EP3408230A1

EP3408230A1 - Method and device for treating water condensed from water vapor contained in the air, and related method and system for generating potable water

Info

Publication number: EP3408230A1
Application number: EP16805219.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean Thomas; Simon FERRAND
Original assignee: Leaudelair SA
Current assignee: Leaudelair SA
Priority date: 2015-11-24
Filing date: 2016-11-24
Publication date: 2018-12-05
Also published as: SG11201804224RA; BR112018009993A2; US20190127253A1; IL259435A; PH12018501033A1; AU2016359441A1; WO2017089988A1; ZA201804215B; FR3044003A1; BR112018009993A8; FR3044003B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating water condensed from water vapor contained in the atmospheric air. Means for adding minerals via contact of said condensed water with a remineralization reactor containing at least one alkaline earth rock produce remineralized water that is in accordance with potable water standards and can thus be sent into a piping system. The invention also relates to a system for generating potable water, including means that are intended for condensing the water vapor contained in the atmospheric air and are combined with such a condensed water treatment device.

Description

Method and apparatus for treating condensed water from water vapor contained in the air, method and system for generating associated drinking water.

1. Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of the treatment of water obtained by condensation of the water vapor contained in the air, in particular to make it drinkable and fit for consumption. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a system and a method for generating drinking water from atmospheric air, also called D-AWG (for English "Drink-Atmospheric Water

Generator ").

The water treatment proposed by the present invention applies to all types of atmospheric water generators, whether small generators producing 10 to 30 liters of water per day, or larger devices , capable of producing more than 50,000 liters, or even several hundred thousand liters, daily.

The treatment of water proposed by the present invention applies to any type of condensed water resulting from a condensation of water vapor contained in the air, that it is issued:

condensation by means of condensation of human origin: this condensed water may, for example, result from the operation of an air-conditioning system of a room, a dwelling unit or a building;

or

- Condensation by means of condensation of natural origin: this condensed water may be formed by dew, frost, ice, hail, snow, fog or rainwater.

According to a particular aspect of the invention the rain forms condensed water which can be considered as atmospheric water that can be treated by the device and the systems described in the present text, and / according to the treatment method according to the invention. 'invention.

2. Prior art and its disadvantages

Water is a natural resource whose global consumption is growing rapidly, leading to increased risks of scarcity for years to come. Water management has therefore become a global priority.

Atmospheric drinking water generators, or D-AWGs, which make it possible to produce water from atmospheric air, constitute, in this context, an interesting complementary alternative to the existing drinking water production system, which based on the extraction and treatment of freshwater contained in rivers or groundwater, or on the desalination of seawater. This technology, which is part of a sustainable development, makes it possible to bring drinking water to areas that do not have it. Such an atmospheric drinking water generator is described in particular by Rolande VW, 2001, in "Atmospheric water vapor processor designs for drinking water production: a review", Pergamon, Wat. Res. Flight. 35, No. 1, pp. 1-22.

A lot of research and development work is therefore underway to make it possible to offer the public water-generating devices, from the water vapor contained in the atmospheric air, which produce a quality drinking water, that is to say, complies with the legal and normative quality requirements for water intended for human consumption.

Such devices, known as "cooling surface", transform the water vapor, present in gaseous or liquid form in the air, into liquid water, by condensation on a cold surface, when this water reaches its dew point. They conventionally comprise a refrigeration unit with a thermodynamic effect, consisting of an evaporator, on which the water is condensed, a compressor, a condenser, and an expander. After condensation of the water on the evaporator cooled tubes, the water flows by gravity to be collected. Such a device for generating water is for example described in patent documents WO2011063199, US5203989, US7373787,

WO2012123849, WO2012162545, US7886557, or WO 2011117841.

There are also other devices that make it possible to condense water vapor into water, which rely in particular on the use of silica gel, as described in particular by Rolande VW, 2001, in "Atmospheric water vapor processor designs for drinking water. water production: a review ", Pergamon, Wat. Res. Flight. 35, No. 1, pp. 1-22.

In addition, various air and water treatments may be provided in these devices to increase the quality of the water.

It is important to note, however, that unlike water from rivers or groundwater, for example, the water contained in the air contains very few minerals. The water produced by such devices for generating atmospheric water is therefore very slightly mineralized, which poses various problems.

First of all, this water has a low pH, is not very conductive, and is not at the calco-carbonic equilibrium. It can therefore be aggressive against limescale, concrete and cement, or corrosive vis-à-vis metals. This poses a problem when the water produced by the atmospheric water generator is used to supply pipes to homes or industrial facilities (see, in particular, the drinking water quality guidelines published by the World Health Organization. , ^4th edition, WHO Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data. ISBN 978 924 154 815

1) ·

In addition, this too soft water does not have sufficient buffering capacity to avoid sudden changes in pH. Finally, the daily consumption of water that is too weakly mineralized is detrimental to health: in fact, the World Health Organization has established that consuming and cooking with water containing certain threshold amounts of calcium and magnesium allowed in particular to reduce the risks of certain diseases, such as cardiovascular pathologies for example ("Nutrient ores in drinking water and the potential health consequences of the elimination of alcohol and other harmful substances", 2004).

In order to overcome these disadvantages, certain atmospheric water generators attempt to remineralize the condensed water by passing it on a cartridge filled with calcium carbonate carbonate (CaCOa) carbonate carbonate rock, which may also contain carbonate. magnesium (MgCOa). This rock is also often mixed with calcined limestone, i.e. with alkaline earth oxides of CaO or MgO type. Such solutions are described in particular in US patent documents 8302412, US 7886557, WO 2011117841 or US 7373787.

However, this technique generally does not produce water correctly and remineralized enough to achieve the quality references governed by legal and normative requirements for water intended for human consumption.

In fact, the water produced from the water vapor of the air by such atmospheric water generators does not generally contain enough aggressive carbon dioxide to dissolve enough alkaline earth carbonate rock, and therefore sufficiently increase the mineral content of the water. It is recalled that aggressive carbon dioxide is defined as the difference between the free CO2 present in water and the equilibrium CO2, ie the CO2 allowing equilibrium water to be obtained, whose pH is equal to its saturation pH, pH above which precipitation of calcium and bicarbonate ions in the form of calcium carbonate is observed.

In addition, the alkaline earth oxides give the water a very high alkalinity at the beginning of their dissolution, which then decreases gradually. Their dissolution also does not stop at the saturation pH and these oxides continue to solubilize. It is therefore common, in existing atmospheric water generators, to observe, in the produced water, an exceeding of the quality reference values, in particular in the water generators in which the remineralization reactor is integrated into a system. periodic recirculation circuit of the water.

Consequently, none of the known atmospheric water generators operates a controlled remineralization of water, in which the mineral concentration of the water produced and the values of the associated physico-chemical parameters comply with the regulatory quality references, ie sufficient but less than the recommended upper limit.

In addition, there are also some systems for condensing atmospheric water vapor, but which are not designed, a priori, to generate drinking water. Thus, the air conditioning systems of buildings (houses, buildings, offices ...), whose function is to cool the air ambient of the buildings in which they are installed, generate condensed water, which is unfortunately not valued, and most often thrown away. To date, it has not been envisaged to valorize this condensed water, especially with a view to transforming it into water suitable for human consumption.

There is therefore a need for an atmospheric water treatment technique to overcome these various disadvantages.

In particular, there is a need for such an atmospheric water treatment technique that allows the production of quality drinking water in terms of mineral content, and which is in particular in accordance with the legal and normative requirements relating to the quality of the water. water intended for human consumption. There is also a need for such a technique to produce drinking water in which the amount of minerals can be adjusted according to the needs of the consumer.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a technique for generating water from atmospheric air which makes it possible to produce drinking water of good quality, and in particular substantially free of pollutants or micro-organisms.

The invention also aims to provide such a technique for recovering the condensed water by an air conditioning of a building for the purpose of making it drinkable so that it can subsequently be distributed through the pipe network of the building. building, and guarantee him some autonomy. The invention also aims to provide an atmospheric water treatment device implementing such a technique, which is relatively inexpensive, but also easy to use and ergonomic.

The invention also aims to provide such a device that is energy efficient, allows to produce inexpensive water, and has a high water production yield, whatever the ambient conditions. The invention also aims to provide such a device that is simple and convenient maintenance.

3. Presentation of the invention

The invention responds to this need by proposing a device for treating condensed water from water vapor contained in the air, which comprises means for adding minerals to said condensed water by contact with said condensed water with a remineralization reactor containing at least one alkaline earth rock,

said mineral adding means further comprising:

means for controlling a contact time of said water condensed with said remineralization reactor, as a function of a predetermined quantity of minerals to be added;

means for calculating a quantity of carbon dioxide to be injected into said condensed water, as a function of said predetermined quantity of minerals to be added; injection means in said condensed water of said calculated amount of carbon dioxide;

said means for adding minerals producing remineralized water.

Thus, the invention is based on a completely new and inventive approach to the remineralization of water obtained by condensation of atmospheric water vapor, in particular to make it drinkable.

Indeed, the invention firstly proposes injecting carbon dioxide into the water collected by condensation, in order to increase the amount of aggressive CO ₂ present in the water, and thus allow better dissolution of the carbonates. alkaline earth metal. In addition, the invention proposes to control and control this remineralization process, by first calculating the amount of carbon dioxide that should be injected, but also the necessary and sufficient contact time between water and the alkaline-earth rock, to reach a predetermined rate of remineralization of the water collected by condensation.

Thus, with the knowledge and control of this minimum contact time, the problems of insufficient dissolution of the rocks, which prevent reaching the threshold values of minerals and the associated physicochemical parameters recommended by the legal and normative texts, are advantageously avoided. relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption. It also avoids the problems of exceeding the permissible limit values, in case of too long contact time between the water and the reactor. Indeed, thanks to the invention, the dissolution reaction of the rock ceases when almost all of the aggressive CO ₂ has been consumed: therefore, the reaction stops around the saturation pH, and achieves hardness and alkalinity values desired.

According to a first preferred characteristic of the invention, said control means are able to control at least one of the following parameters:

a flow rate of said condensed water in said remineralization reactor;

a concentration of said carbon dioxide to be injected;

an injection flow rate of said carbon dioxide;

a pressure of said carbon dioxide to be injected.

