DE102013113636A1 - Apparatus and method for automated maintenance - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for automated maintenance of a water treatment plant (200) using at least one control signal and a container (300) with an identification chip (310), wherein the identification chip (310) is configured to store identification information, comprises: a holder (110) for the container (300); reading means (120) adapted to read the identification information from the identification chip (310); and control means (130) arranged to receive the identification information from the reading means (120) and to cause maintenance of the water treatment plant (200) based on the identification information by providing the at least one control signal.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for automated maintenance of a water treatment plant and a method for maintaining a water treatment plant, and more particularly to automatically initiating a program flow or sequence of program operations in water treatment plants.

description

Water treatment plants are generally connected to a raw water connection and extract from the raw water (for example tap water), for example, ions or other hardening components. The resulting treated water is provided to a consumer via a consumer port, for example, as a permeate. The extracted from the raw water components can be removed, for example, as a retentate via a wastewater connection. Such water treatment plants are used, for example, for dishwashing systems (eg dishwashing plants). However, many conventional systems are often unsuitable for permanent operation, requiring regular maintenance to achieve the desired result. As maintenance, all measures are understood that lead to the maintenance of the function or to delay the degradation of an existing Ablutzungsvorrats.

In such maintenance, generally several steps are to be carried out, which will be described in more detail below with reference to a conventional water treatment plant.

Conventional water treatment plants, such as micro-reverse osmosis plants without integrated permeate collection tanks, are often inevitably dependent on manual maintenance, which maintenance (eg, conservation or cleaning) is performed according to the following scheme. Initially, the micro-reverse osmosis system is usually turned off and accessed (i.e., re-placed) to temporarily exchange a still pressurized permeate line to the consumer, for example, through a service tap (eg, ball valve). The thereby partially emptying permeate line is then lifted into a suitable, hygienic container with predefined volume.

After the device is switched on again, a defined amount of treated water (permeate) can be produced in the container, and a defined amount of chemicals is added to the container. These chemicals may include, for example, antifreeze and / or bacterial growth inhibiting chemicals and / or organic acids and / or inorganic acids for cleaning deposits. This process is already critical, as it may inadvertently come into contact with the chemicals, and it is therefore necessary to wear personal protective equipment (including safety goggles and, if necessary, protective gloves and / or protective clothing). Another disadvantage of this approach is the risk to process safety, for example, by inaccuracies in adjusting the mixing ratio of the solution. Subsequently, the solution must be mixed, which in turn requires an increased amount of time. In the event that no service tap is present, a rudimentary cable tie is often used to use a flexible hose as a shut-off device. This also increases the effort.

Following this, the pressure measuring device is, for example, switched off by software, which is possible in the presence of a pressure switch, for example, by installing a jumper in the off state of the device. For this purpose, the cladding of the device is only awkward to remove. Furthermore, it is usually necessary in these micro-reverse osmosis systems for the actual preserving or cleaning step, in addition to separate the line hoses from the water and sewer network and also to keep in the container prepared with chemicals. For this purpose, the water supply tap (main tap) of the water supply is usually closed and the device is expensive to reposition.

After switching on the device, the set solution is circulated through the device, with a stop a predefined time during the maintenance process is required. If no pressure increase pump is present, there is usually no inlet pressure in the inlet to the pump, which can form cavities (danger of cavitation). During the rinsing process, it must be ensured that all hoses remain below the liquid surface of the solution, as the existing risk of cavitation of the pump should be reduced as much as possible, so that no air is drawn in. If maintenance has been carried out properly, the panel of the unit will be replaced and the maintenance date noted.

If the micro-reverse osmosis system is subsequently put into operation again, a new prefilter is required and the chemicals must first be rinsed out so that they can not get into the consumer.

Many of these actions must be performed again and are often repeated for effective protection at certain intervals, so that this also further increases maintenance. The actual intention of sustainably protecting the membrane of the reverse osmosis plants against microbial contamination and / or deposition occurs in the light of the above-described expense - a new membrane is almost less expensive than the elaborate maintenance as described above.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device which allows automated maintenance of a water treatment plant and avoids the disadvantages of conventional water treatment plants described above.

This object is achieved by a device for automated maintenance of a water treatment plant according to claim 1, a container according to claim 11 and a method according to claim 14.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for automated maintenance of a water treatment plant using at least one control signal and a container having an identification chip, wherein the identification chip is adapted to store identification information. The apparatus comprises: a holder for the container; a reading device configured to read the identification information from the identification chip; and control means configured to obtain the identification information from the reading means and to cause maintenance of the water treatment plant based on the identification information by providing the at least one control signal. In further embodiments, the device may comprise a plurality of the previously defined containers and / or a plurality of the previously defined reading device.

The identification chip can be arranged, for example, on or in an outer wall of the container and can also be designed as an active or passive component, so that it itself needs no further power supply and can be detected and read by the reading device. Optionally, the identification chip can also forward information (for example, transmit it wirelessly) from itself to the reading device, wherein it can optionally itself be connected to a power supply. Optionally, it is also possible for the identification chip to obtain the energy for transmitting information from a readout signal sent by the reader to respond thereto by sending the identification information. The container is thus assigned by the identification chip a certain function, which is encoded in the identification information. By transmitting the identification information to the reading device, this information can be interpreted by the control device and trigger the corresponding maintenance of the water treatment plant. The term maintenance is generally defined and refers to all measures that lead to the maintenance of a function or to delay the degradation of an existing Ableutzungsvorrates the water treatment plant.

