JP2003190945A - Water softener and regeneration control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save salt used in the regeneration of an ion exchange resin and to perform the regeneration of the ion exchange resin certainly and accurately enabling the continuous supply of treated water over 24 hr or more. <P>SOLUTION: A water softener is equipped with an inlet hardness measuring means 10 for measuring the hardness of the water supplied to a resin cylinder 2 filled with the ion exchange resin, the operation state detection-means 18 of a softened water using machinery 5 using the treated water after passed through the resin cylinder 2 and a means 17 for detecting the consumption amount of saline water at the time of regeneration. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water softening device for ion-exchange treatment of raw water containing hardness into soft water and a method for controlling regeneration of the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, it is necessary to prevent the scale from adhering to the cooling water heating equipment such as boilers, water heaters, coolers, etc. A device for removing water is connected, and among them, an automatic regenerating type water softening device of a method of removing hardness by using an ion exchange resin is widely used. This type of water softening device uses Na ⁺ type ion exchange resin and replaces metal cations such as Ca ²⁺ or Mg ²⁺ among hardness components contained in water with Na ⁺ to remove hardness. Is. When the ion exchange resin is replaced with cations and becomes saturated and loses the ability to remove hardness, the ion exchange resin is reacted with salt water to perform a regeneration operation to regenerate the ability.

The regeneration control of the conventional water softening device is performed by measuring the hardness of the supply water at the installation location of the cooling and heating equipment in advance,
Based on the measured value, the operating time during which the cooling / heating equipment can be operated is calculated. The regeneration control is performed so that the regeneration operation is performed a little earlier than the time when the calculated operating time is reached. However, the hardness of the supply water, especially groundwater, varies due to seasonal factors. for that reason,
The setting of the regeneration operation is set so that the ion exchange resin will not be in a breakthrough state (a state of hardness leakage) and will be regenerated in an operating time that is on the safe side in a time shorter than the calculated operating time. is doing. Therefore, even when the ion exchange resin has a processing capacity (so-called residual capacity), the regeneration operation may be performed, and the salt water for regeneration may be wasted.

Further, in equipment for cooling and heating equipment in which the water softening device is incorporated, continuous operation is performed for 24 hours or more. Correspondingly, the water softening device is also operated 24 times.
It is necessary to continuously supply treated water over a period of time. However, as described above, the water softening device needs to perform the regeneration operation, and there is a problem that the treated water cannot be supplied during the regeneration operation. Regarding this problem, various improvements such as using a plurality of water softening devices have been made, but still, regarding the point that salt water for regeneration may be wasted, it has not yet been solved. ,
Especially, the waste of salt water when using multiple units is enormous.

[0005]

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to save the salt used for the regeneration of the ion-exchange resin, and to perform the regeneration reliably and accurately, and further, in 24 hours or more. That is, it is possible to continuously supply the treated water throughout.

[0006]

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The invention according to claim 1 measures the hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder filled with an ion exchange resin. It is characterized in that it comprises an inlet hardness measuring means, an operating condition detecting means of a soft water using device that uses the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder, and a means for detecting the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inlet hardness measuring means for measuring the hardness of the water supplied to the resin cylinder filled with the ion exchange resin, and a soft water using apparatus for using the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder. A plurality of water softeners equipped with operating status detection means and means for detecting the concentration of salt water during regeneration were installed in parallel, and the water flow operation and regeneration operation of each of these water softeners were switchably connected. Is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inlet hardness measuring means for measuring hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder filled with an ion exchange resin, and an apparatus for using soft water which uses treated water after passing through the resin cylinder. An operating condition detecting means, a means for detecting the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration, and a hardness leak detecting means for measuring the hardness of the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder to detect the hardness leak. I am trying.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inlet hardness measuring means for measuring hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder filled with an ion exchange resin, and an apparatus for using soft water which uses treated water after passing through the resin cylinder. Water softening device comprising operating condition detecting means, means for detecting the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration, and hardness leak detecting means for measuring hardness of treated water after passing through the resin cylinder and detecting hardness leak. It is characterized in that multiple units are installed in parallel, and the water flow operation and regeneration operation of each of these water softeners are switchably connected.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the inlet hardness measuring means is provided upstream of a branch portion provided in the water supply line.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the hardness leak detecting means is provided on the downstream side of the joining means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a single salt water tank is provided, and the salt water tank and each of the water softening devices are switchably connected to each other through switching means provided in the salt water line, and the switching means is provided. The salt water concentration detecting means is provided on the upstream side of the above.