Thus, by adjusting the flow rate and the CO ₂ concentration and the water flow rate in the remineralization reactor, the necessary contact time between the water and the rock is obtained to dissolve the desired amount of minerals. It is also important to have a sufficient CO ₂ pressure relative to the water pressure, to ensure a good injection. In addition, a change in the temperature of CO ₂ changes the density of CO ₂ at a given pressure, which changes its concentration.

According to a particular and preferred aspect of the invention, such a device comprises means for selection by a user of said predetermined quantity of minerals to be added to said condensed water. Thus, the consumer can choose the rate of minerals that he wishes to obtain for the drinking water generated by the atmospheric water generation device of the invention, for example by means of an ergonomic interface of the touch screen type. The calculation means of the device (for example a microcontroller) automatically adjust the amount of carbon dioxide to be injected and the necessary contact time between the water and the reactor, depending on the mineral content desired by the consumer.

The atmospheric drinking water generator of the invention can thus produce different drinking water, more or less remineralized, adapted to the needs and modes of consumption of users.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the remineralization process may be completed by the injection or the use of one or more reagents belonging to the following list: sodium hydroxide / sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate ( Na2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCOa), quicklime / calcium oxide (CaO), slaked lime / Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH) 2), calcium chloride (CaC), dolomite magnesia (CaCO3 + MgO), hydroxide magnesium oxide (Mg (OH) 2 - MgO), calcium sulfate (CaSO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid

(HCI), potassium chloride (KCl), etc. In this case, the treatment device further comprises means for adding one or more reagents from the aforementioned list.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, said means for treating said condensed water comprise means for deionizing said condensed water, producing a deionized water. By "deionized water" is meant here and throughout the document a water partially or completely deionized ions contained in the raw condensed water starting.

It should be noted that these deionization means can be implemented independently of the means for adding minerals described above, so that the invention also relates to a device for generating atmospheric drinking water which comprises deionization means but does not does not include means for adding minerals as described above.

Such deionization means advantageously make it possible to remove from the water collected by condensation some or most of the compounds and pollutants present in the water in ionic form. Indeed, the pollutants present in atmospheric air can, because of their physicochemical properties, be found in the water produced by condensation in the device of the invention. Such pollutants can be organic pollutants, inorganic pollutants such as heavy metals or certain undesirable ions, or micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria, spores, etc.

According to the embodiments of the invention, said deionization means of said condensed water comprise at least some of the means belonging to the group comprising:

an ion exchange resin module; an aluminosilicate rock of zeolite type;

deionization means, in particular electrical and / or electrochemical deionization means such as electrodeionization (EDI), electrodialysis (EDR), capacitive deionization (CDI), capacitive deionization by membrane ("capacitive deionization membrane" or M-CDI));

a reverse osmosis membrane;

a nanofiltration membrane.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, said processing means also comprise means for filtering said condensed water and / or said deionized water implementing at least one of the elements belonging to the group comprising:

a particulate filter (cartridge filter, microfiltration membrane, sand);

an activated carbon filter;

an ultrafiltration membrane;

a membrane contactor or a gaseous filtration membrane.

Such filtering means can thus be arranged directly after the evaporator, so as to filter the condensed water, or after the deionization means, so as to filter the deionized water. They advantageously complement the deionization means, and allow to remove some water particles or unwanted components, to increase the quality of drinking water produced. They can also be arranged after the demineralization reactor to filter the remineralized water. The filtration step on activated carbon advantageously makes it possible to extract from the condensed water a good part of the organic pollutants.

According to another particular and preferred feature of the invention, such a device also comprises a degassing system such as a stripping device, or membrane contactor or other system capable of removing water at least one Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) ), undesirable gas or CO ₂ .

According to another particular and preferred feature of the invention, said means for adding minerals are disposed downstream of said deionization means, so that said minerals are added to said deionized water to produce said remineralized water.

Thus, the invention advantageously remineralizes a weakly ionized water obtained from the water vapor contained in the air. The device of the invention thus makes it possible to extract condensed water (filtered or not) harmful ions (pollutants), then add in the water and deionized minerals necessary for drinking water of good quality.

According to another preferred feature of the invention, when no deionization means is used, said means for adding minerals are preferably arranged downstream of said filtering means. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, such a device comprises two dissociated water circulation circuits, namely:

a first water circulation circuit comprising a tank for recovering said condensed water, said means for deionizing said condensed water and first means for disinfecting the water, for example by ultraviolet radiation;

a second water circulation circuit comprising said means for adding minerals, a reservoir for storing said remineralized water and second means for disinfecting said remineralised water, for example by ultraviolet radiation.

The filtering means may be integrated with the first water circulation circuit, and / or the second water circulation circuit, or be distributed between the two water circulation circuits.

In other words, unlike the AWGs of the prior art, which operate in a closed circuit but with a single water circulation circuit, the atmospheric water generator of the invention comprises two distinct reflux circuits:

the first is a closed circuit comprising the deionization means condensed water (optionally filtered);

the second is a closed circuit including means of remineralization of water

(possibly filtered).

Such reflux circuits advantageously make it possible to circulate the water through the atmospheric drinking water generator, in order to avoid stagnation of the water which would promote bacterial growth and possible biofilm development. The implementation of two distinct water circulation circuits advantageously makes it possible to separate the deionized water from the remineralized water, and therefore to be able to propose, in the same atmospheric water generator, deionization means on the one hand and means of remineralization on the other hand, that can be operated jointly economically. It is well understood that a single water circulation circuit comprising deionization means on the one hand and means for adding minerals on the other hand would be unreasonable operation and at the very least uneconomic, since each time the water flows in the single reflux circuit, the ions are removed from the water, followed directly by the addition of beneficial ions to the water.

According to a particular and preferred aspect of the invention, such a device then comprises means for periodically activating the circulation of water in each of said first and second circuits.

According to a particular and preferred aspect of the invention, such a device also comprises means for partial or total oxidation of at least one chemical compound present in said condensed water and / or in said filtered water and / or in said deionized water and / or in said remineralized water. Such partial or total oxidation means belong to the group comprising:

oxidation means by chlorination;

oxidation means by action of chlorine dioxide;

oxidation means by ozone action;

means of oxidation by ultraviolet radiation (for example under the action of an ultraviolet lamp having a wavelength of the order of 185 nm)

means for implementing an advanced oxidation process (AOP "Advanced Oxidation Processes").

Such chemical oxidation means make it possible to oxidize organic and or inorganic compounds present in the water.

According to one embodiment, such a device also comprises means for disinfecting said condensed water and / or said filtered water and / or said deionized water and / or said remineralized water implementing at least one of the elements belonging to the group comprising:

- an ultraviolet lamp;

chlorine;

chlorine dioxide;

Ozone.

According to one embodiment, such disinfection means comprise at least one residual disinfectant capable of ensuring the quality of the water at the microbiological level during the distribution of this water in a pipe network.

The means of disinfection and total or partial oxidation can of course be combined, so that the oxidation and disinfection are carried out jointly (and especially during a single step).

The invention also relates to a method for treating condensed water from water vapor contained in the air, which comprises a step of adding minerals to said condensed water by contacting said condensed water with a reactor of remineralization containing at least one alkaline earth rock. Such a step of adding minerals implements substeps of: controlling a contact time of said condensed water with said remineralization reactor, as a function of a predetermined quantity of minerals to be added;

calculating a quantity of carbon dioxide to be injected into said condensed water, according to said predetermined quantity of minerals to be added;

injecting said condensed water with said calculated amount of carbon dioxide; said step of adding minerals to said condensed water producing remineralized water. According to one embodiment of the treatment method according to the invention, said step of adding minerals also implements a substep of calculation of the minimum contact time to reach a predetermined remineralization rate of the water collected by condensation. Thus, by the contact time control means, it can also be verified that this minimum contact time between the water and the alkaline earth rock is reached.

All the features and advantages listed and described above in connection with the condensed water treatment device also apply to the condensed water treatment method according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a system for generating drinking water from atmospheric air, comprising means for condensing a water vapor contained in the air, capable of producing condensed water, characterized in that it comprises a device for treating said condensed water as described above.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, such a system comprises atmospheric air treatment means arranged upstream of said condensation means.

By treating the air before condensation of the water vapor, it avoids the presence of certain pollutants in the condensed water. However, some compounds are very difficult to filter after dissolution in water, so it is particularly advantageous to filter beforehand.

Advantageously, such atmospheric air treatment means comprise at least some of the means belonging to the group comprising:

an air pre-filter capable of removing coarse particles contained in the atmospheric air; a particulate air filter capable of removing fine particles contained in atmospheric air;

a photocatalytic air filter;

ultraviolet UV disinfection.

According to another preferred feature of the invention, such a system comprises at least one sensor delivering information on the quality of atmospheric air, and means for stopping said drinking water generation system when said quality information. air is below a predetermined threshold.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, such a system makes it possible to recover and treat the condensed water by an apparatus outside the system. In particular, in one embodiment, the condensation means of a water vapor contained in the air are part of an air conditioning device of all or part of a building.

Indeed, the water treatment system described in the invention can for example be connected to an external cooling unit which provides air conditioning of a building for the purpose of producing drinking water with naturally condensed water during the cooling process air. According to one embodiment, the water produced according to the invention has the necessary characteristics to be distributed through the building's pipe network.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, such a system is placed upstream of a bottling unit or a drinking water distribution network. The invention also relates to a water treatment system from condensed water from natural condensation, such as dew.

4. List of figures

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, in relation to the figures, among which:

Figure 1 shows, in schematic form, an embodiment of an atmospheric water generator comprising a water treatment device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates, in block diagram form, the water circulation circuits of the atmospheric water generator of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 shows in the form of a P & ID diagram (piping and instrumentation diagram) of a water treatment device according to a second embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 illustrates a process for treating a condensed water putting implement the device of Figure 3, with possible variants, and

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate other processes for treating a condensed water according to the invention.

5. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

The general principle of the invention is based on a controlled and controlled remineralization of the water produced from the water vapor contained in the air.

In the remainder of this document, in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, the technique for treating the condensed water of the invention is presented in the particular application context of an atmospheric drinking water generator. The specific water treatment means described below for FIGS. 1 and 2 can of course be implemented independently of the means for condensing the water vapor, or, alternatively (in the case of FIGS. 2), integrated with these means of condensation of water vapor in a system for generating atmospheric drinking water. In the following, therefore, we will focus on this second variant.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of an atmospheric drinking water generator according to the invention is presented. Such an apparatus makes it possible to generate drinking water from the water vapor contained in the air. As illustrated in a synthetic manner in FIG. 2 in the form of functional blocks, such an apparatus comprises:

a functional module 100 (optional) for filtering the ambient air; a functional module 101 for condensing the water vapor contained in this ambient air.

