DE102006057994A1 - Device for degassing and sterilization of liquids for water treatment, comprises a housing with a liquid inlet and liquid outlet, ultrasonic source, container, adjustment device, ultraviolet light source, first grouping, control and valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) for degassing and the sterilization of liquids for water treatment, comprises a housing (12) with a liquid inlet (16) and an liquid outlet (18) for a passage of liquid, an ultrasonic source for delivering ultrasound in an inside of the housing, a container from ultraviolet permeable material arranged partially in the inside the housing, an adjustment device suitable to change the position of the container relative to the ultrasonic source and an ultraviolet light source (20) in the container for delivering the UV-light to the fluid passing through the inside of the housing. The device (10) for degassing and the sterilization of liquids for water treatment, comprises a housing (12) with a liquid inlet (16) and a liquid outlet (18) for a passage of liquid, an ultrasonic source for delivering ultrasound in an inside of the housing, a container from ultraviolet permeable material arranged partially in the inside of the housing, an adjustment device suitable to change the position of the container relative to the ultrasonic source, an ultraviolet light source (20) in the container for delivering the UV-light to the fluid passing through the inside of the housing, a first grouping with the ultrasonic source arranged to the housing for delivering the ultrasound to the fluid and to the container, a control arranged to synchronize the ultrasound of the first grouping together in frequency, phase and/or amplitude, a valve arranged to allow gases from the inside of the housing, and a sieve or a funnel arranged in the housing, so that a collector chamber is defined by the sieve or funnel and an inner wall of the housing. The collector chamber is controllably communicated over the valve with the surroundings. The ultrasonic source is fitted to or in the housing. The first grouping is arranged close to the liquid inlet and upstreamly relative to a second grouping. The housing has a longitudinal form, which defines a longitudinal axis. The first grouping comprises several ultrasonic sources, which are arranged in several plains in longitudinal direction of the housing spatially to each other in vertical to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The ultrasonic sources in each plain are arranged in the circumferential direction of the housing staggered to each other. The second grouping has three ultrasonic sources, which are arranged in circumferential direction and in longitudinal direction of the housing. The housing consists of stainless steel and is partially intended with an antibiotic coating having noble metal on the inside of the housing. The adjustment device is suitable to turn the container relative to the housing and has a drive operated electrically or mechanically. The housing has a first hollow cylinder and the container has a second hollow cylinder, which is concentrically arranged to the first cylinder. The liquid inlet and the outlet are arranged vertically to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The UV-permeable material has quartz.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for cleaning, in particular Sterilization, of liquids, which is particularly suitable for water treatment.

Conventional devices for disinfecting water and / or treating drinking water with integrated disinfection are based on irradiation of the water to be treated inside the device with hard UVC radiation, in particular at a wavelength of 254 nm. Despite such irradiation, surfaces of the device can be exposed inside the device come into contact with the water flowing through, form a biofilm, which can serve as a host germs and reduce the transmission of UVC rays with increasing thickness of the film. To remove this biofilm, the device must either be disassembled at certain intervals for mechanical cleaning or treated with the aid of aggressive chemical substances, in particular aggressive disinfectants. Thus, complex maintenance steps are necessary, in which the device must be taken out of service, so that no reliable continuous operation is possible. In addition to a UV treatment, the water to be treated can also be subjected to ultrasound in the interior of the device, whereby a mechanical destruction of microorganisms entrained in the water is effected. Such a device is for example from the WO 2006/108600 A1 or the DE 43 40 406 C1 known. In the DE 43 40 406 C1 An ultrasonic generator is mounted at the end of the reactor where the water to be treated flows into the reactor. The water then flows into a UV zone in which the water is conducted past an elongated UV light source mounted on sockets on the housing in a quartz tube for disinfection. Although it has been recognized that the ultrasonic generator can also serve to eliminate deposits on the quartz tube, but for this purpose, the energy of the ultrasonic generator must be greatly increased by means of a complex measuring and control device.

