DE102021000916A1 - Apparatus for the automatic generation of a free-fall section to protect the water supply network against recontamination with integrated process water disinfection for the supply of water-carrying/pressure-dependent consumers/extraction points with increased hygienic requirements operated on a water supply network - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Apparatus for the automatic generation of a free-fall section as protection of the water supply network against recontamination with integrated process water disinfection for the supply of water-carrying/pressure-dependent consumers/extraction points with increased hygienic requirements operated on a water supply network. A simple overpressure-based/compressed air-supported, mechanical, electromechanical or Electronically controlled apparatus produces a separation of the process water from the water supply network by means of level measurement(s) by ensuring at least one free-fall section, as well as consistently large delivery quantities on request with simultaneous optional one-stage or multi-stage treatment/disinfection of the process water to be removed within one or more coupled physically closed volume/volume (pressure vessel) in an actively controlled atmosphere that is constantly under operating pressure and sealed off from the outside.

Description

2.1 Technical problem of the invention / technical task and objective:

In the drinking/service water supply of hygienically questionable water extraction devices, in particular equipment in medicine/dental medicine, ever increasing demands are being made on the operators of such facilities with regard to hygiene.

First and foremost, it must be ensured that a recontamination of the drinking water network with germ-contaminated water is prevented by a correspondingly connected apparatus or tapping point.

Additional facilities for sterilizing the service water within a connected apparatus are more than recommended with regard to system and patient hygiene (especially in medicine).

1. a. Bottle-System :
   • Eine druckfeste Flasche / Wasserbehälter wird manuell mit Wasser, evtl. unter zusätzlicher Beimengung entkeimender Mittel befüllt und am jeweiligen Gerät angeflanscht / angeschraubt. Über einen, in der Regel pneumatischen Handschalter wird dann ein Druckluftpolster innerhalb der Bottle erzeugt. Ein im unteren Bereich der Bottle befindliches Saugrohr fördert nun das Brauchwasser mittels voreingestelltem Luftdruck zur letztendlichen Entnahmestelle bis der Wasservorrat in der Bottle verbraucht ist. Die Bottle muss nun erneut befüllt werden Bei diesem System sind die angeschlossenen Endverbraucher komplett vom Trinkwassernetz getrennt.
   • Nachteile : je nach Wasserbedarf muss das System mehr-oder-weniger oft von Hand befüllt werden und wirkt sich entsprechend störend bei längeren Behandlungen oder Arbeiten aus, bei denen eine Unterbrechung des Wasserflusses unerwünscht und störend ist. Somit ist dieses einfache System nur bei sehr geringem Wasserbedarf unter erhöhtem manuellen Befüll-und Hygieneaufwand, oder bei Nichtvorhandensein eines Festwasseranschlusses sinnvoll und mit lästigen Nebentätigkeiten behaftet. Hygiene beim Befüllen und regelmäßige Reinigung der Bottle / Behälter sind zu beachten. (Medizin etc.)
2. b. Automatische Systeme:
   • Trennung vom Trinkwassernetz erfolgt durch eine freie-Fall-Strecke des einlaufenden Wassers mit festgelegter Distanz unter Atmosphäre in einen offenen (be/entlüfteten) Behälter bis zu einem gewissen Füllstand . Das eingespeiste Leitungswasser wird drucklos. Nach Erreichen des vorgegebenen Pegelstandes zum Erhalt der freie-Fall-Distanz wird das Wasser mit hohem technischen Aufwand (Pumpensysteme, Ausgleichs und Druckerhaltungssysteme etc.) wieder auf den erforderlichen Betriebsdruck gebracht und je nach Bedarf und Auslegung des Systems chemisch (z.b. H2O2 / Chlor) weiter aufbereitet. Diese Systeme arbeiten automatisch und entsprechend der angeforderten Wassermenge. Schlummerzustand mit steter Erhaltung des Betriebsdrucks wenn keine Brauchwasseranforderung gestellt wird. Meist trotz Verwendung von Pumpen pneumatisch unterstützt.
   • Nachteile: Aufwendige Technische Lösungen aus einer Unzahl von kostenintensiven Bauteilen und Baugruppen, hohe Produktionskosten, großen Dimensionen bei relativ geringer Förderleistung und erhöhte Anfälligkeit für Betriebsausfälle. Durch schlechten Zugang bei Service,Wartungsarbeiten und Reinigung des Systems hohe Betriebskosten. Risiken im Bezug auf hygienische Anforderungen entstehen durch den Wassereinlauf in ein offenes System und konstruktiv unzugänglicher wasserführender Komponenten. Keime aus der Umgebungsluft haben die Möglichkeit in den Einlaufbehälter einzudringen und das komplette System mit Peripherie dauerhaft zu belasten. Bei nicht sichergestellter Versorgung von zugesetzten entkeimenden Lösungen (chemisch) vermehren sich eindringende oder im Brauchwasser enthaltene Keime bei guten Bedingungen schnell. Da zugegebene Entkeimungsmittel im Brauchwasser relativ schnell zerfallen und somit rasch im System wirkungslos werden, bieten diese Systeme während längerer Standzeiten ein erhöhtes Hygienerisiko durch Verkeimung insbesondere nach längeren Standzeiten des Systems. Resistenzbildung von Keimen gegen verwendete chemische Substanzen zur Entkeimung sind in Ausnahmefällen aufgereteten und machen eine aufwendige Sarnierung des gesamten Wasserführenden Systems notwendig.
   • Im eingebauten Zustand (z.b. Dentaleinheiten) sind in der Regel Entlüftungen für Abfluss oder Absaugvorrichtungen etc. nicht weit und ohne räumliche Systemtrennung innerhalb des Chassis eines Gerätes verbaut und erhöhen das Verkeimungsrisiko aus besonders belasteter Umgebungsluft erheblich. Bei längeren Standzeiten können gängige Systeme nicht ohne weiteres ganz entleert werden und die Keime im Wasser haben entsprechend Zeit prächtigst zu gedeihen. Als Lösung bieten die Hersteller hier einen Intensivmodus an, bei dem eine erhöhte Dosis an chemischer Lösung zugesetzt wird um das System zu spülen/entkeimen.

