ITFI20130109A1 - HYDRAULIC MULTI-DOOR VALVE FOR RAW WATER SUPPLY TO A FILTRATION GROUP - Google Patents

Description

â € œMULTI-PORT HYDRAULIC VALVE FOR FEEDING RAW WATER TO A FILTRATION GROUPâ €

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention relates to a filtration system or plant for water and delivery of the filtered water to the services. Filtration is preferably but not exclusively of the ultrafiltration type. The invention relates both to a multi-port valve to be used in such a system and to the system.

State of the art

Ultrafiltration plants are known which provide an ultrafiltration unit and a tank for backwashing connected to each other and to the water mains they must serve. Filtration group, services, raw water supply, tank for backwashing and sending to the services interact through the use of pipes connected to each other by a plurality of solenoid valves controlled by an external electronic controller.

These systems are particularly expensive both in terms of components and in terms of installation and maintenance time.

These systems are also particularly prone to malfunctions. Furthermore, these systems are not able to guarantee high levels of hygiene within the filtration group.

Purpose and summary of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a valve capable of overcoming the problems connected with known ultrafiltration plants or systems.

Within this aim, an important task of the present invention is that of realizing a valve for water purification systems by means of ultrafiltration which is structurally simple.

Another important object of the present invention is that of realizing a valve for water purification systems by means of ultrafiltration which is compact.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a valve for water purification systems by means of ultrafiltration which can be easily installed.

A further important object of the present invention is that of realizing a valve for water purification systems by means of ultrafiltration which is reliable in operation.

Not least object of the present invention is to develop a water purification system or plant by means of filtration which is particularly hygienic and reduces the possibility of proliferation of bacteria and viruses in the system itself.

These and other purposes, which will be clearer later, are achieved with a multi-port hydraulic valve for feeding raw water to a filtration unit and subsequent sending to the services as reported in the attached claim 1 and by means of a filtration system or plant for water and sending to the services as per claim 7.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of some of its preferred but not exclusive embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first filtration system, with the multi-port valve according to the invention shown in lateral section, in the position of sending the filtered water to the services;

Figure 2 represents the system of Figure 1, with the valve in the backwash configuration of the filtration unit;

Figure 3 represents the system of Figure 1, with the valve in the configuration of pressurization of the water tank for the counter-washing of the filtration unit;

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the system of Figure 1, which varies with respect to this in the type of backwash water tank and in the type of interaction of this tank with the valve; in this figure the valve is shown in the configuration for sending water to the services;

figure 5 represents the system of figure 4 with the valve in backwash configuration;

figure 6 is a top view of the multi-port hydraulic valve of figure 4.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

With reference to the aforementioned figures, a filtration system for water and sending the filtered water to the services, which contains a multi-port hydraulic valve according to the invention, is generally indicated with the number 10.

This system comprises a duct 11 (shown schematically) for feeding raw water to be purified by filtration, a filtration unit 12, preferably of the ultrafiltration type (for example of the hollow fiber type; by ultrafiltration, for example, filtration is meant with filter medium with pore diameter between 0.005 micron and 0.2 micron), to filter the raw water, a filtered water storage tank 13 for backwashing the filtration group 12, as better explained later, a duct (shown schematically) of the water 14 to the services and the multi-port valve, indicated with 15, which regulates the flow of water in the system.

In particular, this valve 15 comprises a body 16, in which a water flow exchange chamber 17 is defined, and on which a plurality of access doors to the chamber 17 are made, communicating with the outside of the chamber itself, described below.

Inside the chamber 17, there is a shutter 18, movable along an axial direction, between the sealing seats of some of said doors, which develop orthogonally to the movement axis of the shutter. Depending on the position of the shutter in the chamber, different channels are defined that move the water to different parts of the system.

A motor 19 is associated with the shutter 18, associated with electronic means 20, which comprise for example a microprocessor controller.