It is therefore an object of the invention, a device for cleaning of liquids to create which reliable works and can be operated with little effort.

These The object is solved by the features of claim 1. The inventive device for cleaning, in particular degerming and / or degassing, of liquids, for example, water a housing with a liquid feed and a liquid drain for a run of liquid. Furthermore included the device has at least one ultrasonic source for delivery of Ultrasound in the interior of the case, a partial or complete in the Interior of the housing arranged container made of a UV-transparent material and an adjusting device adapted to the position of the container relative to at least one of the ultrasound sources. The change the relative position of the container to the at least one ultrasound source comprises in particular a translational and / or rotational movement of the container or at least an ultrasound source.

Of the Advantage of this device is that with the help of at least an ultrasound source biofilm on one of the ultrasound source irradiated area on the outside of the container destroyed and superseded can be. By the adjustment can different places the outside of the container and in particular the entire outside of the container for effective cleaning on the at least one ultrasonic source past become. By applying the liquid flowing through the interior of the housing with ultrasound it also comes to a Ultraschallabtötung of Microorganisms (deagglomeration of microorganisms and their Hosts) and / or degasification of the liquid. Thus, a reliable cleaning the liquid be realized in continuous operation with little effort.

In a particularly preferred embodiment comprises the device comprises at least one UV light source in the container UV-transparent Material for delivering UV light to the interior of the housing passing Liquid. In conjunction with the effective cleaning of the outside of the container is irradiated by the UV light source irradiation of the liquid flowing past the container with a constant radiation dose to sterilize the fluid guaranteed. A Such UV sterilization is legal in (drinking) water treatment in many countries prescribed (as in the German Drinking Water Ordinance).

Prefers the at least one ultrasonic source is attached to or in the housing.

Prefers is on or in the case a first grouping of at least one and more preferred at least three sources of ultrasound to deliver ultrasound the inside of the case has flowed liquid arranged. As a result, a first ultrasonic treatment area of the Device for degerming and / or degassing of the liquid Are defined.

Particularly preferably, the first grouping is arranged on or in a housing section or housing module, of which the container is not directly surrounded, so that the inside the housing directed ultrasonic sources do not directly irradiate the container. The advantage with this arrangement is that the ultrasound emitted by the individual ultrasound sources of the first grouping into the interior of the housing section / module can pass substantially unhindered through the fluid flowing through to the inner wall of the housing opposite the respective ultrasound source. With such a free irradiation of the liquid in this housing section by a plurality of ultrasound sources, a high enhancement of the cleaning effect can occur. However, the ultrasound energy emitted by the ultrasound sources of the first grouping can also be used to clean the outside of the container, in particular by reflection in the interior of the housing.

advantageously, is on the case a second grouping with at least one and more preferred at least three ultrasound sources for delivering ultrasound both to the liquid as also to the container made of UV-permeable Material arranged. The second grouping thus serves both for further mechanical destruction of cells in the fluid as well as to remove one on the outside of the container formed biofilm. The second grouping is arranged on or the housing, that she together with the container defines a second treatment area of the device. Especially The second group may be on another housing section or housing module be arranged as the first grouping.

advantageously, the second grouping is arranged on or in the housing, that she to direct irradiation on the container made of UV-permeable Material or a part thereof is addressed and this / this surrounds.

advantageously, is the first group near the liquid inlet and upstream relative arranged to the second grouping.

Prefers the device can have two housing sections or even two separate housing modules comprise, wherein the first module, the housing portion with the first Grouping, d. h., the first treatment area, and the second Module the housing section with the second grouping and the container of UV-transparent material, d. h., The second treatment area. In particular, the Both modules are detachable be connected to each other.

In a particularly preferred embodiment shows the case an elongated one Shape up, which is a longitudinal axis Are defined.

