EP4244191A2

EP4244191A2 - Plumbing system and method for purifying drinking water

Info

Publication number: EP4244191A2
Application number: EP21807011.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jürgen JOHANN; Katharina Weitgasser
Original assignee: BWT Holding GmbH
Current assignee: BWT Holding GmbH
Priority date: 2020-11-12
Filing date: 2021-11-04
Publication date: 2023-09-20
Also published as: US20230406739A1; WO2022101082A3; DE102020129850A1; WO2022101082A2

Abstract

With a view of making available water that is as germ-free as possible, the invention relates to a plumbing system (1) comprising a removal point (38) and/or an outlet, said plumbing system having a direction of flow (D) towards the removal point and/or towards the outlet and comprising at least one chemical germ barrier (200) upstream of the removal point and/or the outlet when viewed in the direction of flow, said chemical germ barrier being in particular selected from among the group comprising at least one alkalinizing and/or oxidative material, silver, chlorine and combinations thereof.

Description

Water installation system and method for the treatment of drinking water

description

field of invention

The invention relates to a water installation system, in particular a drinking water installation, and a method for treating drinking water. The invention also relates to a germ barrier, a household water filter, a shower toilet, a water dispenser and a filter cartridge.

Background of the Invention

Depending on the application, drinking water can be provided from different sources, including a tank or a water pipe. In particular, there is a risk that germs or microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or algae will multiply in pipes during phases of stagnation in the water. A stagnation phase is a period in which no water is withdrawn. In the following, the term "microorganisms" refers to both algae and organisms such as bacteria and fungi that can cause processes that are harmful to health.

Drinking water systems must be designed in such a way that the quality of the water in the system does not deteriorate over time compared to the drinking water provided due to the ingress of microorganisms. On the one hand, microorganisms can enter drinking water through non-drinking water. In order to avoid this, safety fittings such as system separators or a so-called "free outlet" can be installed at endangered extraction points. System separators consist of chambers connected in series, between which a non-return valve is inserted. With a free outlet, the water inlet flows out at a distance from the highest possible non-potable water level, such as with a conventional washbasin. This creates a free flow path that prevents water that has flowed out of the water pipe from being sucked back even if negative pressure forms in the pipe system.

However, microorganisms can also multiply during the stagnation phase in the drinking water that is still to be withdrawn. This can progress to biofilm formation. Therefore, in addition to the risk of microorganisms entering the water from non-drinking water, there is also the risk of so-called reverse contamination. For softening or desalination and possibly further treatment such as targeted mineralization, some of the drinking water is passed through treatment facilities installed between the domestic water connection and the point of withdrawal, such as filter cartridges with ion exchangers, mineralization facilities or reverse osmosis systems. The lines in the connecting pieces between such facilities, the water source and the withdrawal point are exposed to the risk of reverse contamination.

In order to counteract the proliferation of microorganisms, it is known from practice to remove the water from z. B. water dispensers in the reservoir to heat so as to kill microorganisms. This can be done periodically, for example, by heating the entire water tank. This procedure is complex and energy-intensive. In addition, microorganisms can form, especially in the vicinity of the outlet of a water dispenser, which naturally cannot be reached by the heated water, but are flushed out when the water dispenser is actuated.

In order to remove microorganisms from drinking water, devices and methods for ultrafiltration or microfiltration are known. For example, bacteria generally cannot pass through an ultrafilter. Microfiltration is a method of filtration through membranes with a pore size between 0.1 μm and 1 μm, which also means that the majority of bacteria cannot pass through a microfiltration membrane. In contrast, the pore size in ultrafiltration is below 0.1 μm. In particular, capillary membranes are known as filter medium for ultrafiltration or microfiltration, in which the wall of the capillary forms the membrane. During ultrafiltration or microfiltration, increased bacterial growth or the formation of biofilms can occur on the concentrate side. Here, microorganisms accumulate on the membrane during filtration and embed themselves in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPS are formed by microorganisms and released into their environment. The composition of the EPS depends on the species involved in the biofilm. The EPS ensure that the microorganisms adhere to the membrane surface and ensure the mechanical and chemical stability of the biofilm. As the thickness of the biofilm increases, the filtration performance of the membrane. Furthermore, the increased bacterial growth on the concentrate side can lead to uncontrolled reverse contamination in the pipe network.

object of the invention

Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide water that is as germ-free as possible, in particular drinking water. In particular, it is an object of the invention to increase the service life and safety of a water installation system and at the same time to protect the pipe system from bacterial contamination.