In further embodiments, the identification information identifies at least one property of the container or a content of the container. The reading device may further be configured to detect the at least one property, the at least one property comprising at least one of the following: a container type, a container contents, a container size, a concentration of the container contents. In addition, the reading device may be further configured to read the identification information prior to insertion of the container into the holder (for example, in which the container is merely guided past the reading device). Optionally, the holder may include a switch (eg, electrical or mechanical) actuated upon insertion of the container, such that the reader may be further configured to apply the identification information only upon actuation of the switch (eg, after the switch has been activated) Container was inserted) to read.

The automatic identification of the container via the identification chip offers the advantage that thus no further process sequences need to be activated by a user, but that the insertion of the container into the holder is sufficient to trigger the corresponding function.

In further embodiments, the control signal may depend on the identification information, so that different control information signals to different identification information by the Control device are generated and the water treatment plant are provided. The various control signals are designed, for example, to automatically initiate various maintenance routines in the water treatment plant.

Optionally, one or more data lines can thus be designed to activate or deactivate the various actuators, such as valves, of the water treatment plant, it also being possible for only one data line, which can provide a plurality of channels, for example, to be formed using appropriate addressing the various actuators or the various components of the water treatment system can be addressed so as to initiate a desired maintenance procedure. As already mentioned above, this offers the advantage that the user, when activating the maintenance procedures can not make mistakes, but only by the insertion of the container, the correct maintenance procedure is activated, and the user no further parameters (such as the length of a Cleaning), but that all of this information is encoded in the identification chip and automatically activated.

In further embodiments, different containers can be optionally used, each with an identification information in the holder, wherein the respective identification information is formed, for example, to uniquely identify the container. The control device is optionally designed to store at least part of the respective identification information, and is optionally further configured to first check, when inserting the container by comparing the at least one part, whether the container has already been inserted at least once before, and if so, prevent multiple use of the container. This can happen, for example, in that the control device does not provide a control signal or provides a control signal which does not cause maintenance of the water treatment plant and instead, for example, warning information is output. Optionally, the identification chip can likewise be deactivated (for example by the reading device).

Thus, it is possible in embodiments that for certain maintenance operations, a respective container is used only once and, for example, a refilling of the container by a user can be prevented itself, so that the safety and the correct execution of the maintenance procedure can be ensured.

In further exemplary embodiments, the control device is optionally further configured to generate and store a counter, wherein the counter indicates a number of maintenances, wherein the main tasks include conservations and / or cleaning and / or filter changes.

For example, it may be possible for a container whose contents have not yet been used up or can be further used to be interchangeably replaced by another container in order, for example, to carry out a cleaning or preservation. Upon completion of the exemplary cleaning and / or preservation, the temporarily removed container, including, for example, a filter, may be reinstated for further use. In further embodiments, the holder has a plurality of slots to accommodate, for example, a plurality of containers in parallel. This makes it possible that, for example, a filter can remain in the holder, while, for example, a preservation and / or cleaning of the water treatment plant by inserting another container in one of the other slots (or other brackets) can be performed. For this purpose, optionally, the filter fluid can be separated from the water flow in the raw water line to perform the preservation or the exemplary cleaning correctly. After the removal of the special containers, the filter for the fluid flow can again be activated and used again.

In further embodiments, the holder is optionally designed to hold another container with a further identification chip for further identification information. The control device may for example be further developed to perform counting of operating hours by storing an operating hours counter with the insertion of the container, the control means interrupting the counting of operating hours by the insertion of the further container and continued in a re-insertion of the container, in the meantime other containers can be used to perform specific maintenance. Optionally, properties of the identification chip (eg, volumes, mass, etc.) associated, for example, with properties of the container may also be stored.

In further embodiments, the identification information may include a concentration of a container contents. The control device is optionally designed to store a predetermined value for the concentration of the container contents, and is further configured, for example, to detect a deviation of the concentration from the predetermined value and to change the control signal as a function of the deviation so as to change the technical process to trigger the water treatment plant.

With these embodiments, it is possible, for example, that containers for cleaning may have different concentrations of the cleaning solution, which allow either a fast, a longer or more intensive cleaning. By determining the concentration of the exemplary cleaning solution, the control device can react flexibly to the container contents, without the user first having to determine the concentration present in the container, in order to adjust the length of the cleaning at the water treatment system corresponding to the concentration, for example. Thus, in this embodiment, the user-friendliness of the maintenance is further improved.

In further embodiments, the water treatment plant may have a raw water connection and / or a waste water connection and / or a consumer connection and / or a permeate return line and / or a retentate return line. Optionally, the apparatus is further configured to provide a path for water from the raw water port to the water treatment system, wherein the holder and / or the container is further configured to treat the water based on the identification information.

The device for the automated maintenance of a water treatment plant can thus be designed as part of the water treatment plant itself or, optionally, as an external component which is connected to a water treatment plant. An external arrangement of the device for maintenance offers the advantage that different water treatment plants can be connected to the device, wherein, for example, one of the data lines or a further data line can be designed to forward information to the control device, which identifies the water treatment plant, so that based on the Control device specifically controls the connected water treatment plant and sets the correct maintenance processes in motion.

In further embodiments, the water treatment or maintenance optionally comprises at least one of the following: a cleaning and / or a disinfection and / or a frost protection process and / or an analysis process and / or a filtration and / or a preservation and / or a rinsing of chemicals, a membrane rinse to maintain a reverse osmosis membrane in the water treatment plant.

Reverse osmosis systems are merely an example of a water treatment plant, with other embodiments also relate to other water treatment plants. Optionally, the water treatment plant may include both a nano-ultra, or microfiltration or a reverse osmosis system. The concrete form or design of the water treatment plant is not essential to the invention, but only that the control device provides one or more control signals for the existing water treatment plant, which can set the appropriate maintenance procedures in motion, and that the control signals based on the identified container or Container contents are generated.