Prefers comprises the first grouping at least three sources of ultrasound, which in Circumferential direction of the housing or offset at an angular distance from each other in a plane in the essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing are arranged. The angular distance of the ultrasound sources with each other For example, each 60 ° (six Ultrasonic sources) or 120 ° (three Ultrasonic sources) amount. Also irregular intervals between the individual Ultrasonic sources are conceivable. The number of ultrasound sources is in particular of the liquid volume to be treated, the ever ultrasonic source determined maximum energy and the geometry of the housing determined. By this arrangement of the ultrasonic sources in a plane becomes an intense sound field ensures that the liquid is sonicated without dead zones.

Especially preferred are the arranged in a plane ultrasonic sources set up to be excited with the same ultrasonic frequency and synchronized with each other in terms of phase angle and / or amplitude to become. Preferably, this synchronization of the individual takes place Ultrasonic sources of the first grouping using a particular electronic control device. Through the synchronization The ultrasound sources will be a particularly effective destruction of in the liquid achieved microorganisms. Surprisingly, it extends the sound field in such an arrangement and synchronization also in the direction of the longitudinal axis over the respective level.

In a preferred embodiment are therefore several parallel to each other, d. H. longitudinal of the housing spaced apart, arranged planes, each with at least three Ultrasonic sources provided, with all or some ultrasound sources synchronized with each other. Through this coupling of the sound fields the individual levels in the longitudinal direction a particularly effective destruction of microorganisms is achieved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment comprises the second grouping at least three sources of ultrasound, both in the circumferential direction (or at an angular distance from each other), as also in the longitudinal direction of the housing offset from one another. Alternatively to this spiral arrangement is also an arrangement in one plane or in several to each other offset in the longitudinal direction Levels, as in the first grouping, conceivable.

In an advantageous development of the device, the housing is at least partially made of stainless steel and on its inside at least partially with an antibiotic Beschich provided. Suitable coating materials include in particular noble metals, for example silver.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the adjustment request is suitable to the container a UV-permeable Material relative to the at least one ultrasonic source at the casing and thus relative to the housing to turn. In particular, it can be provided via the adjusting device for that too take care that that container with a constant, low rotational speed at least an ultrasonic source is passed, creating a continuous and comprehensive Cleaning the container, especially biofilms becomes.

Prefers comprises the adjusting an electrically and / or mechanically operated Drive.

In a preferred embodiment comprises the housing the device is a first hollow cylinder and the container a UV-permeable Material a second hollow cylinder. In particular, the second Hollow cylinder arranged concentrically to the first hollow cylinder be.

Prefers are the liquid feed and the fluid drain substantially perpendicular, in particular radial or tangential, to the longitudinal axis of housing arranged. In particular, by the provision of a tangential and outlet can create a circulation flow inside the housing become.

Prefers comprises the housing at least one valve adapted to receive gas through Ultrasound application of the liquid arises, escape from the interior of the housing controlled escape allow. This valve can be activated by manual operation, by an automatic for example, periodic, control or by a feedback mechanism actuated become.

Prefers comprises the device a sieve or a funnel, the / inside the housing is arranged such that the sieve / the funnel and the housing inner wall together Collection volume is defined, which is via the valve with the environment can communicate controllably.

optional For example, the device may further include a filter downstream of the first grouping and upstream to the broad grouping. Likewise, another filter downstream be provided for the second grouping.

In a particularly preferred embodiment comprises the UV-permeable Quartz material, especially quartz with optimum transmission for UVC light at 254 nm.

The Ultrasonic sources of the first and second groupings may be similar or different sources of ultrasound.

Further Advantages, characteristics and features of the invention are achieved by the following description of a preferred embodiment of Invention with reference to the accompanying drawings clearly. It shows:

1 : A vertical sectional view of a device for cleaning, in particular degassing and sterilization, of liquids according to an embodiment of the invention;

2 : A vertical sectional view of a device for cleaning, in particular degassing and sterilization, of liquids according to a second embodiment of the invention;

3 : A vertical sectional view of a device for cleaning, in particular degassing and sterilization, of liquids according to a third embodiment of the invention.

