DE202021000670U1 - Apparatus for the automatic generation of a free-fall section as protection of the water supply network against recontamination with integrated industrial water disinfection for the supply of water-bearing / pressure-dependent consumers / extraction points with increased hygienic requirements that are operated on a water supply network - Google Patents

Abstract

Characterized by the fact that an overpressure-based / compressed air-assisted, mechanically, electromechanically or electronically controlled apparatus by means of level measurement, a separation of the domestic water from the supply network by ensuring at least one free-fall section and, on request, consistently large delivery quantities with simultaneous optional single or multi-stage treatment / disinfection of the domestic water to be withdrawn within one or more coupled, physically closed volumes (pressure vessels) in an actively controlled own atmosphere (P> 0.1 bar. Rel., P> 1.1 bar absolute).

Description

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 higher demands are placed on the operators of such facilities in terms of hygiene.
First and foremost, it must be ensured that the drinking water network is contaminated again
with germ-contaminated water is absolutely prevented by an appropriately connected apparatus or extraction point.
Additional facilities for disinfecting the process water within a connected device are more than recommended with regard to system and patient hygiene (especially in medicine).

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

Bottle system:

A pressure-resistant bottle / water container is filled manually with water, possibly with the addition of disinfectants, and flanged / screwed onto the respective device. A compressed air cushion is then generated inside the bottle using a manual switch, which is usually pneumatic. A suction pipe located in the lower area of the bottle now conveys the process water to the final extraction 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 has a correspondingly disruptive effect during longer treatments or work in which an interruption of the water flow is undesirable and disruptive. Thus, this simple system is only useful when there is very little water requirement with increased manual filling and hygiene effort, or when there is no permanent water connection, and it is associated with bothersome secondary activities. Hygiene when filling and regular cleaning of the bottle / container must be observed. (Medicine etc.)

Automatic systems:

Separation from the drinking water network takes place through a free fall section of the incoming water with a fixed distance under atmosphere into an open (ventilated / ventilated) container up to a certain level. The fed-in tap water is depressurized. After reaching the specified level to maintain the free fall distance, the water is brought back to the required operating pressure with a high level of technical effort (pump systems, equalization and pressure maintenance systems, etc.) and chemically (e.g. H2O2 / chlorine) depending on the needs and design of the system further processed. These systems work automatically and according to the requested amount of water. Dormant state with constant maintenance of the operating pressure when no hot water demand is made. Mostly pneumatically supported despite the use of pumps.

Disadvantages: Complex technical solutions made up of a myriad of cost-intensive components and assemblies, high production costs, large dimensions with a relatively low delivery rate and increased susceptibility to operational failures. Due to poor access for service, maintenance work and cleaning of the system, high operating costs.
Risks in relation to hygienic requirements arise from water running 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 pollute the entire system with peripherals. If the supply of added disinfecting solutions (chemical) is not ensured, germs that penetrate or are contained in the service water multiply quickly under good conditions. Since added disinfectants disintegrate relatively quickly in the process water and thus quickly become ineffective in the system, these systems offer an increased hygiene risk due to contamination, especially after the system has been inactive for longer periods of time. Resistance development of germs to chemical substances used for disinfection are in exceptional cases and make a complex sanitation of the entire water-carrying system necessary.
In the built-in state (e.g. dental units), ventilation for drainage or suction devices etc. is usually not built in and without spatial system separation within the chassis of a device significantly increase the risk of contamination from particularly polluted ambient air. If the system is not used for a long time, it cannot be completely emptied and the germs in the water have time to thrive. As a solution, the manufacturers offer an intensive mode in which an increased dose of chemical solution is added to rinse / sterilize the system.

A technically extremely simple, pneumatically supported apparatus made up of a few components, space-saving and cost-effective in production, maintenance and service-friendly, easy to use, with low operating costs and high conveying capacity, should also meet the hygienic requirements in this hermetically sealed system to a greater extent .

Solution of the problem or the technical task: 2.2.a

The apparatus for generating a free fall path with connection of disinfecting system components consists of only a few components: 1 pressure vessel with connection option / s for pressure inlet (water / compressed air / disinfection) in the upper area (min. 1, max. N) and Connection option (s) for pressure outlet (domestic water withdrawal) in the lower area or at the top, provided with a riser pipe to the tank bottom (at least 1 max. N). The pressure vessel is ideally completely or partially clear for maintenance purposes and from a hygienic point of view, can be dismantled, is pressure-resistant according to the requirements and is compatible with certain chemical additives, if they 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 kinds (e.g. floats, conductance sensors, laser, ultrasonic measurement etc, (min. 1 max. N) in Connection with (min 2. max. N) solenoid valves. As an option for the extended control of the system and the coupling of appropriate components for hygiene preparation or other additional functions, the system can be equipped with appropriate control electronics as required. To explain the basic physical and technical functionality, a simply electrically controlled Variants to prevent backflow and re-germination in the drinking water network by means of a free-fall section are used as the basis. (Drawing 1) The possible processing of the water and other operational properties that take place during continuous operation are not yet taken into account for the sake of simplicity and will be discussed afterwards. (2.2.b )