In further embodiments, the identification chip is optionally a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (RFID tag) and the reader is an RFID reader.

These embodiments thus offer the advantage that the container itself does not need to have any further power or energy supply, but that the radio detection chip gets its energy from a readout signal which is emitted by the reading device and, in response, a signal back to the reading device sends, which contains the identification information. For example, the identification information may merely be a number that encodes various information and has a predetermined structure. The identification information may further include a certificate of authenticity to ensure that users do not mistakenly provide containers with an identification chip so as to manipulate the water treatment facility or its maintenance. If such a certificate of authenticity (for example as part of the identification information) does not have an expected value, the control device can also be designed to block a maintenance procedure of the water treatment system or to output a control signal which indicates such a malfunction.

Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a container for insertion into one of the devices described above. The container comprises an identification chip with identification information, wherein the identification information is designed, for example, to initiate maintenance of the water treatment system after insertion into the device.

In further embodiments, the container optionally has a predetermined content or is provided for filling with such content, and the identification information is adapted to specify the predetermined content, for example, a type of content and / or quantity, and / or one Concentration and / or effect.

In these embodiments, the container is thus formed to be fixed by the holder and the identification chip is placed so that it can be read by the reading device. For reading out the identification chip, for example, no contact between the reader and the container is necessary, but the readout can be effected by radio control. Optionally, it is also possible that the reader directly electrically contacts the container and thereby enables readout of the identification chip. An advantage of the radio controlled readout is that the identification chip, for example, can be watertight sealed in the container, so that moisture, as often encountered in water treatment plants, does not adversely affect the readout of the identification chip. For example, the reader may include electrical components that are also completely sealed so that moisture from the water treatment system can not enter the reader. For reading out the identification chip, it is only important that, for example, the read-out signal emitted by the reading device reaches the identification chip from the reading device, can be received by the latter, and then the response signal can pass from the identification chip to the reading device. The watertight seal is designed, for example, to obstruct this signal propagation when passing through a watertight seal of the container and / or the reader not or only imperceptibly.

Embodiments also relate to a water treatment plant having a device as described above and the container described above.

Embodiments also relate to a method for maintenance of a water treatment plant. The method comprises the following steps: providing a container with an identification chip, on which identification information is stored; Providing a holder for the container; Inserting the container in the holder; Reading the identification information from the identification chip when the container is inserted in the holder; and providing at least one control signal to the water treatment plant, wherein the control signal is configured, for example, to initiate the maintenance based on the identification information.

Advantages of the mentioned embodiments can be summarized as follows. Embodiments allow, in particular, a fully automatic program sequence (operating state) for maintenance, wherein the attachment of the (functional) container to the identification chip (eg RFID label or RFID tag) on the holder already initiates the maintenance and the corresponding control tasks of the actuators in the predetermined RFID tag are predetermined, based on the identified by the RFID tag content or the identified container. In this case, advantageously, the water treatment plant can be controlled such that one or more return lines are activated or the bypass is activated. A long life and a low wear of the maintained objects are guaranteed in this way. Thus, the identification chip gives the container a specific function associated with its identity. In this sense, the container is also understood as a functional container.

Further advantages include the complete chemical discharge on the basis of the return line (s), so that the best possible hygiene and, in addition, food safety or quality according to the Drinking Water Ordinance can be ensured. A possible monitoring device that detects, for example, conductivity measurements or flow measurements can advantageously be used to control a restart of the water treatment plant and to make sure that the desired result is ensured by the water treatment. In further embodiments, operating states can be noted independently of a power failure, so that the last performed operating state can be terminated when a network connection is available again.

Furthermore, memory values such as, for example, date and time are advantageously also recorded or reset in order to draw attention to a necessary filter exchange.

The functional containers include, for example, a filter, disinfectant, antifreeze, self-analysis, cleaning or preservation kit. The RFID technology also offers the advantage that it can be ruled out that a container is used several times (for example, when the content has been used up). This also provides an exchange security. This concerns, for example, water treatment plants such as a reverse osmosis plant.

Embodiments are further advantageous in that the number of preservations, cleaning, disinfection, antifreeze or self-analysis operations and filter changes are detected, making it comprehensible whether the device was properly handled or not. Professional maintenance is often also a prerequisite for granting warranty or guarantee services, so that here too a high degree of safety and reliability for the user is achieved.

Further advantages of the device according to the invention relate to the counting of the operating hours when the water treatment is put into operation (eg with the use of a first exemplary activated carbon prefilter). Thus, it can automatically be pointed to a need to perform a maintenance work by the controller so that no separate book needs to be kept on the system.

In addition, deviating concentrations of the container contents can be detected by the stored specific parameters on the exemplary RFID label, which are integrated into the program sequence, and can thus be taken into account through process engineering changes.

Finally, it is advantageous that the bypass or the bypass line can be activated during maintenance (for example, during cleaning or preservation or rinsing during restarting), so that the consumer does not have to do without intake water.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 shows a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 a schematic representation of the integration of the device with a water treatment plant shows;

3 shows a normal operation of a water treatment plant triggered according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 shows a preservation or purification of a water treatment plant triggered according to embodiments of the present invention;

5 shows a bypass operation of a water treatment plant triggered in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

6 shows a re-commissioning after a preservation or cleaning triggered according to embodiments of the present invention; and

7 a triggered according to embodiments of the present invention membrane rinse with and / or pump shows.