In the 1 shown device 10 includes a housing 12 which has the shape of a hollow cylinder with a bottom at its lower end. The housing 12 thus defines a longitudinal axis. At the bottom, bottom end of the housing 12 opens a not shown in detail fluid inlet 16 tangentially into the housing interior. At the opposite upper end of the housing 12 is a non-illustrated liquid flow 18 arranged, which leads tangentially out of the housing interior.

At the top is the case 12 through a lid 14 closed and sealed. On the lid 14 is a UV light source 20 attached, which, as in 1 shown extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing in the housing interior. The UV light source 20 is from a UV radiation permeable quartz container 22 surround. The quartz container 22 is on the lid 14 kept stored and, as in 1 shown, coaxial with the housing 12 and arranged in its interior. The quartz container 22 and the UV light source received therein 20 extend as in 1 can be seen from the top to about the middle of the case 12 ,

This upper housing section Alternatively, it can be solvable on a second, lower housing section attached, separate housing module be provided.

On the case 12 There are six sources of ultrasound in the upper half 24 both in the longitudinal and circumferential direction of the housing 12 arranged offset to each other, the inside of the housing into the outside of the container 22 radiate directed. The ultrasound sources 24 in the upper half are thus spiral or helical on the housing 12 arranged. The ultrasound sources 24 have an angular offset of about 120 ° with each other and have an overlap at least in the longitudinal direction of the irradiated by them surfaces on the outside of the container 22 on. In the illustrated embodiment, six sources of ultrasound are provided in the upper half, however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exact number of ultrasound sources will depend, in particular, on the length of the container. The angular offset is also dependent on the size of the ultrasound sources.

Through the six ultrasound sources 24 holding the quartz container 22 surrounded, is in the upper half of the device 10 a treatment area 100 defined for the combined ultrasonic and UV treatment of the water. The treatment area 100 can in particular also of a releasably mounted module, which in particular the upper housing section, the six ultrasonic sources 24 and the quartz container comprises, be formed.

On the lid 14 of the housing 12 a drive is resting 26 that has a shaft with the quartz container 22 connected is. The container 22 can thus in the housing 12 be rotated about its longitudinal axis, so that in a complete revolution of the container 22 the outside of the container 22 by the longitudinally overlapping irradiation of the individual ultrasound sources 24 is completely cleaned.

In the lower, near-ground area of the housing 12 are schematically two ultrasonic levels 28 shown, each three about the longitudinal axis of the housing 12 At an angle of 120 ° offset ultrasonic sources 25 include. Through the levels 28 is another treatment area 200 in the lower half of the device 10 defined for ultrasonic treatment of the water. The treatment area 200 is thus to the treatment area 100 arranged upstream.

In the following sections, the flow of water through the interior of the housing and the treatment of the water in the two treatment areas 100 and 200 described in more detail.

About the inlet 16 water flows into the first treatment area 200 in the lower half of the case 12 one. That in the interior of the case 12 Infiltrated water is in the two levels 28 subjected to ultrasound, whereby the water is continuously degassed by the high cavitation forces on the one hand. Due to the attached substantially tangentially to the housing cylinder inlet 16 and the resulting circulation of water in the lower part of the housing 12 , the gas bubbles caused by cavitation accumulate in the collecting volume 30 , The volume 30 is from a funnel 31 and the inner wall of the housing 12 is formed together. About valves 32 can in the volume 30 collected gas can be discharged selectively into the environment.