The aim of the invention is to provide a device and a method with which drinking water can be removed without contamination by microorganisms, even after the removal has stagnated beforehand.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the invention is already achieved by a water installation, a germ barrier and by a method for filtering drinking water according to one of the independent claims.

Preferred embodiments and developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The invention provides a water installation, in particular a drinking water system, with an extraction point and/or an outlet, the drinking water system having a flow direction towards the extraction point and/or the outlet and at least one chemical flow direction in front of the extraction point and/or the outlet Has germ barrier. On the one hand, the germ barrier can be located on the flow side in front of the extraction point, the so-called "point of use".

On the one hand, a germ barrier can prevent backward contamination against the direction of flow into the installation system.

On the other hand, contamination running along a pipe wall, in particular the formation of a biofilm, in the direction of a component following on the flow side, in particular a filter, can be avoided. Installed between an outlet and a water-carrying pipe, reverse contamination from the sewage system into the water installation can be avoided. In particular, a free outlet can be dispensed with in many applications.

In the following, the water installation system is referred to as "drinking water system" for the sake of simplicity.

The drinking water system is fed from a drinking water source. The drinking water system is delimited by an inlet to the source of drinking water, from which drinking water enters the drinking water system, and by the extraction point, in front of which the chemical germ barrier is arranged according to the invention. The drinking water system is preferably an individually manageable component which can be connected to the water supply, for example in the household. The drinking water system can consist of several components.

The term "chemical germ barrier" is used in contrast to a "mechanical germ barrier". A mechanical germ barrier is a particle barrier such as a filter, which retains germs due to the mutual size relationships. A chemical germ barrier, on the other hand, includes in particular at least one substance that has a killing effect on microorganisms, ie is a biocidal contact material. A “biocidal contact material” is understood to mean materials which have a bactericidal and/or fungicidal effect and/or algicidal effect when they come into contact with water.

The chemical germ barrier according to the invention kills microorganisms in a section of an inlet and/or outlet pipe of the water installation at least in a stagnation phase.

The chemical germ barrier, which is positioned in front of the tapping point, ensures in a simple and reliable way that even in the stagnation phase, compared to drinking water systems without a chemical germ barrier, the growth of germs in the water to be removed is reduced and any germs that may have entered are killed. The water taken from the drinking water system according to the invention after a stagnation phase is therefore advantageously low in germs.

The germ barrier is designed in particular such that in the flow path during a stagnation phase, the water in a section of the flow path such chemically treated to kill microorganisms within this section. In particular, the germ barrier prevents the growth of microorganisms along a wall against the direction of flow.

In one embodiment of the invention, the germ barrier is only effective during a stagnation phase.

The chemical germ barrier is selected from the group which includes at least one alkalizing and/or oxidizing material. In particular, this can be a carbonate, oxide, peroxide material, silver, chlorine, ozone, and combinations thereof. Within the scope of the invention, several chemical germ barriers are available for the drinking water system, depending on the application and external conditions.

Peroxide granules are particularly suitable for a germ barrier, as will be explained in detail below.

The alkalizing and/or oxidizing material can be used, for example, to increase the pH above 9, in particular to a pH above 10, but preferably below 13, to achieve a biocidal effect.

Furthermore, the material can have an oxidizing effect, in particular form an oxidizing substance such as hydrogen peroxide.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the chemical germ barrier comprises an alkalizing and/or oxidizing material which contains at least one material selected from the group comprising carbonates, oxides and peroxides.

Calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide and zinc peroxide and mixtures of at least two of the materials mentioned are particularly suitable for use in the context of the invention.

In particular, agglomerated materials, in which the formation of dust is largely prevented, are easy to handle. In particular, the alkalizing and/or oxidizing material can be present at least partially as granules. A material with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing action which has particles with a particle size of less than 5 mm is preferred below 3 mm, particularly preferably in the range between 0.2 and 10 mm, preferably 0.5 millimeters and 2.5 mm.

The particle sizes given above relate to the initial state of the respective alkalizing and/or oxidizing material. The upper limit for the particle size results in particular from the desired dissolution kinetics. In principle, the use of powder is also possible within the scope of the invention. Within the scope of the invention, preference is given to materials with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing action and particles larger than 20 micrometers, particularly preferably larger than 200 micrometers, very particularly preferably larger than 200 micrometers, so that the flow resistance of the material is reduced compared to a bed of smaller particles .

