DE202005022103U1 - System for monitoring and controlling the water quality in natural adventure pools - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for monitoring and controlling the quality of water in natural swimming pools, comprising: - a water treatment unit, - a data acquisition unit (1) comprising a plurality of measuring probes and automatic samplers arranged at different locations in the pool and the water treatment unit, each receiving the current state of water quality, and - an automatic system controller (4), characterized in that - the data acquisition unit (1) has at least one measuring probe for detecting a turbidity of the water, - that the system controller (4) with the data acquisition unit (1) detected water quality with a hydrodynamic simulation model (11) and evaluates a water quality model (21) in the plant control (4), - that the simulation model (11) takes into account a recorded number of visitors and / or distribution, and - that the water treatment unit has overgrown soil filters, which the plant control (4) b Depending on the demand, - that the water treatment unit has a bottom filter, which is filled with phosphate binding substrates, the plant control (4) passes a variable partial flow of discharged water through the soil filter, - that the plant control (4) controls water features and attractions (8) to channel treated water and / or fresh water (10) into the swimming pool and to direct the public and / or influence guest behavior.

Description

The invention relates to a system for monitoring and controlling the quality of water in swimming pools and in particular natural adventure pools. The system enables the real-time measurement in different areas of the basins or ponds and their evaluation with flow simulation methods with anticipation of the coming use. This results in the control of complex filtration and treatment systems and public steering as well as targeted fresh water supply through water features.

STATE OF THE ART

In swimming pools, it is necessary to have a perfect chemical and hygienic water treatment, which accounts for a significant part of the operating costs. Essential cost factors are the use of chemical disinfectants and the continuous circulation and filtration of the water body.

In conventional baths, sanitation takes place by means of chlorine or other chemicals. Their use, however, often leads to skin irritation and other health problems of visitors. By chlorination also chloro-organic compounds such. Chloroform and other trihalomethanes are suspected of being carcinogenic [1].

In contrast, water basins with biological water treatment are known, also referred to as natural swimming pools or swimming ponds, which manage almost without the use of chemical substances. They represent an artificial, water-based ecosystem. In the pelvic body itself and reinforced in the treatment areas, the loads introduced by bathers are eliminated by the activated biological self-cleaning forces. As a result, there is a sanitation of the bathwater.

However, the operation of these baths is costly. In order to comply with the standards for water quality in different weather conditions, a comprehensive water exchange is required for the corresponding water extraction devices (as in the current FFL recommendation [ 2] defined) must be provided.

However, because natural swimming ponds are usually not flowed through uniformly, but have so-called "dead zones", while considerable reserves are kept and high pumping power provided to ensure sufficient renewal of the dehydrated water in all bathing areas. On the one hand, if the use of chemical agents is saved, on the other hand, the energy required for pumping is considerable.

This is reinforced by the fact that all currently known natural baths are operated without timely analysis of the hygienic load. Rather, samples from the pool water must be taken manually and analyzed in a laboratory. A prompt reaction, z. B. on an exceptional hygienic burden is therefore impossible. For this reason, higher water exchange rates are required for safety.

Although are after DE 100 29 568 A1 Automated systems for meter reading and control (MSR) for bathrooms are known, which serve to ensure the quality of the water. The application describes the parameters total chlorine, free chlorine, pH, redox, ozone and temperature.

Another MSR system is in DE 31 03 126 C2 described. It is the determination of particulate, dissolved or colloidally dissolved organic ingredients by UV spectroscopy and scattered light measurement. But this method also refers to control measures such as chlorine addition.

Therefore, these systems are not applicable to natural swimming pools.

From the DE 44 37 708 A1 For example, a method and a device for the load-dependent operation of a filter system in swimming pools are known, in which the throughput of the filter systems is controlled as a function of the number of people in the water. For this purpose, the water displaced by the persons in the water is detected by the water level in a surge tank. In addition to the control of the throughput of the filter systems is a fresh water supply.

From the DE 101 41 325 A1 For example, a method of fluid flow simulation of media in a volume of space is known to determine at least one physical field size, such as pressure, temperature or particle concentration in the room, etc., the space having one or more air outlets through which the medium enters the room. First, a flow profile of the respective air outlet is simulated as a function of the media flow and the flow profile generated is then based on the flow simulation in the volume of space.