1 shows a device 100 for automated maintenance of a water treatment plant 200 using a container 300 with an identification chip 310 which is adapted to store identification information. The device 100 has a holder 110 for the container 300 on and is between a raw water pipe 2 and a supply line 115 for the water treatment plant 200 arranged. The holder 110 has an inlet for the raw water line and an outlet for the supply line 115 towards the water treatment plant 200 on. The device 100 further comprises a reading device (eg a reading device) 120 formed to the identification chip 310 read, if the container 300 in the holder 110 is used. Furthermore, the device 100 a control unit 130 which is designed to, based on the identification information, a maintenance of the water treatment plant via at least one control line 12 by providing at least one control signal. The at least one control signal is transmitted via the one or more control lines (which are formed, for example, as a data line) to the water treatment plant 200 forwarded, the water treatment plant 200 optional information (eg sensor data) to the control unit 130 via the at least one control line 12 can deliver. The holder may be formed, for example, as a container insert.

The device 100 is thus adapted to automated maintenance of a water treatment plant 200 by initiating a corresponding container 300 with a specific container content 320 in the holder 110 is used. The maintenance may include, for example, membrane preservation and / or membrane cleaning and / or membrane rinsing. The automatic initiation of the program sequence, which is carried out during the automated maintenance, or a sequence of program sequences is initiated by the read-out of the identification chip (which may comprise, for example, an RFID label), wherein the identification chip 310 for example, on the (functional) container 300 is appropriate. The reading involves transmitting one for the container 300 characteristic identification information to the controller 130 that have data lines 12 with the water treatment plant 200 connected to control these. Thus, the water treatment plant recognizes 200 the variable content 320 of the functional container 300 and selects (controlled by the controller 130 ) the correct operating state independently. Furthermore, in further embodiments, the identification chip 310 Specific process parameters may be stored, which can be queried via the reading device in order to integrate them into the program flow. Such specific process parameters are, for example, the time or duration of the respective maintenance process or also the concentration of a solution in the container. For example, the period of a particular maintenance of a specific container contents 320 depend on (for example, a concentration of a chemical in a solution that is in the container).

2 shows an integration of the device 100 with a water treatment plant 200 , The holder 110 for the container 300 is between a raw water connection 1 and the water treatment plant 200 arranged so that the raw water from the raw water connection 1 over the raw water pipe 2 to the container holder 110 passes and via an outlet from the bracket 110 over the supply line 115 to the water treatment plant 200 arrives. In the in the 2 embodiment shown is the container 300 in the holder 110 used and has an RFID label as identification Chip 310 on, which via the reading device 120 (eg an RFID reader) can be read out. The reading device 120 is via a data line 122 with the control device 130 connected, so over the data line 122 the read identification information to the controller 130 arrives. The control device 130 is also over the at least one data line 12 with the water treatment plant 200 connected, so on the one hand control information from the controller 130 to the water treatment plant 200 can be sent (shown by dash-dot line) and on the other hand, for example, sensor signals from the water treatment plant 200 to the controller 130 can be transmitted (shown by dashed line). Furthermore, the control device 130 optional with a BUS 43 via another data line 132 connected to the controller 130 externally with data (eg, more information, software, etc.) to supply or even to allow remote control / remote inquiry.

In the in the 2 In the embodiments shown, two return lines are further formed, a permeate return line 38 from the water treatment plant to the raw water pipe 2 and a retentate return line 35 from the water treatment plant 200 to the raw water pipe 2 , The water treatment plant 200 also has two outlets, with one of the two outlets via a permeate discharge line 25 with a consumer connection 29 connected, and the other of the two outlets via a retentate drain line 31 with a wastewater connection 32 connected is. There is also an optional bypass line 6 from the raw water pipe 2 towards the permeate discharge line 25 educated.

Different maintenance or operating modes of the system, as for example by the system of 2 are possible, with reference to the inlets and outlets of the water treatment plant 200 as follows. Here is the inlet, with the supply line 115 connected to the letter A, the outlet connected to the retentate return line 35 connected to the letter B, the outlet connected to the permeate return line 38 is connected, marked with the letter C, the outlet connected to the sewage connection 32 connected is marked with letter D and the outlet with the consumer connection 29 connected is marked with the letter E. These inlets and outlets A, B, C, D, E, for example, via valves, in the 2 not shown, opened or closed (or even partially or only temporarily open), the individual operating modes are shown in the following table: fluid connection open: x, closed: -, temporarily open: [x] FIG. A B C D e 3 x - - x x 4 x x [X] - - 5 - - - - - 6 x - [X] x - 7 x - - x -

The first operating mode, subsequently with the 3 is described in more detail, is thus characterized in that the compound A, D and E are opened, while the compounds B and C are closed. This corresponds to the normal operation and thus the permeate production. The second mode of operation is characterized in that the connections A and B are opened while the connection C is temporarily open while the connections D and E are closed. This corresponds to the preservation mode or the purification mode in which a concentrate return and / or a permeate recirculation is performed, wherein the permeate recirculation takes place when the compound C is opened. This mode will be described below with the 4 described in more detail. In the third operating mode, all valves are closed, via the bypass line 6 the raw water connection 1 with the consumer connection 29 directly connected. This operating mode will be described below with the 5 described in more detail. In the fourth mode of operation, connections A and D are open and connection C is temporarily open while connections B and E are closed. This mode of operation, subsequently with the 6 is described in more detail, carried out for recommissioning after preservation or cleaning and causes a rinse. The fifth mode of operation is characterized in that the connections A and D are open while the connections B, C and E are closed. This mode corresponds to the membrane rinsing with or without pump and is described below with the 7 described in more detail.

By inserting the functional container 300 with the exemplary RFID label in the holder 110 it becomes the RFID reader 120 (Reader) allows the content 320 to recognize the container or its nature in order to perform a particular operating state of the maintenance depending on the detected content. The contents of the container can refer to any property associated with the container itself or the content 320 is connected and includes, for example, the type of container or cartridge, the size of the container, the concentration of the content.