The following technical solutions currently provide a remedy (state of the art):

1. a. Bottle system :
   • A pressure-resistant bottle / water container is filled manually with water, possibly with the addition of sterilizing agents, and flanged / screwed to the respective device. A compressed air cushion is then generated inside the bottle via a usually pneumatic manual switch. A suction pipe located in the lower area of the bottle now conveys the service water to the final tapping point by means of preset air pressure until the water supply in the bottle is used up. The bottle now has to be refilled. With this system, the connected end consumers are completely separated from the drinking water network.
   • Disadvantages: depending on the water requirement, the system has to be filled more or less often by hand and is correspondingly disruptive during longer treatments or work where an interruption in the water flow is undesirable and disruptive. Thus, this simple system only makes sense if there is very little water requirement with increased manual filling and hygiene effort, or if there is no fixed water connection and is associated with annoying secondary activities. Hygiene when filling and regular cleaning of the bottle / container must be observed. (medicine etc.)
2. b. Automatic systems:
   • Separation from the drinking water network takes place through a free-fall distance of the incoming water at a fixed distance under the atmosphere into an open (ventilated) container up to a certain filling level. The mains water that is fed in becomes depressurized. After reaching the specified level to maintain the free-fall distance, the water is brought back to the required operating pressure with great technical effort (pump systems, equalization and pressure maintenance systems, etc.) and chemically (e.g. H2O2 / chlorine) depending on the requirements and design of the system. further processed. These systems work automatically and according to the requested amount of water. Sleep mode with constant maintenance of the operating pressure if no service water request is made. Mostly pneumatically supported despite the use of pumps.
   • Disadvantages: Complex technical solutions from a myriad of cost-intensive components and assemblies, high production costs, large dimensions with relatively low conveying capacity and increased susceptibility to operational failures. High operating costs due to poor access for service, maintenance work and cleaning of the system. Risks related to hygiene requirements arise from water inflow into an open system and structurally inaccessible water-carrying components. Germs from the ambient air have the opportunity to penetrate the inlet tank and permanently burden the entire system with peripherals. If the supply of added sterilizing solutions (chemical) is not ensured, penetrating germs or those contained in the process water multiply quickly under good conditions. Since added disinfectants in the process water decompose relatively quickly and thus quickly become ineffective in the system, these systems offer an increased hygiene risk due to contamination during longer downtimes, especially after the system has been down for a long time. Resistance formation of germs against chemical substances used for disinfection has occurred in exceptional cases and necessitates a costly tarnishing of the entire water-carrying system.
   • When installed (e.g. dental units), vents for drainage or suction devices, etc. are usually installed not far away and without spatial system separation within the chassis of a device and significantly increase the risk of contamination from particularly polluted ambient air. With longer standing times, common systems cannot be emptied completely without further ado and the germs in the water have enough time to thrive. As a solution, the manufacturers offer an intensive mode in which an increased dose of chemical solution is added to flush/disinfect the system.