From the DE 100 29 568 A1 are a pool system and a measuring and control device for ensuring the water quality in swimming pools known. Each basin is one Water circulation provided for circulation of the water located in the respective basin and a measuring water extraction device. Depending on the characteristic values of the sample water, the performance of circulation points and a water treatment device is regulated.

TASK

The present invention therefore has for its object to provide a method for monitoring and controlling the quality of water in swimming pools, which allows the proper treatment of the bath water without the use of disinfecting chemicals and with low energy costs.

SOLUTION

The object of the invention is achieved with the features of the independent patent claim 1. Further preferred embodiments according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

In the invention, a combination of one or more overgrown or uncultivated soil filters is used, the hydraulic loading is done by an online control, enter into the parameters of water quality and data on visitor numbers and their distribution in the water body. The evaluation is preferably carried out with a hydrodynamic simulation model, in which the recorded visitor distribution flows in real time.

In addition to the optimized operation of soil filters, the controller effects the connection of nozzles and water attractions in order to influence the distribution of bathers in the pelvic body as a function of the measured data and thus to effect advantageous flow situations in the basin and the avoidance of dead zones.

If necessary, additional purification stages can be switched on.

The system according to the invention therefore contains in each case at least one water treatment unit, data acquisition unit and automatic system control. They form a control loop, which is in communication with the pelvic body.

Description of the system

data collection

The data acquisition unit provides the data input to the automatic plant control. It consists of several measuring probes and automatic samplers, which are arranged at different points in the basin and at the water treatment unit and each record the current state of the water quality. In this case, the measured data are recorded both in the inlet and in the outlet of the water treatment unit, wherein preferably each partial flow is measured separately, so that the efficiency of the individual treatment steps can be reconstructed at any time. The measurement can, but need not be made by separate measuring electrodes, but can also be done via a single centrally located measuring system, which can be subjected to random sampling with a variety of sub-streams.

The data acquisition unit should be able to measure at least the turbidity of the water. In addition, it makes sense to record the hygienic situation in the bathroom. Further useful parameters for the data acquisition unit are the pH value, the temperature, the oxygen content, the spectral absorption at 436 nm (determination of the color), the measurement of the global radiation and the determination of the chlorophyll-a content. As a further input variable, the measurement of the flow conditions in the tank can be used (eg via flow measuring probes).

sensors

turbidity measurement

The turbidity is suitable as another independent measurement parameter, as it correlates well with the depth of vision in the bath water, and this in turn correlates with the contamination of the water with phytoplankton. The turbidity measurement thus gives an indirect indication of the presence of phytoplankton in the water and its effect on the depth of vision. Since a large part of the phytoplankton is filtered off via the water treatment unit, the quality of the filtration performance can be determined by measuring the treated water in relation to the values of the feed. A breakthrough of the filter can be easily detected, so that the corresponding filter can be taken out of service via the automatic system control or reduced in its throughput. In order to prevent bacterial contamination of the drainage and collection lines of the filter outlet due to deposited suspension after filter breakthrough, a cleaning unit can be actuated due to the turbidity measurements, which causes high-pressure flushing by the retraction of brushes and / or local addition of disinfectant, a cleaning of the manifolds.

The measurement of the turbidity in the inlet allows the automatic control over the comparison with fixed threshold values, with which hydraulic throughput the Water treatment plant can be driven and how much and what levels are applied. At high turbidity levels, it is z. B. makes sense to give a highly loaded partial flow first over an uncultivated soil filter, possibly with the addition of flocculants. As soon as the turbidity in the feed decreases, the flocculant adjuvant can be adjusted first, and then the operation of the uncultivated filter can be adjusted to give it time to dry and regenerate. The pH can be z. B. be detected as an additional measurement parameters in the basin, since high pH values (pH> 7.5) indicate the activity of the CO2 consumption of phytoplankton. If the pH decreases, a control is present in addition to the turbidity values that sufficient phytoplankton could be filtered off. Further parameters for the parallel control of the Phytoplanktongehalts or hedging the data obtained from the turbidity measurement data are z. For example, the oxygen content (> 100% saturation in the presence of algal blooms) or the determination of the spectral adsorption at 436 nm as a measure of the color of the water, as well as the determination of total living and dead biomass from phytoplankton by a chlorophyll-a determination ,

temperature measurement

The detection of the temperature is useful to infer the development of phytoplankton and microbial strains. If required, the hydrodynamic simulation model integrated into the automatic system control can be combined with an extended simulation model of the water quality into which the temperature as a measure influencing the kinetics of biological processes flows. This allows you to create forecasting models that B. provide a forecast value of expected at constant temperature conditions microbial load on the water. The ratio of forecast value to setpoint allows the automatic system control to take preventive measures, eg. B. the targeted addition of cold fresh water, the z. B. from the mains network or via a groundwater well.

flow measurement

By means of flow measuring probes, the flow conditions in particularly sensitive pelvic areas, which are considered as potentially low-mixing dead zones, can be recorded.

