System for measuring and monitoring parameters related to the treatment water

Abstract

A system (10) for measuring and monitoring at least one parameter linked to treatment of water comprises at least one vertically arranged laminar flow device (12) having an upper inlet (14) for receiving water to be measured and monitored and a lower outlet (16) for discharging water, and configured to provide a laminar flow of water in a laminar flow zone upstream of the lower outlet, at least one measuring sensor (34) configured to measure at least one parameter linked to water to be treated and to provide a sensor signal representative for the measured parameter, which at least one measuring sensor (34) is arranged in the laminar flow zone of the laminar flow device (12) and a monitoring unit (40) configured to receive the sensor signal and thereby to monitor said at least one parameter linked to treatment of water.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM FOR MEASURING AND MONITORING PARAMETERS RELATED TO THE TREATMENT WATER

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the general field of treatment of water, especially dirty water. The water can be treated by any type of treatment device, preferably by electrolysis of water. The treated water can be used as a cooling water, preferably for cooling towers and / or evaporative condensers. However, the treated water can also be used for any other technical applications, particularly those related to treatment of dirty water.

[0004] The invention thus relates to a system for measuring and monitoring parameters linked to treatment of water, as well as to an installation comprising such a system and an electrolysis water treatment unit.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] Dirty water treatment faces many challenges, in particular because of the different elements contained in dirty water. Once treated, water can be used in various ways and often as a coolant, in particular in cooling towers and evaporative condensers. However, the use of water must be carried out thoughtfully because water is precious: less than 1 % of Earth’s water supply is available as fresh water to drink, grow our food and run our industries. Moreover, the use of water can lead to limescale, corrosion and / or the growth of biology. To combat this, traditional cooling systems add chemicals (for example biocides, corrosion inhibitors, descalers, hardness stabilizers) to the water to prevent corrosion, the deposit of limescale and the growth of biology such as legionella. However, these chemicals are costly and poorly degradable over time which is harmful to the environment.

[0007] Therefore, so called chemical-free water treatment solutions using electrolysis systems have been described in the prior art, see for example US 2015 / 0291450 A1 , WO2014 / 076668 A1, JP 2006-27825 A1 , JP 4644677 B2, US 8,475,645 B2 and WO 2014 / 188432 A1. In particular, WO 2014 / 188432 A1 uses a system for the electrolysis of water having rotating disc cathodes and an automated cathode cleaner. In this system, as water is pumped and passes through an electrolysis chamber, the scale or calcium is deposited on the cathode. During the clean-up cycle, the scale deposit is removed and flushed out. During the electrolysis, OH ions are also formed, which increases the pH value acting protectively against corrosion. The electrolysis also allows to react chlorides and oxygen ions in water to produce free chlorine preventing the growth of biology, and in particular legionella. The elimination of external added chemicals also reduces health risks, CO2 emissions, storage and maintenance costs.

[0008] In cooling water systems, like cooling towers, typically the cooling water flows in contact with the air from the environment and takes up dirt from the air. Solids are typically removed by means of filter having a fine mesh, which sometimes needs to be replaced or cleaned one or more times a day. Parameters of the flow of cooling water are typically monitored using sensors that are arranged in a system, wherein the flow is controlled using membranes. These membranes acting as flow regulating devices may become clogged, at least partially, by fine solids and other dirt that is present in the cooling water, thereby blocking the flow of water along the sensors. Generally, these systems are not equipped with flow detection devices. As a result there is a risk that the sensors do not measure the respective parameters of the water flow, but parameters of a stagnant amount of water.