In addition, the water thus condensed undergoes a closed circuit treatment, comprising, in this first embodiment, a treatment of the water 102, including implementing a deionization treatment, and a remineralization treatment 103. These two treatment systems referenced 102 and 103 are each integrated in a separate reflux circuit, namely the recirculation circuit comprising the water circulation channels referenced A and C for the treatment of water 102, and the recirculation circuit comprising the water circulation routes referenced B, G and D for the remineralization treatment 103.

Note that, alternatively, the atmospheric drinking water generator of the invention can implement only remineralisation treatment 103, in a closed circuit, without deionization treatment. Alternatively, the atmospheric water generator of the invention can also implement the treatment of water 102, in a closed circuit, without remineralization treatment.

As will be seen in more detail later with reference to FIG. 1, the treatment of water 102 makes it possible to filter the majority of the organic and inorganic compounds present in the form of pollutants in the water coming from the condensation functional module 101. , and destroy 99% of microorganisms. The remineralization treatment 103 makes it possible to add effective and controlled calcium, magnesium and hydrogencarbonate / carbonate ions, and 99.99% disinfection of the microorganisms. In an alternative embodiment without treatment of the water 102, this remineralisation 103 can take place directly on the water coming from the condensation module 101, or stored in the recovery tank 35.

These different functional modules will now be described in more detail in a particular embodiment illustrated in FIG.

The atmospheric water generator of the invention comprises a number of electrical or electronic components, which are identified in Figure 1 by an asterisk affixed to the reference numeral which designates them.

A microcontroller, which has not been shown in Figure 1, controls all these components. It is connected, for example, to a touch screen interface (not shown), which allows the user to observe the operation of the device for generating atmospheric drinking water, and to interact with it. In particular, this interface can allow the user to select different modes of operation of the device. 5.1 Air filtration

The functional module 100 for filtering the ambient air is now presented in greater detail with reference to FIG. Such a module is optional, but is presented below in the context of a particular embodiment of the invention.

Most of the AWGs of the prior art, which are most often home appliances

(used in indoor atmosphere), perform a filtering of atmospheric air using a particulate prefilter, which allows to retain and extract only the largest particles in the air.

However, some volatile organic pollutants (VOCs for "Volatile Organic Compounds") can see their concentration multiplied by 5 or 10, or even 100, in certain indoor atmospheres, in which they are permanently present. If they are solubilized in water, some of these pollutants then pass all conventional water filtration barriers.

The atmospheric water generator of the invention implements, in a particular embodiment, a filtration or degradation of these chemical pollutants by air treatment, before the condensation of water by the functional module referenced 101.

To do this, when the atmospheric water generator is in drinking water production mode, the air sucked by a variable speed fan 18 enters an air duct referenced 43. It first passes through a meadow. air filter 44i, which makes it possible to filter the coarse particles contained in the atmospheric air. This pre-filter 44i may for example be placed in a removable frame that can be easily removed from the D-AWG, in order to be cleaned according to its nature and its composition. This pre-filter 44i of type G1 to G4 (EN 779 standard) is followed by a filter 44 ₂ which makes it possible to filter the finer particles suspended in the ambient air. The pre-filter 44i and the particulate filter 44 ₂ are followed by a photocatalytic oxidation air filter 44 ₃ .

Such a photocatalytic oxidation air filter 44 ₃ implements an advanced oxidation process, according to which the chemical pollutants are sorbed on a catalytic medium, comprising in particular a semiconductor such as titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ). Lamps emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation on TiO ₂ titanium dioxide which converts water and oxygen molecules into hydroxyl free radicals. These radicals are very reactive and have the distinction of being non-selective. They degrade the majority of pollutants in the gas phase. This technology cleans the air before it arrives on the evaporator, resulting in better condensed water. In addition, used in a domestic atmospheric water generator, it helps purify the indoor atmosphere of a home.

Note that the air filtration module 100 may, in an alternative embodiment, include only one or two of the three filters referenced 44i to 44 ₃ described above. In one embodiment, one or more air quality sensors (not shown in FIG. 1) are placed in the air duct 43 before the air filtration module 100 to detect the presence in the air of certain potentially toxic substances, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, benzene, smoke, etc. Such sensors are connected to the microcontroller of the atmospheric water generator, which can issue an alert to the user, and automatically stop the production of water, by stopping the fan 18 and the compressor.

5.2 Condensation of water vapor

The operation of the referenced module 101 for condensation of water vapor is now presented. It is a refrigerating unit with a thermodynamic effect which is used in this embodiment to cool the cold surface which makes it possible to condense the water vapor from the air into liquid water.

Alternatively, this referenced module 101 for condensing water vapor can be part of an air conditioning system of a building, which naturally produces condensed water during the cooling phase of the ambient air. This condensed water can therefore be upgraded by treatment according to the technique of the invention, to make it drinkable.

The air filtered by the air filtration module referenced 100 is then sucked by the variable speed fan 18 through the evaporator 45 and the condenser 46 and returned to the outside of the D-AWG via one or more ducts. . The water vapor contained in the air condenses on the evaporator 45 consisting of food stainless steel tubes or copper coated with food plastic. According to one variant, heat exchange fins are present on the tubes. For a good recovery of the condensed water, there is at the base of the evaporator 45 a small chute 32 with a slight slope. The water passes through a pipe to reach the recovery tank 35. A check valve 31 prevents water from flowing back into the recirculation pipe of the channel C, coming from the solenoid valve 1.

Note that in Figure 1, the fan was placed downstream of the air filtration module 100. Alternatively, it can also be placed upstream of the filtration module 100 in the direction of movement of the air.

The production of water is managed by the microcontroller, and several production methods can be proposed and selected by the consumer, by means of the man / machine interface of the atmospheric drinking water generator of the invention.

Moreover, the microcontroller (not shown) of the D-AWG of the invention manages the powering up of the compressor and the speed of the fan 18 according to the psychometric diagram of the humid air (that is to say, the water mass available in the air), volumes of water in the recovery tank referenced 35 and / or in the storage tank referenced 23.

In a particular embodiment, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor at the air inlet make it possible to calculate the favorable dew point for the condensation. In depending on this calculation, the speed of the refrigerant in the pipes is accelerated or slowed down to reach the correct temperature on the evaporator 45. A surface temperature sensor on the evaporator 45 makes it possible to follow this temperature. It also allows in case of frost to start a defrost (decrease the speed of the refrigerant gas or stop). In one embodiment, a relative humidity sensor at the outlet of air makes it possible to measure the humidity of the dry air. With this value and the humidity value at the air inlet, the condensation efficiency is calculated. Depending on this efficiency, the fan speed 18 and the temperature on the surface of the evaporator can be varied.

In one embodiment, a pressure sensor measures the gas pressure at the condenser outlet. This makes it possible to calculate the temperature of the refrigerating gas thanks to the physicochemical properties of the gas.

In one embodiment, it is one or more fans, connected to a frequency converter, which allows (s) to stabilize the condenser temperature. These fans are arranged on the condenser and allow for example to cool more effectively when the temperature of the refrigerant gas is too high. This results in the measurement of greater pressure by the pressure sensor cited above. In this configuration, one or more fans replace (s) the fan 18 to allow the atmospheric air to be sent through the evaporator 45 (and possibly the condenser 46). They are placed upstream or downstream of the evaporator.

Depending on the option selected by the user, the microcontroller adapts with frequency converters the speed of the fan 18 (and the condenser fan or fans, if present) and the power of the compressor which manages the flow of the fluid / refrigerant gas.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, a so-called "lotus effect" food paint is applied to the tubes of the evaporator 45. It is a biomimetic paint that uses the properties of hyper hydrophobicity and self-cleaning lotus leaves. It makes it possible to slide the foreign elements onto the surface of the evaporator 45 without them being able to adhere to it. This paint makes it possible to slide the water more quickly on the condensation tubes while avoiding that bacteria or micropoussières are fixed on these. Bacterial growth on the tubes is reduced, which also reduces the need for regular cleaning. The water is thus less exposed to pollution because its contact time with the sucked air is reduced.

Alternatively, a hyper-hydrophilic self-cleaning paint is applied to the tubes of the evaporator. It allows water to flow faster on the evaporator tubes, reducing the contact between water and air pollutants.

Thus, the use of these particular paints advantageously reduces the time of contact between the water and the evaporator 45, and therefore the risks of pollution of the water generated. In a particular mode of operation of the atmospheric water generator of the invention, the extraction of water is carried out by alternating a gel phase and a thaw phase of the water on the evaporator 45. The air then solidifies directly on the pipes when the refrigerant temperature is below 0 ° C. After a while, the tubes of the evaporator 45 are warmed up and will melt the ice. This principle makes it possible to work with a negative dew point to be able to capture the humidity of the air at temperatures and humidities lower than that usually used. The water production efficiency is improved for adverse conditions.

It is also conceivable to place, between the air filtration module 100 and the evaporator 45, a small mesh resistance which covers the surface of the suction duct 43. Such a resistance makes it possible to increase the temperature of the air sucked and thus condense the water to a higher dew point, and thus to lower ambient air temperatures. The production yield of water is thus improved.

A conventional refrigeration unit thermodynamic effect, consists of an evaporator 45, an electric compressor, a condenser 46, and a pressure reducer. Hoses filled with a gas / liquid refrigerant circulate around the circuit.

Its theoretical operation is as follows: the moist and hot air that is sucked or projected by the fan 18 then passes through the evaporator 45, which contains a cold gas at low pressure in liquid / vapor form. The air while cooling on the evaporator 45 causes the condensation of the water vapor that it contains and warms the refrigerant gas by heat exchange. The heated gas is then compressed in the compressor, which increases its pressure and therefore its temperature. The cold dry air that has passed through the evaporator 45 passes through the condenser 46, from which it emerges as hot dry air. The refrigerant gas in the form of vapor leaving the compressor cools in the condenser 46 by heat exchange in contact with the cold dry air and liquefies. The refrigerant then passes into the regulator, where its pressure drops sharply. It then cools again, and returns to the liquid state before returning to the evaporator for a new cycle. It is this sudden pressure drop that induces energy absorption and thus cooling of the evaporator.