The initiation of the maintenance can be done, for example, as follows. First, the container insert or the holder recognizes 110 that a container 300 is used. This can be done electromagnetically, for example, by the identification chip 310 has a coil, and the reader 120 emits an electromagnetic field, so when inserting the container 300 in the holder 110 an electromagnetic signal in the identification chip 310 is induced. In response, for example, the identification chip 310 use the induced electromagnetic energy to self-generate a signal having the identification information and return this signal to the reader 120 where it is received and where the identification information is extracted from the received signal.

Optionally, it is also possible that upon insertion of the container into the holder by inserting a switch is actuated, which causes the reader 120 sends or emits a signal from the identification chip 310 Will be received. In response, the identification chip forwards the information to the reader 120 which in turn extracts the identification information from the received signal. Optionally it is also possible that different containers 300 trigger different switches when inserting, depending on different read signals to the identification chip 310 Send or forward, which then sends back various information to the reader.

The functionality of the container 300 is thus ensured with the attached identification chip, which information about the content 320 of the container 300 as well as its property and optionally provides parameters for the process-related use of the content. By way of example, the identification chip may comprise an RFID tag (RFID label) which upon inquiry determines the type of container contents 320 first transmitted, so that subsequently the appropriate program can be carried out. Thus, the exemplary reverse osmosis system has the ability to detect the contents (eg, activated carbon, preservative or cleaning solution, etc.) contained in a functional container or cartridge to start a corresponding routine, depending on which cartridge is used. In this case, for example, the following information from the information chip 310 to the controller 130 be transmitted: parameter variance Type of cartouche Activated carbon filter, antifreeze container, sediment filter, cleaning container, analysis container, preservative container, disinfectant, or combinations thereof size small, large, medium (volume, weight or shape) concentration 0, 1, 2 effect Switching times, flow rates, processes

In the illustrated embodiments of the table, the identification information thus comprises four sections. In a first section will be the type of container 300 or the type of cartridge identified (whether it is, for example, an activated carbon filter, a cleaning container or preservative container). In a second section of the identification information, the size of the container 300 identifies (whether it is a small, large or medium container), where also the exact amount can be given in milliliter / gram, for example. In a fourth section, a concentration is defined, for example, a value of 0 indicates that it is not a solution or solution concentration. In a last section of the identification information, further parameters can be transferred, such as defining switching times or flow rates or time schedules for opening or closing valves.

After inserting the container 300 thus can the automated maintenance of the water treatment plant 200 using various programmed maintenance procedures, as described below with the 3 to 7 described by reading the information chip of the functional container 300 to be triggered. The routine, after reading the information chip 310 is triggered, for example, can be deposited by default on a software, the identification information only determines which part of the software routine is executed and which parameters are to be passed. The information chip 310 itself does not need to do any programming itself, but solves only by identifying the container 300 a specific, predefined program flow. Thus, the identification chip gives 310 the container 300 a specific function associated with his identity. This means that the identification chip 310 is not regulatory, but rather is able to intervene in a controlling manner. At the program level of the controller, parameters are also used (such as the concentration), which are specified via the RFID label, for example. Thus, for example, a container that has a changed concentration of the preservative solution, automatically cause a change in rinsing time.

In the 3 is shown a normal operation, in which, for example, the permeate production takes place, with further details have been included in the 2 for the sake of clarity were omitted.

That in the 3 embodiment shown includes, for example, a membrane module 16 , which is designed, for example, to separate raw water into a retentate (wastewater) and a permeate (treated water). For this purpose, the membrane module 16 a membrane 17 on top of that, a permeate chamber 41 from a retentate chamber 42 separates. The retentate chamber 42 is via a pressure control unit 19 and a retentate output solenoid valve 30 passing along a retentate effluent line 31 is arranged with a sewage discharge pipe 32 connected. The permeate chamber 41 is via a permeate line 20 via an optional conductivity measuring device 21 , an optional temperature measuring device 22 , an optional flow meter 27 , a permeate output solenoid valve 23 , an optional further permeate check valve 37 with a permeate collection point 29 connected. Optional is a pressure sensor 28 at the permeate take-off point 29 educated. The line section of the permeate line 20 after the branch of the permeate return line 38 is as a permeate discharge line 25 and the line section of the retentate line 18 after the branch of the retentate return line 35 is as a retentate effluent line 31 designated.

The retentate chamber 42 also has an inlet via a pump 15 an optional filter housing 8th with an exemplary combined activated carbon and sediment prefilter 9 , an input valve 7 and an optional further flow meter 3 with the raw water feed 1 over the raw water pipe 2 connected is. Optional is also an additional pressure sensor 4 along the raw water pipeline 2 designed to withstand the pressure on the raw water pipe 2 to eat. Furthermore, it is optional between the container 300 for example, the filter housing 8th and the exemplary combined activated carbon and sediment prefilter 9 includes, and the pump 15 along the inflow pipe 115 another pressure sensor 14 designed to withstand the pressure on the inflow pipe 115 to eat. The container 300 indicates the identification chip 310 on, the wireless or wired to the reading device 120 couples to information stored on the identification chip 310 is stored to receive.