[0009] Therefore there is a need for reliable measurement and monitoring of parameters that are linked to the water to be treated, which parameters are e.g. significant to the operation of a water treatment unit such as a water electrolysis unit. Thus, in order to be effective and to obtain treated water of sufficient quality, in particular to eliminate or reduce as much as possible the risk of limescale, corrosion and the growth of biology, it is necessary to be able to control the proper operation of the electrolysis depending on the expected results.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to overcome at least partly the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above or to provide a suitable alternative.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a reliable system for measuring and monitoring parameters linked to treatment of water of a water flow, as well as to an installation comprising such a system and an electrolysis water treatment unit.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In an aspect the present invention provides a system for measuring and monitoring at least one parameter linked to treatment of water, the system comprising:

[0014] - at least one vertically arranged laminar flow device having an upper inlet for receiving water to be measured and monitored and a lower outlet for discharging water, and configured to provide a laminar flow of water in a laminar flow zone upstream of the lower outlet,

[0015] - at least one measuring sensor configured to measure at least one parameter linked to water to be treated and to provide a sensor signal representative for the measured parameter, which at least one measuring sensor is arranged in the laminar flow zone of the laminar flow device;

[0016] - a monitoring unit configured to receive the sensor signal and thereby to monitor said at least one parameter linked to treatment of water. In the system according to the invention the measurement of the at least one parameter is carried out at a position where the water flow is in a laminar flow regime of the laminar flow device, which ensures that the measurement is performed on the flow of water in a reliable manner and the measurement data obtained are not obscured by a mismeasurement due to a stagnant flow or misarrangement of the sensors with respect to the water flow. These reliable measurement results can be used for operating a downstream water treatment unit, such as an electrolysis unit.

[0017] In a second aspect the invention provides an installation for water treatment , comprising:

[0018] - a system according to the invention;

[0019] - a water treatment unit, in particular an electrolysis water treatment unit, downstream of the system, which is configured to receive discharged water from the system, and a controller configured to control the operating conditions of the water treatment unit, based on the at least one parameter measured and monitored by the monitoring unit of the system, and

[0020] - a controller configured to control the operating conditions of the water treatment unit, based on the at least one parameter measured and monitored by the system.

[0021] In yet another aspect the invention relates to a method of retrofitting an existing water facility, comprising providing an installation according to the invention to a water transportation conduit of the existing water facility.

[0022] In yet another aspect the invention provides a method of treating water using an installation according to the invention, comprising the steps of

[0023] - the monitoring unit monitoring at least one parameter linked to treatment of water based on the sensor signal from the at least one sensor; and

[0024] - the controller controlling at least one operating condition based on the monitored parameter by the monitoring unit.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a front view of an example of a system for measuring and monitoring parameters linked to treatment of water according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 1 A is an enlarged view of Figure 1 showing the inside of the laminar flow device; Figures 2, 3 and 4 are detailed views, respectively a front view, a top view and a side view, of part of the system for measuring and monitoring parameters of Figure 1 ; and

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example of an installation comprising an electrolysis water treatment unit which is coupled to a system for measuring and monitoring parameters linked to treatment of water according to another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The system according to the invention comprises a laminar flow device that has an upper inlet for receiving water of which one or more parameters are to be measured and monitored and a lower outlet for discharging water. The laminar flow device is configured to provide a laminar flow of water in a laminar flow zone that is established upstream of the lower outlet. One or more measuring sensors for measuring one or more parameters of the water flow are arranged in this laminar flow zone. By arranging the at least one sensor in this laminar flow zone it is ensured that the measurement is performed on the actual water flow. Laminar flow also provides a stable flow area where the measurement is performed. The result is a reliable measurement of the at least one parameter. The monitoring unit is configured to receive signals from the at least one sensor and to display the respective parameter(s), typically after calculating the respective parameter from the corresponding received signal.

[0030] The system according to the invention may include one or more of the following features taken individually or in any possible technical combination.

[0031] The laminar flow device may house a laminar divider device, the combination of which establishes the laminar flow in the laminar flow device downstream the laminar divider device. In an embodiment the laminar flow device comprises a central tube part having a diameter, in particular of constant diameter, larger than the diameter of the upper inlet and larger than the diameter of the lower outlet, an upper inlet funnel part tapering from the upper inlet towards the central tube part and a lower outlet funnel part tapering from the central tube part towards the lower outlet. As the central tube part is wider than the upper inlet the water flow is decelerated and a laminar flow of water is established in the laminar flow zone, without requiring membranes or the like. In the laminar flow zone the at least one sensor is arranged as described above. Downstream of the central tube part the cross area decreases in the lower outlet funnel part, thereby accelerating the water flow again. Advantageously, the acceleration of the water flow makes it less likely that debris accumulates in the lower outlet, thus preventing blockages. Additionally, the vertical orientation of the laminar flow device ensures that the lower outlet is directed downward, allowing debris to fall towards the lower outlet under the influence of gravity. The debris is then carried away by the water flow, further preventing buildup of dirt within the laminar flow device.