The regulator may be thermostatic, electronic, or capillary. Optionally, a dehydrator can be arranged between the condenser 46 and the expander to dehydrate the condensed fluid by the condenser 46.

Similarly, one or two pressure switches may, optionally and independently, be arranged before and after the compressor, for respectively measuring the drops and increases in pressure of the fluid in the refrigerant circuit. Optionally, a Refrigerant gas cylinder can be placed after the condenser. It makes it possible to vary the amount of gas in the refrigerant circuit.

As an optional alternative, it is also possible to bypass the refrigerant circuit by means of solenoid valves to cool or heat cold water or hot water tanks and / or supply an ice-making apparatus.

The water thus produced by condensation of the water vapor of the air is collected in a collector 32 whose totally flat surface has a slight slope to flow this water by gravity in the water pipe of the track C until 'to a recovery tank referenced 35.

The bottom of the tank 35 is of conical or spherical shape to allow its total drainage, thanks to the outlet located at its center. Its inner surface is preferably smooth.

The water level in the recovery tank 35 can be measured by a membrane pressure sensor 33, located next to the discharge port of the tank. The measurement of the water level is carried out thanks to the pressure generated by the water on the sensor 33. In a variant it is a level transmitter which is used.

5.3 Treatment of water obtained by condensation

The treatment carried out on the water thus recovered is now presented in greater detail in the recovery tank referenced 35, in the water treatment module referenced 102.

The water collected in the recovery tank 35 is sucked by a pump 38 through a valve 34 to an ultraviolet disinfection reactor 36, operating for example at a disinfectant wavelength of 254 nm. In a particular embodiment, the pump 38 is placed just after the recovery tank 35. In a variant, the UV-C sterilization reactor 36 is replaced by a UV-C lamp and its quartz cover, which are placed in the center of the recovery tank 35.

The UV-C energy produced by the sterilization reactor 36 or the UV-C lamp deteriorates the genetic material (DNA) of the microorganisms contained in the water, which reduces their ability to reproduce or cause infections. It is preferable to deliver a dose of UV-C energy between

60 and 120 mJ / cm ² .

The water then passes into a particulate filter referenced 37, adapted for example to a filtration of 0.5 μιη, then in one or more filter (s) or active carbon reactor referenced (s) 39. These filters 39 may be conventional activated carbon filters or specific activated carbon filters for Volatile Organic Compounds / heavy metals. In another embodiment, another particulate filter may be placed after the activated carbon to prevent the release of fine in the network by the activated carbon.

It will be noted that, as a variant, the UV-C sterilization reactor 36 may be placed after the active carbon filter referenced 39 or after the particulate filter referenced 37. In addition to this filtering, it is also desirable to carry out an ionic filtration of the water, in order to extract the pollutants in ionic form. In the AWGs of the prior art, such an ionic filtration is generally carried out by means of a reverse osmosis membrane, which makes it possible to separate the microorganisms, the ions and the organic compounds from the water. At the end of this filtration, the permeate is the purified water which has been filtered, and the concentrate is the water which contains the microorganisms, the ions and the filtered organic compounds. In the AWGs of the prior art (see in particular US patent document 8302412), the concentrate is returned to the collected raw water to be perpetually re-filtered. This can lead, in the long term, to an increasing increase in the concentration of pollutants in the raw water (as described for example in the patent document WO2011117841A1). A deterioration of the filtration quality of the membrane can then occur due to a polarization of concentration of compounds followed by clogging on the membrane and / or perforation of the latter.

In order to solve this drawback, it is proposed, according to the invention, to subject the water to deionization treatment, which can be implemented according to several embodiments.

A first embodiment is based on the use of one or more ion exchange resins, which can retain, depending on their nature, their selectivity factor and their separation factor, all or part of the ions contained in the water.

Such ion exchange resins can, among other things, retain metallic trace elements, undesirable ions such as ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, radionuclides, etc. It is thus possible to choose to use:

a SAC resin cartridge [H] (cation exchange resin to strongly acidic exchange H ⁺⁾ referenced 41 and a resin cartridge SBA [OH] (exchange resin strongly basic anion exchange in OH ^") referenced 40, in a fashion embodiment, it is the resin cartridge SBA [OH] which is placed before SAC [H], or

a SAC resin cartridge [H] (H ⁺ exchange strongly acid cation exchange resin) or a SAC resin cartridge [Na] (Na ⁺ exchange strongly acid cation exchange resin) and an SBA resin cartridge [CI ] (strongly basic anion exchange resin Cl ^" ), or

a resin cartridge Mix SAC [H] / SBA [OH] or SAC [H] / SBA [CI] or SAC [Na] / SBA [CI]; or - a resin cartridge WAC (weakly acidic cation exchange resin); or

a resin cartridge WAC (weakly acidic cation exchange resin) and or a resin cartridge WBA (weakly basic anion exchange resin)

It is also possible to use specific resin to eliminate certain radionuclides as a replacement or complement to the resins described above. One can also, always in replacement or in addition to other ion exchange resins, use specific resin to reduce TOC (Total Organic Carbon).

In one embodiment, a regeneration unit of these resins can be added to the system. For example, it is a SIATA or Fleck valve that makes it possible to initiate the regeneration in a manual or automatic manner, as a function, for example, of the conductivity of the water at the outlet of the ion exchange unit, of the volume of water passed or operating time.

In addition, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, these ion exchange resins referenced 40 and 41 are arranged upstream of a filtration membrane referenced 42 which will be described in more detail below. As an alternative, the ion exchange resins 40 and 41 may also be arranged downstream of this filtration membrane referenced 42.

In a second variant embodiment, the ion exchange resin (s) is / are replaced by a zeolite aluminosilicate rock cartridge.

In a third variant embodiment, the water undergoes an electrical purification process involving a combination of ion exchange resins and ion-selective membranes, called electrodeionization (EDI). This approach avoids the drop in water quality resulting from the gradual depletion of the resin cartridges, as well as the cost of replacing the cartridges. As for the ion exchange resins referenced 40 and 41, such an EDI module can be placed before or after a filtration membrane referenced 42.

In a fourth embodiment, it is a reverse osmosis membrane or nanofiltration which allows deionization.

This filtration membrane referenced 42 is described in more detail in detail. It will be noted that this filtration membrane can carry out alone the deionization treatment of water, in certain embodiments of the invention, or complete the treatment of water. deionization carried out by ion exchange resins, zeolite, or EDI.

In the example of FIG. 1, the membrane referenced 42 is an ultrafiltration membrane, which the water passes through before joining the electrovalve referenced 1. Such an ultrafiltration membrane has, for example, pores with an included diameter. between 1 and 100 nm. It lets ions pass, but retains molecules of high molecular weight.

Alternatively, such a filtration membrane 42 is a reverse osmosis type membrane or a nanofiltration membrane: in this case, the filtered water goes into the solenoid valve referenced 1 and the residual concentrate passes through a pressure reducer to go into the return pipe of track C, before returning to the recovery tank referenced 35.

In one embodiment, the water of the recovery tank 35 is emptied periodically after a certain time, or by means of a conductivity transmitter (situated after the pump 38 and connected to the microcontroller) when a threshold value of conductivity is outdated. In one embodiment, the residual concentrate is sent directly to the sewer. The nanofiltration membrane allows the separation of components having a size in solution close to that of the nanometer. Monovalent ionized salts and non-ionized organic compounds with molecular weights below 200-250 g / mol (Dalton) are not retained. Reverse osmosis membrane rejects constituents with a molecular weight greater than 50-250 g / mol

(Dalton): monovalent ions and some of the uncharged compounds.

After having passed through the filtration membrane referenced 42, the treated water joins the electrovalve referenced 1, which is preferably a four-way solenoid valve with three flow models. It can also be several solenoid valves that provide four channels with three flow models.

In addition, it is placed on the channels A and C circulation of the water of Figure 1, two flow meters referenced 34 and 30, which are connected to the microcontroller, and allow to calculate the volume of water "gross" ( untreated) which passed through the water treatment device of the channel A to calculate the remaining life time of each of the filters arranged on this channel. The volume of water from the reflux of the solenoid valve referenced 1 in "demineralized reflux" mode (see below) of the channel C, which has already passed through the water treatment device of the channel A is counted.

In addition to the treatment of the water referenced 102, a "Stripping" system can be set up. Gas stripping is a process that allows mass transfer of a gas from the liquid phase to the gas phase. The transfer is effected by contacting the liquid containing the gas to be removed with air which does not initially contain this gas. The elimination of gases dissolved in water by gas entrainment is particularly used for the removal of ammonia (N H3), odorous gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In one embodiment, the stripping gas is made in the recovery tank 35 and the injection of air is made with a venturi injector. A water pump draws water from the recovery tank 35 and sends it into a venturi injector. Optionally an air pump sucks in ambient air and sends it into the venturi injector. In one embodiment, the sucked air is filtered through an air filter. The air sucked into the venturi injector by suction (improved or not by the air pump) is injected into the water in the form of small bubbles. This bubbled water is sent to the bottom of the recovery tank 35, in such a way that the bubbles homogeneously cover the entire volume of water in the tank (for example, with a system of perforated pipes which homogeneously cover the surface of the recovery tank 35). The air bubbles rise along the water column of the tank 35 until reaching the atmosphere. The gases present in the water are extracted by the air bubbles. In another embodiment, the gas stripping is carried out in the recovery tank 35 and the injection of the air is made by means of an air pump (with or without an air filter) which sends the air into one or more diffusers (made of ceramic for example) which homogeneously diffuse air bubbles into the water column of the recovery tank 35.

In addition to the treatment of water referenced 102 described above, it is possible to implement a chemical oxidation process with ozone to degrade all or part of the chemical compounds. All components in contact with ozone are suitable for such use.

An ozonator is used to generate ozone which is then injected into the water treatment system.

The ozone can be injected into a specific reactor intended for this purpose or into the recovery tank referenced 35. This ozonation treatment can be followed by a treatment with biological activated carbon which reduces the fraction formed of CODB (dissolved organic carbon biodegradable).

In addition in the treatment of water referenced 102, it is possible to implement an advanced oxidation process which produces hydroxyl radicals (for example with the photolysis of ozone by Ultra Violet).

Another chemical oxidation process may be used in the treatment of water referenced 102 or 103. For example chlorination or chlorine dioxide may be used. A method of producing chlorine could be carried out for example by electrolysis of a salt solution. The free chlorine produced is measured continuously by an electrochemical sensor.

