DE202005013377U1 - Drinking water sterilization unit has an electrode chamber with electronic control module and flow meter - Google Patents

Abstract

A drinking water sterilization assembly has an chamber with a water inlet and a water outlet. The chamber is co-located with an electronic control module coupled to an electrode package within the chamber. The chamber is located within a section of drinking water pipe. The electronic control module incorporates a flow meter located after the inlet or prior to the outlet. The water inlet and outlet pipes have standard threads for interconnection to the water supply. The electrode packet has an electrical power supply.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for generating germicidal oxidants in water-bearing Small technical installations, especially in households and smaller ones Equipment such as in gymnasiums, pool showers or similar for the treatment of water, in particular drinking water.

The Problem of risk of infection by bacteria occurring in the water, in particular Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known. By Inhalation of germ-laden aerosols (e.g., in the shower or at the use of so-called aerators) can do it especially in immunocompromised Persons to infections such as in particular the so-called Legionellosis or to organ damage come.

Out the area of water-bearing large technical systems is the phenomenon known that himself Germs in symbiosis with algae, fungi and amoebae on the inner surfaces of the water-bearing Settle systems. The excretory products of different organisms form a biofilm which provides a permanent source of germ for the one used Represents water. The water is thus subject to a continuous Germ burden and endangered the health of end users.

To reduce the bacterial load in large-scale water systems, various methods are named in the literature. For example, facilities with integrated electrodes are known, which are used in hot water circuits, so that a constant circulation of water and thus a constant concentration of oxidants in the flowing water is given. The DE 202 04 230 U1 describes a device in which, for the treatment of the cold water system, a semipermeable membrane separates the electrode spaces from each other. The enriched with oxidants water of the anode compartment is stored in a container and added to the drinking water pipe. The water flowing through the cathode side is constantly disposed of. Furthermore, various facilities for chlorine dioxide dosage are known. However, these are accompanied by the disadvantage that, if handled incorrectly or leaking, the chlorine dioxide escapes and can cause health damage such as lung burns. Furthermore, it is generally known that by adding powdered calcium chloride hypochlorite, so-called chlorinated lime, germicidal chlorine can be produced in the water. Again, there is a significant risk of injury in case of improper handling and incorrect dosage.

The Operators of drinking water supply systems often determine the Concentration of germicidal Chlorine compounds before feeding the water into the supply lines to the individual networks, to a harmful bacterial load exclude the water to be able to. This is among other things in the new, German, tightened drinking water regulation the minimum content of free chlorine at the outlet of the end user to 0,1 mg / l indicated. This value can often not be met in practice.

The germicidal effect of chlorine (Cl ₂ ) is due to its disproportionation into hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HClO) as shown in equation (A).

(A) Cl ₂ + H ₂ O = HCl + HClO

hypochlorous Acid (HClO) is a strong oxidizer and responsible for the germicidal effect. Contrary to previous views, however, exists in smaller and Small plants quite a risk of infection and infection for users. This is due to the fact that especially in older lines the water stained by stagnation.

Farther Hypochlorite can be especially during longer Service life with entrained in the water of the pipeline network reducing agents abreact as shown in equation (B).

(B) ClO ^- + reducing agent = Cl ^- + reducing agent - O

in addition comes that the average number of residents per household in Germany significantly has decreased. This means longer lifetimes, especially in older networks of tap water. Water, the longer time in a pipe network stands, is also called stagnation water. Furthermore can be due to poor heat insulation the temperature of the insufficiently disinfected water and the growth rate existing germs rise explosively. This is true both for hygienic, and in particular medical reasons too avoid.

The However, facilities known from the literature are for large-scale installations designed and due to their elaborate technique, their volume as well as the danger for the operator is not for the use in small plants such. B. suitable for household use.

The present invention is therefore based on the object for mains networks in Kleinanla gen, especially for households, to provide a quick and easy to integrate device that ensures a sufficient concentration of germicidal oxidants. Furthermore, the possible abreaction of possibly existing small amounts of oxidants during prolonged service life of the drinking water in the pipeline network should be taken into account.

These The task is accomplished by a compact, electric continuous flow generator for germicidal oxidants according to protection claim 1 solved. Further advantages of the device will become apparent from the following Description as well as the dependent Claims.

The supply line ( 18 ) of the water supplier extends to the connection point to the local 19 ). The core of the device according to the invention ( 1 ) is a chamber comprising several assemblies ( 2 ), which between supply line ( 18 ) and the pipeline network ( 19 ) is integrated into the line. In case of consumption, the water flows out of the supply line ( 18 ) via an inlet ( 14 ) through the interior of the chamber ( 2 ) and passes through an outlet ( 11 ) into the pipeline network ( 19 ). Inside the chamber ( 2 ) the water flows through an electrode package ( 4 ), on the surface of which the generation / regeneration of the germicidal oxidants takes place by anodic oxidation. The electrode package ( 4 ) is a waterproof implementation with a control electronics ( 3 ), which adjusts the current and voltage to the instantaneous flow rate. The flow rate is upstream of the inlet ( 14 ) or downstream at the outlet ( 11 ) with the aid of a flow meter ( 13 ), which is connected to the control electronics ( 3 ), measured.