[0032] The laminar flow device may house a laminar divider device, the combination of which establishes the laminar flow in the laminar flow device downstream the laminar divider device. In an embodiment the laminar divider device has a diamond shape, arranged inside said laminar flow device, in particular extending mainly inside the upper inlet funnel part and the central tube part of said laminar flow device, and configured to further decelerate water flow entering the upper inlet and to help establish a laminar flow in the laminar flow zone. In the laminar flow device the laminar divider device is arranged spaced apart from an inner wall of the laminar flow device, in particular the laminar divider device is arranged partly in the upper inlet funnel part and extends partly into the central tube part. The water flow flows through the gap between the outer periphery of the laminar divider device and the inner wall of the laminar flow device for establishing laminar flow in the laminar flow zone downstream of the flow divider device.

[0033] Preferably the laminar divider device is constituted by two cones. The bases of the cones are adjacent one another thereby forming the diamond shape.

[0034] Typically the system according to the invention is coupled to a conduit wherein water e.g. is transported to a water treatment unit, e.g. a circulation loop of a cooling tower, wherein spent cooling water is recycled from a water outlet of the cooling tower towards the inlet thereof. In an embodiment the system comprises a piping system, that comprises a feed pipe fluidly connected to the upper inlet of the laminar flow device, wherein the feed pipe is provided with a pump upstream of the upper inlet of the laminar flow device, preferably wherein a filter configured to remove large particles contained in the water is provided upstream of the pump. In this filter large particles for example solid dirt having dimensions larger than 5 mm are removed from the entering water flow. The pump ensures a controlled water flow towards the upper inlet of the laminar flow device.

[0035] In an embodiment the feed pipe is provided with a flow detection device downstream of the pump and upstream of the upper inlet of the laminar flow device. The flow detection device is configured to determine whether a flow of water towards the upper inlet is present. Typically, the flow detection device is also configured to measure the water flow. The outputted data may also be displayed on the monitoring unit.

[0036] In an embodiment the filter, pump and flow detection device are arranged in an upright feed pipe section, where the water flow rate is relatively fast compared to the flow in the laminar flow device.

[0037] The water flow may comprise entrained gas, which may affect the measurement by the sensors. For example, cooling water derived from a cooling tower may be saturated with gasses. In order to avoid the risk of generating an air plug in the laminar flow device which will complicate the establishment of a laminar flow it is advantageous to deaerate the water flow upstream of the laminar flow device by strong reduction of the water flow rate. This reduction allows entrained gas bubbles to be collected and discharged at this position.. In an embodiment the feed pipe is provided with a bubble catch device configured to separate gas from the water and / or at least one deaerator configured to remove gas to the outside of the piping system, and arranged downstream the pump and at a vertical level above the laminar flow device. For example the bubble catch device has a section downstream of its entry that has a larger diameter than the feed pipe allowing a decrease of the flow rate, thereby promoting the separation of gas bubbles from the water flow. The gas bubbles are collected at the top of the bubble catch device. The deaerator is positioned on top of the de bubble catch device and is configured to removing the gas to the outside environment. The lower part of the bubble catch device tapers towards the upper inlet of the laminar flow device, where the flow rate increases.

[0038] In an embodiment the piping system further comprises a discharge pipe fluidly connected to the lower outlet of the laminar flow device for discharging the water flow downstream of the laminar flow device. The discharge pipe may have a vertically arranged pipe section, wherein said pipe section is provided with at least one deaerator configured to remove gas to the outside of the piping system, and arranged at the top of the vertically arranged pipe section at a vertical level above the laminar flow device. The height arrangement of the deaerators in the feed pipe and the discharge pipe with respect to the laminar flow device having the at least one sensor ensures that in case the water flow is interrupted, e.g. failure of the pump, the deaerators will function as aerators, whereby emptying the II bent between the aerators comprising the laminar flow device and the at least one sensor by a syphoning effect is prevented to occur. Then the at least one sensor remains in contact with water and thus remain wetted, which is beneficial for its service life. In an embodiment the diameter of a discharge pipe section adjacent to the lower outlet is smaller than the diameter of the lower outlet. The reduced diameter of the discharge pipe establish a flow resistance which is advantageous for operating the pump to establish a constant laminar flow in the laminar flow device.