These granulated alkalizing and/or oxidizing materials dissolve so slowly in water that the pH value of the water treated with the chemical germ barrier according to the invention is increased only in the stagnation phase so that the desired biocidal effect can be established. With the help of the invention, the biofilm formation and the growth of algae in the water treatment device and the discharge of microorganisms into the water taken just after the stagnation phase can be reduced or almost completely prevented compared to devices without a germ barrier according to the invention.

Influence of pH on bacterial growth:

All microorganisms have a pH range within which growth is possible, or an optimal pH range. Most natural environments have a pH between 4 and 9 and there are many microorganisms whose pH optimum is in this exact range. The bacteria most commonly found in drinking water, such as Legionella, Pseudomonas, E.coli and enterococci, have their pH optimum in exactly this range.

While the extracellular pH value has an influence on the growth of the bacteria, the intracellular pH value must remain close to neutrality (with the exception of extremely acidophilic or alkaline-philic bacteria) since DNA is an acid-labile structure and RNA is an alkaline-labile structure. If the extracellular pH value is outside the pH optimum or outside the range in which growth is still possible (see table), the bacteria are no longer able to stabilize the intracellular pH value. This slows down or stops bacterial growth or leads to the death of the bacteria.

As soon as water is removed by the drinking water system according to the invention, the hydrogen peroxide formed during the previous stagnation phase, for example, is flushed out and is therefore present in an extremely low concentration in relation to the total amount of water removed.

The water that is standing during the stagnation phase is mixed with fresh water when it is removed and the pH value of the water removed, which is increased by the alkalising material, is thereby reduced.

In particular, the alkalizing and/or oxidizing material is configured in such a way that after a stagnation phase of 5 hours, the OH concentration increases in such a way that the pH increases to 10 to 13.

Furthermore, an amorphous silicate material can be added to the alkalizing and/or oxidizing material. The pH value on the filtrate side is stabilized by the silicic acid dissolved in water.

Calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide and zinc peroxide are particularly suitable for use in the context of the invention Breaking the molded body are made. Such materials are described, for example, in DE 102 48 652 A1. In comparison to the corresponding non-agglomerated peroxides, these tend less towards caking or dusting and are therefore easy to dose.

According to the invention, a chemical germ barrier is thus provided in a surprisingly simple manner, the biocidal effect of which is based on the increase in pH and/or on the release of oxygen when the peroxide material comes into contact with water. The corresponding decomposition takes place via oxygen radicals. Hydrogen peroxide is therefore present in water, which is generally cytotoxic and has a disinfecting effect on many prokaryotic microorganisms. Hydrogen peroxide is particularly suitable for combating algae in drinking water.

By increasing the pH value and possibly releasing hydrogen peroxide, the growth of a biofilm in the membrane filter is prevented in particular. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alkalizing and/or oxidizing material is positioned directly in front of the membrane pack. The expression "positioned directly in front of the membrane pack" means that there are no other larger components, in particular no line sections, between the material with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing effect and the membrane pack. Excluded from this is a retaining grid or a water-permeable fleece, which can be arranged between the membrane package and the material with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing effect.

Due to the alkalizing and/or oxidizing material positioned in front of the membrane pack for micro- or ultrafiltration, drinking water with a low germ content can be made available by the invention. According to the invention, the filtration of the drinking water simultaneously counteracts the growth of biofilms in the filter. In addition, drinking water can be reliably extracted without contamination by microorganisms, especially after the extraction has stagnated beforehand.

In one embodiment of the invention, the chemical germ barrier can be provided with a housing having an internal volume in the range from 10 ml to 200 ml, preferably an internal volume in the range between 15 ml and 50 ml, and can thus be extremely compact. In particular, the chemical germ barrier as an attachment is designed in such a way that after a stagnation phase of 5 hours the OH concentration increases such that the pH value increases to 10 to 13 and/or the concentration of hydrogen peroxide within the peroxide attachment is below 50 mg/ 1 is over 1 mg/1.

The invention also provides a drinking water system with a container as the water source, a gravity-operated water household filter comprising a chemical germ barrier as described above and an ultrafilter or microfilter as a water treatment device, with the chemical germ barrier being arranged in particular below an ion exchanger. Such a gravity-driven domestic water filter typically includes a filter medium that includes an ion exchange material. In particular, an ion exchange resin is used. As a rule, such gravity-operated water balance filters are used primarily for softening the water. At the same time, depending on the design, pollutants, especially heavy metals, can be removed. By additionally providing a filter for z. B. microfiltration with intent as a chemical germ barrier, it is possible to remove bacteria almost completely and very easily from the water to be treated. The drinking water system is preferably designed so that it can be separated from a further component of the water balance filter, in particular from a filter cartridge with an ion exchange resin. In particular, when replacing the ion exchange material, the water treatment device in the form of a microfilter, which generally has a longer service life, can be separated and reused.