Visitor registration and forecast

Fed with updated data, the simulation model is visualized by the visualization of the visitor distribution in the bathroom, the z. B. by one or more masts on the diving tower o. Ä. Mounted digital camera systems can be detected. Visitor numbers and distribution are z. B. in real time, converted via an evaluation software to records and passed as input to the simulation model. In addition to capturing the visitors by means of a camera, other systems can also be used for this purpose, eg. B. the collection of the total number of visitors to the cash register of the bath, the count of visitors who enter the basin by means of light barriers o. Ä.

The model can also be extended to include a forecast of visitor numbers in the next few days, which can be created depending on the weather forecast, the day of the week and statistical evaluations of past bathing seasons. This allows medium-term control strategies that take into account the forecasted developments of several days. The input of weather data can z. B. automated via an Internet connection.

The model uses the input data of the number of visitors and distribution to simulate the flow conditions in the bathroom and generates an output data set for the flow situation in individual basin compartments. These data can be compared to actual values of flow probes mounted in these pelvic areas. This allows the model to be continuously calibrated to increase forecast accuracy.

Control measures and elements

water exchange

The pelvic body may consist of one or more pools that are suitable for bathing. Conventional swimming pool pools are just as suitable as naturally designed pools or natural bathing lakes whose water quality can be purposefully improved.

The pool has one or better several points for targeted water extraction and re-introduction. The removal of the drained water from the basin can z. B. be carried out evenly and continuously over overflow troughs on the marginal boundaries of the basin. However, only one or a few drainage points can be realized at an appropriate point in order to effect a longitudinal flow through the basin with the water drained off in a targeted direction.

The introduction of fresh treated water can also be done evenly over overflow channels. But advantageous is a targeted interference of the treated water in the pelvic body at several distributed over the pelvis Bodies, e.g. B. over water jets or water attractions such as slides, fountains, waterfalls or the like. Both the nozzles and the water attractions are arranged in the pool, that a maximum mixing of the water and a flow of the drained water in the direction of the sampling points, z. B. overflow channels takes place. For this purpose, a hydrodynamic simulation model is used, which is used for pelvic planning as well as for the operation of the pool as part of the plant control. The control of the water jets and attractions as well as the quantities of treated water led into the basin is carried out by the automatic system control.

soil filter

As a water treatment unit z. B. a sand filter that can be configured as overgrown or uncultivated soil filter. Usually, the sand filter, which can be executed in one or more stages and operated in parallel or in series, separated by a plastic sealing strip from the surrounding ground. The sand filter layer lies at a thickness of 0.3 to 1 m above a drainage gravel pack, in the drainage lines catch the leachate, which is conveyed via manifolds and pumps back into the bath. The distribution of the drained water on the filter body via a branched network of perforated feed lines, which are laid on the surface of the filter body. In order to avoid rinsing out of the sand filter and to ensure the homogeneous overflow of the filter surface, the feed lines are covered with a thin layer of drainage gravel, lava rock or other coarse-grained material in the pore space, the applied bathing water can be evenly distributed.

The operation of the filter can be continuous or discontinuous (with dry phases between the feeds). It can also be a combination of overgrown and unbewachsenem filter can be selected, wherein the unexpanded filter is preferably connected upstream of an overgrown filter or connected in parallel with this. Uncovered filters allow easier peeling of coagulant substances than is the case with overgrown filters. Thus, an uncovered filter for targeted retention of potentially clogging fines can be used, or z. B. to allow a targeted flocculation and sedimentation of fine particulate matter and Suspensa, the z. B. by peeling the surface of the system can be removed (eg, at the end of a bathing season).

