space formed between the first electrode (121) and the second electrode (122).

[0053] Accordingly, the precipitated scale attached to the surface of the electrode (120) can be more effectively removed as a high-pressure water jet is sprayed into the space between the electrodes (121, 122) through the separator (130).

[0054] The capture unit (170) can capture scale removed by the separation unit (130). The capture unit (170) is a device that receives circulating water discharged from a scale removal device, filters the scale contained in the circulating water, discharges it to one side, and discharges the circulating water with the scale filtered to the other side. Here, the circulating water discharged from the tank discharge unit (110b) contains scale separated from the electrode.

[0055] The collection unit (170) may be equipped with a strainer, such as a type of sieve, to filter scale from the circulating water. A solenoid valve capable of selectively opening and closing pipes connected to the strainer may be provided.

[0056] As the pressure of the circulating water discharged through the tank discharge port (110b) acts on the collection port (170) and the internal pressure increases, the scale can be automatically discharged to the external discharge port (110d) by opening the solenoid valve.

[0057] For reference, the circulating water used in the present invention may be circulating water heated to a high temperature or cooling circulating water cooled to a low temperature. In the case of cooling circulating water, after scale is filtered, it passes through a cooling system such as a cooling tower and then returns to a scale removal device for refiltration, thereby continuously reducing the concentration of certain hardness substances or metal ions that cause scale.

[0058]

[0059] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tank (110), an electrode (120), a separation unit (130), a measurement unit (140), and a control unit (160) included in a scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the tank (110) can accommodate circulating water containing ions such as Ca, Mg, and Si, or their oxides (CaO, MgO, and SiO2) therein. That is, the tank (110) can be provided as a space in which hardness substances set therein are precipitated during the process in which circulating water is introduced and discharged.

[0061] The tank (110) may include an inlet (110a) for introducing circulating water and a tank discharge (110b) for discharging water after electrolysis, and the positions of the inlet (110a) and the tank discharge (110b) are not limited and may be modified in various ways.

[0062] The tank (110) needs to have an internal surface formed of an insulating material to ensure electrochemical stability against the electrolytic reaction occurring within. That is, the interior of the tank (110) must be coated with an insulating material, or the material of the tank (110) itself must be formed of an insulating material. In addition, the tank (110) needs to secure sufficient heat resistance and strength to handle high-temperature circulating water.

[0063] When the inner surface of the tank (110) is coated with an insulating material such as Teflon, the required electrochemical stability and heat resistance are sufficiently satisfied. However, with continuous use, defects such as cracks may occur in the Teflon coating due to shrinkage and expansion due to temperature changes, vibrations caused by the flow of circulating water or other driving systems, etc. In this case, circulating water may infiltrate through the defects, and if the tank is formed of a metal material, corrosion may occur, or CaO, MgO, and SiO may be present on the inner surface of the tank (110). 2- Precipitates such as scale may be attached.

[0064] If the tank (110) is formed entirely of an insulating material rather than an insulating coating, electrochemical stability can be further improved. The insulating material may include polyethylene (PE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyphenylenesulfide (PPS), acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), or fiber reinforced plastics (FRP).

[0065] While ensuring the electrochemical stability of the tank (110), if it is formed of a transparent material, there is an advantage in that the operating status of the components inside the tank and the precipitation and separation status of scale can be visually confirmed. For a transparent and electrochemically stable tank, the insulating material may include PC (Polycarbonate), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate), PAN (Polyacrylonitrile), or PAA (Polyacrylic acid).

[0066] Additionally, the tank (110) may be formed of a ceramic material for electrochemical stability. The ceramic material may include Al2O3, SiO2, ZrO2, TiO2, Y2O3, Al2N3, SiN3, Si3N4, BN, SiC, B4C, WC, TiC, TaC, Cr3C2, or glass ceramic.

[0067]

[0068] The tank (110) may be configured to include an electrode placement section (112), a scale discharge section (114), and a cover section (116).

[0069] The electrode placement unit (112) may be provided in a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower surfaces, and electrodes may be placed inside. The scale discharge unit (114) may be formed to extend and communicate with the lower portion of the electrode placement unit (112), and may be provided integrally with the electrode placement unit (112). The scale discharge unit (114) may have a diameter that gradually decreases in a tapering shape in a direction away from the lower portion of the electrode placement unit (112). Accordingly, the side surface of the scale discharge unit (114) may be provided to be inclined, so that the overall shape of the water tank (110) may have a funnel shape. This may induce the scale to be smoothly transported through the water tank discharge unit (110b). In FIGS. 1 and 2, the inlet (110a) is provided on one side of the electrode arrangement (112) and the water tank discharge (110b) is provided on the lower side of the scale discharge (114), but this is not limited thereto and may be provided in various shapes for purposes such as improving efficiency or convenience of use.