The invention also provides a water dispenser comprising a drinking water system as described above, with the drinking water system in particular forming the outlet of the water dispenser.

The water dispenser usually includes a water reservoir and an actuating device for dispensing drinking water. Furthermore, the water dispenser can have a device for cooling and/or heating the water to be dispensed. As a rule, the water dispenser includes a pedestal and can thus be set up, in particular in the commercial sector, so that customers can draw water. The invention can be prevented that germs, which that may form in the reservoir or adjacent lines.

The drinking water system is designed in particular as an outlet, so that the water runs directly from the drinking water system into the user's container during operation. Using the drinking water system as the last component in the waterway ensures that no germs are released into the user's container. In a development of the invention, the outlet is surrounded by a protection against accidental contact. In particular, a wall is provided which extends from above at least up to the level of the spout, so that the spout is protected against accidental touching. This prevents germs from forming on the only surface on the permeate side.

Furthermore, the germ barrier can be arranged in front of a dead branch in the water installation, in particular in front of an expansion tank.

In the installation system, there are often branches that are not or only rarely used. Microorganisms can grow in these so-called dead water zones and then get into the drinking water.

This applies in particular to the branch to a non-flushable pressure equalization tank, which is only connected to the pipe system via a T-piece.

With a germ barrier at the entrance of the T-piece, the penetration of microorganisms into the drinking water can be prevented.

The invention also relates to an installation system with a shower toilet. The shower toilet includes a nozzle through which a jet of water can be emitted in the direction of the buttocks of the user. Preferably, the shower toilet includes a heater to emit a warm jet of water.

The nozzle is preferably designed to be extendable in order to get right under the buttocks of the user.

According to a preferred embodiment, the nozzle is controlled via a control panel, which is arranged in particular next to a toilet seat.

According to the invention, there is a germ barrier between the nozzle and an on-site connection of the shower toilet. The germ barrier prevents backward contamination in the installation system.

The germ barrier preferably comprises an exchangeable cartridge with a filling that prevents microorganisms from growing through.

In one embodiment, a connection of the cartridge is located on the toilet bowl. The connection can be arranged in particular on a rear side of an underside or on the wall side on the top side of the toilet bowl.

The invention is intended both for shower toilets which are provided with a nozzle as standard. The nozzle is located on the toilet bowl.

However, the invention also provides that the germ barrier is part of an attachment for a toilet bowl that can be retrofitted.

In this variant, the nozzle is part of the attachment, which can include, among other things, the toilet seat, a control panel and/or a heater for heating the water dispensed via the nozzle.

In addition to being integrated into the toilet, the cartridge can also be part of a module which is arranged between an inlet of the toilet and a water outlet on site.

In particular, the cartridge can be arranged in a recess in the toilet seat and/or the toilet bowl.

In particular, the cartridge is inserted in a concealed manner, so it cannot be seen directly by the user.

It has been shown that even cartridges with a very small volume are large enough to act effectively as a germ barrier.

The cartridge can in particular have an internal volume of between 10 ml and 1 liter, particularly preferably between 20 and 100 ml and very particularly preferably between 30 and 40 ml.

The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a shower toilet. According to the invention, a cartridge with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing agent is used between an on-site connection and the shower toilet.

The cartridge is replaced at regular intervals. If the cartridge is filled with a peroxide, it has a long service life. As a rule, it is generally sufficient to replace them once a year.

The invention also provides a filter cartridge for drinking water comprising a drinking water system, the filter cartridge being designed in particular for use as a filter cartridge for a table water filter, for a machine for preparing hot and/or cold drinks and/or for an under-table water filter.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for treating water, in particular drinking water, in particular using a water installation system as described above, the water being provided in a water source, in particular a water pipe or a water tank. The process for treating water has a stagnation phase, in which the water does not emerge from the water source, and an extraction phase, in which the water is extracted and optionally replenished from the water source.