A technically extremely simple, pneumatically supported device made up of few components, space-saving and cost-effective in production, easy to maintain and service, easy to handle, with low operating costs and high conveying capacity should also meet the hygienic requirements to an extended extent here in the hermetically sealed system .

2.2 Solution of the problem or the technical task:

a: The apparatus for generating a free-fall section with the connection of sterilizing system components consists of just a few components: 1 pressure vessel with connection option(s) for pressure input (water/compressed air/sterilization) in the upper area (at least 1, max. n ) and connection option(s) for pressure outlet (service water extraction) in the lower area or arranged at the top with a riser pipe to the bottom of the tank (at least 1 max. n).
The pressure vessel is ideally clear, in whole or in part, for maintenance and hygiene purposes, dismountable, pressure resistant as required, and compatible with certain chemical additives if such are introduced. 2 float valves or 1 double valve (purely mechanical) or level sensor(s) on or in the container (output min. 1, max. n switching contacts) of all types (e.g. floats, conductance sensors, laser, ultrasonic measurement etc., (min. 1 max. n) in Connection with (min. 2. max. n) solenoid valves Optionally, for extended control of the system and coupling of appropriate components for hygiene treatment or other additional functions, the system can be equipped with appropriate control electronics as required.
To explain the basic physical and technical function, a simply electrically controlled variant is used to prevent backflow and contamination into the drinking water network using a free-fall section. (Drawing 1) The possible treatment of the water that takes place during ongoing operation and other operational properties are not taken into account for the sake of simplicity and will be discussed afterwards. (2.2b)

1. 1. Stück Druckbehälter (1) mit Anschlüssen Eingang Wasser/Druckluft/optionaler Injektor (2), Anschluss Ausgang für Brauchwasser (3)
   • 1. Stück Schwimmerschalter/Pegelsensor (4) mit elektrisch wirkendem Wechselkontakt (Pegelstand oben /unten),
   • 2 Stück 2-Wege Elektromagnetventile: 1x Wassereinlauf (5), 1xLuftsteuerung (6) Druckschlauch / Rohre, Anschlussteile Vergleiche Zeichnung 1 (Anhang)

Eigespeiste Medien : Druckluft / medizinische Druckluft. (mindestens +0,1-n bar relativ) Wasser aus Leitungsnetz. ( mindestens +0,11-n bar relativ) Betriebsspannung für Steuerung/Magnetventile z.b. 24V- The apparatus chosen for explanation consists of:

1. 1. Pressure vessel (1) with connections for water/compressed air input/optional injector (2), connection for service water output (3)
   • 1. Float switch/level sensor (4) with electrically acting changeover contact (level above/below),
   • 2 pieces 2-way electromagnetic valves: 1x water inlet (5), 1x air control (6) pressure hose / pipes, connecting parts Compare drawing 1 (Appendix)

