System and plant for producing purified water

Abstract

A purified water production system has a water inlet for receiving water from a mains water network, a first anti-limescale unit (5) receiving the mains water and providing water treated against limescale to a demineralization unit (10), which provides purified water and purge water. A first tank (11) receives the purified water and stores same, a second tank (12) receives the purge water and stores same. The second tank (12) comprises a conductivity probe, a control unit (14) receiving water treated against limescale or mains water in order to supply it to the second tank (12) and thus keep the water contained in the second tank (12) in a predetermined conductivity range. The invention also relates to a plant comprising such a system.

Description

[0001] P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 1

[0002] Purified water production system and installation

[0003] technical field

[0004] The invention relates to a purified water production system, particularly for use in catering services. It also relates to an installation comprising such a system.

[0005] Previous technique

[0006] Water consumption in a commercial establishment, such as a restaurant or hotel (for example, but not limited to this), using a salt-based water softener, is distributed at two levels. First, water is consumed in the kitchen and bar area, for instance, for cleaning vegetables, preparing cold dishes, cooking, washing up in the kitchen and bar, or for general cleaning. Second, water is used to supply a heating system or sanitary facilities.

[0007] The process which is the subject of the present invention aims to intervene mainly on water consumption at the level of the first point stated above.

[0008] Analysis of current appliance usage revealed significantly higher water consumption than the consumer's actual needs.

[0009] Faced with such a result, the process required an in-depth analysis of the devices that consume a lot of water and ultimately, to deduce a comprehensive alternative aimed at significantly reducing water consumption.

[0010] As an example and in the analysis of water consumption, respectively of so-called energy-intensive appliances, for a restaurant of the type of a brasserie with 150 covers per service, between the commissioning of the establishment and the end of the first lunch service (on weekdays), 4200 liters of water can be consumed.

[0011] This water consumption occurs within the washing process, which involves various devices that must be controlled to achieve the desired result. P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 2

[0012] expected, in this case, a salt water softener, a pre-wash shower head, a dishwasher and a reverse osmosis system.

[0013] Each piece of equipment involved in the dishwashing process should be analyzed individually.

[0014] Salt-based water softeners use sodium ion exchange to transfer magnesium and calcium onto resin beads. These beads become saturated depending on the incoming water hardness and the volume of water being treated. In the commercial sector, due to space and budget constraints, salt-based water softeners are the most common solution to ensure a continuous supply of softened water throughout the entire network.

[0015] Upstream of the dishwasher, depending on the flow of dishes, a pre-wash or pre-rinse station is frequently used. Such a station allows for manual operation via a pre-wash sprayer and requires 3 to 4 liters of water per basket of dishes; this operation must be carried out with cold water.

[0016] A dishwasher, as available in the current standard, typically consumes 4.5 liters of water per wash cycle or more.

[0017] At the bar area of ​​an establishment, there is another water consumption element associated with a demineralization unit, such as a reverse osmosis system used for a glasswasher or dishwasher. The use of two reverse osmosis systems may be required, with a significant impact on water consumption. During operation, a reverse osmosis system provides purified water that has passed through a membrane and purge water that carries away the residues retained by the membrane. The water is generally purified continuously and stored in a tank for quick availability.

[0018] Description of the invention

[0019] One objective of the invention is to provide a water purification system that optimizes water consumption. Another objective is to provide water of the required quality for various uses. Yet another objective is to provide an installation incorporating such a system. P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 3

[0020] With these objectives in mind, the invention relates to a purified water production system according to claim 1. The purified water production system comprises a water inlet for receiving water from a network, a first anti-limescale unit receiving the network water and supplying treated anti-limescale water to a demineralization unit, which supplies purified water and purge water, a first tank for receiving and storing the purified water, a second tank for receiving and storing the purge water, the system being characterized in that the second tank comprises a conductivity probe connected to a control unit, a regulation unit receiving treated anti-limescale water or network water to supply it to the second tank by control from the control unit and thus maintain the water contained in the second tank at a conductivity below a predetermined threshold.