In its simplest embodiment, the chamber comprises ( 2 ) a one-piece housing ( 12 ) of a continuous plastic body and an integrated electrode package ( 4 ) and is between supply line ( 18 ) and pipeline network ( 19 ) used. The preferred use of conventional, inexpensive plastics is associated with a reduced unit price. Preferably, inlet ( 14 ) and outlet ( 11 ) have a standardized distance and can be reached via standardized threads ( 21 ) to supply line ( 18 ) and pipeline network ( 19 ) are connected. Here, threads ( 21 ) and dimensions preferably with conventional house group components - such as a Wassermesbügels - match. This standardized construction allows unproblematic retrofitting of older water supply networks. In another embodiment, inlet ( 14 ) and outlet ( 11 ) via a strain relief ( 10 ) are stabilized. Preferably, the strain relief ( 10 ) in the form of a variably adjustable mounting bracket, which is firmly anchored in a wall, so that inlet ( 14 ) and outlet ( 11 ) without additional, lateral tension by the weight of the system to supply line ( 18 ) and pipeline network ( 19 ) can be connected.

In the electrode package ( 4 ) regeneration of the germicidal oxidants takes place by anodic oxidation. Under standard equilibrium conditions, a potential of about 1.4 volts is required for the production of elemental chlorine (Cl ₂ ) from chloride ions (Cl). Taking into account the usual overvoltage effects, the sufficient formation of chlorine for killing germs with a voltage of a few volts is thus possible with a sufficiently large electrode area. The larger the applied current, the greater the proportion of electrically forced oxidation. Some additionally formed oxidants, such as chlorine oxides, in contrast to elemental chlorine have a much longer shelf life. This depot effect is just in view of the longer service life within the pipeline network of advantage and desirable. In addition, at higher operating voltage, the electrode surface can be reduced accordingly with constant efficiency. This will cause the electrode package ( 4 ) Compact and the system as such significantly cheaper. Preferably, therefore, the voltage for the generation of germicidal oxidants is between 5 and 15 volts. The size of the electrode package ( 4 ) is mainly determined by the maximum possible flow rate with simultaneous and complete opening of all outlets in the pipeline network.

During the generation of the germicidal oxidants, deposits such as lime form on the electrodes as a result of side reactions, which lead to a deterioration in the electrode contact to the liquid and an increase in the resistance. To prevent a complete calcification or rapid increase in the electrical resistance, the direction of the generator current is reversed at regular intervals. Oxidatively deposited deposits are then redissolved by appropriate reduction, while reductively deposited deposits are removed by oxidation. Generator current depending on the current consumption and time until the next polarity reversal can be done on a control panel of the control electronics ( 3 ). The control electronics ( 3 ) is in a simple embodiment about two in the interior of the chamber ( 2 ) threaded rods ( 7 ) with the electrode package ( 4 ) firmly connected.

In extremely hard water and high water consumption, the deterioration of the electrode contact to the liquid due to deposits on the electrode surface is accordingly impressed. The electrode package ( 4 ) must then additionally be descaled manually. Advantageously, the chamber ( 2 ) are designed for such operating conditions that a simple change of the electrode package ( 4 ) without disassembly of the entire system is possible: A separate housing part ( 5 ), which the electrode package ( 4 ) encloses, z. B. made as a plastic or glass cup and a waterproof, mechanical connection ( 22 ) - z. As a screw or flange connection - as part of the chamber ( 2 ) integrated. It can be used on already established systems in the field of filter technology. After interlocking an upstream and a downstream shut-off valve, the chamber ( 2 ) with the help of a drain tap ( 9 ) and the electrode package ( 4 ) is after removal of the separate housing part ( 5 ) and can be exchanged.

Suitably, the chamber ( 2 ) with a flow guide ( 6 ) be provided. Said flow guide ( 6 ) comprises, for example, a tube in the middle of which the electrode package ( 4 ) is attached. In this case, the water to be passed through the device is forcibly guided in such a way that it has to pass through the electrode packet in its entirety. In the in 1 This embodiment is characterized by the influence ( 14 ) inflowing water by means of flow guidance ( 6 ) in the lower area of the separate housing part ( 5 ), from which it then in the opposite flow direction through the electrode package ( 4 ) towards the outlet ( 11 ) flows. Tube diameter and arrangement of the electrodes ensure an intimate, homogeneous contact of all volumes flowing through. Optionally, the flow guidance through static mixers ( 17 ). Additionally, for example, by additionally mixing the effluent water with a static mixer ( 17 ) ensure a uniform, constant, average concentration of oxidants.