During the withdrawal phase, the drinking water passes through a chemical germ barrier. The germ barrier works at least during the stagnation phase. Depending on how the chemical germ barrier according to the invention is implemented, it is formed in particular at least during the stagnation phase in the flow path of the water. In particular, the germ barrier is formed by a material with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing effect, which enriches the water in the germ barrier with OH ions and/or with hydrogen peroxide during stagnation.

According to a further embodiment, the germ barrier is selected from the group comprising at least silver, chlorine, ozone and combinations thereof.

The method according to the invention can be carried out, for example, in addition to providing essentially germ-free drinking water for the production of a hot or cold beverage.

In a further development of the method, an alkalizing and/or oxidizing material is used as a chemical germ barrier, which material is selected from the group comprising carbonates, oxides and peroxides.

In particular, at least one material with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing action is used as a chemical germ barrier, and the drinking water passes through the material with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing action and then optionally one water treatment facility. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking water has a pH in the range from 9 to 13, in particular more than 10 and below 13, and/or a maximum hydrogen peroxide concentration of 50 mg/l during the stagnation phase.

Description of the drawings:

The invention is illustrated in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments on the accompanying drawings. Identical and similar components are provided with the same reference symbols, it being possible for the features of the various exemplary embodiments to be combined with one another.

Show it:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the provision of drinking water with a drinking water filter according to the invention,

FIG. 2A shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a chemical germ barrier as a peroxide attachment,

FIG. 2B shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a chemical germ barrier with silver,

FIG. 2C shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a chemical germ barrier with chlorine,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a drinking water filter according to the invention,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a gravity-operated household water filter according to the invention,

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a water dispenser according to the invention and

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a filter cartridge according to the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a drinking water system with a reverse osmosis tank.

8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a shower toilet according to the invention.

9 shows a connecting piece with a cartridge for the shower toilet according to the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment for the provision of drinking water. Water is provided in a water source 30, for example a water tank or via a water line in the building. The input water 3000 flows through a line 35 to the extraction point 38. The water extracted at this "point of use" is referred to as "output water" 3100.

If the input water 3000 is in the water source and the line 35 to the tapping point, microorganisms can multiply therein. The invention counteracts this problem by arranging a chemical germ barrier 200 directly at the “point of use” 38 in this exemplary embodiment, so that the starting water 3100 is taken directly from the drinking water system 1 according to the invention.

The drinking water system 1 has an extraction point 38 and a flow direction D towards the extraction point. Viewed in the flow direction D in front of the extraction point 38 , the drinking water system 1 has at least one chemical germ barrier 200 .

The chemical germ barrier is selected from the group which includes, for example, an alkalizing and/or oxidizing material, silver, chlorine, ozone and combinations thereof. In the following, a chemical germ barrier with alkalizing and/or oxidizing material is often used as an example. The design features of the drinking water system and its components essentially apply in the same way to embodiments with the other chemical germ barriers mentioned. The person skilled in the art recognizes this from the figures and the associated description.

FIG. 2A shows a chemical germ barrier 200 with a material 2100 having an alkalizing and/or oxidizing effect. Like the drinking water system 1, the chemical germ barrier 200 generally has a flow direction D, with the alkalizing and/or oxidizing material 2100 being positioned in the flow direction D in front of the tapping point.

FIG. 2B shows a chemical barrier 200 with a silver-containing material. When flowing through the chemical germ barrier, the silver ions and/or the metallic silver provided by the silver-containing particles unfold a biocidal effect in the drinking water as it passes through the chemical germ barrier. The silver-containing particles 2500 can be metallic silver parts such as such as a silver coating on the inner wall of the housing 2040 or inserted silver fabrics or silver fleeces, or silver salts as a particle bed in the sleeve 2040. The latter form is illustrated in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 2C shows a chemical germ barrier 200 with a metering pump 2400 for chlorine. The dosing pump 2400 protrudes into the interior of the sleeve 2040, which forms a housing of the chemical germ barrier 200. The dosing pump 2400 has a power connection 2410 . A seal 2411 is positioned between the housing wall 2040 and the metering pump 2400 . The dosing pump 2400 is connected to a connection to a chlorine source 2405, through which, for example, a chloride-containing solution or chlorine gas can be provided during operation. During operation, drinking water flows through the chemical germ barrier 200 along the flow direction D and is exposed to chlorine in the process, so that germs are killed. The dosing pump 2400 could also be designed for ozone with regard to the basic construction.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a drinking water system 1 in a longitudinal section, which includes a water treatment device 100 in addition to the chemical germ barrier 200, which in the example shown is designed as a membrane package for ultrafiltration or microfiltration. In this example, the chemical barrier against germs comprises a material with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing effect and is therefore also referred to as an attachment.