More specifically, the multi-port valve 15 comprises a first port 21, for the entry into chamber 17 of the water coming from the raw water supply to be purified, a second port 22, for the outlet from chamber 17, useful for Sending of the purified water to the services, a third door 23 for the passage of water between the chamber 17 and the inlet 12A of the filtration group 12, a fourth door 24 for the passage of water between the outlet 12B of the filtration group 12 and the chamber 17, a fifth port 25, for connection to the duct A for discharging the backwash water from the chamber 17 to the outside, and a sixth port 26 for communicating the chamber with the tank of filtered raw water 13; the sixth gate 26 is in fluid communication with the fourth gate 24.

In the case of Figures 1, 2 and 3, the tank 13 is a container under pressure (for example formed by a container 13A with a compressible balloon 13B) and the pressure of the container, at steady state, is substantially equal to the pressure in correspondence of the fourth door 24 and of the sixth door 26. From the tank 13 starts a conduit 13C directed to the sixth door 26.

From an operational point of view, the obturator 18 is able to occupy a service position, as in figure 1 and a backwash position, as in figure 2.

In the service position, the shutter 18 defines, in chamber 17, a channel (represented by line S1) which connects the first door 21 with the third door 23, and a channel (represented by line S2) which connects the fourth door 24 communicates with the second door 22. With this configuration of channels, in the operational phase, the water to be purified enters the chamber 17, passes through the filtering unit in the filtering direction (i.e. the direction from the inlet at the outlet of the filtering unit), and goes to the services and to the tank 13, which therefore is always at operating pressure, in the event that the services are kept under pressure (as in the case of a domestic water network).

After a certain number of service cycles, the filtration group 12 becomes dirty and therefore there is a pressure drop in the delivery to the services.

To clean the filtration group 12, periodically or when certain pressure drops are reached (as better explained below), the valve 15 is programmed to perform a backwash of the group. To do this, the electronic means control the displacement of the shutter into the backwash position, as shown in figure 2. By backwash we mean the sending of a flow of clean water inside the filtering unit in the opposite direction to the direction that the water travels during the filtering phase.

In this backwash position, the shutter 18 closes the first door 21 and the second door 22 and defines a channel (marked by the line S3) which connects the third door 23 with the fifth door 25, that is the drain outside the valve. Therefore, in this configuration, in the operational phase, the water in the tank 13 is moved by the pressure difference between the tank (for example the pressure of the service water network) and the outside (ambient pressure); this water, from the tank 13 passes through the port 26 and the port 24, and passes into the filtering assembly 12 in the opposite direction to the filtering direction, cleaning it, and then is discharged externally to the valve.

In cases where the services are not under pressure (for example the services are with free discharge), the tank 13, when the filtered water is directed to the services, is not kept under pressure. Therefore, to ensure a pressurization of this tank 13 (the pressure of the tank allows the clean water to pass through the filtering group 12, counter-washing it), before a counter-washing phase, a pressurization phase is carried out. . To do this, the electronic means control the movement of the shutter 18 in a pressurization position, as indicated in figure 3. In this position, the shutter 18 closes the second door 22 and defines, in the chamber 17, a channel (marked with line S4) which connects the first port 21 with the third port 23. In this way, in the operational phase, the raw water coming from the outside passes through the filtration group 12, in the direction filtering, and re-enters the chamber 17, moving towards the tank 13 through the sixth port 26 and the duct 13C, increasing the pressure in the tank.

In figures 4 and 5, the case of a system 10 is shown (in the following description the same numbering as in the previous case will be substantially used) in which the filtration group 12 is larger than in the previous case (for simplicity, in the two examples, the groups are visually the same). The group is like that of the previous case, that is of the ultrafiltration type.

In this case, the tank 13 is not under pressure. There are two pipes from chamber 17 to tank 13 and two related sixth ports 26â € ™ and 26â € ™ â € ™. A first pipe 13Câ € ™ (shown schematically) allows the filtered water to pass from chamber 17 through the first sixth port 26â € ™ to tank 13 (a 13D float valve blocks the water discharge in the tank). From the tank, when it is necessary to backwash the filtration group 12 (figure 5), a pump 13E is activated, placed along the second pipe 13Câ € ™ â € ™ which connects the tank 13 with the chamber 17, through the second sixth door 26â € ™ â € ™. A non-return valve (towards the tank) 13F is placed for example between chamber 17 and a section of the second pipe 13Câ € ™ â € ™, for example in correspondence with port 26â € ™.