[0021] Thanks to this invention, a purified water production system is available in which the purge water is recovered for various uses. If the conductivity of the purge water is too high, indicating strong mineralization, it is diluted with mains water or treated water with limescale inhibitors to broaden its range of applications. The second tank can be either open or a pressurized bladder type.

[0022] According to an improvement, the second tank also includes homogenization means to ensure the homogenization of its contents. This prevents stratification of water density, and therefore of mineral concentration. Examples of homogenization methods include a bubble agitator or a propeller driven by a motor.

[0023] According to a design feature, the demineralization unit is an osmotic filtration unit. Pressurized water passes through a membrane downstream of which the water is purified. Particles retained by the membrane are regularly flushed away by the purge water.

[0024] Osmotic filtration is one example. The invention is also applicable to other demineralization technologies, e.g., resin cartridges, gravity filtration...P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 4

[0025] According to a design feature, the first anti-limescale unit is a unit for precipitating limescale into aragonite. The crystalline form of calcium carbonate can be aragonite. The aragonite form does not adhere to the walls. The precipitate does not pass through the membrane of the reverse osmosis filtration unit and is flushed away with the wastewater. Thus, the purified water has a very low concentration of calcium carbonate, making it suitable for hot water use, particularly for washing. Precipitation can be induced by ultrasound or magnetic fields.

[0026] According to an improvement, the second tank includes a second limescale prevention unit configured to treat the water coming from the second tank. The aragonite precipitate tends to dissolve again. It may be beneficial to repeat the limescale prevention treatment for the water from the second tank.

[0027] According to an improvement, the second tank includes an integrated ultraviolet treatment unit or one located on an outlet. The treatment can be carried out in-line or directly within the tank. It aims to eliminate bacterial germs.

[0028] According to one provision, the control unit is configured with the predetermined conductivity threshold of 2200 pS, preferably 2000 pS.

[0029] According to an improvement, the second tank has an overflow. If it continues to be filled when its maximum capacity is reached, the system can continue to operate by discharging the excess water through the overflow.

[0030] According to a design, the system comprises a cabinet or chassis in which at least the first and second tanks, the demineralization unit, and the control unit are arranged in a compact module. This design allows for industrial preparation of the system, with rapid installation at the point of use. Indeed, most of the functional elements are integrated into a single unit, and only hydraulic and electrical connections are required to put the appliance into operation. The cabinet dimensions can even be standard kitchen units, allowing for easy placement in domestic or professional settings, particularly in restaurants. P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 5

[0031] In this configuration, the first and second tanks, for example, have a volume between 20 and 100 liters. This represents an interesting compromise between the compactness and efficiency of the system.

[0032] According to an improvement, the second tank includes electric heating means to supply hot water to a hot outlet. The second tank thus constitutes a reserve of readily available hot water.

[0033] The invention also relates to an installation comprising at least one washing unit, characterized in that it includes a purified water production system as defined above, the washing unit receiving purified water supplied by the first reservoir. Such an installation is frequently found in restaurants or hotels with significant washing needs, representing a substantial water consumption. Recovering the wastewater for appropriate uses saves mains water that would otherwise have been consumed.

[0034] According to an improvement, the installation includes a pre-wash unit upstream of the wash unit, which receives water from a second reservoir. The pre-wash unit can operate even with highly mineralized water. It removes the coarsest dirt and increases washing efficiency. In one design, the pre-wash unit includes a spray nozzle supplied by a booster pump. The booster pump draws water from the second reservoir and pressurizes it to provide mechanical action for the pre-wash. The spray nozzle is operated manually by an operator.

[0035] According to an improvement, the installation includes a bypass between the first limescale prevention unit and the pre-wash unit. Thus, if the second tank has been emptied, the pre-wash unit can continue to operate by activating the bypass to supply the pre-wash unit directly from the first limescale prevention unit.