The material 2100 with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing action is provided in a sleeve 2040 . The sleeve 2040 is preferably made of plastic. Oxide, carbonate, peroxide granules or a mixture of the materials are preferably used as the alkalizing and/or oxidizing material. The material is provided as a filling in the interior of the sleeve 2040 of the attachment 200 and is marked with the reference number 2100 in the figures.

The header 200 has an inlet side 2140 and an outlet side 2410. During operation, input water enters the drinking water system 1 through the inlet side 2140 of the header 200 and leaves it through the extraction point 38 at the "point of use".

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the header 200 is provided on the input side 2140 with a water-permeable material to a falling out of the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material 2100 in the To prevent handling of the drinking water system 1. A retaining grid or fleece 2200 can be used for this.

Depending on the area of use, the chemical germ barrier 200 can also be filled with alkalizing and/or oxidizing material (and/or silver-containing particles) during assembly and then installed without the inlet side 2140 being provided with a retaining material.

This also applies to the embodiment of the chemical germ barrier according to the invention shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C. In order to be able to handle the chemical germ barrier 200 separately and independently of an optionally available water treatment unit, the chemical germ barrier 200 in these variants of the invention has a retaining grid or fleece 2210 on the input side and on its output side 2410 . This also keeps the bed 2100 away from downstream components during operation.

In the illustrated embodiments, the chemical germ barrier 200 has fastening means 2600 on its input side 2140 and also fastening means 2600 on its output side 2410 . These can be designed, for example, as a flange or thread. The chemical germ barrier 200 can be connected to the outlet of a source or line for inlet water 300 with the fastening means 2610 on its inlet side 2140 .

With the fasteners 2600 on its output side 2410, the chemical germ barrier 200 can be connected to a downstream water treatment device. Such is shown in Figure 3 using the example of a micro or ultra filter. A membrane pack for micro- or ultrafiltration is arranged in a sleeve 4, which is preferably made of plastic. In the embodiment shown, the membranes of the membrane pack are designed as capillary membranes. These are bent over in the sleeve 4 and embedded in a casting compound 5 on the permeate side. The open end of the capillary membrane 6 thus forms the outlet from the drinking water system 1. In a further embodiment, the capillary membrane can also be operated in the opposite direction. In the operation of all embodiments of the invention, the outlet can be the immediate point of withdrawal for drinking water. The sleeve 4 includes fastening means 6, which can be designed, for example, as a bayonet catch or as a thread. The sleeve 4 can thus be connected around the membrane pack to the chemical germ barrier 200 in cooperation with its fastening means 2600 .

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a gravity-operated water balance filter 7. The gravity-operated water balance filter 7 comprises a jug for receiving the filtered water. The water balance filter 7 also includes a funnel 9 into which the water to be treated is poured. This passes through a filter cartridge 10 which is filled with an ion exchange material. After passing through the filter cartridge 10, the water passes through a sleeve with a chemical germ barrier 200 and with a micro or ultra filter, e.g. as shown in FIG. The entire sleeve is with the filter cartridge

10 detachably connected. The chemical germ barrier 200 prevents a biofilm from growing into the membrane pack and a biofilm from growing into the filter bed of the filter cartridge 10 .

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a water dispenser 11. The water dispenser

11 comprises a water container 12 which is inserted into a housing 13. An actuating means 14 which the user can press is arranged on the housing.

Water then flows through the outlet 15 into the user's cup 16 , which can be placed in a base of the housing 13 . The outlet 15 is designed as a sleeve 18 with a chemical germ barrier and a micro or ultra filter. The filtered water therefore runs directly out of the filter. In front of the outlet 15 there is a contact protection 17 in the form of a peripheral wall, by means of which it is prevented that the user unintentionally grabs the outlet 15 and contaminates it with bacteria.

Here, too, the germ barrier prevents a biofilm, which forms from microorganisms retained by the membrane filter, from growing into the membrane filter or backwards into the water tank 12.