UV Bestahlung

In addition, a UV lamp can be part of the water treatment unit, over which a partial stream of the purified water is passed in order to further reduce the bacterial counts as required. The connection of the UV lamp and the regulation of the required partial flows are controlled by the automatic control.

flocculants

The occurrence of microorganisms is often bound to the presence of particulate substances because z. As a rule, bacteria are not free-floating, but sessile, d. H. bound to surfaces. If necessary, the addition of flocculants can be used to retain particles that could pass the filter gap of conventional sand filters in the [μ] m range and thus reduce the microbial load in the bath. As flocculants here are approved exclusively for use in drinking and bathing water approved products. The effect of the FHM results in the coagulation of the microparticulate fines, so that they form larger flake structures, which can be deposited by means of the filter used in the treatment plant. The control of the flocculant dosing is also done via the automatic control.

Generation of turbulence

Since a large part of the fine particulate matter is produced by the growth of algae, it is still useful to worsen the growth conditions for algae in the basin. In addition to improving the depth of vision, it can be expected that reducing the concentration of algae in the water will also improve the microbiological situation. Poor growth conditions for algae can be z. B. achieve by turbulent zones are created especially in the pelvic areas, the otherwise z. B. due to low water depth, sunlight etc. are preferred areas for algae growth. The creation of turbulent zones in turn can be done by controlling water nozzles and water attractions via the automatic system control.

Phosphate binding in the soil filter

In addition, it makes sense to reduce the concentration of plant-available nutrients in the water. This can be done selectively in the water treatment unit by the filling substrate of one or more of the soil filter used contains an admixture of materials that are able to bind phosphates. Possible is z. As the use of iron, z. B. from waterworks, or the use of lime or dolomite stones, but also the use of other metal salts or of synthetic materials, which are due to their charge and structure in a position to bind phosphates. In addition, the flocculants used as needed for flocculation of the particulate ingredients can also serve to precipitate phosphates by appropriate additives, or to remove phosphates via the embedded in the algal biomass P reserves in terms of coprecipitation and flocculation from the system and so a return from dead biomass in the pelvic body.

Targeted algae growth for phosphate removal

It is conceivable in addition to a chemical or physical P-bond but also a targeted biological elimination plant-available phosphates, eg. B. the fact that in one of the soil filter plant upstream pool targeted growth of algae is made possible. The growing and multiplying algae remove the phosphate from the water, then the algae are selectively removed, eg. B. by adding zooplankton, which in turn is filtered out through the soil filter, or by skimmers, which remove the floating on the surface of the basin algae and remove from the system. The automatic system control regulates the partial flows, which should reach beds or basins prepared for phosphate binding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following the invention will be further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

1 represents the overall system of regulation of the pelvic systems.

2 shows the automatic system control as a connecting element between data acquisition unit and action unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

1 represents the complete system of the control of the pool systems. After specification of the action parameters by the automatic system control 4 can motor slide 6 operated, pumps 7 controlled, water attractions 8th switched on or off, cleaning stages individually 9 switched on, fresh water 10 be promoted, etc.

2 shows the automatic system control 4 as a connecting element between the data acquisition unit 1 and action unit 5 ,

The data from the data acquisition unit 1 be as input 27 fed into the system and evaluated, the comparison of actual value 2 and forecast value 3 respectively. 15 the decision for a specific control strategy or the triggering of a specific event via the action unit 5 allowed.

A hydrodynamic simulation model is used to evaluate the chemical and physical data 11 , Therein are the pelvic geometries as fixed parameters 12 and the arrangement of overflow channels 16 , Nozzles 13 etc. deposited, so that with the visitor registration 20 a multi-dimensional image of the bath (cf. 1 ) arises in the computer. Extensive data sets containing different control strategies 17 depending on measured values 22 to 26 provided are processed in the simulation model to predetermined setpoints 18 by entering respective forecast values 3 respectively. 15 to be able to comply.

The output data set of the flow data 19 becomes an integrated water quality model 21 the water quality parameter (actual values from the data acquisition unit) taken in via measuring probes, such as temperature 22 , PH value 23 , Coloring 24 , microbial monitoring parameters 26 etc. another output record 28 for the prognosis, in particular for the phytoplankton and microbiological development in the bath water produced. This record 28 can via the control loop 32 then in appropriate actions 29 the plant control are implemented after using the comparator 30 a comparison of the specified setpoints 18 with the actual value 2 and forecast values 3 respectively. 15 is done.

The automatic system control 4 can combine all the elements described in it, but it can also consist of several coupled together blocks, which may also be spatially separated from each other. The hydrodynamic simulation model 11 can z. B. on a separate computer 14 outsourced via a fast data connection (eg WLAN) 31 with the data acquisition unit 1 connected is. The data acquisition unit 1 but can z. B. as a module in the automatic control 4 to get integrated. This has the advantage that the entire technology is centralized and only the probes 22 to 26 ) lie outside.