According to the present invention of claim 8, there is provided an inlet hardness measuring means for measuring hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder filled with an ion exchange resin, and a soft water using apparatus for using treated water after passing through the resin cylinder. A method for controlling regeneration of a water softening device comprising operating condition detection means and salt water concentration detection means for detecting the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration, wherein the hardness removal amount until the next regeneration is based on the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration. Is set in advance, the integrated value of the hardness removal amount is obtained over time based on the inlet hardness and the operating state detection amount of the soft water using device, and when the integrated value reaches the set value, the soft water It is characterized in that the regeneration operation of the chemical conversion device is started.

The invention according to claim 9 is the regeneration control method of the water softening device according to claim 2, wherein the set value of the hardness removal amount until the next regeneration is obtained based on the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration. , An integrated value of the hardness removal amount is obtained over time based on the inlet hardness and the operating state detection amount of the equipment using soft water, and when the integrated value reaches the set value, the water softener during the water flow operation. It is characterized by performing control to switch to the regenerating operation and to switch to the water-flowing operation of the water softening device in the water-flow standby.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the regeneration control method of the water softening device according to the third aspect, wherein the hardness of the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder is measured and hardness leakage is detected. The water softening device is shifted to a regenerating operation.

Further, the invention according to claim 11 is the regeneration control method for the water softening device according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the hardness of the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder is Is measured, and when hardness leak is detected, the water softening device in the water passing operation is switched to the regenerating operation, and the water softening device in the water waiting state is controlled to switch to the water passing operation. .

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This invention
Cooling equipment, especially equipment for which supply water to this cooling equipment is preferably softened (hereinafter referred to as "equipment using soft water")
It can be suitably implemented in a water softening device to be equipped with. The following explanation is for equipment using soft water,
A boiler will be described as an example.

First, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a water softening device 1 according to the present invention includes a resin cylinder 2 filled with Na ⁺ type ion exchange resin (not shown) and a control valve 3. The control valve 3 is connected to a water supply line 4 for supplying water to the resin cylinder 2 and a treated water line 6 for supplying treated water from the resin cylinder 2 to a boiler 5 as a soft water using device. A salt water tank 7 that stores salt water for regenerating the ion exchange resin is connected to the control valve 3 via a salt water line 8. Further, the control valve 3 has
A drain line 9 for discharging wastewater and the like at the time of regeneration is connected.

The water supply line 4 is provided with an inlet hardness measuring means 10 for detecting the hardness of the supplied water.
Further, the treated water line 6 is provided with a hardness leak detecting means 11 for measuring the hardness of the treated water to detect the presence or absence of hardness leak, and further, a water feed pump 12 and a check valve 1.
3 is provided.

A burner 14 is provided in the boiler 5, and the soft water supplied through the treated water line 6 is heated by the burner 14 to become steam. This steam is supplied to an external steam-using device (not shown) via the steam line 15. Further, the boiler 5 is provided with a boiler controller 16, and the boiler controller 16 controls the operation of the water feed pump 12 and the burner 14 according to a preset program. ing.

The salt water line 8 connected to the salt water tank 7 is provided with a salt water concentration detecting means 17 for detecting the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration. This salt water concentration detecting means 1
7 is an apparatus for accurately measuring the concentration of salt water used for regeneration. Since the electric conductivity of salt water differs depending on its concentration, the concentration of salt water can be detected by measuring the electric conductivity. This concentration detection includes a method of measuring the refractive index of salt water in addition to the measurement of electric conductivity. Further, as the concentration sensor, there is an ultrasonic sensor or the like. Here, it is also suitable to provide the salt water concentration detecting means 17 in the salt water tank 7 depending on the implementation.