Furthermore, the embodiment as shown in the 3 shown is a bypass line 6 on that the raw water pipe 2 with the permeate discharge line 25 connects, optionally along the bypass line 6 a bypass solenoid valve 5 is formed and the bypass line 6 into the permeate discharge line 25 at a bypass entry point 26 opens. There is also a permeate return line 38 from the permeate line 20 (For example, between the optional flow meter 27 and the permeate output solenoid valve 23 ) to the raw water pipe 2 formed, wherein the permeate return line 38 in a permeate-Einmündestelle 39 into the raw water pipe 2 opens. The permeate entry point 39 is for example between the input valve 7 and the container 300 is arranged. In addition, along the permeate return line 38 a permeate recirculation solenoid valve 36 and optionally another permeate check valve 37 be arranged. Moreover, in the embodiment, as in the 3 is shown, a retentate return line 35 between the retentate line 18 and the raw water pipe 2 formed, wherein the retentate return line 35 in a retentate collection point 40 into the raw water pipe 2 opens. The retentate entry point 40 For example, between the permeate-Einmündestelle 39 and the container 300 be educated. Additionally, along the retentate recycle line 35 a retentate recirculation solenoid valve 33 and optionally a retentate check valve 34 be educated. The retentate recycle line 35 For example, between the pressure control device 19 and the retentate output solenoid valve 30 with the retentate line 18 be connected.

Furthermore, the embodiment of the shows 3 a control device 130 and a bus 43 , wherein the control device 130 via control and data lines 12 with components of the water treatment plant 200 is connected to receive on the one hand measurement signals (for example, sensor signals) (these data lines are shown in dashed lines) and on the other hand actuators of the water treatment plant 200 based, for example, on the information obtained (these data lines are drawn as dash-dot lines). The control device 130 is by bus 43 via another data line 132 connected so as to obtain further information and / or control commands and / or programs and / or storage data stored on external memories.

For example, one of the data lines 12 the further flow measuring device 3 with the control device 130 connect another data line to the additional pressure sensor 4 with the control device 130 connect another data line to the input solenoid valve 7 with the control device 130 connect, another data line the RFID reader 120 with the control device 130 connect another data line the other pressure sensor 14 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the pump 15 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the permeate return solenoid valve 36 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the retentate recirculation solenoid valve 33 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the pressure control unit 19 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the optional conductivity measuring device 21 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the optional temperature measuring device 22 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the optional flow meter 27 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the retentate output solenoid valve 30 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the permeate output solenoid valve 23 with the control device 130 connect another data line, the bypass solenoid valve 5 with the control device 130 connect and another data line can be the optional pressure sensor 28 with the control device 130 connect.

Optionally, further between the conductivity measuring device 21 and the flowmeter 27 a temperature measuring device 22 formed to the temperature of the water in the permeate line 20 to eat. The further flow measuring device 3 For example, it is designed to measure an amount of raw water in the raw water pipe, the other pressure sensor 14 is trained, for example, by a pressure in the inflow pipe 115 to measure the pump 15 For example, it is designed to handle the water in the inflow pipe 115 from the container 300 to the retentate chamber 42 to pump. The conductivity measuring device 21 For example, it is designed to provide an electrical conductivity of the permeate in the permeate line 20 to eat. The flow measuring device 27 For example, it is designed to provide a flow rate of permeate in the permeate line 20 to eat. The various check valves (permeate check valve 24 , further permeate check valve 37 Retentate check valve 34 ) are designed, for example, to allow fluid flow in one direction only, the direction being indicated by the arrow below the break-through valves. For example, the various solenoid valves are configured to be based on a control signal from the controller 130 either open or close the flow along the line in question, or partially open or partially close it.

The pressure control unit 19 is adapted to a predetermined pressure in the retentate 42 maintain, so that the exemplary reverse osmosis system operates under desired operating conditions, in particular with a predetermined pressure. The flow measuring device 27 and the further flow measuring device 3 For example, they are designed to supply the measured flow rates to the controller 130 to convey. The control device 130 For example, it is designed to actuate the solenoid valves and / or the pressure control device based on the measured variables, so that the flow rates either increase or decrease and thus the water treatment plant operates under desired operating conditions. The control device 130 is optionally further developed to from the electrical conductivity measurement of the permeate in the permeate line 20 determine whether the membrane module is operating at a desired quality (eg, that the treated water contains no more hardening ingredients and / or ions than is determined by a predetermined threshold). The pressure sensor 28 , the additional pressure sensor 4 and the other pressure sensor 14 For example, they are designed to provide a pressure in the respective conduits (the permeate drain line) 25 , the raw water pipe 2 and the inflow line 115 ) and the measured quantities of the control device, for example 130 provide, so that the control device 130 based on the measured values, which can control valves accordingly, so as to influence the pressure in the respective lines.

The embodiment as it is in the 3 shows a defined normal operation or a permeate production, in which the input solenoid valve 7 is open, the retentate output solenoid valve 30 is open and the permeate output solenoid valve 23 open, with the bypass solenoid valve 5 is closed, the retentate recirculation solenoid valve 33 is closed and the permeate return solenoid valve 36 closed is. Further, the pump 15 and the pressure control unit 19 activated. Thus, a fluid flow is from the raw water inflow 1 over the container 300 , the pump 15 , the membrane module 16 , on the one hand, to the waste water discharge line 32 (via the retentate line) and on the other hand, to the permeate take-off point 29 via the permeate line 20 and the permeate discharge line 25 open. In this normal operation, therefore, the raw water in the membrane module 16 separated into a retentate and a permeate, via the corresponding retentate line 18 and permeate line 20 be dissipated. As already explained above, the normal operation is characterized in that the connection A (see 2 ) and the compounds D and E are open. The open flow paths are marked in bold.