Another chemical oxidation process may be used in the treatment of water referenced 102 or 103. It is possible, for example, to use a treatment with ultraviolet radiation, in particular with a wavelength equal to or of the order of 185 nm.

For these industrial D-AWGs, barometers or pressure sensors are arranged between each filter / reactor installed. These will monitor any pressure drop that reflects an obstruction in the filter / reactor. At least one disinfection is provided on the network, with a UV system or a residual disinfectant.

The oxidation process and the disinfection process using a residual disinfectant can be combined in one step. For example, chlorination may be used. However, it is advisable to control the injected concentration of such an oxidizer so that the oxidation and disinfection steps achieve their oxidation and disinfection objectives without exceeding the concentrations allowed, by drinking water standards, by by-products induced by such methods.

5.4 Remineralization of water

The remineralisation referenced 103 implemented in the embodiment of FIG. 2, downstream of the solenoid valve referenced 1, is now described in greater detail on the water circulation path B of the D-AWG of the invention.

Such remineralization 103 is based on carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) injection carbonation and neutralization by filtration on alkaline earth carbonate carbonate rock. calcium (CaCO ₃ ), optionally mixed with magnesium carbonate (MgCO ₃ ). Calcium / magnesium carbonates react with the aggressive free CO2 of water which induces a simultaneous increase in TH (Hydrotimetric Title or Hardness) and TAC (Full Alkalimetric Title or Alkalinity). Filtration on limestone thus makes it possible to neutralize the water but also to partially remineralize it. By increasing the concentration of CO2 in the condensed water, the filtration makes it possible to increase more importantly the alkalinity and thus allows a real remineralization of the water.

The free CO2 decomposes in two parts in the case of an aggressive water: the CO2 equilibrating, which is the concentration of free CO2 necessary to obtain the state of equilibrium calco-carbonic, and the aggressive CO2, which represents the excess of free CO2 relative to the equilibrium CO2. Free CO2 is in hydrated form or not.

The following reactions govern this process:

CO2 (dissolved) + H2O = H2CO3

[H2CO3] * + H ₂ 0 + CaC0 ₃ (s) = Ca (HC0 ₃ ) ₂

[H ₂ CO ₃ ] * + H ₂ O + MgCO ₃ (s) = Mg (HCO ₃ ) ₂

With

Ca (HC0 ₃ ) ₂ = Ca ²⁺ + 2HC0 ₃ - Mg (HC0 ₃ ) ₂ = Mg ²⁺ + 2HCO3- To increase the mineralization of 1 ° f, theoretically, it is necessary to use 4.4 mg / L of CO2 and 10 mg / L CaCO ₃ .

The necessary contact time between aggressive CO2 and calcium / magnesium carbonate rock to achieve calcocarbonic balance depends, among other things, on the raw water characteristics (aggressive CO2, free CO2, pH, TAC, TH, force ionic, etc.), the temperature of the water, the amount of filter material, its physical characteristics (porosity, particle size, density, etc.) and reactor characteristics (diameter, minimum rock height, etc.). ).

The water, obtained by the condensation of the water vapor of the air, generally has a very low TAC and TH, contains only a little aggressive CO2, and its pH is slightly acidic. In addition, in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in which partial or total deionization techniques are used, this water is deionized (TAC and TH even lower). This is why the variation of these parameters can be neglected in view of the high TAC concentrations desired and the CO2 to be injected, which are therefore defined at fixed values. The injected CO2 will turn into aggressive CO2 to react with the rock. The material used may be Maërl type marine limestone or marble-type terrestrial limestone. For lg of aggressive CO2, 1.6 to 2.4 g of Maërl are consumed, against 2.3 g of marble. The required contact time between water and limestone is determined taking into account reactor dimensions and water flow. For example, the lower the flow rate and the larger reactor diameter, the longer the contact time. For a contact time of about 20 minutes, and a reactor of about 11.5 cm in diameter with a minimum calcite height of 25 cm, it is necessary to adjust a flow rate of about 8 l / h.

More generally, the microcontroller calculates the concentration of CO2 needed to dissolve the rock, in order to obtain the desired amount of minerals in the water. The CO2 flow is adjusted. The microcontroller then sets the contact time between the aggressive CO2 and the rock for these conditions and the kinetics of dissolution of the rock, and then depending on the size of the remineralization reactor, the water flow is adjusted.

An embodiment of this remineralization treatment described above in its general principle will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

A pump referenced 38 sends the water from the device 102 for treating water from the channel A in the solenoid valve 1, which directs it to the remineralisation device 103 of the channel B.

According to a quantity of minerals selected by the user, the microcontroller defines the flow rate of water, thanks to the proportional flow regulator / solenoid valve referenced 2 and to the flow meter referenced 3. It will be noted that, as a variant, the flow meter referenced 3 can be placed before the solenoid valve referenced 2. The solenoid valve referenced 1 then adjusts the water flow for the channel B from the data collected by the flow meter referenced 3 and sends the excess water in track C.

The pressure regulator / pressure regulator referenced 7 stabilizes the outlet pressure of the CO2 that leaves the CO2 cylinder 5 (or a CO2 tank) through the pipe referenced 6, regardless of the pressure in the cylinder. A CO2 filter can be placed on the pipe 6.

The proportional solenoid / flow regulator valve 8 then opens to allow the CO2 to exit the cylinder 5. It is also possible that an "all or nothing" solenoid valve placed before or after the flow regulator referenced 8 releases the CO2 of the tank.

The concentration and the flow rate of CO2 necessary for dissolving the quantity of minerals selected, at the water flow rate already defined, are calculated by the microcontroller and regulated by the proportional solenoid / flow control valve referenced 8 and the flow meter referenced 9 (which can be placed before or after the flow controller referenced 8). To define the right gas flow, the microcontroller converts the volume flow, a function of the density of CO2 that is related to the pressure and temperature in mass flow. A mass flow controller for gas can replace the proportional solenoid valve / flow regulator 8 and the flow meter 9. In order to optimize the calculation of the CO2 flow, a temperature sensor referenced 10 may be placed in the gas pipe referenced 6: indeed, a variation in the temperature of the gaseous CO2 modifies the density of the CO2 at a given pressure, which changes its concentration.

Similarly, if the pressure measured by the pressure sensor referenced 4 in the water pipe varies, the CO2 pressure regulator referenced 7 will allow for example to increase the CO2 outlet pressure (automatically or manually ).

The CO2 gas, after being released by the solenoid valve referenced 8 continues to advance in the pipe referenced 6 by pressure, to pass the water-gas check valve referenced 11. This valve prevents water from entering the pipe when no CO2 is dispensed.

The gaseous CO2 is finally injected into the water by the injector referenced 12. According to the size of the D-AWG and the quantity of water treated, a venturi injector is used directly or bypass. A pressure sensor may also be added before the check valve referenced 11.

In order to facilitate the dissolution of the CO2 injected into the water, before it reaches the re-mineralization reactor 15, provision may be made to lengthen the referenced pipe 14 leading the water to this reactor. It is also possible to have a gas / water mixer ("in-line static mixer") 13.

Similarly, it is noted that it is possible to provide, on the water circulation path B, to insert a pH meter and / or a conductivity meter, in order to characterize the water to be remineralized, and thus to adjust to better the flow of water in the remineralization reactor 15, depending on the calcocarbon parameters desired.

Alternatively, the system may not include any sensors, allow no adjustment of CO2 concentration and flow rate and water flow, and then be "oversized" to match the maximum capacity and CO2 flow, and the most unfavorable water properties.

The water then arrives in the remineralization reactor referenced 15, containing calcium carbonate and / or magnesium, in the form of gravel. Such a reactor 15 has, in this embodiment, the shape of a cylinder of revolution.

In an advantageous embodiment, the entry of water into the remineralization reactor 15 is from below, and the outlet from above, which reduces the washing and the formation of preferential paths. Two buffer filters are located at both ends in the cylinder between the limestone rock and the inlet / outlet, in order to prevent a maximum of fines (small particles of dissolved limestone) from contaminating the network.

The principle of sizing a reactor is known to those skilled in the art: the reactor diameter, the actual percolation rate, the mass of limestone in the reactor, the duration between two refills, are calculated from the time of calcareous water-rock contact, peak flow to percolate, the height of the cartridge / reactor, the maximum filling height of the rock limestone in the reactor, minimum permissible rock height, daily water consumption, calcareous-CC reactivity, free CO2, desired total aggressive CO2, apparent density of limestone, etc.

As indicated above, the user can choose the desired amount of minerals in the remineralized water, through a control screen of the D-AWG of the invention, connected to the microcontroller.

It is possible to select and set one of the following parameters: calcium concentration, magnesium concentration, conductivity, alkalinity, hardness.

The microcontroller adapts, according to the parameters selected by the user, the concentration and the flow rate of CO2 to be injected, from the amount of CaC0 ₃ and MgC0 ₃ which constitute the rock, contained in the remineralization reactor 15. The microcontroller also calculates the water flow for the required contact time between the aggressive CO2 and the calcareous rock and readjusts the proportional solenoid valve referenced 2 with the flow meter 3.

At the outlet of the remineralisation reactor 15, a particulate sediment filter 16 or a microfiltration membrane may be placed in order to filter any fines and / or the microorganisms released at the outlet of the reactor 15. The life time The filter can then be calculated with the flow meter 3 or with the flow meter 21 placed downstream of the remineralisation reactor 15.

It is indeed possible, optionally, to have a conductivity meter 19 and a pH meter 20 connected to the microcontroller, in the pipes upstream of a storage tank referenced 23 or in this tank. They make it possible to follow the smooth progress of the remineralization. In case of anomaly, the user is alerted via the display screen.

A UV-C sterilization reactor 17 is placed downstream of the remineralization reactor 15 and is activated when the water circulates, to disinfect the water coming from the reactor 15.

A reservoir 23 whose shape is close to a right circular cylinder is used to store the produced water before consumption. The bottom is conical or semi-spherical, to allow a complete drainage of the latter. The walls are smooth.

The quantity of water from the storage tank 23 is calculated by virtue of two meter flow rates / water meter referenced 21 and 26 placed upstream and downstream of the reservoir. Alternatively, a membrane sensor located at the outlet of the storage tank 23 calculates the volume of water through the pressure exerted by the water on the latter. In another variant, it is a simple float sensor that informs of the water level in the storage tank 23.