[0039] The at least one measuring sensor is arranged for measuring the respective parameter in the laminar flow zone and to provide a sensor signal to the monitoring unit.

[0040] In an embodiment the at least one measuring sensor comprises a free chlorine sensor, such as a pressure sensitive free chlorine sensor. The free chlorine sensor and the monitoring unit may be configured to measure and to monitor a free chlorine parameter in a range between approximately 0.5 ppm and 1 ppm. Preferably, the chlorine sensor is arranged at the lowermost measuring position in the laminar flow zone of the laminar flow device, as this sensor is highly sensitive to disturbances of the laminar flow.

[0041] Said at least one measuring sensor may also comprise a corrosion sensor, a water conductivity sensor and / or a pH sensor. In particular, said at least one measuring sensor may comprise at least one corrosion sensor, notably at least two corrosion sensors, executed with metal electrodes, in particular zinc or copper electrodes.

[0042] Said at least one measuring sensor may comprise a water conductivity sensor and the monitoring unit may be configured to monitor a water conductivity parameter in a range between approximately 1000 pS / cm and 3000 pS / cm, preferably 1500 pS / cm and 2500 pS / cm. Said at least one measuring sensor may comprise a pH sensor and the monitoring unit may be configured to monitor a pH parameter in a range between approximately 7 and 9, preferably 7.5 and 8.5.

[0043] Preferably, the system comprises at least three sensors arranged in the laminar flow zone. For example, the system may comprise at least a free chlorine sensor, a water conductivity sensor and a pH sensor. As mentioned above the free chlorine sensor is preferably arranged at the lowermost measuring point in the laminar flow zone, e.g. downstream of the other sensors.

[0044] The system may be a self-supporting system in the form of a unitary box constituting a mobile module to be releasably coupled with the inlet of a water treatment unit.

[0045] The installation for water treatment according to the invention is a sustainable water treatment device and comprises a system as described above, a water treatment unit, in particular an electrolysis water treatment unit, which is configured to receive discharged water from the system, and a controller configured to control the operating conditions of the water treatment unit, based on the at least one parameter measured and monitored by the monitoring unit of the system. In an electrolysis unit during operation free chlorine is generated at the anode by reaction of chloride with oxygen ions, which free chlorine is effective in preventing the growth of biology. Lime, scale of calcium, is formed at the cathode, which is generally removed from the unit during a clean-up cycle thereof. During electrolysis also hydroxide ions, OH are generated thereby increasing the pH value, which is effective for corrosion protection. Thus typical parameters relevant as input for operating the water treatment unit include free chlorine content, conductivity, pH and / or corrosion. Based on the at least one measured parameter typically the amperage of the electrolysis unit is controlled. If the measured conductivity is too high, it may be necessary to discharge water and to add fresh make-up water. Thus in an embodiment the controller is configured to adjust the amperage of the electrolysis water treatment unit and / or to regulate purge water outflow based on the at least one parameter measured and monitored by the monitoring unit of the system.

[0046] In an embodiment the water treatment unit is an electrolysis water treatment unit comprising an electrolysis chamber having the electrodes and provided with a water container.

[0047] The system and installation can be used for various applications, where control of the water properties are important. In particular the installation can be coupled to a recycle water loop of another process unit, such as a recycle water loop of a cooling tower and / or an evaporative condenser. Another application is in water quality management within public buildings, such as hospitals and / or sporting facilities, where infection by legionella is a potential risk.

[0048] The measuring, monitoring and control of water treatment according to the invention is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to chemical treatment of cooling water and the like. It can be integrated into new designs but also as a retrofit in existing installations with very low maintenance.