FIG. 6 shows a filter cartridge 20 which includes a chemical germ barrier 200 . The filter cartridge 20 is designed as a filter cartridge that can be inserted into a supply line and comprises an inlet 22 and an outlet 23. The water to be treated runs via the inlet 22 into the housing 21 of the filter cartridge 20 and leaves it Housing 21 through the outlet 23. The path of the water is marked with arrows. Such a filter cartridge 20 is also commonly referred to as a “filter cartridge”. After passing the inlet 22, the water to be treated first runs through a layer of activated carbon 24. After leaving the layer of activated carbon 24, part of the water to be treated passes through a layer of an ion exchange material 25. The water then reverses the flow and runs through a filter 26 into a riser pipe 27 to be directed to the outlet 23. Above the ion exchange material s 25, the riser 27 includes a bypass 28, which can be formed, for example, as an opening in the riser. The bypass 28 ensures that part of the water to be treated does not pass through the ion exchange material 25 but instead reaches the outlet 23 without an ion exchange taking place. In this way, the hardness of the water can be easily adjusted by mixing softened water with non-softened water. The chemical germ barrier 200 is arranged after the riser pipe 27 and before the outlet 23 . This has a slightly larger diameter than the riser pipe 27.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention with a drinking water system 1 which includes two chemical germ barriers 200 and a water treatment system 100 . Under a kitchen worktop 408, a drinking water system 1 is arranged under the table for drinking water in households. This under-sink system includes a water treatment device 100 with a reverse osmosis tank 402. Input water is supplied to the water treatment device 100 from a water source 30. Water treated during operation can be removed from the water treatment device 100 through the removal line 403 . The reverse osmosis tank 402 has a first chamber 421 and a second chamber 422 . A semipermeable membrane 411 is arranged between the chambers 421, 422. In operation, the input water is pumped through the semi-permeable membrane 411. Substances dissolved in the input water are held back in the first chamber 421 so that a concentrate is produced.

The concentrate can be discharged via the concentrate line 406 and discarded via a waste water line 407 . There is a risk of backward contamination from the waste water line 407, even if a so-called “free outlet” is usually provided here. To such a reverse contamination To counteract this, a chemical germ barrier is arranged in the concentrate line 406 .

During operation, water with a significantly reduced concentration of dissolved substances enters the second chamber 422 . This permeate is fed via a line 403 as treated water to the extraction point 38, which is embodied here as a faucet. In order to counteract reverse contamination here as well, a second chemical germ barrier is arranged in the extraction line 403 .

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a shower toilet 1′ according to the invention with a germ barrier.

The shower toilet 1' includes a toilet bowl 2' with a toilet seat 3' on which the user can sit.

In this exemplary embodiment, the toilet bowl is designed as a wall-mounted toilet bowl 2', which is hung on a wall 7' present on site, in particular on a mounting bracket (not shown).

The shower toilet 1' is connected to the on-site water pipe via a water connection 8'.

In this exemplary embodiment, a shower toilet 1' is shown which includes an extendable nozzle 4' which can be moved out of the toilet bowl 2'.

In order to control the nozzle 4' and its water delivery, there is a control panel 5' next to the toilet seat 3', via which various functions of the shower toilet 1', in particular moving out the nozzle 4' together with water delivery, can be controlled.

Furthermore, the shower toilet 1' can include a heater for heating the water dispensed via the nozzle 4', a heater for the goggles 3' and/or a hot air blower for drying the cleaned buttocks of the user.

The control panel 5' is connected via an electrical cable to an electrical connection 6' provided by the customer.

According to the invention, in this embodiment, in a recess between the toilet seat 3' and the toilet bowl 2', there is a removable cartridge 9' with an oxidizing and/or alkalizing agent, which acts as a germ barrier. The cartridge 9' can in particular be filled with peroxide granules.

An exemplary embodiment of such a cartridge together with the connection piece is shown in FIG. 9 .

9 shows a connecting piece 10' which, depending on the embodiment, can be installed at different positions in the supply line of the nozzle 4', for example in the rear region between the toilet seat 3' and the toilet bowl 2'. For this purpose, the connecting piece 10' has an inlet 11' and an outlet 12'. Preferably, a self-closing valve (not shown) is provided between the inlet 11' and the cartridge 9', which closes when the cartridge 9' is removed.

So it is not necessary to shut off the water supply to the shower toilet when the cartridge 9' is replaced.

In particular, when filled with peroxide granules, such a cartridge 9' is also suitable for long-term use and forms a reliable germ barrier, with which in particular contamination of drinking water by reverse germs can be prevented.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the examples described above, but rather can be varied in many ways. In particular, the features of the individually illustrated examples can also be combined with one another or exchanged for one another.