• 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:

• 1st piece of pressure vessel (1) with connections for water / compressed air / optional injector (2) , Connection output for domestic water (3)
• 1. Piece of float switch / level sensor (4) with electrically operating changeover contact (level above / below), 2 pieces 2-way solenoid valves: 1x water inlet (5) , 1x air control (6) Pressure hose / pipes, connection parts compare drawing 1 (appendix)

Self-fed media: 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 vessel (1) , is from a level sensor with changeover contact (4) level monitors and sets the required minimum (x) or maximum level in the closed system (y) firmly. The level sensor (4) reports the minimum water level (x) if there is no water or the desired minimum level (x) in the pressure vessel is below. The solenoid valve (5) An operating voltage is supplied to the water inlet circuit, opens the water inlet and fills the pressure vessel according to the preset inlet pressure (1) in free fall with water up to the upper water level (y) is reached. The changeover contact of the sensor (4) now switches the solenoid valve (5) at the water inlet of the tank (1) from. The free fall route (z) the incoming water is interrupted and thus the required minimum distance (z) to generate the free-fall distance and eliminate the risk of contamination.

So at the domestic water outlet (3) no major pressure fluctuations occur via the changeover contact of the sensor (4) at level max ((y) at the same time as switching off the water solenoid valve (5) the solenoid valve for the compressed air supply (6) open. It is created by the supplied compressed air / med. Compressed air an air cushion with which the required operating pressure is obtained according to the preset input pressure (P-Air <P-Liquid).

The domestic water is the preset air inlet pressure at the outlet for domestic water (3) continuously available as required. When the minimum level (x) is reached again, the switching state of the changeover contact on the sensor changes (4) and switches with valve (6) the air again. The compressed air support is interrupted and the solenoid valve (5) opens and fills again in free fall with water. The operating pressure remains almost 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 when required because the apparatus with only 2 alternating work cycles within the pressure vessel's own atmosphere (4) responds and works very quickly. If the water level is renewed, max. At the sensor (4) then the change takes place again with switching off the water and applying the air bubble etc .......... etc ..........

If no demands are made on the system, it will fall asleep while maintaining the compressed air cushion until process water is withdrawn again. The system always starts automatically even after long periods of rest (complete shutdown of electricity, water and compressed air supply) or after the system has been completely emptied, as soon as all the necessary supply media are available again and process water is required. It does not matter which level the level sensor is (4) because one of the two switching / filling states (air cushion or water) is always active and the system starts up reliably in the shortest possible time and provides the preset operating pressure at the consumer.

Function 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

b

• - 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 .

During the changing states of water filling and the creation of a compressed air cushion within the encapsulated pressure vessel (4) In addition, an injector controlled by the equipment (pump, external pneum, supply, etc.) can be added to the tank sump according to the hygienic requirements of the service water by adding / injecting dosed additions of germicidal substances (e.g. chemical, state-of-the-art). In order to minimize stress on the following peripherals (material damage in water-bearing parts) and the growth and resistance formation of germs, the system should, if required, offer an alternative or additional alternative biological hygiene concept with the following new specifications for such equipment:

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

longer service life.

- 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 moist milleau. (water that stands out for a longer period of time) A switchover, e.g. Switch on the control, enables the operator to put the entire system under a pressure cushion by permanently opening the air solenoid valve and closing the water inlet solenoid valve and any other connected peripheral connections, if all water-carrying peripherals are operated until compressed air escapes. As an alternative or in addition, it is possible to set up a drain through a drainage facility 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.

- Dosed addition of non-chemically active and biologically compatible substances using a dosing unit / injector as an alternative instead of processing with chemical solution (state-of-the-art) Filter insert / cartridge / cartridge in the tank sump (water supply in the pressure tank) made of copper, silver or gold with the largest possible surface through which the process water flows, contact surface (e.g. copper wool / copper plates or tube constructions etc) in the sump of the pressure tank enclosed by the water. Kills and reduces unwanted germs there when the tank sump is flooded.

Regular operation:

- UV-LED / LED's or UV lamp / s inside, or with 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 withdrawn and the type / number of germs to be eliminated (algae, viruses, bacteria, etc.), the flow rate at the consumer as well as the disinfecting systems that may also be operated at the same time .

All operating states:

- The pressure vessel of the apparatus is a completely closed system that is only supplied with service water and medically clean compressed air. Because the free-fall section and, if necessary, the processing takes place under the corresponding pressure conditions within the closed system within its own atmosphere, no germs or other impurities 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 control of additional functions or communication or external control with peripherals or additional safety devices.