[0070] The cover part (116) may be provided in the form of a plate covering the upper part of the electrode arrangement part (112) or in the form of a lid having a circumferential surface.

[0071] The electrode (120) may include a first electrode (121) and a second electrode (122) having different polarities and spaced apart from each other inside the tank (110). For reference, the surface of the electrode (120) may be plated with an electrochemically stable material such as platinum. The electrode (120) may be coupled to the inner surface of the tank (110) through a connecting member that is not related to conductivity, and the form of coupling may be a welding coupling, a screw coupling, an integral coupling, etc. In the present embodiment, the electrode (120) is coupled to the inner surface of the electrode arrangement portion (112) of the tank (110), but is not limited thereto and may be modified in various ways, such as coupled to the inner surface of the scale discharge portion (114).

[0072] The arrangement of the first electrode (121) and the second electrode (122) can be arranged in various ways, such as in the form of concentric circles sharing a center. Although two electrodes are exemplified, three or more electrodes may be arranged alternately so that they have different polarities. In addition, the first electrode (121) and the second electrode (122) can be diversified, such as by forming through holes or forming them in a mesh shape, in order to increase the contact area with the circulating water and thus increase the efficiency of the electrolysis reaction. In addition, the first electrode (121) and the second electrode (122) can be diversified, such as by forming edges such as unevenness, in order to effectively separate the precipitated and attached scale.

[0073] The first electrode (121) and the second electrode (122) may each be formed with a hollow interior and a through hole formed therein, such that circulating water can flow into the hollow interior and flow out through the through hole. This allows scale precipitated from the circulating water and attached to the electrode to be naturally separated through the flow of the circulating water. In addition, the scale separation effect can be enhanced by introducing a high-pressure water jet into the hollow interior.

[0074] The measuring unit (140) measures the conductivity of the circulating water inside and outside the tank (110). The measuring unit (140) may include a plurality of conductivity sensors, and each conductivity sensor may be placed inside the tank (110) and outside the tank, such as in a pipe flowing into the tank. The tank (110) may include two or more conductivity sensors inside and outside, respectively. An average conductivity value of values ​​obtained from the two or more conductivity sensors inside and outside the tank (110) is determined. This increases the reliability of the values ​​measured from the conductivity sensors. The control unit (160) may display the determined average conductivity value in text or voice. The text and voice may be displayed through a display or speaker included in the scale removal device. In addition, the text and voice may be displayed on an external terminal connected through a communication unit described below. The status of the scale removal operation by electrolysis of the scale removal device can be easily checked through the average conductivity values ​​determined for each of the inside and outside of the tank (110). That is, the conductivity of the circulating water is a characteristic that directly expresses the concentration of ions dissolved in the circulating water, and if the ion concentration is high, the conductivity value will also be measured high. If the scale is precipitated through electrolysis to lower the ion concentration, the measured conductivity value will also decrease, and thus, whether the electrolysis is proceeding smoothly can be easily checked.

[0075] The conductivity values ​​measured in real time can be compared with a predetermined conductivity, i.e. a preset value. The preset value can be determined by regulations established by the government, etc. The conductivity of circulating water according to domestic regulations is stipulated to be in the range of 200 to 800 μS / cm, for example. In addition, the preset value can be arbitrarily set by the user within the conductivity range that prevents scale from being deposited in pipes, etc. In addition, the determination can be made using a table value obtained by directly measuring the amount of precipitation versus the ion concentration of the circulating water.

[0076] The measuring unit (140) may be placed inside (140a) and outside (140b) of the water tank (110). The inside of the water tank (110) is where the actual electrolysis reaction actively occurs, and there may be differences in structure and environment from the outside of the water tank, so the conductivity values ​​may be measured differently. Even if the difference in conductivity between the inside and outside of the water tank is minimal due to the large flow rate of the circulating water, the reliability of the conductivity sensor values ​​can be increased by comparing these values ​​and using the average value as a reference for the conductivity value.