[0049] Thus the invention also concerns a method of retrofitting an existing water facility, such as a cooling tower, comprising providing an installation according to the invention to a water transportation conduit of the existing water facility, such as integrating it in the cooling tower, in particular in a recycle loop of recycling spent cooling water.

[0050] A method of treating water using an installation according to the invention comprises the steps of

[0051] - monitoring, by the monitoring unit, at least one parameter linked to treatment of water based on the sensor signal from the at least one sensor; and

[0052] - controlling, by the controller, at least one operating condition based on the measured and monitored parameter.

[0053] In case the water treatment unit is an electrolysis water treatment unit, the controller controls the amperage of the electrolysis water treatment unit and / or regulates purge water outflow based on the at least one parameter measured and monitored by the monitoring unit of the system.

[0054] Other features, objects, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed non-limiting description of at least one embodiment of the invention, in view of the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and in which:

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] In the drawings, identical references may designate identical or similar elements. Furthermore, the different parts shown are not necessarily on a uniform scale, to make the figures more noticeable.

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system 10 for measuring and monitoring parameters linked to the treatment of water, such as cooling water, according to the invention. This system 10 is specially designed and configured to treatment of dirty water. In particular, the system 10 according to the invention has been developed so as to obtain a reliable measurement of at least one parameter and which is not to get clogged by dirt in water.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the system 10 comprises a vertically arranged laminar flow device 12. The direction of the water flow is indicated by arrows F. This laminar flow device 12 has an upper inlet 14 for receiving water, of which at least one parameter is to be measured and monitored, and a lower outlet 16 for discharging water after measurement. In the embodiment shown the laminar flow device 12 comprises an upper inlet funnel part 12a that tapers from the upper inlet 14 towards an enlarged central tube part 12b having a diameter larger than the diameters of the upper inlet 14 and lower outlet 16 respectively. At the lower end of the central tube part 12b a lower outlet funnel part 12c is provided that tapers towards the lower outlet 16. As shown in Fig. 1A, a flow divider device 12d having a diamond shape comprising two cones 12e of which the bases are adjacent to one another, is arranged within the laminar flow device 12. The flow divider device 12d is arranged spaced apart from the inner circumference of the upper inlet funnel part 12a and the bottom cone 12e extends into the central tube part 12b. The upper and lower ends of the flow divider device are closed and rounded allowing a smooth flow which enables to avoid turbulences created by acceleration of the water flow entering the device 12 and forcing the flow along the outside of the diamond shaped flow divider device. The flow divider device 12d having a diamond shape allows first reducing the speed of water and then creating a laminar flow in laminar flow zone 12f.

[0059] The laminar flow device 12 is coupled to a piping system. In the embodiment shown this piping system comprises a feed pipe 18 having an upright section 18a, the lower end of which is provided with a connector 20 for connecting to a water conduit, for example the recycle loop of a cooling tower. The feed pipe 18 is provided with a pump 22 for establishing a water flow through the system 10 and a flow detection device 23 downstream the pump 22. The pump 22 may have an integrated filter 25 to remove large particles in order to avoid any introduction of large particles contained in water inside the pump 22.. As shown the other end of the feed pipe 18 ends into a bubble catch device 24, arranged vertically above the laminar flow device 12. The bubble catch device 24 has a larger diameter than the feed pipe 18 allowing the water flow to decelerate and to separate gas bubbles from the water. Collected gas is removed from the water by a deaerator 26 that is positioned on top of the bubble catch device 24. A lower section of the bubble catch device tapers towards the upper inlet 14 an is connected thereto. The piping system also comprises a discharge pipe 28 which is connected at one end thereof to the lower outlet of the laminar flow device 12. Valves 30 provided at the entry of feed pipe 18, in the discharge pipe 28 downstream the laminar flow device 12 and at the exit. The discharge pipe 28 has an upright discharge pipe section 28a adjacent the lower outlet 16, that has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the feed pipe 18 generating sufficient hydraulic resistance to maintain the pump 22 in its designated flow regime. The upper end of the section 28a broadens allowing to separate additional gas, if any, from the water, which gas is removed to the outside by deaerator 32. The downstream end of the discharge pipe 28 is provided with a connector 33 for coupling to a further water conduit.