Further, the water softening device 1 is provided with an operating condition detecting means 18 for detecting the operating condition of the boiler 5. The operating condition detecting means 18 is adapted to detect the evaporation amount as the operating condition detecting amount based on the combustion time of the boiler 5. Here, the operation status detection amount detected by the operation status detection unit 18 is preferably the evaporation amount calculated from the operation time of the boiler 5 obtained from the boiler controller 16, but depending on the implementation. The amount of water supply calculated from the operating time of the water supply pump 12 or the amount of evaporation calculated from the combustion time of the burner 14 may be used.

The operation status detecting means 18 has
The boiler controller 16 is connected via a signal line 19. Then, the operating condition detecting means 18, the control valve 3, the inlet hardness measuring means 10, the hardness leak detecting means 11 and the salt water concentration detecting means 17
Are connected to the controller 20 via signal lines 19, 19, ....

The controller 20 is provided with an alarm device 21 for notifying the hardness leakage to the outside. Here, the operation status detecting means 18 may be built in the boiler controller 16 or the controller 20. The controller 20 has a function of controlling the operation of the control valve 3 according to a preset program. For example, the regenerating operation of the water softening device 1 includes a backwashing process, a salt water regenerating process, a water washing process, a water replenishing process, and the like, and each of these processes is performed by controlling the control valve 3. Further, the controller 20 has a function of performing backup control when detecting hardness leak.

Now, the inlet hardness measuring means 10 will be described in detail. The inlet hardness measuring means 10 is a hardness measuring device that accurately detects the hardness contained in the supplied water, and for example, a method of measuring the hardness by coloring when a hardness measuring indicator is added is used. The method of using the hardness measurement indicator is to add the hardness measurement indicator to a transparent container (not shown) containing a predetermined amount of supply water, and identify the change in hue of the supply water due to the reaction of the hardness measurement indicator. The hardness in the supply water is measured from the absorbance when light of a wavelength is irradiated. Then, the measured hardness of the supply water is reported to the controller 20.

The regeneration control method of the water softening device having the above-mentioned structure is for efficiently controlling the regeneration start time of the ion exchange resin when the hardness in the supply water changes due to seasonal factors or the like. Therefore, first, the salt water concentration is calculated from the detection value of the salt water concentration detecting means 17 at the time of the previous regeneration, and the regeneration degree of the ion exchange resin is determined by the calculated salt water concentration and the preset salt water amount. Based on this determination result, the set value of the hardness removal amount that can remove the hardness before the next reproduction is obtained. That is, when the salt water concentration is lower than the saturated salt water concentration, the hardness removal amount is set small.

Next, based on the detection value (inlet hardness) of the inlet hardness measuring means 10 and the detection value (evaporation amount) of the operating condition detecting means 18 during water passage, the integrated value of the amount of hardness removed during water passage is elapsed. Ask. Then, when the integrated value becomes equal to the set value, the water flow operation is stopped and the regeneration operation is started. That is, the regeneration start time of the ion exchange resin is controlled based on the set value and the integrated value.

That is, when the inlet hardness is high, the integrated value reaches the set value relatively early, so that the regeneration cycle, that is, the time until the next regeneration operation is relatively short. Further, when the inlet hardness is low, the integrated value reaches the set value after a relatively long time has elapsed, and therefore the regeneration cycle, on the contrary, becomes a relatively long time. Therefore, according to this control method, the regeneration cycle corresponding to the set value of the ion exchange resin can be specified in correspondence with the inlet hardness of the supply water.