An anti-particulate and / or antibacterial vent filter referenced 22 is placed on the top of the storage tank 23, in order to filter the air which is in contact with the water, in the case where the reservoir is not pressurized.

A UV-C lamp referenced 24 under its protective shell can be placed in the reservoir 23. A dose of Ultra Violet energy is dispensed periodically (every hour in some embodiments) to ensure quality water. As an alternative, a UV-C reactor is placed after the tank to disinfect the water that is consumed or circulates under reflux.

When the quantity of water in the recovery tank 35 is at a minimum or the quantity of water in the storage tank 23 is at maximum, the remineralization process is interrupted: the pump 38 stops the circulation of the water, the solenoid valve 1 closes and cuts the communications between the different networks, the proportional solenoid valve 2 opens to the maximum to guarantee a maximum flow in case of reflux, the proportional gas solenoid valve 8, closes and stops the injection of CO2, the UV-C lamp 16 stops radiating. The dissolution of the calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate alkaline earth rocks stops because there is no longer enough aggressive CO2 to continue the dissolution reaction and the water has reached the calcocarbonic equilibrium. . PH, alkalinity and hardness therefore remain stable.

In another embodiment, it is also possible that the rock used for the neutralization is composed in part or in whole of calcium / magnesium oxide (CaO / MgO).

In another embodiment, the rock neutralization can be followed or replaced by the injection of a chemical compound which makes it easier to reach the calcocarbonic balance (i.e. carbonate saturation index greater than 0).

5.5 Circulation and reflux of water in the D-AWG

It will be noted that the water treatment module 102 and the remineralization module 103 each have their reflux circuit. These refluxes are activated when the drinking water production device is not in operation, i.e. has been shut down for some time. The reflux makes it possible to periodically circulate the water through the network and thus to avoid a stagnation of the water which favors a bacterial development followed by a possible development of biofilm. It also makes it possible to redo the water through the UV disinfection reactors, in order to guarantee a water that is always biologically sound. The use of two separate reflux circuits makes it possible to provide an economically operating D-AWG, jointly offering a deionization treatment on the one hand, and a remineralization treatment on the other hand.

The D-AWG of the invention has been described here in a particular embodiment, in which the water undergoes, on the one hand, a deionization treatment, and, on the other hand, a remineralization treatment, each of these two treatments being implemented in a closed and separate reflux circuit. The invention relates, however, primarily to an AWG implementing a water remineralization treatment, regardless of the implementation of a deionization treatment, or the use of two separate reflux circuits. The device for generating atmospheric water of the invention could also implement a deionization treatment of water, without implementation of a remineralization treatment as described above, and whatever the structure of the or water circulation circuit (s). The atmospheric water generation device of the invention could also implement a filtration treatment of water (by particulate filter and / or ultrafiltration membrane and / or by activated carbon filter), without implementation. a deionization treatment or a remineralization treatment as described above, or a filtration treatment of the water also implementing a deionization treatment only, without remineralization, or a filtration treatment of the water also implementing a remineralization treatment only, without deionization, or as described above, a water filtration treatment also implementing a deionization treatment and a remineralization treatment. The atmospheric water generation device of the invention can also implement a partial or total oxidation of the chemical compounds present in the water (condensed and / or filtered and / or deionized and / or remineralized). This chemical oxidation can be done by chlorination, by the action of chlorine dioxide, by action of ozone, by ultraviolet radiation, preferably with a wavelength equal to or of the order of 185 nm or else by implementation of a method of the type AOP. The device for generating atmospheric water of the invention can also implement a disinfection of water (condensed and / or filtered and / or deionized and / or remineralized) by ultraviolet lamp, chlorine, chlorine dioxide or ozone . Such disinfection can use a residual disinfectant to ensure the quality of the water at the microbiological level during the distribution of this water in a pipeline network. Disinfection and oxidation can be carried out jointly during the same step. The reflux device shown above is advantageously used in domestic D-AWGs that produce only small amounts of drinking water per day. For industrial D-AWGs that produce large amounts of water, water is used directly continuously. Reflux is not necessary. The solenoid valves 1 and 28, and the channels C and D are removed. In a particular embodiment, the storage tank 23 and the dispensing pump 25 are also removed. The D-AWG stops at the end of track B. The UV lamp referenced 17, can also be replaced by a module that allows the injection of a residual disinfectant.

5.6 Second embodiment

In the remainder of the description, a water treatment device according to a second embodiment of the invention, in connection with FIG. 3, and the corresponding water treatment process, in relation with FIG. Figure 4.

The device of FIG. 3 proposes an implementation of the treatment of water at least by microfiltration, followed by deionization on ion exchange resins, itself followed by remineralisation.

Via the control screen, the user can quickly change between three manual modes of operation. The "treatment" mode that starts the water treatment, the mode "Regeneration" which initiates the regeneration of the ion exchange resins contained in the reactors 225 and 226 (as described below), and the "reflux" mode which allows the dual circulation of the water whose flow is separated between a first part of the device performing the deionization treatment and a second part of the device performing the remineralization treatment. There is also an "automatic" mode that allows the microcontroller to automatically switch between these three modes as needed.

At the inlet of the device of FIG. 3, the stream 501 of condensed water is collected in the first recovery tank (201 in FIG. 3), is pumped by the pump 202 and sent through one (or more) first (s) microfiltration stages 203 for removing condensed water particles from water. The maximum size of the particles retained by this first microfiltration stage is preferably between 0.1 μιη and 20 μιη. The processing flow rate of the pump 202 may be variable and is regulated by a flow sensor 204.

The water then passes through a first ultraviolet disinfection reactor 205 operating at a disinfectant wavelength of 254 nm and delivering a dose of at least 120 mJ / cm 2. This pre-treatment disinfection in the reactor 205 makes it possible not to contaminate the part of the treatment system situated downstream of the reactor 205. The first disinfection reactor 205 is monitored by a first UV intensity sensor 206 and a temperature sensor 207 mounted. on the disinfection reactor 205.

The water then passes through an activated carbon filtration module 210. According to the design, this activated carbon filtration module 210 may consist of one or more filters (the two filters 210a and 210b in FIG. 3). These filters can be maintained by manual cleaning co-current or counter-current through valves (216 to 220). Activated carbon is used for the removal of pesticides and other organic chemicals, taste, odors, and total organic carbon (TOC). The dimensioning allows a contact time adapted to the filtration of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

In a specific variant, an ultrafiltration membrane (not shown) is placed before the activated carbon filtration module 210.

A second microfiltration stage 223 may optionally be placed downstream to prevent the release of fine activated carbon into the network.

In addition to this filtering, it is necessary to carry out an ionic filtration of the water, in order to extract pollutants in ionic form such as undesirable ions (ammonium (NhV), nitrite (NCv), nitrate (NO3 ), etc.), metallic trace elements, and possibly radionuclides. A strongly acidic cation exchange resin (SAC) unit 225 is used followed by a strongly basic anion exchange resin (SBA) unit 226. These resins enable also to remove CO2 from the water. A conductivity sensor 224 monitors the progress of the process. Once the resins are saturated they are regenerated.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the different regeneration steps of the two ion exchange units 225 and 226 are managed automatically by a control system with a camshaft 227 operating with energy. pneumatic and connected to three pressure switches. During the regeneration mode, the pump switches from a flow control to a pressure control and sends 3 or 5 bar. The pump 202 adjusts its pressure with the pressure sensor 295d. The duration of the various stages (against washing, suction, slow displacement, rapid cleaning) is fixed on the interface of the control system 227. The acid and the base necessary for the respective regeneration of cationic and anionic resins are aspirated by a system. with venturi from acid tanks 225a and base 226a. Aspiration rates are displayed on two rota-meters 228 and 229. Pressure switches connected to the control system 227 and to the microcontroller, control the opening or closing of the solenoid valves 231 to 233, thus permitting respectively the suction of the acid, aspirating the base and closing the treatment path 234 during regeneration. The washings and brine waters produced during the various stages of the regeneration, which have acidic and basic pH values, are sent to a recovery tank 235 to neutralize during their mixing. The brine 502 obtained by this mixture in the recovery tank 235 has a neutrality that allows discharge to the sewers via the valve 265. The deionized water with this type of automated regeneration according to such a device has an electrical conductivity of around 0, 5 μ5 / η at 25 ° C.

In another embodiment not shown, the two ion exchange units 225 and 226 are replaced by an electric deionization technology (electrodeionization (EDI), electrodialysis (ED), capacitive deionization (CDI), deionization capacitive membrane ("capacitive deionization membrane" or M-CDI)). This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the amount of water lost during regenerations and also to reduce the environmental impact.

Water that is now purified (by microfiltration, activated carbon filtration followed by deionization) needs to be remineralized. The remineralization of this device is based on carbon dioxide injection recarbonation (injection module 240 in FIG. 4) and neutralization by filtration on alkaline earth rock of calcium carbonate (CaCOa) mixed with carbonate of carbon dioxide. magnesium (MgCOa) in a remineralization reactor 215 (see Figure 4). Calcium / magnesium carbonates react with the aggressive free CO2 of water which induces a simultaneous increase in hardness and alkalinity. Filtration on limestone thus makes it possible to neutralize the water but also to partially remineralize it. By increasing the CO2 concentration of the condensed water, the filtration makes it possible to increase more significantly the alkalinity and therefore allows a real remineralization of water. The remineralization reactor 215 therefore makes it possible to neutralize by filtration on alkaline earth rock.

In the injection module 240, food grade CO2 gas is sent into the pressurized water. The pressure of the CO2 supplied by a pressurized cylinder 241 is regulated by means of a pressure regulator 242 of the pressure gauge type. For a good injection CO2 must have a higher water pressure of at least 1 bar. A mass flow controller 244 consisting of a proportional solenoid valve and a sensor makes it possible to deliver the desired CO2 flow rate. The CO2 then passes through a check valve 246 before being injected into the water by the injection nozzle 248. The dissolution of the gaseous CO 2 in the water is facilitated by means of an in-line static mixer 250. then passes through the alkaline earth rock of the remineralisation reactor 215. According to the design, this remineralization reactor 215 may consist of one or more tanks placed in series (215a to 215f). These filters can be maintained by co-current or counter-current cleaning using valves 251 to 259. The pH and conductivity of the remineralized water are controlled by a pH meter 263 and a conductivity meter 264. Depending on the CO2 concentration desired in the water, the controller regulates the mass flow controller 244 according to the flow rate of water measured by the flow meter 262 or 204 The water flow and the CO2 concentration are set by the user via the interface microcontroller to obtain the desired amount of ions.