[0036] According to an improvement, the installation includes a mixing valve receiving purified water and purge water as inlets to supply mixed water to consumers such as a steam oven or a beverage preparation machine. The addition of a small amount of mineralized water allows for control. P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 6

[0037] The acidity of the water supplied to devices not designed to receive highly acidic water. The aim is to obtain mixed water with a pH of 5 to 7.

[0038] According to the design, the second tank has a volume exceeding 100 liters, is located away from the washing unit, and supplies water to at least one additional distribution point. By separating the second tank from other system components, it can be installed freely and with ample space. Its substantial volume allows for the collection and storage of clean water from various sources, not only for the pre-wash unit but also for cleaning at other locations, watering plants, or use in restrooms.

[0039] According to an improvement, the installation includes a water softener unit to supply a softened water branch containing water-consuming appliances such as steam cookers / ovens, heating systems, or beverage preparation equipment. This softened water branch supplies appliances that do not require purified water. If the water softener produces condensate, it can be collected in the second tank.

[0040] Brief description of the figures

[0041] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description, the description referring to the attached drawings, among which:

[0042] • Figure 1 is a plan view of an installation conforming to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0043] • Figure 2 is a functional diagram of an installation from Figure 1;

[0044] • Figure 3 is a plan view of an installation conforming to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0045] • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a compact module that can be integrated into a piece of furniture;

[0046] • Figure 5 is a perspective view of the compact, integrable module of Figure 4, in a professional washing installation. P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 7

[0047] Detailed description

[0048] An installation conforming to a first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Such an installation is, for example, that of a restaurant, of which a washing station is shown. The installation includes a purified water production system, part of which is integrated into a cabinet 1 located under a sink 2, a pre-wash unit 3 next to the sink 2, and a wash unit 4 downstream of the pre-wash unit 3. The installation includes an AEG water supply from a mains network, a first limescale prevention unit 5 receiving water from the mains and supplying treated limescale-preventative water to a demineralization unit 10 integrated into the cabinet 1. The demineralization unit 10 supplies purified water to a first tank 11, which stores it and supplies it to the wash unit 4, and purge water to a second tank 12, which stores it. Furniture 1 includes the first and second tanks 11, 12, the demineralization unit 10 and a control unit 13.

[0049] The pre-wash unit 3 includes a spray nozzle 30 supplied via a booster pump from the second reservoir 12 and positioned above the sink 2. The body of the spray nozzle, or part thereof, is colored, and a wall-mounted sign reminds the operator of the type of water supplied to the nozzle. The pre-wash unit 3 also includes an optional hood-type washing machine 31, which operates before the wash unit 4 and reduces water consumption compared to the spray nozzle 30. The latter remains available for the most heavily soiled dishes or if the hood-type washing machine 31 is unavailable.

[0050] Advantageously, the hand shower 30 is activated / powered when a washbasin is detected in sink 2. The presence of the washbasin is detected by an electromechanical sensor / presence probe. The booster pump, and therefore the hand shower 30, can then be activated when the washbasin is in sink 2. This prevents waste of water from the second tank.

[0051] The washing unit 4 receives purified water supplied by the first tank 11. Preferably, this is a low-consumption washing unit, using 0.5 to 1.5 liters of water. P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 8

[0052] The second tank 12 includes a conductivity probe (not shown) connected to the control unit 13. A regulating unit 14 receives treated water with limescale prevention or mains water and supplies it to the second tank 12 via the control unit 13, thus maintaining the water in the second tank 12 within a predetermined conductivity range. The control unit 13 is configured with a conductivity setting range between 1500 and 2000 pS. When the conductivity exceeds the set threshold, the control unit 13 directs the regulating unit 14 to inject treated water with limescale prevention or mains water into the second tank 12. Furthermore, the second tank 12 includes an overflow (not shown) connected to a wastewater drainage system.