The apparatus can be connected two or more times in series. (Multiple free-fall section and / or disinfection) In the case of 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 flow rate of back-germination / return-flow-protected and further treated service water. A larger dimensioned design of the apparatus increases the delivery rate. The conveying capacity can also be multiplied by 2-n containers operated in parallel (increasing the volume) or by parallel, self-sufficient apparatus. The water outlet of each apparatus is then secured against backflow, e.g. when the individual water outlets are subsequently merged, by an additional non-return valve mounted on each apparatus. Mixed operation with series and parallel connection is also possible. (e.g. double free fall with higher delivery rate)

Similarly constructed apparatuses with at least 2 dependently working containers instead of the previously explained water treatment with 1-container system could also e.g. create a hermetically sealed single or double free-fall section and further treat the domestic water. The construction, space and material costs are, however, much higher and the physical conditions sometimes deteriorate within the system and thus also the efficiency and operational reliability. Larger design, higher material and production costs, lower conveying capacity, higher compressed air and energy consumption, start-up problems of the system under certain operating conditions such as pause / standstill etc. are the result.

application areas

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

Medical technology / dental medicine: in this case, appropriate systems are often mandatory or urgently recommended in old equipment with inventory protection, as a transfer 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 building / device side. (e.g. dental treatment devices and units)

With its extremely compact design, the apparatus can boast a large delivery rate and, thanks to simple technology, can be easily integrated into devices or in conjunction with technical medical products in a space-saving, low-maintenance and user-friendly manner. Existing systems (bottles) that are susceptible to germs, susceptible to failure or cumbersome can be replaced or retrofitted. Built-in or stand-allone versions with flexible, also alternative hygiene options enable needs-based designs for the respective purpose.

The device can also be used with an appropriately adapted design in industry (e.g. food, chemicals), gastronomy (e.g. kitchens / large kitchens), in public areas (e.g. hospitals, care facilities, swimming pools, etc.), or even in private households to prevent recontamination of the supply network possible.

List of reference symbols

(1)

Pressure vessel / volume, transparent design / 2-part

(2)

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

(3)

Withdrawal nozzle for the tapping of service water

(4)

Level sensor with changeover contact for minima and maxima water level / air bubble

(5)

Solenoid valve to control the water inlet

(6)

Solenoid valve to control the compressed air bubble

(7)

Mechanism for the introduction of sterilizing / conditioning additions

(8th)

UV lamps for disinfecting the entire inside of the container

(9)

Germ / bacteria-inhibiting filter / filter insert

(A)

Feeding the water supply network

(B)

Feed compressed air supply

(C)

Feeding in of the processing 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 level

(z)

Minimum distance of the free fall route

Function 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 (8)

Characterized by the fact that an overpressure-based / compressed air-assisted, mechanically, electromechanically or electronically controlled apparatus by means of level measurement, a separation of the domestic water from the supply network by ensuring at least one free-fall section and, on request, consistently large delivery quantities with simultaneous optional single or multi-stage treatment / disinfection of the domestic water to be withdrawn within one or more coupled, physically closed volumes (pressure vessels) in an actively controlled own atmosphere (P> 0.1 bar. Rel., P> 1.1 bar absolute). Characterized in that the apparatus can be operated within at least one (1-n) volume / volume (pressure vessel) with functional / needs-based supply / extraction connections (1-n each) by alternating operation by means of level meter / 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 timed filling / venting / diversion under sensibly selected input parameters with water or compressed air the in Claim 1 meet the mentioned features in relation to free fall (also twice) and service water supply at least, but comes up with low material and production costs, as well as greatly reduced space requirements with high delivery rate with the best accessibility for maintenance and cleanliness compared to the state of the art. Characterized in that, within the closed, pressure-tight volume (s) in the operating state, a process water supply that is constantly available under the initial operating pressure with a free-fall section is controlled by appropriate control of the water levels for minima / maxima of the water level and the compressed air bubble located above the water level. Characterized in that the control of the apparatus supports the supply of the water network and compressed air purely mechanically or pneumatically, preferably also electromechanically, electronically or in mixed operation fulfills the above-mentioned claims. Characterized in that the apparatus, because all relevant physical processes take place within a (1-n) volume (s) sealed off from the outside, reliably prevents the ingress of ambient air and the germs or other contaminants it contains during / outside of the operating phases. This is characterized by the fact that several hygienic devices operated for the hygienic treatment of the service water and working in their concept with different modes of action (UV light / large-area germicidal water filters, e.g. copper / introduction of disinfecting or treatment substances) are expediently controlled by the apparatus, inside or outside the / the pressure vessel / s attached, come into effect at the same time as 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. This is characterized by the fact that the apparatus is emptied of the process water by means of an auxiliary control (manual or automatic) by means of supplied compressed air, and connected downstream systems can also be drained and thus contribute to reducing the growth of germs or algae in standing water in the event of longer operating breaks to reduce contamination and malfunctions to prevent the growth of algae. Characterized by the fact that the irradiation with UV light inside, or using a translucent pressure vessel from outside the volume / pressure vessel into the inside of the container, the process water, the air bubble and, if the light source / s are sensibly designed and arranged, all inner surfaces that are not with water come into contact sterilized.

Images