The water then passes through a particulate filter forming a third microfiltration stage 273 to remove any particles, such as calcite fines, and thus prevent them from contaminating the rest of the network.

A second ultraviolet UV-C 274 disinfection reactor completes this treatment by sending a dose of 40 mJ / cm ² to make this water completely drinkable. The disinfection system is monitored by a second UV intensity sensor 275 and a second temperature sensor 276 placed on the second ultraviolet disinfection reactor 274. The advantage of ultraviolet radiation treatment, unlike all persistent chemical disinfectants, is that it does not produce by-products of disinfection. This is an advantage if the water is consumed quickly after treatment or bottling.

The water is then stored in a second tank 281 open to the atmosphere via an antibacterial air filter 282.

In order to avoid bacterial growth favored by stagnant water, a system of periodic circulation of water (reflux) is preferably carried out throughout the water network. Reflux also allows water to be passed through the germicidal UV lamps to keep the water clean of micro-organisms. This system allows the treatment to be stopped over a prolonged period without risk of contamination, in the case of a period of unfavorable condensation, for example. In this case, the reflux is divided into two distinct sections of circulation that can be made to work. cost-effectively: the recirculation of deionized water (like channels A and C in Figure 2) and the recirculation of remineralized water (like the channels B, G and D in the figure 2). The solenoid valves 285 and 286 make it possible to separate the treatment of condensed water into drinking water (treatment mode) from the double recirculation cycle (reflux mode). During the Reflux Mode, the pump 202 circulates the water in the deionized water reflux circuit: through the purification treatment to the channel 234 and the recirculation line of the deionized water 282 to the tank 201 through the solenoid valves 285 and 286. The pump 290 circulates the water in the remineralized water reflux circuit: via the remineralized water recirculation pipe 263 and the remineralisation devices to the tank 281. The flow rate of the pump 290 is followed by the flow meter 262. The pumps 202 and 290 are protected by check valves 293 and 294. The check valve 294 also makes it possible to prevent the water during the manual mode "treatment" from going directly into the tank 281 via the pump 290.

In one embodiment, the Ultra-Violet UV-C 274 disinfection reactor or an additional Ultra-Violet UV-C reactor is placed downstream of the storage tank 281, in order to perform a final disinfection of the water just before it is dispensed. .

Pressure sensors 295a to 295j are arranged upstream and downstream of the following different filtration modules: the microfiltration stages 203, 233 and 273; the activated carbon filter 210, the ion exchange resin units 225/226; the CO2 injection nozzle 248, the remineralisation reactors 215, and the safety valve 296; in order to follow pressure and loss of loads. The controller stops the actuators in case of abnormally high pressure. Physical security is added in addition with a safety valve 296.

The volumes of the first and second tanks 201 and 281 are measured by first and second pressure sensors 201a and 281a.

A conductivity and pH sensor 201b may be arranged upstream of the first reservoir 201 to follow the characteristics of the condensed water.

Valves 297 and 298 may be added to sample water or purge air from the pipelines.

The valves 264 to 266 serve to purge the reservoirs 201, 235 and 281.

The drinking water 503 is distributed by gravity via the valve 281 or by the pump 290 and a solenoid valve (unidentified).

Thus, in this second embodiment, at least one of the following condensed water treatment elements is used from upstream to downstream: microfiltration means (microfiltration stage (s) 203, 223), deionization means on ion exchange resins (cationic resin unit 225, anionic resin unit 226) and means for adding minerals (remineralization reactor 215, CO2 injection module 240). According to a preferred variant, filtration means are placed activated carbon filtration system (210). Preferably, these filtration means comprise an activated carbon filtration module (210) which is placed between said microfiltration means and said deionization means on ion exchange resins.

5.7 Other embodiments

In the following description, we will describe other possible embodiments of the water treatment method of the invention, in connection with Figures 5 and 6.

In Figure 5 are schematically shown the elements / processing steps of a condensed water treatment method according to a third embodiment, employing an ultrafiltration system. Such an ultrafiltration system can have a cutoff threshold ("Molecular Weight Cut-Off") up to 10,000 Daltons.

The process of FIG. 5 proposes an implementation of the water treatment, at least by ultrafiltration, followed by deionization on ion exchange resins, itself followed by remineralization.

In this third embodiment, it is a gravity ultrafiltration membrane (gravity ultrafiltration stage 309) which is used for the first stage of the treatment. The condensed water is conveyed into a gravity ultrafiltration membrane. This type of membrane has the advantage of not using energy because the water flows by gravity through the walls. The goal is to remove as much organic compounds as possible from the water and perform primary disinfection.

The water is then collected in a recovery tank 301 and then pumped by the pump 302 and then discharged to an active carbon filtration module 310 containing granular activated carbon (GAC) that the water passes through.

In a variant not shown it is a conventional ultrafiltration which is used and placed after the pump 302. Particulate filtration (microfiltration, cartridge, sand) can precede this ultrafiltration treatment to filter a portion of the coarse particles and thus reduce the steps maintenance of ultrafiltration. Depending on the quality of the condensed water a UV disinfection system (not shown) may also be used upstream of the ultrafiltration to reduce the maintenance of the membrane.

Downstream of the activated carbon filtration module 310, the water then passes into one or more ion-exchange ion exchange resin units for removing some or all of the ions present in the water (ion filtration of 'water). For this purpose, a strongly acidic cation exchange resin (SAC) unit 325 is used. Alternatively, the treatment in the strongly acidic cation exchange resin reservoir 325 is followed by a treatment in another resin exchange resin unit. ions comprising a strongly basic anion exchange resin (SBA) 326. If a strongly basic H ⁺ proton exchange cationic resin is employed, CO ₂ will be formed between the water HCO3 ^" and the H ⁺ salted out by the cationic resin In order to economize the strongly basic anionic resin a CO 2 removal process can be employed between the two ion exchange resin units 325 and 326 .

For example, a membrane switch 336, placed between the two ion exchange resin units 325 and 326, may be used to remove certain gases such as CO2 or any remaining VOCs from the water.

The water is then remineralized as in the second embodiment described above in connection with FIG. 4, by CO2 injection (CO2 injection module 340) and neutralization on calcium carbonate and magnesium rock ( Neutralization in a remineralization reactor 315) in order to add to the water the ions: Ca ²⁺ , Mg ²⁺ , HCO 3 ^- .

Depending on the type of application, it is also possible, optionally, to add other minerals or to change the carbonate saturation index by the injection (reagent injection module 341) or the use of one or more several reagent (s) complementary to the neutralization.

The injection of these reagents can be done before, during or after the neutralization of CO2 on the alkaline-earth rock (in FIG. 5, the case of an injection of reagents in the remineralization reactor 315, thus during neutralization). This injection can be performed using one or more dosing pumps.

According to the embodiment or design, the water produced after the neutralization of the CO2 injected on a carbonate rock may not reach the CaC03 saturation equilibrium necessary for the water to be sent into the pipes. In this case, it can be injected additionally a reagent in the form of a solution in order to reach the calcocarbonic balance. Examples include the use of caustic soda (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or quicklime / calcium oxide (CaO).

The addition of CO2 and the neutralization on calcium / magnesium carbonate will produce a water comprising Ca2 +, Mg2 +, HC03-. In order to change the proportion of these minerals or add complementary minerals (Cl-, Na +, SO4-, K +, etc.), other reagents can be used such as: sodium hydroxide / caustic soda ( NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na ₂ CO ₃ ), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3), quicklime / calcium oxide (CaO), slaked lime / calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH) 2), calcium chloride (CaCl 2) , dolomite magnesia (CaCO ₃ + MgO), hydroxide - magnesium oxide (Mg (OH) 2 - MgO), calcium sulfate (CaSO - i), sodium chloride

(NaCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl), potassium chloride (KCL).

In another embodiment, chemical inhibitors may also be added to avoid pitting or corrosion problems in the pipes.

After the neutralization (downstream of the remineralization reactor 315), the remineralized water is disinfected (disinfection reactor 374) before being stored in a tank 381 or sent directly to a place of use (eg bottling, supply line, and.). In a particular embodiment, the disinfection step 374 or a new disinfection step can be carried out after the tank 381.

Depending on the type of application, water can be disinfected using various disinfection techniques: ultraviolet (UV), chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozonation, etc.

Depending on the method chosen, this disinfection step can also serve as an oxidation step.

Let us give the example of a specific embodiment employing a weakly acidic cation exchange resin (WAC) and a chlorination used as a disinfection and oxidation technique. Water leaving the activated carbon filtration module 310 is sent to a reservoir

325 containing weakly acidic cation exchange resin (WAC) to remove certain unwanted cations such as ammonium from water. The removal of ammonium which may be present in high concentration in the condensed water will avoid during chlorination the production of chloramine which has less efficient disinfection properties than chlorine (critical point). The water is then remineralized (remineralization reactor 315) and chlorinated (disinfection reactor 374). In this embodiment, the purpose of the chlorination is also to oxidize certain compounds. Chlorine will oxidize undesirable compounds such as NO2 ^" to NO3 ^" . According to the embodiment, the chlorine can be produced on site by electrolysis of brine. An electrochemical sensor will monitor the concentration of free chlorine in the water.

The water is then stored in a tank 481 or sent directly to a place of use (eg bottling, supply line, and.). In a particular embodiment, the disinfection step 474 or a new disinfection step may be carried out after the tank 481.

In an alternative embodiment, the ion exchange resins are replaced by an electrochemical deionization technology as previously mentioned in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4.

Thus, in this other and third embodiment of the method according to the invention, a device for treating a condensed water according to a third embodiment, which comprises from upstream to downstream, at least the treatment elements of condensed water: gravity ultrafiltration means (309), deionization means on ion exchange resins (cationic resin unit 325 and optionally anionic resin unit 326) and means for adding minerals (reactor remineralization 315, CO2 injection module 340). According to a preferred variant, an activated carbon filtration module (310) is placed between said gravity ultrafiltration means and said deionization means on ion exchange resins. In Figure 6 are schematically shown the elements / processing steps of a method according to a fourth embodiment employing a reverse osmosis system. Such a reverse osmosis system can have a cutoff threshold ("Molecular Weight Cut-Off") up to 100 (or even 50) Daltons.

