DE102007029702A1 - Method for automatic water treatment of water basin or container e.g. aquariums, and preferably swimming pools, involves collecting copper or silver in water, and copper and silver-ions are determined for sufficient content - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic water treatment involves collecting copper or silver in water, and copper and silver-ions are determined for sufficient content. The copper and silver-ions are generated when the content in water is not sufficient. The water is enriched with the produced copper and silver-ions until a sufficient level of copper and silver-ions are reached in water. An INDEPENDNT CLAIM is also included for a system for automated water treatment, which includes a sensor for detecting copper and silver-ions in water as input data for a central control unit.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a system for automated Water treatment for water basins or containers, such as aquariums and preferably swimming pools, which Method and system, especially for treatment and cleaning of water in an uncovered pool.

to Maintaining a specific water quality in swimming pools Systems are known for the purification of water, in which a cleaning process must be performed regularly to To prevent the water from germs, bacteria or viruses contaminated or that algae form. additionally Filtering the water is required to remove dirt, leaves or to remove other impurities from the water. These Filtering is a regular one and elaborate process that involves backwashing water, rinsing the filter and checking of the water level.

So far water in swimming pools was often due to the use of chemicals, like chlorine, bromine or ozone, cleaned. These chemicals contain but substances that are dangerous to human health can be when they enter the body. In such way chemically purified water can not more used for watering for example plants become. Good systems for injecting chlorine or ozone into water are very expensive to produce and therefore expensive.

alternative Methods for the chemical purification of water are an enrichment of water with ions, in which copper or silver ions in the Water are emitted, and a water treatment by UV-C radiation. In particular, it has been found that the water treatment by UV-C radiation particularly efficient at eliminating organic Pollution of the water is during an enrichment of water with copper or silver ions is particularly well suited, to a depot effect for bacterial and / or germ killing in the water by allowing germs and / or bacteria to reach the copper or silver ions are bound and then by means of mechanical Procedure should be removed from the water.

at These alternative methods exist when they are alone to be applied to water treatment in a basin, the problem is that Oxidizing agents, such as chlorine, or additional Chemicals must be added to water to successfully clean. In the case of UV-C radiation are oxidizing agents required to achieve a so-called depot effect Enrichment of water with copper or silver ions are additional Chemicals needed to make organic contaminants more effective to treat. However, a combination of the two alternatives Method of adding oxidizing agents or others No chemicals required.

The document WO 03/066999 A1 shows a swimming pool management system which uses a number of sensors to measure variables and generate input data. These input data are processed by a processing unit to generate output data which is then used by actuators to control the characteristics and / or quality of the pool water. The known management system shows the use of a combination of UV-C radiation and an enrichment of water with ions to purify the water.

Known Process for introducing copper or silver ions into the water are based on an excited or just on the temperature variable Asked procedures.

in the Case of enrichment of water with ions for killing germs This can be the accumulation of water with copper or silver ions (Cu or Ag ions) at regular intervals be performed. However, it is to prevent overdose of Cu or Ag ions necessary, the content of from the enrichment Cu or Ag ions resulting from water with Cu or Ag ions to consider. This testing has not been possible done automatically.

It The object of the invention is a method and a system for automated water treatment for pools or container to provide, with a easy operation is possible and where an enrichment from water with Cu or Ag ions to simpler and more accurate and automated Way is possible.

These The object is achieved by the in the claim 1 specified method and set forth in claim 5 system. The dependent claims 2 to 4 and the dependent Claims 6 to 17 each show specific embodiments the method according to claim 1 and the system according to claim 5.

According to the invention there is provided a method for automated water treatment using an enrichment of water with ions, comprising the steps of: automatically detecting Cu or Ag ions in the water ser; Determining whether the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is sufficient or not; and, if the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is insufficient, generating Cu or Ag ions and enriching the water with the Cu or Ag ions produced until a sufficient content of Cu or Ag ions is obtained. Ions in the water is reached.

By the process according to the invention takes place automatic detection of Cu or Ag ions in the water and enrichment according to the detected values of Cu or Ag ions in the water. A manual checking of the water in relation to Cu or Ag ions are due to the automatic detection of Cu or Ag ions in the water no longer necessary.

Preferably indicates determining if the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is sufficient or not, comparing captured values for Cu or Ag ions in the water with a pre-set lower and upper limit for the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water.

It In particular, such an amount of Cu or Ag ions is generated, that the lower limit for the content of Cu or Ag ions in water when enriching the water with Cu or Ag ions around one Preset value for the content of Cu or Ag ions is exceeded in the water.

at The method involves the detection of Cu or Ag ions in the water especially in real time.