On the other hand, the two ultrasonic levels effect 28 in the first treatment area 200 a mechanical damage and killing of microorganisms in the water flowing through. By mutually offset in the circumferential direction arrangement of the individual ultrasonic sources 25 per level 28 is achieved in each of the levels 28 the liquid inside the case 12 sonicated without dead zones. To further improve the efficiency of the device 10 be, with the same ultrasonic frequency of the individual ultrasonic sources 25 , the phase angle and amplitude of the individual ultrasound sources 25 Synchronized per level radiated sound waves. In the embodiment shown, the efficiency is further increased by the fact that the two ultrasonic levels 28 in the same or between the planes, for example, by an angle of 60 ° offset arrangement of the ultrasonic generator 25 be synchronized in terms of frequency, phase angle and amplitude. To further increase the efficiency of the device 10 can also do more than the two illustrated ultrasonic levels 28 in the lower part of the housing 12 be provided. In particular, these may be synchronized in frequency, phase and amplitude in any suitable manner. Suitable ultrasonic frequencies are in particular in the range between 25 kHz and 2 MHz.

From the lower half of the case 12 the water flows into the second treatment area 100 in the upper half of the case 12 , with the water passing through between the outer wall of the container 22 and the inner wall of the housing 12 remaining gap 34 to the process 18 flows.

The spiral in this area in the longitudinal direction of the housing 12 arranged ultrasound sources 24 take care of a further admission of the in the gap 34 close to the individual ultrasound sources 24 By-passing water with ultrasound, reducing the efficiency of the device 10 in terms of sterilization by cavitation is further increased. At the same time it provides the ultrasound sources 24 inside, especially in Rich to the container 22 , emitted ultrasound for that of the respective sound source 24 irradiated point of the outside of the container 22 is cleaned by biofilm. The ultrasound sources 24 are so spirally on the housing 12 arranged that of the individual ultrasonic sources 24 irradiated portions of the outside of the container 22 overlap at least in the longitudinal direction.

An optimal cleaning effect of the outside of the container 22 results from turning the container 22 around the longitudinal axis of the housing 12 , During a complete revolution of the container, each point on the ultrasonic sources 24 facing outside of the container 22 in the vicinity of one of the ultrasound sources 24 , Such a rotation thus effectively cleaning the outer surface of the container 22 caused by biofilms and their (re) education effectively prevented.

Especially on the inside of the case 12 For example, a transmission measuring device (not shown) may be provided which measures the transmittance of UVC radiation from inside the container 22 in the interior of the case 12 measures. Ultrasonic cleaning of the container substantially precludes a reduction in transmission due to biofilm formation, so that a decrease in the measured radiation intensity is indicative of an actual decrease in the UV light source 20 emitted radiation intensity is present. Alternatively, the measurement can also be used to control the rotational speed and / or the actuation of the rotational movement of the container 22 in the case 12 through the drive 26 serve.

The rotating quartz container 22 is through a radial shaft seal 36 sealed, with the shaft seal the housing 10 seals against external pressure despite rotation. In addition, the quartz container 22 be secured axially against oscillation by a ball bearing.

In 2 is another embodiment of a device according to the invention 10 shown differing from the in 1 shown embodiment essentially only by the arrangement of the funnel 31 inside the case 12 upstream to the plains 28 different. In the in 2 illustrated embodiment, the inlet opens 16 in the form of a nozzle 50 in the interior of the case 12 , From the overpressure over the nozzle 50 Water introduced into the housing inside the housing during the relaxation process 12 Gas bubbles free. Due to the tangential supply of water into the housing and the resulting circulation flow, the gas bubbles rise in particular on the inner wall of the housing 12 in the longitudinal direction upwards and are from the funnel 31 who, as in 2 shown, upstream of the two ultrasonic levels 28 is arranged in the volume 30 collected. At a certain amount of accumulated gas becomes the valve 32 which is suitable for the volume 30 connected to the environment, actuated, whereby the gas volume escapes controlled from the inside of the housing.

Another embodiment is in 3 shown, in essence, with the second embodiment 2 matches. However, in the in 3 illustrated embodiment instead of the funnel 31 a sieve 60 upstream to the plains 28 inside the case 12 arranged. The sieve 60 with openings of about 50 microns in diameter is tilted to the longitudinal axis of the housing to gas bubbles in a volume 52 between sieve 60 and housing inner wall to conduct and collect there. At a certain amount of accumulated gas becomes the valve 54 which is suitable for the volume 52 connected to the environment, actuated, whereby the gas volume escapes from the inside of the housing.