If the end users are a special risk group, such as those with weakened immune systems, it is desirable to constantly monitor the concentration of germicidal oxidants in the piping system. For this purpose, with the control electronics ( 3 ) Sensors for free chlorine ( 15 ) or germicidal oxidants ( 16 ) via a dedicated socket ( 8th ) get connected. The sensors ( 15 ) ( 16 ) upstream directly after the supply line ( 18 ) and / or downstream within the pipeline network ( 19 ) integrated into the lines. Optionally, the device according to the invention can be operated with only one downstream sensor.

When a predetermined and set maximum concentration of germicidal oxidants is exceeded, the power of the electrode package ( 4 ) and effect of the control electronics ( 3 ) shut down or shut down completely. After the concentration of germicidal oxidants has dropped below a concentration which is below the aforementioned maximum concentration, conversely, the electrode packet ( 4 ) under the effect of the control electronics ( 3 ) started up again.

In a further embodiment, the claimed device comprises an electrode packet ( 4 ) which is accessible under a separately detachable control device of the chamber ( 1 ), a flow tube as a flow guide ( 6 ), a static mixer ( 17 ), a flow meter ( 13 ) as well as several sensors for free chlorine ( 15 ) and germicidal oxidants ( 16 ).

Possibly can the device of the invention with a known ion exchanger for decalcifying the fed water are combined. In this embodiment is the ion exchanger in the flow direction before the device according to the invention arranged. By the artifice of the combination of the device according to the invention with an ion exchanger there are several advantages. On the one hand, the water is descaled, which increases the risk of calcification Electrode package is reduced, or maintenance intervals are increased, their cause in a calcification of the device according to the invention to have. About that In addition, chloride ions are also provided by the ion exchanger, for the formation of chlorine by means of the degermination device according to the invention can be used. Of the Efficiency of the device according to the invention will be improved. Alternatively, and regardless of the combination with an ion exchanger, can in a further embodiment the water before entering the device according to the invention chloride ions be supplied separately. For example, this can be achieved by an additional feed of chloride ions in the form of salts, such as sodium chloride.

The inventive device is also suitable for installation in a so-called domestic water station. Under domestic water station in the sense of the present description is the integration of different assemblies, necessary for a usual Building water connection, such as water meter, filter, check valve and other optional assemblies such as ion exchangers, understood in a common installation unit. Such domestic water stations are known in principle.

Claims (12)

Contraption ( 1 ) for the generation of germicidal oxidants of small and medium-sized networks ( 19 ), in particular drinking water supply networks, comprising a multi-part chamber ( 2 ), an attached control electronics ( 3 ) and one with this control electronics ( 3 ) electrically connected inside the chamber ( 2 ) arranged electrode package ( 4 ), characterized in that the chamber ( 2 ) via an inlet ( 14 ) and an outlet ( 11 ) between supply line ( 18 ) and pipeline network ( 19 ) is integrated in the water supply and the device at least one with the control electronics ( 2 ) connected flow meter ( 13 ), wherein the flow meter ( 13 ) upstream of the inlet ( 14 ) or downstream of the outlet ( 11 ) is attached. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that inlet ( 14 ) and outlet ( 11 ) each have a thread ( 21 ) as well as dimensions that comply with the standardized specifications of a common house group component. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a strain relief ( 10 ) for inlet ( 14 ) and outlet ( 11 ), preferably an adjustable mounting bracket ( 10 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode package ( 4 ) enclosing part of the chamber as a separate housing part ( 5 ) with detachable, waterproof, mechanical connection ( 22 ), preferably a screw connection, is executed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber ( 2 ) Means for flow guidance ( 6 ) of the electrode package ( 4 ) has flowing through water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber ( 2 ) downstream to the electrode package ( 4 ) Medium ( 17 ) for homogenizing the effluent water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode package ( 4 ) through the outer wall of the chamber ( 2 ) threaded rods ( 7 ) with the control electronics ( 3 ) connected is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics ( 3 ) via a socket ( 8th ) with at least one upstream or downstream sensor ( 15 ) for free chlorine. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics ( 3 ) via a socket ( 8th ) with at least one upstream or downstream sensor ( 16 ) for germicidal oxidants. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode package ( 4 ) is laterally extendable from the device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that here continue an additional Having means for feeding chloride ions, wherein the Device for feeding chloride ions upstream of the device on the flow side for the generation of germicidal oxidants is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that Device is arranged in a domestic water station.