The 4 shows an embodiment of the same water treatment plant, as in the 3 is shown, but wherein a container 300 with a preservative or cleaning solution 9 was used, which has the consequence that the control device 130 from the reader 120 receives a corresponding signal and in response to this signal, the valves switches differently. The open river routes differ from those in the 3 shown (the open flow paths are again in bold). In the in the 4 embodiment shown was the water treatment plant 200 Therefore, by placing a preservative and cleaning solution in the preservation cleaning mode, in which a concentrate recirculation and permeate recirculation takes place. Accordingly, in the embodiment of the 4 the input solenoid valve 7 opened, the bypass solenoid valve 5 closed, the retentate recirculation solenoid valve 33 opened, the retentate output solenoid valve 30 closed, the permeate return solenoid valve is temporarily open, the permeate output solenoid valve is closed. Further, the pump 15 and the pressure control unit 19 activated. Thus, the raw water from the raw water connection 1 over the raw water pipe 2 and the container 300 and after passing the pump 15 in the membrane module 16 , wherein in the embodiment of the 4 the retentate in the retentate line 18 via the retentate return line 35 back to the inlet of the container 300 to be led. In addition, the permeate via the permeate line 20 and the permeate return line 38 also to the inlet of the container 300 led, so that a closed cycle at times for the retentate and temporarily arises for the permeate (for the periods in which the permeate return solenoid valve 36 is open). The corresponding outflows to the permeate take-off point 29 , the sewage drainage pipe 32 are closed. Likewise, the bypass line 6 closed.

The 5 shows an example of a bypass operation for the water treatment plant with the integrated device for maintenance, as with the 3 has been described. This bypass operation may for example be activated in parallel during cleaning and / or preservation and / or rinsing or another mode of operation, so that the consumer continues to receive water from the water treatment plant. For this purpose, the control device controls 130 based on control signals, the valves such that the input solenoid valve 7 is closed, the bypass solenoid valve is open, and all other solenoid valves are closed. Further, the pump 15 and the pressure control unit 19 disabled. Thus, there is a fluid flow from the raw water inlet 1 via the further flow measuring device 3 and the bypass line 6 by passing the bypass solenoid valve 5 towards the permeate take-off point 29 directly possible while the flow direction through the container 300 and the membrane module 16 are blocked.

The 6 shows an embodiment in which the insertion of the container 300 with a container housing 8th and an exemplary combined activated carbon and sediment prefilter 9 as a container contents a re-commissioning after a preservation or after a cleaning initiated and thus causes a rinsing. In this mode of operation is the input solenoid valve 7 opened, the retentate output solenoid valve 30 is open, and the permeate return solenoid valve 36 is temporarily open while the bypass solenoid valve 5 is closed, the retentate recirculation solenoid valve 33 is closed and the permeate output solenoid valve 23 closed is. Further, the pump 15 and the pressure control unit 19 activated. Thus, in this mode of operation, the bypass line 6 and the retentate recycle line 35 blocked, while raw water on the raw water connection 1 and the raw water pipe 2 after passing the container 300 and the pump 15 to the membrane module 16 from where the permeate 20 via the permeate line 20 and the permeate return line 38 back to the inlet of the container 300 while the retentate passes through the retentate line 18 after passing the pressure control device 19 and the retentate output solenoid valve 30 towards the sewage discharge line 32 arrives.

7 shows a further embodiment in which the insertion of the container 300 in the holder 110 (in the 7 not shown) causes a membrane rinse with / without pump for the water treatment plant. In this embodiment, the input solenoid valve 7 opened and the retentate output solenoid valve 30 is open while the bypass solenoid valve 5 , the retentate recirculation solenoid valve 33 , the permeate recirculation solenoid valve 36 and the permeate output solenoid valve 23 are closed. Further, the pump 15 temporarily activated (if the diaphragm rinsing is to be carried out with pump), while the pressure regulating device 19 For example, it is disabled. Thus, a fluid flow is from the raw water inflow 1 over the raw water pipe 2 and passing the container 300 and the pump to the membrane module 16 opened, from where only a drain is possible, via the Retentatleitung 18 after passing the pressure control unit 19 to the sewer pipe 32 so that the membrane 17 in the membrane unit 19 can be flushed using the raw water and the purged water is fed to the sewer. During the membrane rinsing, as in the 7 shown the permeate line 20 , the bypass line 6 , the retentate recycle line 35 and optionally the permeate return line 38 be blocked.

With the in the 7 Thus, a membrane purge shown is achieved care of the reverse osmosis membrane, while in the embodiment of the 6 Rinsing the chemicals for a subsequent restart is achieved.

Embodiments of the present invention thus avoid the beginning. described disadvantages of conventional systems. For example, conventional systems required that, for example, micro-water treatment equipment frequently had to be disconnected from the line network, consumer and drain and / or mains during maintenance, resulting in time and space consuming maintenance. Due to the automated program flow, as the present invention allows, and in particular by the return of volume flows no separation of consumers, Wasserzu and drain the water treatment plant is more necessary. The elimination of several steps in connection with the disconnection / connection of terminals increases the service friendliness and makes it possible to perform maintenance even without further specialist knowledge.

Furthermore, the maintenance protects the devices, as a form by the pump 15 is present and does not have to change constantly. In addition, there can be no confusion with chemicals as all steps are performed automatically. It must also be bridged no sensors such as pressure sensors, because the line form pressure on the one hand always exists and on the other hand, depending on the program flow error messages can be triggered. Consequently, the device does not have to be unscrewed during maintenance or partially disassembled.

Neither is it necessary to stop times since specific parameters from the identification chip to the program of the water treatment plant are automatically forwarded and thus the time can be detected.

In particular, embodiments of the present invention thus offer the advantage of increased ease of operation, since no further aids are required, no manual reset of counters is necessary and the potential for improvement is recognized by the system itself and thus the use of skilled workers is further reduced. An improvement is generally defined as comprising the combination of all measures needed to increase the reliability of a unit without changing the basic function (eg, cleaning). The system performs automatic self-diagnostics so that the system itself can take the necessary steps without relying on user actuations or acknowledgments.