[0060] In the laminar flow device 12 the flow divider device 12d establishes a laminar flow regime in a laminar flow zone 12f in the central tube part 12b, downstream of the flow divider device 12d. In this laminar flow zone 12f sensors 34 are arranged, of which the sensor tip is in direct contact with the laminar water flow. Due to the established laminar flow the measurement of a parameter can be performed in a reliable manner giving reliable measurement data. The sensor tip is not blocked and the measurement is carried out on the water flowing along the sensor tip and not in a potentially stagnant water layer. In the embodiment shown the three sensors 34 comprise for example a conductivity sensor, a pH measurement device and a pressure sensitive free chlorine sensor. As the free chlorine sensor is very sensitive to variations in flow (pressure) conditions it is arranged at the lowermost measurement position provided in the laminar flow zone 12f. An example of a pressure sensitive free chlorine sensor is marketed by Endress and Hauser. An example of a corrosion sensor is commercially available from Cosasco. Examples of suitable pH sensors and a water conductivity sensors are available from Endress and Hauser.

[0061] The deaerators 26 and 30 are arranged in the piping system at a level above the laminar flow device 12 having the sensors 34. In case of interruption of the flow of water through the system, these deaerators are configured to operate as aerators allowing the water to be maintained in the syphon arrangement of laminar flow device 12 and upstanding discharge pipe section 28a, thereby wetting the sensors 34 and preventing damage thereto.

[0062] Furthermore, the system 10 comprises a monitoring unit 40, comprising a central calculating unit, to calculate the parameters from the signals received from the sensors, and a display for imaging the parameters as calculated.

[0063] Typically, the measured parameters linked the water are used to control a further process, such as a water treatment process like electrolysis. Thus, the further process can be controlled and optimized based on the measured parameters by the system 10.

[0064] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of an installation 100 according to the invention comprising a water treatment unit 102, in this case an electrolysis water treatment unit, which is coupled to a system 10 as previously described to measure and monitor several parameters of the water to be treated in the electrolysis water treatment unit 10, in particular free chlorine content, corrosion, pH and / or conductivity of water.

[0065] Here, the system 10 is totally integrated in the electrolysis water treatment unit 10. However, as shown on Figure 1, the system 10 can also be a self-supporting system in the form of a unitary box 50, which is mobile and can be releasably coupled with the water treatment unit 102.

[0066] The electrolysis water treatment unit 102 comprises a filter 106 for removing organic and inorganic matter, such as a filter ring or a container filled with sand , which contains the treated water before it is returned e.g. to a cooling tower and / or evaporative condenser. However, it is to be noted that the invention is not limited to these applications. Such a filter can be recovered by back flushing.

[0067] The electrolysis water treatment unit 102 also comprises an electrolysis chamber 104 in which water is treated by electrolysis without the need of externally added chemicals. The electrolysis chamber 104 can be of any type described in the prior art. For example, the electrolysis chamber 104 can be as described in WO 2014 / 188432 A1. The system 10 is typically arranged in a bypass of the main water flow. The system 10 measures one or more parameters of the water passing through the bypass, which parameters are used by a controller 108 for operating the water treatment unit 102, which is fed by the main water flow derived e.g. from a cooling tower. The controller 108 receives the at least one parameter data from the system 10 and controls the operating conditions, in particular the amperage of the electrolysis unit 102.

[0068] The measuring, monitoring and control of water treatment according to the invention is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to chemical treatment of cooling water and the like. It can be integrated into new designs but also as a retrofit in existing installations with very low maintenance. Thus the invention also concerns a method of retrofitting an existing water facility, such as a cooling tower, comprising providing an installation according to the invention to a water transportation conduit of the existing water facility, such as integrating it in the cooling tower, in particular in a recycle loop of recycling spent cooling water..