[0077] If the conductivity value obtained through the measuring unit (140) is greater than a preset value, the control unit (160) may perform an exchange operation to replenish new circulating water or discharge the existing circulating water and then replenish with new circulating water. If some of the circulating water in the circulating system evaporates, the conductivity may increase. In addition, the conductivity may increase as the scale attached to the pipes dissolves again into the circulating water and the ion concentration increases. In this case, the conductivity may be reduced by replenishing new water with the circulating water or discharging some of the circulating water circulating in the existing circulating system and then replenishing with new water with the circulating water. If the measured conductivity value, i.e., the average conductivity value, exceeds a preset value, the control unit (160) may control the inlet (110a), the outlet (110c), or both simultaneously to replenish new circulating water or discharge the existing circulating water.

[0078] In addition, the control unit (160) can also control the inlet (not shown) and outlet (not shown) of the circulating water located outside the scale removal device, i.e., in any part of the circulating water circulation system. For example, the inlet or outlet can be located in a cooling tower. New circulating water flows in through the inlet, and existing circulating water circulating in the circulating water system is discharged through the outlet. Specifically, the control unit (160) can control the inlet, the outlet, or both simultaneously to replenish new circulating water or to perform an exchange operation of discharging existing circulating water and replenishing new circulating water when the average conductivity value exceeds a preset value.

[0079] The conductivity sensor included in the measuring unit (140) can easily obtain conductivity by measuring resistance, for example, through two conductivity measuring electrodes. The measuring electrodes may be formed of platinum. In addition, various methods may be applied to measure the conductivity of circulating water.

[0080] These real-time conductivity values ​​allow for immediate monitoring of the scale removal device's operating status, providing the convenience of prompt and appropriate response. For example, this allows for a more immediate and proactive response to abnormalities in the circulating water system, such as water leaks or evaporation.

[0081] The measuring unit (140) may also include a pH sensor. The pH sensor may be arranged one or more inside (140a) and outside (140b) of the water tank (110). By configuring multiple locations and quantities, the reliability of the measured pH value can be increased. If the pH value obtained through the measuring unit (140) is out of a preset range, the control unit (160) may perform an exchange operation by replenishing new circulating water or discharging the existing circulating water and then replenishing it with new circulating water. If a chemical reaction occurs, such as a portion of the circulating water in the circulating system evaporating or scale attached to the pipes dissolving back into the circulating water, the pH value of the circulating water may change, such as going outside the appropriate range and lowering or raising it. In such a case, the pH can be controlled by replenishing new water with the circulating water or discharging a portion of the circulating water circulating in the existing circulating system and then replenishing the new water with the circulating water to dilute it. The control unit (160) can control the inlet (110a), the outlet (110c), or both simultaneously to replenish new circulating water or discharge existing circulating water when the measured pH value, i.e., the pH average value, is outside the preset range.

[0082] In addition, the control unit (160) can also control the inlet (not shown) and outlet (not shown) of the circulating water located outside the scale removal device, i.e., in any part of the circulating water circulation system. New circulating water flows in through the inlet, and existing circulating water circulating in the circulating water system is discharged through the outlet. Specifically, when the average pH value is out of a preset range, the control unit (160) can control the inlet, the outlet, or both simultaneously to replenish new circulating water or to perform an exchange operation of discharging the existing circulating water and replenishing new circulating water.

[0083] By controlling the pH of the circulating water to an appropriate range, corrosion of pipes included in the circulating system can be prevented.

[0084]

[0085] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ultraviolet ray generating unit for preventing bacterial growth according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, the ultraviolet ray generating unit (180) may be placed within the tank (110). For example, the ultraviolet ray generating unit (180) may be placed above the electrode within the tank, i.e., below the cover portion (116), or may be placed on the side of the electrode, i.e., near the electrode placement portion (112). The shape of the ultraviolet ray generating unit (180) may be formed in a ring shape or a straight shape. When the ultraviolet ray generating unit (180) is placed below the electrode, it may be formed in a ring shape so as not to affect the flow of circulating water or the discharge of separated scale.

[0087] In addition, the ultraviolet ray generator (180) may be disposed at the inlet (110a) or the tank outlet (110b). Referring to Fig. 3, the ultraviolet ray generator (180) may be disposed at the inlet (110a) and may be disposed in the shape of long bars parallel to the direction of flow of the circulating water. In this case, even when the turbidity of the circulating water is high, ultraviolet ray can relatively evenly affect all the circulating water in the cross-section perpendicular to the direction of flow, which may be advantageous over the case where it is disposed within the tank. In addition, even when the flow of the circulating water is strong, there is an advantage in that the ultraviolet ray sterilization effect can be applied to the circulating water for a longer period of time due to the shape of the ultraviolet ray generators disposed parallel to the direction of flow.