Media fed in : Compressed air / medical compressed air. (at least +0.1-n bar relative) water from the mains. ( at least +0.11-n bar relative) Operating voltage for control/solenoid valves e.g. 24V-

Functional principle: A valve-controlled pressure tank (1) is monitored by a level sensor with a changeover contact (4) and determines the desired minimum (x) or maximum level (y) in the closed system. The level sensor (4) reports the minimum level (x) when there is no water or the desired minimum level (x) in the pressure tank has fallen below. The solenoid valve (5) on the water inlet circuit is supplied with operating voltage, opens the water inlet and fills the pressure tank (1) with water in free fall according to the preset inlet pressure until the upper level (y) is reached. The changeover contact of the sensor (4) now switches off the solenoid valve (5) at the water inlet of the container (1). The free fall distance (z) of the incoming water is interrupted and thus the required minimum distance (z) for generating the free-fall distance is guaranteed and the risk of recontamination is eliminated.

So that there are no major pressure fluctuations at the service water outlet (3), the solenoid valve for the compressed air supply (6) is opened via the changeover contact of the sensor (4) at the max fill level ((y) at the same time as the water solenoid valve (5) is switched off Compressed air/medical compressed air is an air cushion with which the necessary operating pressure is maintained according to the preset inlet pressure (P-Air < P-Liquid).

The service water can be called up continuously as required at the preset air inlet pressure at the outlet for service water (3). When the minimum level (x) is reached again, the switching status of the changeover contact on the sensor (4) changes and switches the air off again with valve (6). The compressed air support is interrupted and the solenoid valve (5) opens and fills with water again in free fall. The operating pressure remains approximately constant during the process due to the water pressure when filling at the water inlet and the remaining compressed air bubble in the closed system. The flow rate of water is permanently high if required because the apparatus reacts and works very quickly with only 2 alternating work cycles within the pressure vessel (4)'s own atmosphere. When the level is up again, max

Sensor (4) is then changed again with the water being switched off and the air bubble being applied, etc...........etc..

If no demand is placed on the system, it falls into the slumber state while maintaining the compressed air cushion until service water is drawn off again. The system also starts up automatically after longer idle times (complete shutdown of the electricity, water and compressed air supply) or even after the system has been completely drained as soon as all the necessary supply media are available again and service water is required. It doesn't matter what the status of the level sensor (4) is, because one of the two switching/filling states (air cushion or water) is always active and the system starts up safely in the shortest possible time and provides the preset operating pressure to the consumer.

Functional diagram for drawing and explanation of symbols (Appendix) S1 (4) MV1 (5) MV2 (6) SP1 (7) UV (8) off on off on on on off on off on

• - Systementleerung.
• - Zugabe von alternativen Substanzen.
• - Keimtötende, mechanische Filtersysteme im Behältersumpf.
• - UV-Licht als Entkeimung aller im Behälter befindlichen Medien und Oberflächen..
• - Durch hermetisch geschlossenes Prinzip kein Eindringen von Keimen.

längere Standzeiten.

• - Vollständiges Entleeren des kompletten wasserführenden Systems (z.b. Dentales Behandlungsgerät) und/oder der Apparatur zur Verhinderung des Wachstums von Algen/Keimen aller Art im Feuchtmilleau . (länger abstehendes Wasser) Eine Umschaltung, z.b. Schalter an der Steuerung, ermöglicht es dem Betreiber durch dauhaftes Öffnen Magnetventils Luft und Schliessen des Einlaufmagnetventils Wasser sowie evtl. sonstiger zugeschalteter Peripherieanschlüsse das komplette System unter ein Druckpolster zu stellen und entsprechend vollständig zu entleeren, wenn alle wasserführenden Peripherien solange betätigt werden bis Druckluft austritt. Alternativ bzw. zusätzlich ist eine Entleerung durch eine am Wasserausgang der Apparatur angebrachte Ablaufmöglichkeit einrichtbar. Zum Öffnen bzw. Entleeren des Druckbehälters für Wartungs und Reinigungsarbeiten.

kürzere Standzeiten und Regelbetrieb.