[0069] The invention may be described by the following clauses

[0070] 1. System for measuring and monitoring at least one parameter linked to treatment of water, characterized in that it comprises:

[0071] - an inlet for receiving treated water to be measured and monitored,

[0072] - an outlet for returning treated water,

[0073] - a water conduit fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet, comprising at least one laminar flow device configured to provide a laminar flow of treated water,

[0074] - at least one measuring sensor of at least one parameter linked to treated water,

[0075] - a monitoring unit to control said at least one parameter linked to treatment of water

[0076] 2. System according to clause 1 , wherein said laminar flow device comprises a central part, in particular of constant diameter, an upper funnel part and a lower funnel part, the central part being located between said upper funnel part and lower funnel part.

[0077] 3. System according to clause 1 or 2, wherein said laminar flow device comprises a laminar divider device located inside said laminar flow device, in particular extending mainly inside an upper funnel part of said laminar flow device, said laminar flow device having a form of a diamond constituted by two funnels.

[0078] 4. System according to any preceding clause, wherein said laminar flow device comprises a deaerator.

[0079] 5. System according to any preceding clause, wherein said water conduit comprises a bubble catch device and at least one deaerator located upstream of the laminar flow device and / or at least one deaerator located downstream of the laminar flow device.

[0080] 6. System according to any preceding clause, wherein said water conduit comprises a pump located downstream the inlet and upstream the laminar flow device, in particular upstream a bubble catch device and deaerators, said pump comprising in particular a filter for large particles present in water.

[0081] 7. System according to any preceding clause, wherein said at least one measuring sensor comprises a pressure sensitive free chlorine sensor.

[0082] 8. System according to any preceding clause, wherein said at least one measuring sensor comprises a corrosion sensor.

[0083] 9. System according to clause 8, wherein said at least one measuring sensor comprises at least one corrosion sensor, notably at least two corrosion sensors, executed with metal electrodes, in particular zinc or copper electrodes.

[0084] 10. System according to any preceding clause, wherein said at least one measuring sensor comprises a water conductivity sensor.

[0085] 11. System according to any preceding clause, wherein said at least one measuring sensor comprises a pH sensor.

[0086] 12. System according to any preceding clause, wherein the system is a self-supporting system in the form of a unitary box constituting a movable module to be coupled with a water treatment unit.

[0087] 13. Installation, comprising:

[0088] - a system according to any preceding clause,

[0089] - an electrolysis water treatment unit which is coupled with the system to measure and monitor at least one parameter of the treated water in the electrolysis water treatment unit.

[0090] 14. Installation according to clause 13, wherein the electrolysis water treatment unit comprises an electrolysis chamber comprising a water filter containing water to be filtered before being returned to the cooling towers and / or evaporative condensers.

[0091] 15. A method of measuring and monitoring at least one parameter linked to treatment of water using a system as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 12 or an installation as defined in any one of clauses 13 to 14, the method comprising the following steps:

[0092] - measuring at least one parameter linked to treated water with at least one measuring sensor,

[0093] - monitoring said at least one parameter linked to treated water with a monitoring unit.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . System (10) for measuring and monitoring at least one parameter linked to treatment of water, the system comprising:- at least one vertically arranged laminar flow device (12) having an upper inlet (14) for receiving water to be measured and monitored and a lower outlet (16) for discharging water, and configured to provide a laminar flow of water in a laminar flow zone (12f) upstream of the lower outlet (16),- at least one measuring sensor (34) configured to measure at least one parameter linked to water to be treated and to provide a sensor signal representative for the measured parameter, which at least one measuring sensor (34) is arranged in the laminar flow zone (12f) of the laminar flow device (12);- a monitoring unit (40) configured to receive the sensor signal and thereby to monitor said at least one parameter linked to treatment of water.

2. System according to claim 1 , wherein said laminar flow device (12) comprises a central tube part (12b) having a diameter, in particular of constant diameter, larger than the diameter of the upper inlet (14) and larger than the diameter of the lower outlet (16), an upper inlet funnel part (12a) tapering from the upper inlet (14) towards the central tube part (12b) and a lower outlet funnel part (12c) tapering from the central tube part (12b) towards the lower outlet (16).