In this embodiment, the operating positions of the shutter 18 are the same as those of the previous examples, without the unnecessary pressurization position. While the water is being sent to the services (figure 4), the filtered water passes from chamber 17 and enters the first sixth door 26â € ™, runs through the first pipe 13Câ € ™ and reaches the tank 13, filling it to allow a subsequent backwashing step, as explained above and indicated in figure 5 (note that in figure 5, the first sixth pipe 13Câ € ™ has been omitted, for simplicity).

Taking both the examples described as a reference, as mentioned above, the filtering unit becomes dirty with use, causing a pressure drop in the water flow downstream of the unit itself. When this pressure drop exceeds a given value, it is possible to activate a backwash.

There are therefore means 27 (indicated in Figure 6) for assessing, directly or indirectly, the pressure of the water flow downstream of the filtering unit 12, preferably of the flow outgoing from the second port 22 and sent to the services, connected with the electronic means 20. With `` direct '' we mean means capable of measuring the quantity `` pressure '' of the flow, while with `` indirect '' we mean means capable of calculating the pressure on the basis of the measurement of another parameter related to the pressure. For example, preferably, such evaluation means comprise a water meter, (or a water flow meter), for example of the pulse emitter type, in such a way as to measure the instantaneous flow rate (which is a parameter correlated to the pressure), arranged approximately in correspondence with the second door 22 (preferably downstream of this).

In practice, the electronic means 20 compare an optimal value, direct or indirect, of pressure stored in the same electronic means, with a value, direct or indirect, of pressure measured by the evaluation means 27; upon evaluation of a pressure value, direct or indirect, lower than the optimal value, the electronic means command the shutter 18 to assume the backwashing position.

For example, when the system is put into service, the microprocessor stores the instantaneous flow rate measured by the water meter 27, for example equal to n 'liters / min. As the dirt in the filter assembly increases, there is an increase in the pressure drops downstream of the filter assembly 12 and therefore the flow velocity is reduced. For example, when a negative flow rate variation equal to a predetermined value k is measured (for example 20% of the optimal value, but it could also be a constant value or a different percentage value), the microprocessor can activate a backwash. At the end of the backwash, return to service mode and measure the instantaneous flow rate, which will be stored as a new optimal value n '' liters / min. This value may be less than the first previously stored value (n '' <n '). The new backwash will be performed when a flow drop equal to k is measured (for example 20% of n '').

To prevent the system from working with too low flow rates, when a lower limit value of the flow rate is reached, the microprocessor will emit an alarm and the system will go into maintenance, for example.

Maintenance can include, for example, a sterilization or disinfection phase of the filtration group. The system therefore also includes a water sterilization or disinfection unit, associated for example in correspondence with the fourth door 24.

For example, this sterilization unit comprises a device 30 (indicated only schematically) for drawing a disinfectant substance (for example hypochlorite), for example connected to the fourth door 24. This suction device comprises for example a tube-like device venturi located in the door, so that the depression created in the venturi allows the suction of the disinfectant substance from a special disinfectant tank (not shown). The suction will take place for example during a backwash. For example, a backwash will be performed with disinfectant aspiration. After this backwash, a certain time interval may be waited to allow the disinfectant to act. After this interval, it is possible to carry out another backwash. Then the valve will be placed with the plug in the service position.

Obviously, the sterilization group can also be activated on the basis of a disinfection calendar stored in the microprocessor.

Figure 6 shows a top view of the multi-port valve 15. This valve is the same for the two examples shown above, taking care that the sixth port 26 of the first example (fig. 1- 3), corresponds to the second sixth door 26â € ™ â € ™ of the second example (fig. 5-6), while the entrance corresponding to the first sixth door 26â € ™ of the second example is, with reference to the first example, closed.

It is understood that what has been illustrated represents only possible non-limiting embodiments of the invention, which may vary in forms and arrangements without departing from the scope of the concept underlying the invention. The possible presence of reference numbers in the attached claims has the sole purpose of facilitating the reading in the light of the above description and the attached drawings and does not in any way limit the scope of protection.