[0053] The second tank 12 also includes homogenization means for homogenizing the contents of the second tank 12, which are not shown. The second tank 12 also includes a second anti-scale unit 15 configured to treat the water coming from the second tank 12. It further includes an ultraviolet treatment unit, not shown, either integrated or located on the outlet.

[0054] The first and second reservoirs 11 and 12, for example, have a volume of 20 liters. The demineralization unit 10 is an osmotic filtration unit implementing reverse osmosis filtration.

[0055] Anti-limescale units 5, 15 are preferably limestone precipitation units in aragonite operating for example by ultrasound or by magnetic fields.

[0056] The installation may include a bypass 16 between the first anti-limescale unit 5 and the pre-wash unit 3. The bypass 16 is controlled by the control unit 13 to open when the control unit 13 detects that the second tank 12 is empty, in order to continue supplying, in particular, the pre-wash unit 3. Furthermore, the second tank 12 is connected to directly supply sanitary facilities S and a washing point P.

[0057] The installation optionally includes a mixing valve 17 receiving purified water and purge water on the inlet to provide mixed water. P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 9

[0058] to consumers such as a steam oven or a beverage maker.

[0059] The installation also includes a water softener unit 6 to supply a softened water branch containing water-consuming elements 7 such as steam cooking / ovens, heating systems, or beverage preparation equipment. This unit has a condensate outlet which directs the condensate to the second tank 12. Thus, this water is recovered and reused instead of being discharged.

[0060] In an unrepresented variant, the second tank 12 includes electric heating means, not shown, to supply hot water to a hot outlet.

[0061] The installation uses water that is normally discharged, and therefore lost, to use it in stations where highly mineralized water can be used without health risks.

[0062] The main advantages offered by the installation to the user are:

[0063] - significant water savings;

[0064] - a saving of approximately 50% on laundry detergent;

[0065] - rapid drying;

[0066] - fewer tendon pathologies;

[0067] - less handling;

[0068] - improved washing quality;

[0069] - a reduction in carbon footprint.

[0070] In a second embodiment of the installation, as shown in Figure 3, the cabinet T, which integrates the tanks 11', 12', and the demineralization unit, is located in a technical room separate from the room housing the washing unit 4' and the pre-wash unit 3'. Consequently, the dimensions of the cabinet T are less constrained, and the second tank 12' advantageously has a volume exceeding 100 liters. For example, it receives water used to cool an ice machine 8. A glasswasher 9, which can be installed in another room such as a bar, is also shown.

[0071] An analysis of a test establishment with a water consumption of 1180 liters per service revealed a saving of P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 10 thanks to such an installation

[0072] This approach reduces water consumption by nearly half, specifically 57%, from 1180 liters to 515 liters. This means that 1300 liters of drinking water can be saved daily.

[0073] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described by way of example only. The control unit can be detached from the furniture or chassis.

[0074] Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the purified water production system according to the invention, as a compact module for integration into a piece of furniture, designated 100. It comprises a chassis 102 with stainless steel panels 104, which houses: the first reservoir 11, the demineralization (reverse osmosis) unit 10, and the second reservoir 12. The conductivity probe (integrated into the second reservoir 12) and connected to a control unit 13, as well as the regulating unit 14, are not visible. The limescale prevention units 5 and 15 are also not shown. The reference numeral 106 indicates a touchscreen.

[0075] Module 100 includes pipes connecting the various components, circulation pumps 108 with boosters, and solenoid valves 110 to control flow. Reference symbol 112 indicates a mains water inlet. Module 100 has one purified water outlet 114 (from the first tank) and three outlets 116 from the second tank 12.

[0076] In order to allow access to the demineralization units 10 without requiring the opening of the enclosure, and where necessary their maintenance or replacement, the chassis 102, in particular here the upper panel of the chassis, is provided with two access openings 103.