3. System according to claim 2, wherein said laminar flow device (12) comprises a laminar divider device (12d) having a diamond shape, arranged inside said laminar flow device (12), in particular extending mainly inside the upper inlet funnel part (12a) and the central tube part (12b) of said laminar flow device (12), and configured to decelerate water flow entering the upper inlet (14) and to establish a laminar flow in the laminar flow zone (12f) , preferably wherein said laminar divider device (12) is constituted by two cones (12e).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a piping system, comprising a feed pipe (18) fluidly connected to the upper inlet (14) of the laminar flow device (12), wherein the feed pipe (18) is provided with a pump (22) upstream of the upper inlet (14) of the laminar flow device (12), preferably wherein a filter configured to remove large particles contained in the water is provided upstream of the pump (22).

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the feed pipe (18) is provided with a flow detection device (23) downstream of the pump (22) and upstream of the upper inlet (14) of the laminar flow device (12).

6. System according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the feed pipe (18) is provided with a bubble catch device (24) configured to separate gas from the water and / or at least one deaerator (26) configured to remove gas to the outside of the piping system, and arranged downstream the pump (22) and at a vertical level above the laminar flow device (12)7. System according to any one of the claims 4-6, wherein the piping system further comprises a discharge pipe (28) fluidly connected to the lower outlet (16) of the laminar flow device (12), the discharge pipe having a vertically arranged pipe section (28a), wherein said pipe section (28a) is provided with at least one deaerator (32) configured to remove gas to the outside of the piping system, and arranged at the top of the vertically arranged pipe section (28a) at a vertical level above the laminar flow device (12), preferably wherein the diameter of a discharge pipe section (28a) adjacent to the lower outlet (16) is smaller than the diameter of the lower outlet (16).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one measuring sensor (34) comprises a free chlorine sensor, preferably a pressure sensitive free chlorine sensor.

9. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one measuring sensor (34) comprises a corrosion sensor.

10. System (1) according to claim 10, wherein said at least one measuring sensor (34) comprises at least one corrosion sensor, notably at least two corrosion sensors, equipped with metal electrodes, in particular zinc or copper electrodes.

11. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one measuring sensor (34) comprises a water conductivity sensor.

12. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one measuring sensor (34) comprises a pH sensor.

13. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one measuring sensor (34) comprises at least three sensors, preferably at least a free chlorine sensor, a water conductivity sensor and a pH sensor.

14. System according to claim 8 or claim 13, wherein the chlorine sensor is arranged at the lowermost measuring position in the laminar flow zone (12f) of the laminar flow device (12).

15. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (10) is a self-supporting system in the form of a unitary box (50) constituting a mobile module to be releasably coupled with the inlet of a water treatment unit (102).

16. Installation (100) for water treatment, comprising:- a system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims;- an water treatment unit (102), in particular an electrolysis water treatment unit, downstream of the system (10) which is configured to receive discharged water from the system (10), and a controller (108) configured to control the operating conditions of the water treatment unit (102), based on the at least one parameter measured and monitored by the monitoring unit (40) of the system (10).

17. Installation according to claim 16, wherein the water treatment unit (102) is an electrolysis water treatment unit, preferably comprising an electrolysis chamber (104) provided with a water container (106).

18. Installation according to claim 17, wherein the controller (108) is configured to adjust the amperage of the electrolysis water treatment unit and / or to regulate purge water outflow based on the at least one parameter measured and monitored by the monitoring unit (40) of the system (10).

19. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims 16-18, coupled to a recycle water loop of a cooling tower and / or an evaporative condenser.

20. Method of retrofitting an existing water facility, such as a cooling tower, comprising providing an installation (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 15-19 to a water transportation conduit of the existing water facility.

21. Method of treating water using an installation according to any one of the preceding claims 16-20, comprising the steps of- the monitoring unit (40) monitoring at least one parameter linked to treatment of water based on the sensor signal from the at least one sensor (34); and - the controller (108) controlling at least one operating condition based on the monitored parameter by the monitoring unit (40).

22. Method of treating water according to claim 21, wherein the water treatment unit (102) is an electrolysis water treatment unit, and wherein the controller (108) controls the amperage of the electrolysis water treatment unit and / or regulates purge water outflow based on the at least one parameter measured and monitored by the monitoring unit (40) of the system (10).

Images