The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims and the figures may be essential for the realization of the invention either individually or in any combination.

Claims (16)

Contraption ( 100 ) for automated maintenance of a water treatment plant ( 200 ) using at least one control signal and at least one container ( 300 ) with an identification chip ( 310 ), the identification chip ( 310 ) is configured to store identification information, the device ( 100 ) Comprises: at least one holder ( 110 ) for the at least one container ( 300 ); at least one reading device ( 120 ), which is designed to extract the identification information from the identification chip ( 310 ) to read; and a control device ( 130 ) configured to extract the identification information from the at least one reading device ( 120 ) and maintenance of the water treatment plant based on the identification information ( 200 ) by providing the at least one control signal. Contraption ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one holder ( 110 ) one, two or three brackets ( 110 ), and wherein the at least one reading device ( 120 ) one, two or three reading devices ( 120 ). Contraption ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification information at least one property of the at least one container ( 300 ) or a content of the at least one container ( 300 ), and wherein the at least one reading device ( 120 ), the at least one characteristic comprising at least one of the following: a container type, a container contents, a container size, a concentration of the container contents, and wherein the at least one reading device ( 120 ) is further adapted to the identification information prior to insertion of the at least one container ( 300 ) in the holder ( 110 ), or on actuation of a switch in the holder ( 110 ) is adapted to be read at insertion or thereafter. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal depends on the identification information, so that different control signals to different identification information by the control device ( 130 ) and the water treatment plant ( 200 ) are provided, and the various control signals are formed, different maintenance routines in the water treatment plant ( 200 ) to initiate automatically. Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a further container, which has a further identification chip with further identification information, in the holder ( 110 ), wherein the identification information is different from the further identification information and is adapted to the at least one container ( 300 ) distinguishable from the further container, and the control device ( 130 ) is further configured to store at least a portion of the identification information, and is further configured to (at a re-insertion of the at least one container ( 300 ) after inserting the further container, first by comparing the at least one part to check whether the at least one container ( 300 ) has been used at least once before and, if so, a multiple use of the at least one container ( 300 ) by the control device ( 130 ) provides no control signal or provides a control signal that no maintenance of the water treatment plant ( 200 ) or the control device ( 130 ) is adapted to after a first insertion of the at least one container ( 300 ) the identification chip ( 310 ). Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device ( 130 ) is further configured to perform the maintenance multiple times and to generate and store a counter when inserting further containers, wherein the counter indicates a number of maintenance performed multiple times, the multiple maintenance performed in particular preservations and / or cleanings and / or Filter change includes. Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder ( 110 ) is adapted to hold another container with a further identification chip for further identification information, and wherein the control device ( 130 ) is adapted to with the insertion of the at least one container ( 300 ) counting operating hours by storing an operating hours counter and / or properties of the identification chip ( 310 ), the control device ( 130 ) interrupting the counting of operating hours by the insertion of the further container and in a re-insertion of the at least one container ( 300 ). Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification information comprises a concentration of a container contents, and wherein the control device ( 130 ) is adapted to store a predetermined concentration value, and further adapted to detect a deviation of the concentration from the predetermined concentration value and to change the control signal as a function of the deviation so as to change the process in the water treatment plant ( 200 ). Contraption ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water treatment plant ( 200 ) a raw water connection ( 2 ), a waste water connection ( 32 ), a consumer connection ( 29 ) and / or a permeate return line ( 38 ) and / or a retentate recycle line ( 35 ) and / or a bypass line ( 6 ), wherein the permeate return line ( 38 ) the water treatment plant ( 200 ) with the raw water connection ( 2 ), the Rententat return line ( 35 ) the water treatment plant ( 200 ) with the raw water connection ( 2 ), and the bypass line connects the raw water connection ( 2 ) with the consumer connection ( 29 ), and wherein the device ( 100 ) is designed to provide a path for water from the raw water connection ( 2 ) to the water treatment plant ( 200 ), the control device ( 130 ) is further configured, based on the identification information, the permeate return line ( 38 ) and / or the retentate recycle line ( 35 ) and / or the bypass line ( 6 ) to open or close. Contraption ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water treatment plant ( 200 ) comprises a reverse osmosis system with a membrane, and wherein the maintenance comprises at least one of the following: a cleaning and / or a disinfection and / or a frost protection process and / or an analysis process and / or a filtration and / or a preservation and / or rinsing of chemicals, a membrane rinse for the care of the membrane in the reverse osmosis system. Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification chip ( 310 ) is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) label, and wherein the at least one reading device ( 120 ) is an RFID reader. Container ( 300 ) for insertion into a device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container ( 300 ) Comprising: an identification chip ( 310 ) with identification information, wherein the identification information is adapted to the device ( 100 ) for maintenance of the water treatment plant ( 200 ) after insertion into the device ( 100 ). Container ( 300 ) according to claim 11, having a predetermined content ( 320 ) and the identification information is adapted to the predetermined content ( 320 ), in particular with regard to a type of content and / or amount, and / or concentration and / or effect of the content. Water treatment plant ( 200 ) with: a device ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and at least one container ( 300 ) according to claim 12 or 13. Water treatment plant ( 200 ) according to claim 14, further comprising a nano-, ultra- or microfiltration or a reverse osmosis system. Method for the maintenance of a water treatment plant ( 200 ), comprising the following steps: providing at least one container ( 300 ) with an identification chip ( 310 ) on which identification information is stored; Providing a bracket ( 110 ) for the at least one container ( 300 ); Insertion of the at least one container ( 300 ) in the holder ( 110 ); Reading the identification information from the identification chip ( 310 ); and providing at least one control signal for the water treatment plant ( 200 ), wherein the control signal is configured to initiate the maintenance based on the identification information.

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