[0088] In this way, the ultraviolet ray generating unit (180) can be placed in various locations so that the sterilizing effect can be applied to the circulating circulating water, and can be placed in multiple locations.

[0089] The ultraviolet ray generating unit (180) may be configured to include a UV lamp or a UV LED. The ultraviolet ray generating unit (180) can have its ultraviolet ray generation intensity controlled by the control unit (160), and its operation can also be determined.

[0090]

[0091] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating each component of a scale removal device for circulating water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 4, the scale removal device of the circulating water may include a tank (110), a separation unit (130), a measurement unit (140), a power supply unit (150), a control unit (160), a collection unit (170), an ultraviolet generation unit (180), and a communication unit (190).

[0093] The power supply unit (150) is connected to the first electrode (121) and the second electrode (122) and can apply a direct current voltage to cause a current flow between each electrode (120).

[0094] For example, the power supply unit (150) can apply a step-down transformer to a specific AC voltage to step down the voltage to a predetermined voltage, for example, 24 V, and then convert it to a DC voltage to apply it to each electrode (121, 122).

[0095] The control unit (160) can not only control the voltage magnitude applied to the electrodes (121, 122), but also periodically change the polarity of the electrodes (121, 122). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent scale collected on the surfaces of both electrodes (121, 122) from remaining and reducing electrolysis efficiency. In addition, scale is not deposited on only one of the electrodes (121, 122), but is distributed and deposited, thereby extending the cleaning cycle and reducing management costs, etc.

[0096] Meanwhile, the scale removal device of the circulating water according to the embodiments of the present invention can be remotely managed through wired or wireless communication with an external terminal (not shown) or server through a communication unit (190).

[0097] An application for managing the scale removal device may be installed on the external terminal. Information such as conductivity and pH values ​​obtained from the measurement unit, or the temperature or pressure of the circulating water, is transmitted to the external terminal via the communication unit (190), allowing the user to check the relevant information in real time via the external terminal. In addition, the communication unit (190) may receive control signals for the control unit (160) from an external source. Through these control signals, the control unit (160) may control other components of the scale removal device.

[0098] If the average conductivity value measured from the measuring unit exceeds a preset value, the scale removal device can issue a warning notification to the user via an external terminal connected to the communication unit (190). The warning notification can be provided by voice, text on the screen, or a pop-up window.

[0099] Additionally, even if the average pH value measured from the measuring unit falls outside the preset range, the scale removal device can issue a warning notification to the user via an external terminal connected to the communication unit (190). After visually confirming the conductivity and pH values ​​via the external terminal, the user can immediately respond appropriately to the situation via the external terminal.

[0100] The user's response is included in the control signal in the form of information and transmitted to the control unit (160) via the communication unit (190). The control signal may include control information regarding the inflow and discharge of circulating water. The inflow control information and discharge control information of circulating water are control information targeting the inflow and discharge portions or the inflow and discharge ports.

[0101] In addition, even when a control signal is not received through the communication unit (190), the control unit can automatically control the inlet and outlet or the inlet and outlet by comparing the measured conductivity average value and the preset value, and the pH average value and the preset range.

[0102] Accordingly, a user from a remote location can access the communication unit via an external terminal to replenish the circulating water in the circulating water system or the circulating water in the scale removal device, or perform an exchange operation to replenish the water after discharge.

[0103] The user can control the on / off control and intensity of the UV light generator through an external terminal. Furthermore, the user can check the amount of scale attached to the electrode or the amount of scale captured in the collector through the external terminal. After checking the amount of scale, the user can operate the separator through the external terminal to separate the scale attached to the electrode. Furthermore, the user can control the collector or solenoid valve through the external terminal so that the captured scale can be discharged to the outside. The separation and discharge of scale from the electrode can be automatically performed by the control unit, and information on this progress can also be transmitted to the external terminal for the user to check.

[0104] In addition, the user can immediately check the scale removal status through an external terminal, set automatic or manual operation for various control items, set warning notifications for various values ​​related to the operation of the scale removal device, and set reference values ​​for automatically controlled operations, such as preset values ​​related to conductivity and preset ranges related to pH.

[0105] The external terminal may be a mobile communication terminal, such as a smartphone, smart pad, or laptop, and may be configured to control the scale removal device in the form of software or an application. Furthermore, the external terminal may be configured as a dedicated terminal capable of communicating via a wireless network, such as LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. The communication unit (190) may be directly connected to the external terminal via a wireless network, or may be connected via wired or wireless communication via a server.