Farther According to the invention, a system for automated Water treatment provided, in which an accumulation of water in the water basin with Cu or Ag ions is used. The system has in particular: a Sensor for detecting Cu or Ag ions in the water as input data for a central control unit, the output data based on generates the input data, and an ionization subsystem, the based on the output data from the central control unit Produces Cu or Ag ions and enriches the water with them.

By The invention can thus be realized by the sensor for detecting copper. or Ag ions, in particular the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water can be checked automatically and can by the acquisition of received input data for easy control of Enrichment of water with Cu or Ag ions, and thus the germ killing in Water basin, to be used. This makes one unnecessary manually checking the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water, which simplifies and also makes water treatment easier.

Preferably is the sensor for detecting Cu or Ag ions in water in Real time suitable.

Farther The sensor can automatically adjust to preset values self-adjust and calibrate or can by the system automatically be adjusted and calibrated.

Especially For example, the ionization subsystem has one or more electrodes as anodes, to which an ionization generation voltage corresponding the output data of the central control unit is created. The Electrodes are preferably made of a metal or a metal alloy, whereby antibiotic metal ions can be generated. Furthermore, the ionization subsystem has a cathode which of a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper or silver, consists. The metal or metal alloy of the cathode may or may not the same as the metal or metal alloy of the anode.

Especially the ionization subsystem is arranged in a housing, comprising: the anode (s) and the cathode so arranged are that between them a flow path is formed, the generally has a hollow cylindrical shape; an inlet that the aligning fluid flowing through the ionization subsystem so that the fluid is a substantial circumferential tangential Component receives, so that a vortex formation takes place; and an outlet for the fluid.

The input data generated by the sensor for detecting Cu or Ag ions for the central control unit are suitable by the central control unit for determining necessary corrections and for controlling the ionization subsystem within a narrow one Range of Cu or Ag ions to be used. This can a precise regulation of the intensity of the enrichment of Water with ions according to preset values.

Preferably a transmission of the input data from the to Detecting Cu or Ag ions suitable sensor to the central Control unit via a sensor input interface and takes place a transmission of the output data from the central control unit to the ionization subsystem via an actuator output interface.

Furthermore, the automated water treatment system, in communication with the central control unit, preferably has a local user interface and / or a remote control interface which is used to display Sen Sorwerte and operating conditions by means of a display unit and for manually programming the system by means of a keypad and / or touchpad screen locally or remotely is / is suitable.

Farther Preferably, the automated water treatment system another subsystem with a UV-C radiation treatment device via the actuator output interface with the central control unit is connected and controlled by this becomes. In addition, by this UV-C radiation treatment device to the ionization subsystem it is, as already stated is, possible, a cleaning of water in the pool without adding any chemicals.

Farther are preferably a sensor for measuring the pH of the water, a sensor for temperature measurement, a sensor for measuring the filling quantity, Sensors for valve positions and / or a sensor for measuring the pressure / flow provided, which sensors input data generated via the sensor input interface in the central control unit will be entered, the input data processed to output data for output to the actuator output interface to create.

Farther are preferably different actuators for actuation for example, a pH controller, a means for filling the water basin, a pump, a heater, a Ventileinstelleinrichtung for valves for filtering, rinsing and / or for Backwashing the water provided in the pool, which Actuate the output data from the actuator output interface be supplied in order to thereby regulations in relation to the To carry out water in the water basin.

Farther is in particular a power supply for the system intended for automated water treatment by the central control unit is monitored.

The specified and other features and details of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed Description and the attached drawing clearer, the characteristics of the present invention by way of example and in which:

1 a block diagram of the inventive system for automated water treatment shows.

in the Below, the present invention is based on a preferred Embodiment with reference to the attached Detailed explanation of the drawing.

1 shows a block diagram of the inventive system for automated water treatment with a central control unit 1 , a sensor input interface 2 and an actuator output interface 3 , According to the invention, a sensor 71 provided for detecting Cu or Ag ions in the water as input data for the central control unit 1 suitable is. The sensor 71 For example, a physical or electronic sensor. But it can also be used a chemical sensor. The central control unit 1 generates output data based on the input data and gives it to an ionization subsystem 81 based on the output data from the central control unit 1 Copper or silver ions or Cu or Ag ions generated by enrichment of water with Cu or Ag ions, thereby performing a treatment of the water in the pool.

Here is the sensor 71 selected such that it can detect Cu or Ag ions in the water in real time and automatically self-adjust and calibrate with respect to preset values, or be automatically adjusted and calibrated by or by the system.