The in the foregoing description, claims and drawings Features can both individually and in any combination for the execution of Invention in its various forms of importance.

10

contraption for cleaning liquids

12

casing

14

cover

16

liquid inlet

18

liquid drain

20

UV-light source

22

Container out UV-transparent material

24 25

ultrasound source

26

adjustment

28

Ultrasonic level

30 52

collection volume

31

funnel

32 54

Valve

34

Gap between container 22 and housing 12

36

poetry

60

scree

100

second treatment area

200

first treatment area

Claims (19)

Device for cleaning, in particular Ent germination, of liquids, which includes - a housing ( 12 ) with a liquid feed ( 16 ) and a liquid drain ( 18 ) for a run of liquid; At least one ultrasonic source ( 24 . 25 ) for delivering ultrasound to the interior of the housing ( 12 ); - At least partially inside the housing ( 12 ) arranged container ( 22 ) of a UV-transparent material; An adjusting device ( 26 ), which is suitable for determining the position of the container relative to at least one of the ultrasound sources ( 24 . 25 ) to change. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one UV light source ( 20 ) in the container ( 22 ) made of a UV-transparent material for emitting UV light to the inside of the housing ( 12 ) passing liquid. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one ultrasound source ( 24 . 25 ) on or in the housing ( 12 ) is attached. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the housing ( 12 ) a first grouping with at least one ultrasound source ( 25 ) for delivering ultrasound to the inside of the housing ( 12 ) is arranged flowed liquid. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the housing a second grouping with at least one ultrasonic source ( 24 ) for the delivery of ultrasound to the liquid and to the container ( 22 ) is arranged from a UV-transparent material. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first grouping is close to the liquid inlet ( 16 ) and upstream relative to the second array. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing ( 12 ) has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first grouping comprises at least three sources of ultrasound ( 25 ), which in the circumferential direction of the housing ( 12 ) offset to one another in one plane ( 28 ) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing ( 12 ) are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first grouping comprises a plurality of ultrasound sources ( 25 ), which in several, in the longitudinal direction of the housing spaced-apart planes ( 28 ) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing ( 12 ), the ultrasonic sources ( 25 ) in each of the levels ( 28 ) in the circumferential direction of the housing ( 12 ) are offset from one another. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising a driver adapted to operate the ultrasound sources ( 25 ) of the first grouping with each other in frequency, phase and / or amplitude to synchronize. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second grouping at least three ultrasonic sources ( 24 ), which in both the circumferential direction and in the longitudinal direction of the housing ( 12 ) are offset from one another. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing ( 12 ) is made of stainless steel and on the inside at least partially with an antibiotic coating, in particular comprising at least one precious metal provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting device ( 26 ) is suitable, the container ( 22 ) made of a UV-transparent material relative to the housing ( 12 ) to turn. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the adjusting device ( 26 ) comprises an electrically or mechanically operated drive. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing ( 12 ) a first hollow cylinder and the container ( 22 ) comprises a second hollow cylinder made of a UV-transparent material, wherein the second hollow cylinder is arranged concentrically to the first hollow cylinder. Device according to one of claims 7 to 15, wherein the liquid feed ( 16 ) and the liquid drain ( 18 ) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing ( 12 ) are arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a valve ( 32 . 54 ), which is adapted to gases from inside the housing ( 12 ) escape in a controlled manner. Device according to one of claims 17, further comprising a sieve ( 60 ) or a funnel ( 31 ) which is arranged in the housing interior such that through the sieve / the funnel and the housing inner wall, a collecting volume ( 30 . 52 ) is defined, which can communicate controllably via the valve with the environment. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the UV-transparent material Quartz covered.