Literature:

• [1] HEALTH OFFICE BREMEN (2001): "Drinking and bathing water quality work results 1996-2000"; Health Department Bremen-Subject area Environmental Hygiene, Health & Environment: Sabine Luther; Ina Schaefer; Ilona Stockhinger ,
• [2] FLL (2003): "Recommendations for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of public swimming and bathing pond systems"; Research Society Landscape Development Landscaping e. V. (FLL), Bonn ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Data acquisition unit

2

Actual value

3

forecast value

4

Automatic system control

5

action unit

6

motor slide

7

pump

8th

water attractions

9

cleaning stages

10

fresh water

11

Hydrodynamic simulation model

12

basin geometry

13

jet

15

forecast value

16

Spillways

17

control strategies

18

Target values

19

Output data record of the flow data

20

visitor registration

21

Water quality model

22

temperature

23

PH value

24

coloring

25

Flow probe

26

Microbial monitoring parameters

27

Input data set

28

Output record of the water quality model

29

Actions

30

comparator

31

Fast data connection (eg WLAN)

32

Control circuit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10029568 A1 [0008, 0013]
• DE 3103126 C2 [0009]
• DE 4437708 A1 [0011]
• DE 10141325 A1 [0012]

Claims (11)

System for monitoring and controlling the quality of water in natural swimming pools, comprising - a water treatment unit, - a data acquisition unit ( 1 ), which has a plurality of measuring probes and automatic samplers, which are arranged at different locations in the basin and at the water treatment unit and respectively record the current state of the water quality, and - an automatic system control ( 4 ), characterized in that - the data acquisition unit ( 1 ) at least one measuring probe for detecting a turbidity of the water, - that the system control ( 4 ) with the data acquisition unit ( 1 ) recorded water quality with a hydrodynamic simulation model ( 11 ) and a water quality model ( 21 ) in the plant control ( 4 ), that the simulation model ( 11 ) a recorded number of visitors and / or distribution, and - that the water treatment unit has overgrown soil filters, the system control ( 4 ), depending on demand, that the water treatment unit has a bottom filter which is filled with phosphate-binding substrates, wherein the system control ( 4 ) directs a variable partial flow of discharged water over the ground filter, - that the plant control ( 4 ) Water features and attractions ( 8th ) to treat treated water and / or fresh water ( 10 ) into the swimming pool and to direct the public and / or influence guest behavior. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the simulation model ( 11 ) takes into account a forecast of visitor numbers over the next few days, depending on the weather forecast, the day of the week and / or statistical evaluations of past bathing seasons. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data acquisition unit ( 1 ) has one or more measuring probe (s) which detect or detect the turbidity in the basin body and in the drainage of the water treatment unit, wherein the control by the plant control ( 4 ) is dependent on the detected turbidity. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the data acquisition unit ( 1 ) one or more measuring probe (s), which in the pool body and in the drainage of the water treatment unit the coloring ( 24 ) are recorded or recorded as measurement parameters. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the data acquisition unit ( 1 ) Has measuring probes which in the same areas of the pelvic bodies, in addition to the water quality, the water temperature ( 22 ), whereby the control by the system control ( 4 ) of the detected water temperature ( 22 ) is dependent. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the data acquisition unit ( 1 ) Flow meter for detecting the flow conditions in low-mixing basin areas and / or one or more measuring probe (s) for detecting a pH ( 23 ), a temperature ( 22 ), an oxygen content which has spectral absorption at 436 nm, global radiation and / or chlorophyll-a content. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a separate cleaning basin is provided with an open water surface, in which a targeted algae formation is allowed, the plant control controls feeding the separate cleaning basin. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a Flockungsmitteldosierung is provided, which adds, after the specification of control parameters a variable partial flow of the water discharged amounts of a flocculation aid before the filtration stage. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the water treatment unit comprises a UV lamp via which the system control ( 4 ) controlled a variable partial stream of the purified water from the water treatment unit is dosed so that the desired sterilization pathogenic germs is supported, but without damaging the necessary for biological purification in the ecosystem soil filter antagonists. System according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the plant control ( 4 ) triggers a cleaning process for the drainage and manifolds of the filter sequence. System according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the water treatment unit comprises a sand filter in the form of a covered soil filter.

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