Water circulation device construction method and scale removal device

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hot water heating systems, scale deposition in the water circulation circuit leads to increased pressure loss and potential device failure due to the adherence of calcium and silica components on heat exchangers and pipes, with existing solutions failing to prevent scale peeling off and flowing into the circuit.

Innovation Solution

A method for constructing a water circulation device with a scale removal device that includes a heater installed in the water circulation circuit to deposit scale, followed by its removal, utilizing a vertically upward hole that can be opened and closed to prevent scale from re-entering the circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a scale precipitating member with shape-memory effect is used to accumulate and separate scale, then scale removal capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to temperature rising means and shape-memory components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale separation capabilityVSAvoidtemperature rising means and shape-memory precipitating member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter of the water or deposition heater to control scale precipitation. By heating the water to a specific temperature range, calcium components are caused to precipitate and deposit on the heater surface, where they can then be removed. This simple temperature-based approach avoids complex shape-memory mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents device failure by effectively removing scale from the water circulation circuit, reducing pressure loss and ensuring continuous operation by keeping the scale deposited on the heater rather than allowing it to flow back into the system.

Implementation Method 1

heats the water in the water circulation circuit to 60°C or higher using a deposition heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

removes the calcium component dissolved in the water by depositing the calcium component on the deposition heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a scale precipitating member having shape-memory effect for recovering the prescribed memorized shape at a temperature higher than the prescribed shape recovery temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP3712510B1Water circulation device construction method and scale removal device

Publication Date: 2022.04.27 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

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AI summary

A method for constructing a water circulation device including a water circulation circuit that circulates water heat-exchanged with a refrigerant heated by a heat pump includes: installing a heater in the water circulation device in contact with the water (S1); depositing scale from the water on the heater by heating the heater while circulating the water in the water circulation circuit (S2); and removing the heater from the water circulation device after the depositing (S6).