DE102019104226A1 - Method and device for descaling water - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for decalcifying water (1) by enriching the water (1) with carbon dioxide (2); the carbon dioxide (2) being metered into the water (1) at least as a function of • a temperature of the water (1), • a degree of hardness of the water (1) and • a pressure or a flow rate of the water (1); the enrichment being carried out in or downstream or immediately upstream of a fitting (3), the water (1) exiting via the fitting (3) from a pipe network (4) to an environment (5). Device for decalcifying water (1 ).

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for decalcifying water (tap water).

When operating sanitary fittings, showers or sanitary systems, when the water flows out of a fitting (tap / shower head, etc.) into an environment (in a container, e.g. washstand, shower tray, toilet bowl, bathtub, etc.) , but also on walls or fittings) surfaces washed over or wetted with water. After the faucet has been shut off, the water does not regularly flow off completely, but leaves the surfaces wet. If these wetted surfaces are not cleaned, the water will evaporate and leave calcium deposits (especially calcium carbonate: CaCO3). These deposits can only be prevented by subsequent thorough cleaning or drying. The cause of these deposits is the lime dissolved in the water (especially calcium hydrogen carbonate), which precipitates in the solid form (calcium carbonate or lime) after pressure relief and evaporation (i.e. after flowing out of a fitting to an environment).

Complicated plants for reducing or precipitating lime (especially calcium carbonate) are known. The lime (especially calcium hydrogen carbonate) dissolved in the water is converted into calcium carbonate and precipitated in reactors, i.e. removed from the water flowing in a pipe network and from the pipe network. This is done regularly with a cartridge with softening resin through which water flows. This softening resin is used up and has to be regenerated regularly with salt. Complex technology is required for this. The technical systems in question are large, are regularly positioned at the entrance of a house installation and prevent limescale deposits within the pipeline network as well as subsequently after the water escapes into an environment.

Techniques are also known in which the lime is not removed from the water but is kept in a soluble form. This also prevents deposits in pipes. The water is enriched with carbon dioxide (CO2) under pressure and kept in a slightly acidic state (approx. In lime-carbonic acid equilibrium - this is the chemical equilibrium between the ions of carbonic acid - carbon dioxide and calcium carbonate). Since this acidic state has a corrosive effect on the installation systems or the pipe network, only a minimally acidic state should be created and the lime should only be kept slightly in solution. After depressurization, e.g. B. when flowing out of the pipe network to the environment) the little free carbon dioxide then breaks down very quickly and the lime (calcium carbonate) precipitates immediately. The pipes in the pipeline network are protected from limescale, but the level of pollution in the pools and walls remains high.

The object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems cited with reference to the prior art. In particular, a method and a device for decalcifying water are to be proposed, with lime deposits being avoided on surfaces wetted by water. Corrosion of the pipe network should also not occur.

A method with the features according to patent claim 1 and a device with the features according to patent claim 7 contribute to achieving these objects. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically sensible manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and / or details from the figures, with further variants of the invention being shown.

• • einer Temperatur des Wassers,
• • einem Härtegrad des Wassers und
• • einem Druck oder einer Strömungsgeschwindigkeit des Wassers zu dem Wasser zudosiert. Die Anreicherung wird
• • in einer Armatur oder
• • stromabwärts einer Armatur oder
• • unmittelbar stromaufwärts einer Armatur durchgeführt, wobei das Wasser über die Armatur bzw. eine mit der Armatur verbundene Leitung aus einem Leitungsnetz an eine Umgebung austritt.

A method for decalcifying water by enriching the water with carbon dioxide is proposed. The carbon dioxide is at least depending on

• • a temperature of the water,
• • a degree of hardness of the water and
• • a pressure or a flow rate of the water added to the water. The enrichment will
• • in a fitting or
• • downstream of a valve or
• • Carried out immediately upstream of a fitting, the water exiting via the fitting or a line connected to the fitting from a pipe network to an environment.

The fitting comprises an operating unit for a user, e.g. B. to set a temperature (mixer tap) and / or a dispensed amount of water.

In particular, it is proposed that the proportion of free carbonic acid (H2CO3) be kept or adjusted so high that after the water has flowed out of the fitting to the environment and the associated pressure drop, the lime-carbonic acid balance keeps the lime as long as possible dissolved form ( Calcium hydrogen carbonate). This allows the water to drip off before the lime (calcium carbonate) begins to precipitate or has occurred.