• - Dosierte Zugabe von nicht chemisch aktiven und biologisch verträglichen Substanzen mittels Dosiereinheit / Injektor als Alternative anstatt der Aufbereitung mit chemicher Lösung (Stand der Technik) Filtereinsatz/Patrone/Kartusche im Behältersumpf (Wasservorrat im Druckbehälter) aus Kupfer, Silber oder Gold mit möglichst großer vom Brauchwasser durchströmter Oberfläche, Kontaktfläche (z.b Cu-Wolle / Cu-Platten oder Röhrenkonstruktionen etc) im vom Wasser umschlossenen Sumpf des Druckbehälters. Tötet und reduziert dort bei geflutetem Sumpf des Behälters unerwünschte Keime ab.

Regelbetrieb:

• - UV-LED/LED's oder UV Lampe/n innerhalb, oder bei lichtdurchlässigem Material außerhalb des Druckbehälters angebracht, werden bei Betrieb mit entsprechender Betriebsspannung versorgt und eliminieren Keime im Wasser sowie im Luftpolster und an den inneren Oberflächen des Druckbehälters. Die Auswahl von Ausführung, Wellenlänge und Intensität der UV-Leuchtmittel hängt von der letztendlichen Zielsetzung wie Wasserentnahmemenge und Art/Anzahl der zu eliminierenden Keime (Algen, Viren, Bakterien etc.) der Durchflussmenge am Verbraucher sowie der evtl. gleichzeitig zusätzlich betriebenen entkeimenden Systemen ab.

Alle Betriebszustände:

• - Der Druckbehälter der Apparatur ist ein vollständig geschlossenes System das ausschließlich mit Brauchwasser und medizinisch sauberer Druckluft beaufschlagt wird. Weil die freie-Fall-Strecke und bei Bedarf die Aufbereitung unter entsprechenden Druckverhältnissen innerhalb des geschlossenen Systems innerhalb eigener Atmosphäre stattfinden, können keinerlei Keime oder sonstige Verunreinigungen aus der Umgebungsluft in das Innere der Apparatur (Systemkreislauf) gelangen.

b: During the changing states of water filling and the generation of a compressed air cushion within the encapsulated pressure vessel (4), an injector controlled by the apparatus (pump, ext. Pneum, supply, etc.) can also be used according to the hygienic requirements of the process water by adding/ inject dosed additions of germicidal substances (e.g. chemical, state of the art) into the sump of the tank. In order to minimize stress on the subsequent peripheries (material damage in water-bearing parts) and the growth and resistance development of germs, the system should offer an alternative or additional-alternative biological hygiene concept with the following new specifications for such equipment if required:

• - System emptying.
• - Addition of alternative substances.
• - Germicidal, mechanical filter systems in the container sump.
• - UV light to sterilize all media and surfaces in the container.
• - No penetration of germs due to the hermetically sealed principle.

longer downtimes.

• - Complete emptying of the entire water-carrying system (e.g. dental treatment device) and/or the apparatus to prevent the growth of algae/germs of all kinds in the wet milleau. (Long standing water) A changeover, e.g. a switch on the control, enables the operator to keep the entire system under a pressure cushion by permanently opening the air solenoid valve and closing the water inlet solenoid valve and any other switched-on peripheral connections and to be completely emptied if all water-carrying peripherals are actuated until compressed air escapes. Alternatively or additionally, it can be emptied using a drainage option attached to the water outlet of the apparatus. For opening or emptying the pressure vessel for maintenance and cleaning work.

shorter downtimes and regular operation.