Reference List

I drinking water system

3 capillary membrane

4 diaphragm pack sleeve, sleeve

5 potting compound

6 fasteners

F shower toilet

2’ toilet bowl

3’ toilet seat

4' nozzle

5' control panel

6’ electrical connection

T wall

8’ water connection

9' cartridge

10' fitting

I I ’ entrance

12' exit

200 chemical germ barrier, intent, chlorine unit, ozone unit, silver unit

2040 sleeve

2140 inlet side of sleeve, inlet side of attachment

2410 outlet side of sleeve, outlet side of attachment

2100 alkalising and/or oxidizing material,

2200 containment grid, fleece

2210 restraint grid, fleece

2400 dosing pump for chlorine

2405 Chlorine Source

2500 particles containing silver

2600 fasteners, flange, thread

2610 fasteners, flange, thread

7 water balance filters

8 pot 9 funnels

10 filter cartridge

11 water dispensers

12 water containers

13 housing

14 actuating means

15 spout

16 cups

17 actuation protection

18 sleeve

20 filter cartridge

21 Filter cartridge housing

22 inlet of the filter cartridge

23 Drainage of the filter cartridge

24 activated carbon

25 ion exchange material

26 filters

27 riser

28 bypass

30 water source, water tank, water pipe

35 line to the tapping point, water line

38 extraction point, "point of use"

3000 input water

3100 output water

100 water treatment device, filter, micro/ultra filter, membrane package for

Micro/Ultrafiltration

300 outlet of a spring, pipe for incoming water

401 line for incoming water, raw water, water to be treated, feed

402 reverse osmosis tank

421 first chamber of the reverse osmosis tank

422 second chamber of the reverse osmosis tank

403 permeate line, treated water line 406 concentrate line

407 sewage

408 kitchen worktop, table

411 semipermeable membrane D flow direction

Claims

24

Water installation with an extraction point (38) and/or an outlet, wherein the water installation has a flow direction (D) towards the extraction point and/or the outlet and, seen in the flow direction, in front of the extraction point and/or the outlet at least one chemical germ barrier (200) having.

Water installation according to Claim 1, characterized in that the chemical germ barrier (200) comprises at least one material with an alkalizing and/or oxidizing effect. Water installation (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chemical germ barrier (200) is selected from the group comprising carbonates, oxides and peroxides, silver, chlorine, ozone and combinations thereof. Water installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alkalizing and/or oxidizing material is present at least partially as granules. Water installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chemical germ barrier (200) is designed as a replaceable cartridge, preferably as a cartridge that can be replaced without tools. Water installation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water installation system comprises a water treatment device (100) which is selected from the group comprising water filters, in particular ultrafilters and microfilters, ion exchangers and nano/reverse osmosis systems and combinations of the devices mentioned . Water installation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the germ barrier is arranged in front of a dead branch in the water installation, in particular in front of an expansion tank. Shower toilet, comprising an installation system according to one of the preceding claims. Shower-toilet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shower-toilet comprises a preferably extendable nozzle through which a jet of water can be emitted in the direction of the buttocks of the user, a germ barrier being arranged between the nozzle and a connection of the shower-toilet is, in particular wherein the shower toilet has an integrated nozzle in the toilet bowl or that the shower toilet is designed as an attachment for a toilet bowl. Shower toilet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the germ barrier comprises a replaceable cartridge. Water dispenser (11) or faucet or gravity-operated water household filter (7), or reverse osmosis system comprising a water installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the water installation is arranged in particular upstream of an ion exchanger and/or a filter, in particular an ultrafilter and/or microfilter. Germ barrier, in particular designed as a cartridge for a water installation according to one of the preceding claims. Method for the treatment of drinking water, in particular using a water installation according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drinking water is provided in a water source (30), in particular a water pipe or a water tank, with a stagnation phase in which the drinking water is not from the Water source (30) exits, and with a removal phase in which the drinking water is removed and replenished from the water source (30), characterized in that the drinking water passes through a chemical germ barrier (200) during the removal phase. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the chemical germ barrier by increasing the pH value by the alkalizing and / or oxidizing material, in particular only in the stagnation phase, and / or the formation of hydrogen peroxide to the standing

water is formed by a peroxide material. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a material with an alkalizing effect is used at least partially as a chemical germ barrier (200) and an increase in the pH value to a

value above 9, in particular to a value above 10 and below 13. Method according to one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a peroxide material is used at least partially as the chemical germ barrier (200) and the drinking water has a maximum hydrogen peroxide concentration of 50 mg/l during the stagnation phase.