Due to the corrosive effect, higher concentrations of CO2 in the water cannot be introduced via the known and customary house installations. It is therefore proposed here to position a device for metering in carbon dioxide in or downstream (preferably between the fitting and the outflow of the water to an environment) or directly upstream of a fitting.

In particular, the pressure in the lines arranged downstream of the carbon dioxide metering should be reduced as evenly as possible until the water flows out of the line network, so that too rapid precipitation of the lime can be prevented. The metered addition of carbon dioxide should take place in particular depending on the temperature and the hardness of the water. Furthermore, the pressure should also be recorded as precisely as possible so that the required carbon dioxide concentration can be precisely calculated and set.

The present invention is thus just not directed to the water with a z. B. for sparkling water required or desired content of carbon dioxide (and thus of carbonic acid). It is proposed here that water be brought into a lime-carbonic acid equilibrium or, in addition, with a certain additional amount of carbon dioxide by adding carbon dioxide in order to ensure that even after the water has flowed out of the pipe network (i.e. after the pressure drop at atmospheric pressure) for a certain period of time, in particular from at least 1 to approx. 10 seconds, the lime-carbonic acid equilibrium is present. The amount of carbon dioxide to be metered can be limited upwards on the basis of the determined parameters.

In particular, the discharged water should have a carbon dioxide content close to the saturation limit (lime-carbonic acid balance) and keep it for a minimum period of time under almost atmospheric pressure (approx. 1 bar). For this purpose, the water is passed through an impregnation device in which carbon dioxide is introduced into the water and absorbed by it.

As the hardness of the water increases, an increasing amount of carbon dioxide is required. The saturation limit decreases with increasing temperature. At 44 degrees Celsius the saturation limit is approx. 1 gram / liter; at 20 degrees Celsius approx. 2 grams / liter.

In the present case, it is proposed to adjust the carbon dioxide content to about 1 to 3 grams / liter, in particular 1 to 2 grams / liter.

In particular, the enrichment takes place downstream of a mixing device which is provided for mixing water volumes of different temperatures.

In particular, the enrichment takes place upstream of a mixing device which is provided for mixing water volumes of different temperatures, each volume of water supplied to the mixing device being enriched with carbon dioxide.

In particular, the addition of carbon dioxide takes place exclusively when the water is flowing.

In particular, the metered addition of carbon dioxide to the water takes place in a proportion of at most 3 grams / liter.

In particular, carbon dioxide is metered in to a proportion in the water which exceeds a saturation limit of the water (lime-carbonic acid balance) into which the carbon dioxide is metered by at most 0.5 grams / liter.

To introduce the carbon dioxide, the inlet pressure should be higher than the respective flow pressure of the water. In particular, a pressure measurement should therefore be made in the area of the metering.

As a result of the introduction of the carbon dioxide into the flowing water, it can be prevented that water mixed with carbon dioxide remains in the pipe network. Alternatively or additionally, z. B. check valves may be provided through which a backflow of carbon dioxide mixed water z. B. is prevented in the power lines. The corrosive effect can thus be limited.

In particular, the proposed method can provide an inexpensive and effective way of reducing lime residues on external surfaces of walls, fittings, sanitary facilities, etc. (e.g. in the bathroom and especially in shower areas). This can also reduce pollution from chemical cleaners, including soaps, shampoos, etc.

In particular, current parameters of the water are determined in the context of the method in order to adjust the metered addition of carbon dioxide. In particular, one or more of the following parameters is determined or measured or estimated: temperature of the water, degree of hardness of the water, Pressure of the water, flow velocity of the water.

In particular, the metered addition of carbon dioxide can be controlled as a function of the parameters determined, e.g. B. via a control unit.

The method can also be carried out by a computer or with a processor of the control unit.

Accordingly, a system for data processing is also proposed which comprises a processor which is adapted / configured in such a way that it executes the method or part of the steps of the proposed method.

A computer-readable storage medium can be provided which comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer / processor, cause the latter to execute the method or at least some of the steps of the proposed method.

A device is also proposed for decalcifying water by enriching the water with carbon dioxide, in particular a device which is designed to be suitable for carrying out the method described.