Claims (10)

â € œMULTI-PORT HYDRAULIC VALVE FOR FEEDING RAW WATER TO A FILTRATION GROUPâ € CLAIMS 1) Multi-port hydraulic valve for feeding raw water to a filtration unit (12) and subsequent delivery to services (14), including an exchange chamber (17), a first door (21) of the water coming from the source of water to be purified into said chamber (17), a second exit door (22) from said chamber (17) for sending the purified water to the services, a third door ( 23) for the passage of water between said chamber (17) and the inlet (12A) of a filtration unit (12) to which the valve is associated, a fourth port (23) for the passage of water between the Outlet (12B) of said filtration unit (12) and said chamber (17), a fifth port (25) for discharging backwash water from said chamber (17) outside the valve, at least one sixth communication door (26) of said chamber (17) with a tank (13) of filtered raw water, to which the valve is associated, communicating with said fourth door (24), a shutter (18) movable le in said chamber (17) and able to define, according to its position, different channels between said doors (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), and electronic means (19) for controlling the position / movement of said shutter (18), said shutter (18) being able to occupy a plurality of operating positions, among which at least - a service position, in which said shutter (18) defines, in said chamber (17), a channel (S1) which puts said first door (21) in communication with said third door (23), and a channel (S2 ) which connects said fourth door (24) with said second door (22), such that, in the operating phase, the water to be purified enters the chamber (17), passes through the filtering unit (12) into the direction of filtration, and goes to the services (14) and to the tank (13), - a backwash position, in which said shutter (18) closes said first (21) and second door (22) and defines a channel (S3) which puts said third door (23) in communication with said fifth discharge door (25), such that, in the operational phase, the water coming from the tank (13) passes into the filtering group (12) in the opposite direction to the filtering direction, cleaning the filtering group (12) and is discharged externally to the valve. 2) Multi-port valve according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of operating positions of said shutter (18) also comprises a pressurization position, wherein said shutter (18) closes said second door (22) and defines , in said chamber (17), a channel (S4) which connects said first door (21) with said third door (23), such that, in the operational phase, the raw water coming from the outside, it passes through the filtration group (12), in the filtering direction, and re-enters the chamber (17), moving towards said tank (13), increasing the pressure of the latter. 3) Multi-port valve according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means (27) for evaluating, directly or indirectly, the pressure of the flow of water leaving said second port (22) and sent to the services, operatively connected with said electronic means (19); said electronic means (19) comparing an optimal value, direct or indirect, of pressure stored in the same means (19) with a value, direct or indirect, of pressure measured by said evaluation means (27); upon evaluating a pressure value, direct or indirect, lower than said optimal value, said electronic means (19) commanding said shutter (18) to assume the backwash position. 4) Multi-door valve according to claim 3, wherein means (27) for direct or indirect evaluation of the pressure of the water flow leaving said second door and sent to the services, comprise a water meter, preferably pulsed, or a flow rate meter. 5) Multi-door valve according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sterilization unit for the water passing through said filtering unit (12), preferably said sterilization unit is arranged in correspondence with said fourth door (24); preferably said sterilization unit comprising a suction device (30) for a disinfectant substance connected with said fourth door. 6) Multi-port valve according to claim 3 and 4, in which said sterilization unit is activated by said electronic means (19) as a function of: a programmed disinfection calendar in said means, and / or the achievement of preset values of flow rate / flow measured in said second gate (22), optionally according to a predetermined rate; preferably, said sterilization unit being activated upon measurement of a pre-set minimum pressure value, direct or indirect, lower than said optimal value. 7) Filtration system for water and delivery to services, comprising a multi-port valve (15) as per one or more of the preceding claims, a raw water withdrawal (11) connected with said first port (21) of said valve, a filtration unit (12) connected at the inlet with said third port (23) of the multi-port valve, and at the outlet with said fifth port (25) of the valve, and a tank (13) for the filtered raw water connected to said sixth door (26). 8) System according to claim 7, wherein said tank (17) is a pressurizable lung. 9) System according to claim 7, in which said tank (17) is associated with a pipe (13Câ € ™ â € ™) for sending water from said tank (13) to said valve by means of a pump ( 13E). 10) System according to claim 7, wherein said filtering group (12) is of the ultrafiltration type.