• - Metered addition of non-chemically active and biologically compatible substances by means of a metering unit/injector as an alternative to treatment with a chemical solution (state of the art) Filter insert/cartridge/cartridge in the tank sump (water reserve in the pressure tank) made of copper, silver or gold with the largest possible Process water through which the surface flows, contact surface (e.g. Cu wool / Cu plates or tube constructions etc.) in the water-enclosed sump of the pressure vessel. Kills and reduces unwanted germs there when the sump of the container is flooded.

regular operation:

• - UV-LED/LED's or UV lamp(s) inside or, in the case of translucent material, outside of the pressure vessel, are supplied with the appropriate operating voltage during operation and eliminate germs in the water as well as in the air cushion and on the inner surfaces of the pressure vessel. The selection of the design, wavelength and intensity of the UV lamps depends on the ultimate objective, such as the amount of water taken and the type/number of germs to be eliminated (algae, viruses, bacteria, etc.), the flow rate at the consumer and any additional sterilizing systems that may be operated at the same time .

All operating states:

• - The pressure tank of the apparatus is a completely closed system that is only charged with process water and medically clean compressed air. Because the free-fall section and, if necessary, the treatment take place under the appropriate pressure conditions within the closed system within its own atmosphere, no germs or other contaminants from the ambient air can get into the interior of the apparatus (system circuit).

The apparatus can optionally be equipped with one or more of the hygiene specifications explained above.

The apparatus can be used with 1-n. additional sensors and corresponding electronics/data processing take over the specific controls of additional functions or also the communication or third-party control with peripherals or additional safety devices.

The apparatus can be connected two or more times in series. (Multiple free-fall sections and/or disinfection) With multi-stage operation in series, each individual system works independently.

Due to its simple principle, the apparatus can come up with a compact design with a high delivery rate of recontamination/return-secured and required further treated process water. A larger dimensioned version of the apparatus increases the conveying capacity. The conveying capacity can also be multiplied by 2-n containers operated in parallel (enlargement of the volume) or parallel, self-sufficiently working apparatus. The water outlet of each apparatus is then secured against backflow by an additionally installed non-return valve on each apparatus, e.g. when the individual water outlets are subsequently combined.

Mixed operation with series and parallel connection is also possible. (e.g. double free fall with higher conveying capacity)

Similarly constructed apparatuses with at least 2 containers working independently instead of the previously explained water treatment with a 1-container system could also be used in tests, e.g. create a hermetically sealed single or double free-fall path and further treat the service water.

However, the construction, space and material costs are incomparably higher and the physical conditions deteriorate in part within the system and thus also the efficiency and operational reliability. Larger design, higher material and production costs, lower flow rate, higher Compressed air and energy consumption, system start-up problems under certain operating conditions such as pause/standstill etc. are the consequences.

2.3 Areas of application

The apparatus can be used anywhere to connect to the drinking water network with corresponding hygiene requirements/demands or regulations (contamination/re-contamination in the drinking water network). (Compressed air supply or compressed air generator required)

Medical technology/dental medicine: the corresponding systems are often mandatory here or are urgently recommended for old equipment with inventory protection, since the transmission of germs from a patient into the drinking water network or vice versa cannot be ruled out. Medically clean compressed air connection is usually available on the construction/device side. (e.g. dental treatment devices and units)

The apparatus can come up with an extremely compact design with a high delivery rate and, thanks to simple technology, can be easily integrated within devices or in combination with technical medical products in a space-saving, low-maintenance and user-friendly manner. Existing systems (bottle) that are prone to contamination, failure, or cumbersome can be replaced or retrofitted. Built-in or stand-alone versions with flexible and alternative hygiene options enable needs-based designs for the corresponding purpose.

Applications of the device with an appropriately adapted design are also in industry (e.g. food, chemistry), gastronomy (e.g. kitchens/canteen kitchens), in public areas (e.g. hospitals, care facilities, swimming pools, etc.), or even in private households to prevent recontamination of the incoming line network is possible.

reference list

(1)

Pressure vessel/volume, transparent version/2-piece

(2)

Inlet socket for filling the pressure vessel with compressed air/water/solution

(3)

Tapping socket for tapping service water

(4)

Level sensor with changeover contact for minimum and maximum water level/air bubble

(5)

Solenoid valve to control the water inlet

(6)

Solenoid valve to control the compressed air bladder

(7)