• • einen Vorratstank für Kohlendioxid, und
• • eine Imprägniereinrichtung zum Einbringen von Kohlendioxid in das Wasser auf, wobei die Imprägniereinrichtung in oder stromabwärts oder unmittelbar stromaufwärts einer Armatur angeordnet ist, wobei das Wasser über die Armatur oder über eine mit der Armatur verbundenen Leitung aus einem Leitungsnetz an eine Umgebung austritt.

In particular, the device has at least

• • a storage tank for carbon dioxide, and
• • an impregnation device for introducing carbon dioxide into the water, the impregnation device being arranged in or downstream or immediately upstream of a fitting, the water exiting from a pipe network to an environment via the fitting or a line connected to the fitting.

• • eine Steuereinheit zur Regelung der Anreicherung,
• • einen Temperatursensor zur Bestimmung einer Temperatur des Wassers sowie
• • zumindest einen Drucksensor zur Bestimmung eines Drucks oder einen Durchflusssensor zur Bestimmung einer Durchflussmenge des Wassers auf.

In particular, the device points further

• • a control unit to regulate the enrichment,
• • a temperature sensor for determining a temperature of the water as well
• • at least one pressure sensor for determining a pressure or a flow sensor for determining a flow rate of the water.

In particular, the device additionally comprises a degree of hardness sensor for determining a degree of hardness of the water. Alternatively, the degree of hardness can be predetermined based on empirical values.

In particular, the impregnation device is arranged downstream of a mixing device, which is provided for mixing water volumes of different temperatures.

In particular, the impregnation device is arranged upstream of a mixing device which is provided for mixing water volumes of different temperatures, an impregnation device being arranged in each feed line of the mixing device via which a volume of water can be fed to the mixing device.

The statements relating to the method can in particular be transferred to the device, the data processing system and the computer-readable storage medium, and vice versa.

As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here (“first”, “second”, ...) primarily (only) serve to differentiate between several similar objects, sizes or processes, so in particular no dependency and / or sequence of these objects, sizes or prescribe processes to each other. Should a dependency and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here or it is obvious to a person skilled in the art when studying the specifically described embodiment. If a component can appear several times (“at least one”), the description of one of these components can apply equally to all or part of the majority of these components, but this is not mandatory.

• 1: eine erste Ausführungsvariante einer Vorrichtung;
• 2 eine zweite Ausführungsvariante einer Vorrichtung;
• 3: eine dritte Ausführungsvariante einer Vorrichtung;
• 4: eine vierte Ausführungsvariante einer Vorrichtung; und
• 5: eine fünfte Ausführungsvariante einer Vorrichtung.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be pointed out that the invention is not intended to be restricted by the exemplary embodiments cited. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and to combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be pointed out that the figures and in particular the size relationships shown are only schematic. Show it:

• 1 : a first variant embodiment of a device;
• 2 a second variant embodiment of a device;
• 3 : a third embodiment of a device;
• 4th : a fourth variant embodiment of a device; and
• 5 : a fifth variant embodiment of a device.

The 1 shows a first variant embodiment of a device 7th for descaling water 1 . The device 7th includes a line network 4th over that of a fitting 3 water 1 is feedable. The fitting 3 comprises a mixing device 6th and further downstream a shut-off valve 17th . Downstream of the mixer 6th are in the line between the mixer 6th and air outlets 15th , across the water 1 to the environment 5 outflows, several sensors 10 , 11 , 14th arranged a pressure sensor 11 , a temperature sensor 10 as well as a hardness sensor 14th . The sensors 10 , 11 , 14th are with a control unit 9 connected through which a pressure reducer 19th for adding carbon dioxide 2 is regulated. The carbon dioxide 2 becomes a storage tank 8th removed and over an impregnation device 13th fed to the water. Downstream of the impregnation device 13th is a shut-off valve 17th the fitting 3 and a reducing valve 18th intended. A check valve 16 in the supply line between the storage tank 8th and impregnation device prevents backflow of carbon dioxide 2 towards the storage tank 8th . A check valve 16 between mixing device 6th and waterproofing device 13th prevents backflow of carbon dioxide 2 added water 1 in the pipeline network 4th .

2 shows a second variant embodiment of a device 7th . On the remarks too 1 is referred.

In contrast to the first variant, there is a flow sensor here 12 in the line between waterproofing equipment 13th and mixing device 6th intended. Further includes the fitting 3 here the mixing device 6th and a shut-off valve 17th . The waterproofing device 13th is here immediately upstream of the outflow 15th arranged (with a reducing valve 18th is provided upstream of the vent).