The process of Figure 6 proposes an implementation of water treatment at least by microfiltration, followed by reverse osmosis, itself followed by remineralization.

In this fourth embodiment, the condensed water collected in the recovery tank 401 is pumped by the pump 402, this water is then discharged through one (or more) first microfiltration stage (s) 403 (for example a filtration system). particulate (s) using a microfiltration membrane, cartridge, sand). In a particular embodiment, one of the microfiltration stages consists of at least one ultrafiltration module. In practice, this means that the microfiltration module 403 may consist only of one (or more) microfiltration stage (s), or both of one (or more) microfiltration stage (s) and one (or more) ultrafiltration stage (s), or only one (or more) ultrafiltration stage (s).

The water then passes through a granular activated carbon filtration module 410. The activated carbon filtration module 410 can be used either as a prefiltration of a reverse osmosis step (as shown in FIG. 6), or as downstream processing of a reverse osmosis stage (refining) be both.

The water then passes through a reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit 411.

This filtration may be carried out by one or more reverse osmosis membranes placed in series, said membranes being similar / identical or different (specific). This step of reverse osmosis has a dual role: to deionize water and thus remove unwanted ions from water but also to remove dissolved organic pollutants up to 50 daltons from water. Depending on the quality of the condensed water to be treated, a UV disinfection system (not shown) may be used upstream of the reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit 411 to reduce membrane maintenance.

Reverse osmosis does not remove CO2 or certain gases that are below its filtration threshold, such as certain organic compounds. In an alternative embodiment, a membrane switch 436, located downstream of the reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit 411, may be used to remove some of these gases from water. The advantage of removing the CO2 is to be able to achieve a demineralization completely controlled without being dependent on the CO2 variations of the condensed water.

The end of the treatment is similar to the device / process presented for the ultrafiltration treatment in connection with FIG. 5: it is a step of remineralization of the water with injection of CO2 (CO2 injection module 440) and neutralization on calcite (Neutralization in a remineralization reactor 415) followed by disinfection (disinfection reactor 474). The choice of the disinfection device may vary depending on the use of the produced water (ultraviolet, chlorination, chlorine dioxide, ozone, etc.)

In an alternative embodiment, the reagents can be injected into the water, via a reagent injection module 441, to extend the possibilities of remineralization as in the case of the third embodiment previously described in connection with FIG.

Thus, in this other and fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, a device for treating condensed water according to a fourth embodiment, which comprises from upstream to downstream, at least the treatment elements of the following condensed water: microfiltration means (microfiltration stage 403), reverse osmosis treatment units (reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit 411) and mineral addition means (remineralization reactor 415, CO2 injection module 440)

The various embodiments of the device and the condensed water treatment method according to the invention presented in the foregoing description may be intended for several applications.

Additional devices may be added upstream or downstream of the device according to the invention or upstream or downstream of one of the processes forming the device according to the invention to facilitate the connection of the device according to the invention. We will give the example of the recovery of condensed water by an air conditioning system of a building in order to bottle the produced drinking water. Water condensed by the various air handling units (AHU) of an air-conditioning system is centralized through a network of pipes or sewers, and conveyed by gravity, to a pipe discharging into a pit or a reservoir buffer. A pre-filtration stage is arranged upstream of the pit or buffer tank for recovering, for example, by gravity, large particles in order to avoid clogging the particulate (203, 403) and membrane (309, 411) filters of said devices and processes. water treatment. This particulate prefiltration stage may for example consist of a prefilter basket and a bag filter. The condensed water stored in the tank is then sent to the water treatment tank (201, 301 or 401) via a pump connected to the automaton of the treatment device according to the invention.

In a particular embodiment, the buffer tank can replace the reservoir (201,

301 or 401) in particular in the device comprising a gravity ultrafiltration module (309).

In this example, a bottling unit is mounted downstream of said device / treatment method according to the invention.

Claims

1. Device for treating a condensed water from water vapor contained in the air, characterized in that it comprises means for adding minerals to said condensed water by contacting said condensed water with a reactor of remineralization containing at least one alkaline earth rock,

said mineral adding means further comprising:

means for controlling the contact time of said water condensed with said remineralization reactor;

means for calculating a quantity of carbon dioxide to be injected into said condensed water, allowing the dissolution of the alkaline-earth rock in order to obtain in the water a predetermined quantity of minerals to be added;

injection means adapted to inject into said condensed water said amount of carbon dioxide calculated by said calculating means;

said means for adding minerals being able to produce remineralised water.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said control means are able to control at least one of the following parameters:

a flow rate of said condensed water in said remineralization reactor;

a concentration of said carbon dioxide to be injected;

an injection flow rate of said carbon dioxide;

a pressure of said carbon dioxide to be injected.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises means for selecting by a user of said predetermined amount of minerals to be added to said condensed water.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that said device further comprises means for deionizing said condensed water, producing a deionized water.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said deionization means of said condensed water comprise at least some of the means belonging to the group comprising:

an ion exchange resin module;

an aluminosilicate rock of zeolite type;

electrical and / or electrochemical deionization means such as by electrodeionization (EDI), electrodialysis (ED), capacitive deionization (CDI), capacitive deionization by membrane (capacitive deionization membrane (M-CDI));

- a reverse osmosis membrane; a nanofiltration membrane.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said device also comprises means for filtering said condensed water and / or said deionized water producing a filtered water by implementing at least one elements belonging to the group comprising:

a particulate filter;

an activated carbon filter;

an ultrafiltration membrane;

a membrane contactor or a gaseous filtration membrane.

7. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said means for adding minerals are disposed downstream of said deionization means, so that said minerals are added to said deionized water to produce said remineralized water.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it also comprises a degassing system capable of removing water at least one Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), undesirable gas or CO2.

9. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises two dissociated water circulation circuits, namely:

a first water circulation circuit comprising a tank for recovering said condensed water, said means for deionizing said condensed water and first means for disinfecting the water;

a second water circulation circuit comprising said mineral adding means, a reservoir for storing said remineralised water and second means for disinfecting said remineralised water.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises means for periodically activating the flow of water in each of said first and second circuits.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it also comprises means for partial or total oxidation of at least one chemical compound present in said condensed water and / or in said filtered water and or in said deionized water and / or in said remineralized water.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that said partial or total oxidation means belong to the group comprising:

oxidation means by chlorination;

oxidation means by action of chlorine dioxide;

oxidation means by ozone action;

ultraviolet radiation oxidation means; means for implementing an advanced oxidation process (AOP "Advanced Oxidation Processes").

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it also comprises means for disinfecting said condensed water and / or said filtered water and / or said deionized water and / or said water remineralized implementing at least one of the elements belonging to the group comprising:

an ultraviolet lamp;

chlorine;

chlorine dioxide;

- Ozone.

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said disinfection means comprise at least one residual disinfectant.

15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it also comprises means for adding one or more reagents from the following list: sodium hydroxide / sodium hydroxide (NaOH), carbonate sodium (Na2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCOa), quicklime / calcium oxide (CaO), slaked lime / Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH) 2), calcium chloride (CaC), dolomite magnesia (CaCO3 + MgO) ), magnesium oxide (Mg (OH) 2 - MgO), calcium sulfate (CaSC), sodium chloride (NaCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and potassium chloride (KCl).

16. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least, from upstream to downstream, microfiltration means (203, 223), deionization means on ion exchange resins (225, 226) and said mineral adding means (215, 240).

17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises activated carbon filtration means (210) placed between said microfiltration means and said deionization means on ion exchange resins (225, 226). .

18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least, from upstream to downstream, ultrafiltration means (309), deionization means (325, 326) and said means of adding minerals (315, 340, 341)

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that said ultrafiltration means are gravity ultrafiltration (309).

20. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that said deionization means are deionization means on ion exchange resins (325, 326) or deionization means by electrodeionization or deionization means by osmosis reverse.

21. Device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that it further comprises active carbon filtration means (310) placed between said ultrafiltration means and said deionization means.

22. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least, from upstream to downstream, microfiltration means (403), reverse osmosis treatment means (411) and said means for adding minerals (400, 441, 415).

23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises active carbon filtration means (410) downstream of the microfiltration means (403).

24. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that said activated carbon filtration means (410) are placed upstream of the reverse osmosis treatment means (411).

25. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that said activated carbon filtration means (410) are placed downstream of the reverse osmosis treatment means (411).

26. Device according to one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that it further comprises oxidation means downstream means for adding minerals.

27. Device according to one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that it further comprises disinfection means downstream means for adding minerals

28. System for generating drinking water from atmospheric air, comprising means for condensing a water vapor contained in the air, capable of producing condensed water, characterized in that it comprises a device treatment of said condensed water according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. System according to claim 28, characterized in that it comprises means for treating atmospheric air arranged upstream of said condensing means.

30. System according to any one of claims 28 and 29, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor delivering information on the quality of the atmospheric air, and means for stopping said water generation system. drinking water capable of stopping said drinking water generation system when said air quality information is below a predetermined threshold.

31. System according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that said means for condensing a water vapor contained in the air are part of an air conditioning system of all or part of a building.

32. System for generating drinking water from atmospheric air according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that said means for condensing a water vapor contained in the air can be means of condensation of human or natural origin.

33. System for generating drinking water from atmospheric air according to any one of claims 28 to 32, characterized in that it is placed upstream of a bottling unit or a network of distribution of drinking water.

34. Process for treating a condensed water from water vapor contained in the air, characterized in that it comprises a step of adding minerals to said condensed water by contacting said condensed water with a reactor. of remineralization containing at least one alkaline earth rock,

and in that said step of adding minerals implements substeps of:

calculating an amount of carbon dioxide to be injected into said condensed water, based on a predetermined amount of minerals to be added;

injecting said condensed water with said calculated amount of carbon dioxide; and controlling the contact time of said condensed water with said remineralization reactor, said step of adding minerals to said condensed water producing remineralised water.

35. The treatment method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said step of adding minerals furthermore implements a substep of calculating the minimum contact time between said water condensed with said remineralization reactor as a function of said predetermined quantity. of minerals to add.

36. A method for generating drinking water from atmospheric air, comprising a step of condensing a water vapor contained in the air, capable of producing condensed water, characterized in that it implements in addition a method of treating said condensed water according to claim 34 or 35.