[0106] External terminals can be configured to manage not only a single scale removal device, but also multiple scale removal devices integrated into a single application. This allows for easy, integrated management of the circulating water in large-scale circulation systems built in large buildings through external terminals.

[0107] Through these external terminals, the user can monitor various operational statuses of the scale removal device with simple operations from the outside, and can easily control the scale removal device to perform related tasks. In addition, the various numerical information, notification information, and control information mentioned above are stored in the built-in memory of the external terminal, the server, or the memory built into the scale removal device itself. In addition, the external terminal stores information on the replacement cycle and replacement history of various parts included in the scale removal device, and when the time for replacement arrives, it provides the user with relevant guidance, allowing the user to replace the relevant parts at an appropriate time based on this. The user can systematize the management and operation of the scale removal device through this various information.

[0108]

[0109] The embodiments disclosed in this specification have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments depicted in each drawing should not be construed as limiting, and those skilled in the art who are familiar with the contents of this specification may combine them with each other. When combined, some components may be omitted.

[0110] Here, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas disclosed in this specification.

[0111] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only one embodiment disclosed in this specification and do not represent all of the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, so it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A tank containing circulating water containing a set hardness substance; An electrode comprising a first electrode and a second electrode having different polarities and spaced apart from each other inside the tank; A separation unit that separates scale precipitated from circulating water by an electrolytic reaction using the first and second electrodes from the electrodes; A capturing unit that captures the scale separated from the electrode by the separating unit; A measuring unit including two or more conductivity sensors each arranged inside and outside the tank to measure the conductivity of the circulating water; and A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that it includes a control unit that determines the average conductivity values ​​inside and outside the measured tank, and displays the determined average conductivity values ​​in text or voice.

2. In paragraph 1, An inlet into which new circulating water is introduced from the outside of the scale removal device; and Includes a discharge unit for discharging the circulating water contained in the above tank to the outside; A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that the control unit controls the inlet to replenish the new circulating water when the conductivity average values ​​exceed a preset value, or controls the discharge unit to discharge the circulating water received in the tank.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is placed outside the scale removal device and controls the inlet through which new circulating water flows into the circulating water circulation system. The above control unit is disposed outside the scale removal device and controls an outlet for discharging circulating water outside the circulating water circulation system. A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that when the above conductivity average values ​​exceed a preset value, the control unit controls the inlet to replenish the new circulating water or controls the outlet to discharge the circulating water.

4. In paragraph 1, The above measuring unit includes two or more pH sensors each disposed inside and outside the tank to measure the pH of the circulating water, A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that the control unit determines the average pH values ​​inside and outside the measured tank, and controls the inflow and outflow of circulating water so that the determined average pH values ​​fall within a preset range.

5. In paragraph 4, An inlet into which new circulating water is introduced from the outside of the scale removal device; and Includes a discharge unit for discharging the circulating water contained in the above tank to the outside; A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that the control unit controls the inlet to replenish new circulating water when the pH average values ​​are outside the preset range, or controls the discharge unit to discharge the circulating water received in the tank.

6. In paragraph 4, The above control unit is placed outside the scale removal device and controls the inlet through which new circulating water flows into the circulating water circulation system. The above control unit is disposed outside the scale removal device and controls an outlet for discharging circulating water outside the circulating water circulation system. A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that when the above pH average values ​​are out of the preset range, the control unit controls the inlet to replenish the new circulating water or controls the outlet to discharge the circulating water.

7. In paragraph 1, A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that the above separation unit forms a water jet containing high-pressure water and sprays the formed water jet onto the surface of the electrode.

8. In paragraph 1, A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that the tank is formed of an insulating material, and the insulating material includes PE (Polyethylene), PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), PEI (Polyetherimide), POM (Polyoxymethylene), PP (Polypropylene), PA (Polyamide), PPS (Polyphenylenesulfide), ABS (Acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene), PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), PVDF (Polyvinylidenefluoride), or FRP (Fiber reinforced plastics).

9. In paragraph 1, A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that the tank is formed of a transparent insulating material, and the transparent insulating material includes PC (Polycarbonate), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate), PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) or PAA (Polyacrylic acid).

10. In paragraph 1, A scale removal device for circulating water, characterized in that the tank is formed of a ceramic material, and the ceramic material includes Al2O3, SiO2, ZrO2, TiO2, Y2O3, Al2N3, SiN3, Si3N4, BN, SiC, B4C, WC, TiC, TaC, Cr3C2 or glass ceramic.

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