3 shows a third variant embodiment of a device 7th . On the remarks too 1 and 2 is referred.

In contrast to the first and second variant, there is no control unit here 9 intended. The addition of carbon dioxide 2 takes place here on the basis of predetermined parameters or empirical values for degree of hardness and temperature. Via a pressure sensor 11 can be determined whether water 1 via the air outlet 15th to the environment 5 flows off, leaving carbon dioxide 2 via the waterproofing device 13th can be added.

4th shows a fourth variant embodiment of a device 7th . On the remarks too 3 is referred.

In contrast to the third variant, there are impregnation devices here 13th upstream of the mixing device 6th arranged. This ensures that each of the mixing devices 6th supplied water volumes with carbon dioxide 2 is enriched. Via the upstream of a shut-off valve 17th arranged pressure sensor 11 can be determined whether water 1 via the air outlet 15th to the environment 5 flows off, leaving carbon dioxide 2 via the waterproofing device 13th can be added. The ones in the pipeline network 4th arranged check valves 16 prevent backflow of water mixed with carbon dioxide 1 in the pipeline network 4th .

5 shows a fifth embodiment of a device 7th . On the remarks too 1 and 4th is referred.

A combination of the first and fourth variant embodiments is shown here. As with the fourth variant, there are impregnation devices here 13th upstream of the mixing device 6th arranged. As with the first variant, there are sensors here 10 , 11 , 14th provided by the for each of the mixing device 6th supplied water volumes a regulated metering of carbon dioxide 2 can be done.

List of reference symbols

1

water

2

Carbon dioxide

3

Fitting

4th

Line network

5

Surroundings

6th

Mixing device

7th

contraption

8th

Storage tank

9

Control unit

10

Temperature sensor

11

Pressure sensor

12

Flow sensor

13

Waterproofing device

14th

Hardness sensor

15th

Outflow

16

check valve

17th

Shut-off valve

18th

Reducing valve

19th

Pressure reducer

Claims (11)

Method for decalcifying water (1) by enriching the water (1) with carbon dioxide (2); wherein the carbon dioxide (2) at least as a function of • a temperature of the water (1), • a degree of hardness of the water (1) and • a pressure or a flow rate of the water (1) is added to the water (1); being the enrichment • in a fitting (3) or • downstream of a valve (3) or • is carried out immediately upstream of a valve (3), the water (1) exiting via the valve (3) or via a line connected to the valve (3) from a line network (4) to an environment (5). Procedure according to Claim 1 wherein the enrichment takes place downstream of a mixing device (6) which is provided for mixing water volumes of different temperatures. Procedure according to Claim 1 wherein the enrichment takes place upstream of a mixing device (6), which is provided for mixing differently tempered water volumes, each volume of water supplied to the mixing device (6) being enriched with carbon dioxide (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metering in of carbon dioxide (2) takes place exclusively with flowing water (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the addition of carbon dioxide (2) takes place in a proportion of at most 3 grams / liter. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the addition of carbon dioxide (2) takes place in a proportion which exceeds a saturation limit of the water into which the carbon dioxide is metered by at most 0.5 grams / liter. Device (7) for decalcifying water (1) by enriching the water (1) with carbon dioxide (2); wherein the device (7) at least • a storage tank (8) for carbon dioxide (2) and • has an impregnation device (13) for introducing carbon dioxide (2) into the water (1); wherein the impregnation device (13) is arranged in or downstream or directly upstream of a fitting (3), the water (1) being transferred to an environment (4) via the fitting (3) or via a line connected to the fitting from a pipe network (4). 5) exits. Device (7) according to Claim 7 , additionally having • a control unit (9) for regulating the addition of carbon dioxide (2) to the water (1) and • a temperature sensor (10) for determining a temperature of the water (1) and • at least one pressure sensor (11) for determination a pressure or a flow sensor (12) for determining a flow rate of the water (1). Device (7) according to Claim 8 , wherein the device (7) has a degree of hardness sensor (14) for determining a degree of hardness of the water (1). Device (7) according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 9 , wherein the impregnation device (13) is arranged downstream of a mixing device (6) which is provided for mixing water volumes of different temperatures. Device (7) according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 9 , wherein the impregnation device (13) is arranged upstream of a mixing device (6), which is provided for mixing differently tempered water volumes, an impregnation device in each feed line of the mixing device (6) via which a volume of water can be fed to the mixing device (6) (13) is arranged.

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