The ionization subsystem 81 is formed to have one or more electrodes as anodes to which an ionization generation voltage corresponding to the output data of the central control unit 1 is applied, wherein the electrodes are made of a metal or a metal alloy, which are suitable for generating antibiotic metal ions. Furthermore, the ionization subsystem has 81 a cathode made of a metal or a metal alloy such as copper or silver. The metal or metal alloy of the cathode may be the same as the metal or metal alloy of the anode.

Furthermore, the ionization subsystem 81 is disposed in a housing having the anode (s) and the cathode arranged to form between them a flow path generally having a hollow cylindrical shape. An inlet on the housing directs the fluid flowing through the ionization subsystem so that the fluid receives a substantial circumferential tangential component such that vortex formation occurs. Furthermore, an outlet for the fluid or water is provided on the housing.

The through the sensor 71 input data for the central control unit generated for the detection of Cu or Ag ions 1 be through the central control unit 1 for determining necessary corrections and for controlling the ionization subsystem 81 used within a narrow range of Cu or Ag ions.

A transmission of the input data from the sensor 71 for detecting Cu or Ag ions to the central control unit 1 via the sensor input interface 2 and a transmission of the output data from the central control unit 1 to the ionization subsystem 81 via an actuator output interface 3 ,

In a process performed by the automated water treatment system, Cu or Ag ions become in the water with the sensor 71 recorded automatically (in real time). Based on the detected values for Cu or Ag ions in the water is then in the central control unit 1 determines whether the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is sufficient or not. This determination is made by comparing detected values for Cu or Ag ions in the water with a preset lower and upper limit for the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water. If the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is insufficient, the ionization subsystem 81 Cu or Ag ions are generated and the water is enriched with the generated Cu or Ag ions until a sufficient content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is reached. Such an amount of Cu or Ag ions is generated that the lower limit of the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water in enriching the water with Cu or Ag ions by a preset value for the content of Cu - or Ag ions in the water is exceeded.

Furthermore, the in 1 shown system for automated water treatment a local user interface 4 and / or a remote control interface 5 on, each with the central control unit 1 keep in touch. The local user interface 4 and the remote control interface 5 may be used to display sensor values and operating conditions by means of a display unit provided to them and to manually program the automated water treatment system by means of a keypad and / or touchpad screen provided thereon.

In addition, in the automated water treatment system 1 another subsystem with a UV-C radiation treatment device 82 provided via the actuator output interface 3 with the central control unit 1 is connected and is controlled by this. By providing the UV-C radiation treatment device 82 in addition to the ionization subsystem 81 it is possible to clean the water in the pool without the addition of chemicals. Due to the inventive possibility of controlling the ionization subsystem 81 through the central control unit 1 as needed, ie when the sensor 71 detected an appropriate level of Cu or Ag ions, an effective cleaning of the water can also be done without chemical additives.

Furthermore, the system for automated water treatment of the 1 a sensor 72 to measure the pH of the water, a sensor 73 for temperature measurement, a sensor 74 for measuring the filling quantity and a sensor 75 for measuring the pressure / flow of the water. It may also be provided sensors for valve positions. These sensors 72 . 73 . 74 . 75 generate as the sensor 71 , Input data through the sensor input interface 2 in the central control unit 1 which processes the input data to output data for output to the actuator output interface 3 to create.

Furthermore, the system for automated water treatment of the 1 various actuators for actuating, for example, a pH controller 86 , a facility 85 to fill up the water basin, a pump 84 , a heating device 87 , a Ventileinstelleinrichtung 83 for valves for filtering, rinsing and / or causing backwashing of the water in the water basin. These actuators become the output data from the actuator output interface 3 supplied to thereby perform a regulation with respect to the water in the water basin.

Furthermore, the system for automated water treatment of the 1 an energy supply 6 for the system for automated water treatment on, by the central control unit 1 is monitored by sending a signal from the power supply 6 is supplied.

The previously described system for automated water treatment is with appropriate programming to a comprehensive control and regulation of water in a pool and its quality able to. A control and regulation takes place according to pre-set Values and according to the measured by the sensors Values processed in the central control unit. The System for automated water treatment can be simple Be served. In particular, a treatment of the Water as needed and adjust the water levels after Wish.