Mechanism for initiating sterilizing/conditioning feeds

(8th)

UV lamps for sterilizing the entire interior of the container

(9)

Germ/Bacteria Inhibiting Filter/Filter Insert

(a)

Infeed water supply network

(B)

Infeed compressed air supply

(c)

Injection of treatment solution

(D)

Process water supply in the tank sump (min/max controlled)

(E)

Compressed air bubble in the upper part of the tank (min/max controlled)

(x)

Minimum water level / maximum compressed air bubble level

(y)

Maximum water level / minimum compressed air bubble level

(z)

Minimum free fall distance

Functional diagram for drawing 1:

S1 (4) MV1 (5) MV2 (6) SP1 (7) UV (8) off on off on on on off on off on

Claims (9)

Apparatus for the automatic generation of a free-fall section as protection of the water supply network against recontamination with integrated process water disinfection for the supply of water-carrying/pressure-dependent consumers/extraction points with increased hygienic requirements operated on a water supply network. apparatus after claim 1 , Characterized in that, an overpressure-based/compressed air-assisted, mechanically, electromechanically or electronically controlled apparatus by means of level measurement, a separation of the service water from the supply network by ensuring at least one free-fall section and, on request, consistently large delivery quantities with simultaneous optional one- or multi-stage treatment / Sterilization of the process water to be removed within one or more coupled physically closed volume / volumes (pressure tank) in actively controlled own atmosphere (P> 0.1 bar. Rel., P> 1.1 bar absolute) provides. apparatus after claim 1 and 2 , Characterized in that the apparatus within at least one (1-n) volume/volumes (pressure vessel) with function/need-based supply/extraction connections (1-n each) by alternating operation using level gauge(s) or/sensor(s) (1-n ) Controlled two-way or multi-way valves (1-n) within the enclosed volume(s) with controlled alternating or otherwise expediently clocked filling/venting/diverting under sensibly selected input parameters with water or compressed air in claim 1 meet at least the features mentioned in relation to free fall (also 2-n times) and service water supply, but due to low material and production costs, as well as greatly reduced space requirements with high pumping capacity with the best accessibility for maintenance and cleaning compared to the state of the art. apparatus after claim 1 , 2 and 3 , Characterized in that, within the closed, pressure-resistant volume/volumes in the operating state, a service water supply that is constantly available under the operating outlet pressure with a free-fall section is controlled by appropriate control of the levels for minimum/maximum water levels and the compressed air bubble located above the water level. apparatus after claim 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 , Characterized in that the control of the apparatus supports the supply of water network and compressed air purely mechanically or pneumatically, preferably also electromechanically, electronically or in mixed operation meets the above requirements. apparatus after claim 1 , 2 and 3 , Characterized in that the apparatus, because all relevant physical processes take place within a (1-n) volume/volumes sealed off from the outside, reliably prevents the ingress of ambient air and germs or other contaminants contained therein during/outside the operating phases. apparatus after claim 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 Characterized by the fact that several hygiene devices (UV light / large-area germicidal water filter, e.g. copper / introduction of germicidal or treating substances) operated for the hygienic treatment of the service water, working in their concept with different modes of action, are appropriately controlled by the apparatus, inside or outside attached to the pressure vessel(s), come into effect simultaneously with the process water production within their own volume, and do not impair a high delivery rate, and offer a biologically compatible alternative with an environmentally conscious design. apparatus after claim 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 Characterized in that, the apparatus is emptied of service water by means of an auxiliary control (manual or automatic) by means of supplied compressed air and connected subsequent systems can also be drained and thus contribute to reducing the growth of germs or algae in standing water in the event of longer breaks in operation prevent malfunctions caused by algae growth. apparatus after claim 1 , 2 and 7 , Characterized in that, the irradiation with UV light inside, or using a translucent pressure vessel from outside the volume / pressure vessel into the interior of the tank, the service water, the air bubble and, with sensible design and arrangement of the light source / s, all inner surfaces that are not Water come into contact sterilized.

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