[0077] Each of said openings 103 is, in operation, closed by a removable plug 105, said plugs 105 being configured to be selectively removed so as to allow occasional access to the corresponding devices, while ensuring, in the closed position, the closure of the chassis.

[0078] Each plug 105 is sized and shaped to fit into the corresponding opening 103 and to cooperate with its edges to ensure the closure of the box, optionally via a sealing gasket. In one embodiment, each plug 105 is held in the closed position by reversible fastening means, such as a snap-fit, screw, or a P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 11

[0079] quarter-turn mechanism. The plugs 105 can also be fitted with gripping features to facilitate handling, for example, a head accessible from outside the cabinet or a textured surface. In Fig. 5, module 100 is integrated into a professional kitchen, in cabinet 1. The spray nozzle 31 and its sink 2 are visible, just before the washing machine 4 (dishwasher).

[0080] We also see the mains water connection 112, the purified water outlet connection 114 connected to the washing machine 4 for its supply. One of the outlet connections 116a of module 100 is connected by a pipe to the shower head 3.

[0081] Optionally, the purified water outlet fitting 114 can also be connected to a glasswasher (not shown) for its supply.

[0082] Optionally, the purge water collected in the second tank 12 can also be used to supply a floor washing station 118 (outlet fitting 116b and supply line 120); or to supply a toilet 122 (outlet fitting 116c and supply line 124).

Claims

P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 12 Demands 1. Purified water production system comprising a water inlet for receiving water from a network, a first anti-limescale unit (5) receiving the network water and supplying treated anti-limescale water to a demineralization unit (10), which supplies purified water and purge water, a first tank (11) for receiving and storing the purified water, a second tank (12) for receiving and storing the purge water, the system being characterized in that the second tank (12) has a conductivity probe connected to a control unit (13), a regulation unit (14) receiving treated anti-limescale water or network water to supply it to the second tank (12) by control from the control unit (13) and thus maintaining the water contained in the second tank (12) with a conductivity below a predetermined threshold.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the second reservoir (12) further comprises homogenization means for homogenizing the contents of the second reservoir (12).

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the demineralization unit (10) is an osmotic filtration unit.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first anti-limescale unit (5) is a unit for precipitating limescale into aragonite.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tank (12) comprises a second anti-limescale unit (15) configured to treat water from the second tank (12).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tank (12) comprises an integrated ultraviolet treatment unit or one on an outlet.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (13) is configured with a predetermined conductivity threshold of 2200 pS, preferably 2000 pS. P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 13 8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second reservoir (12) has an overflow.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a piece of furniture (1) or a chassis in which at least the first and second tank (12), the demineralization unit (10) and the control unit (13) are arranged in a compact module.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the first and second tank (11, 12) have a volume between 20 and 100 liters.

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tank (12) includes electrical heating means for supplying hot water to a hot outlet.

12. Installation comprising at least one washing unit (4), characterized in that it comprises a purified water production system according to one of the preceding claims, the washing unit (4) receiving the purified water supplied by the first reservoir (11).

13. Installation according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a pre-wash unit (3) upstream of the wash unit (4) which receives water from the second reservoir (12).

14. Installation according to claim 13, wherein the pre-wash unit (3) comprises a hand shower (30) supplied via a booster pump.

15. Installation according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that it comprises a bypass (16) between the first anti-limescale unit (5) and the pre-wash unit (3).

16. Installation according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a mixing valve (17) receiving purified water on the one hand and purge water on the other hand to supply mixed water to consumers such as a steam oven or a beverage preparer.

17. Installation according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the second tank (12) has a volume greater than 100 liters, is located at a distance from the washing unit P-JBAVOC-001 / WO 14 (4), receives water from at least one additional source (8) and supplies water to at least one additional distribution point (S).

18. Installation according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a softener unit (6) for supplying a softened water branch comprising water-consuming elements (7) such as steam cooking / oven, heating network or beverage preparation.

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