According to the invention, it is possible in a simple manner to automatically carry out an enrichment of water in an open water basin with Cu or Ag ions whenever necessary is. There is a more precise control of the accumulation of water with Cu or Ag ions than was previously possible. By integrating the precisely regulated enrichment of water with ions in a system for automated water treatment, a good coordination with other values of the water and also a simple complete operation is possible.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 03/066999 A1 [0006]

Claims (17)

Method for automated water treatment using an enrichment of water with ions, the following Steps: Detecting Cu or Ag ions in the water; Determine, whether the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is sufficient or Not; and, if the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is insufficient, generating Cu or Ag ions and enriching of the water with the generated Cu or Ag ions, until a sufficient content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is reached. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is sufficient or not, comparing detected values for Cu or Ag ions in water with a preset lower limit for the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water. The method of claim 2, wherein such an amount of Cu or Ag ions is generated, that is the lower limit for the content of Cu or Ag ions in the water when enriching the water with Cu or Ag ions by a preset value for the Content of Cu or Ag ions in the water is exceeded. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection of Cu or Ag ions in the water takes place in real time. An automated water treatment system that uses an enrichment of water with ions, the system comprising: a sensor ( 71 ) for detecting Cu or Ag ions in the water as input data for a central control unit ( 1 ), which generates output data based on the input data, and an ionization subsystem ( 81 ) for generating Cu or Ag ions for enrichment of water with Cu or Ag ions on the basis of the output data from the central control unit ( 1 ). The system of claim 5, wherein the sensor ( 71 ) is suitable for detecting Cu or Ag ions in water in real time. System according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sensor ( 71 ) automatically self-adjusts and calibrates to preset values or is automatically adjusted and calibrated by the system. System according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the ionization subsystem ( 81 ) has one or more electrodes as anodes to which an ionization generation voltage corresponding to the output data of the central control unit ( 1 ), wherein the electrodes are made of a metal or a metal alloy, which are suitable for generating antibiotic metal ions, and the ionization subsystem ( 81 ) has a cathode made of a metal or a metal alloy such as copper or silver, wherein the metal or the metal alloy of the cathode is or is not the same as the metal or the metal alloy of the anode. A system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the ionization subsystem ( 81 ) is disposed in a housing having the anode (s) and the cathode arranged to form between them a flow path generally having a hollow cylindrical shape; an inlet that directs the fluid flowing through the ionization subsystem so that the fluid receives a substantial circumferential tangential component such that vortex formation occurs; and an outlet for the fluid. A system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the sensor suitable for detecting Cu or Ag ions ( 71 ) generated input data for the central control unit ( 1 ) are suitable, by central control unit ( 1 ) for determining necessary corrections and for controlling the ionization subsystem ( 81 ) within a narrow range of Cu or Ag ions. System according to one of claims 5 to 10, wherein a transmission of the input data from the sensor suitable for detecting Cu or Ag ions ( 71 ) to the central control unit ( 1 ) via a sensor input interface ( 2 ) and a transmission of the output data from the central control unit ( 1 ) to the ionization subsystem ( 81 ) via an actuator output interface ( 3 ) he follows. System according to one of claims 5 to 11, wherein, with the central control unit ( 1 ), a local user interface ( 4 ) and / or a remote control interface ( 5 ) which is / are suitable for displaying sensor values and operating conditions by means of a display unit and for manually programming the system by means of a keypad. System according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a further subsystem with a UV-C radiation treatment device ( 82 ) provided via the actuator output interface ( 3 ) with the central control unit ( 1 ) is connected and is controlled by this. System according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a sensor ( 72 ) for measuring the pH of water, a sensor ( 73 ) for temperature measurement, a sensor ( 74 ) for measuring the filling quantity, sensors for valve positions and / or a sensor ( 75 ) are provided for measuring the pressure / flow of the water, which sensors ( 72 . 73 . 74 . 75 ) Generate input data via the sensor input interface ( 2 ) into the central control unit ( 1 ), which processes the input data to provide output data for output to the actuator output interface ( 3 ) to create. System according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein various actuators for actuating, for example, a pH controller ( 86 ), an institution ( 85 ) to fill the water basin, a pump ( 84 ), a heating device ( 87 ), a Ventileinstelleinrichtung ( 83 ) are provided for valves for filtering, flushing and / or backwashing the water in the water basin to which actuators the output data from the actuator output interface ( 3 ), thereby to perform regulation with respect to the water in the water basin. A system according to any one of claims 5 to 15, wherein a power supply ( 6 ) provided by the central control unit ( 1 ) is monitored. System according to one of claims 5 to 16, wherein preset values and by the sensors ( 71 . 72 . 73 . 74 . 75 ) measured values for controlling and / or regulating the system in the central control unit ( 1 ) are processed.