On the other hand, regarding the regenerating operation, the regenerating operation is started at the time when the processing capacity of the ion exchange resin is exhausted, that is, when the set value and the integrated value become equal to each other. It becomes possible to recycle the waste water and eliminate the waste of salt water. That is, it is possible to eliminate the start of regeneration when the remaining capacity of the ion exchange resin remains, and waste of salt water is eliminated.

Further, the hardness leak detection means 11 is a backup control means when the supply water is being softened, and a hardness leak signal from the hardness leak detection means 11 to the controller 20. When output, the controller 20
It is judged that the ion exchange resin has deteriorated, and the alarm device 21
A warning is issued to notify the hardness leak, and the water softening device 1 is shifted to a regenerating operation.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2 showing the second mode, the same members as those in the first mode are designated by the same reference numerals,
Detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 2 shows a form corresponding to the case where continuous treatment of the treated water by the water softening device for 24 hours or more is required. Description of a case where two water softening devices 1 are installed in parallel is described. It is a figure. Further, in FIG. 2, among the members constituting the water softening device 1, the members that can be shared are illustrated as being shared.

In FIG. 2, the first water softening device 22 and the second water softening device 23 are installed in parallel between the water supply line 4 and the treated water line 6, and each of them independently passes water. It is connected so that it can be in an operating state (water softening treatment operation) and a regeneration operating state.

First, the inlet side of the feed water in the water softeners 22, 23 will be described. The water softeners 22, 23 and the water supply line 4 are the first water supply line branched from the water supply line 4. 24 and second water supply line 2
5 are connected to each other. The inlet hardness measuring means 10 is provided on the upstream side of the branch portion 26 of the water supply lines 24 and 25 (that is, the portion of the water supply line 4). As a result, it is possible to provide the both water softening devices 2 by only providing one inlet hardness measuring means 10.
The inlet hardness of the feed water to 2, 23 can be measured. Of course, providing the inlet hardness measuring means 10 on each of the water supply lines 24 and 25 is also suitable depending on the implementation.

Next, the outlet side of the treated water in both the water softeners 22 and 23 will be described. The first treated water line 27 of the first water softener 22 and the second treated water of the second water softener 23. The water line 28 is joined via a joining means 29 such as a three-way valve, and the joining means 29 and the treated water line 6 are connected. By this switching operation of the merging means 29, either of the treated water lines 27 and 28 and the treated water line 6 communicate with each other. The hardness leak detecting means 11 is provided on the downstream side of the merging means 29 (that is, the treated water line 6), and the water supply pump 12 and the check valve 13 are further provided. There is. Thereby, the hardness leak during the water-passing operation of each of the water softeners 22 and 23 can be individually detected by one detecting means.

Here, the hardness leak detecting means 11
It is also suitable to provide each of the treated water lines 27 and 28 with each other, that is, to provide the hardness leak detecting means 11 with each of the both water softening devices 22 and 23 depending on the implementation.

Further, the salt water concentration detecting means 17 will be described. The salt water concentration detecting means 17 is provided in the salt water line 8 which connects the salt water tank 7 and the both water softening devices 22 and 23, respectively. As a specific example of this mode, a configuration in which one salt water tank 7 is provided will be described. The salt water line 8 is branched to a first salt water line 31 and a second salt water line 32 via a switching means 30 such as a three-way valve on the downstream side, that is, on the side close to the both water softening devices 22 and 23, The first salt water line 31 is connected to the control valve 3 of the first water softener 22, and the second salt water line 32.
Is connected to the control valve 3 of the second water softening device 23. Further, one salt water concentration detecting means 17 is provided in the salt water line 8 on the upstream side of the switching means 30. Therefore, the switching means 3
By the switching operation of 0, the salt water in the salt water tank 7 can be supplied to either of the water softeners 22 and 23.

With this arrangement, the concentration of salt water at the time of regenerating the both water softening devices 22 and 23 can be individually detected by providing only one salt water concentration detecting means 17. Here, it is also suitable to provide the salt water concentration detection means 17 in each of the both salt water lines 31 and 32 depending on the implementation.

Here, the operation of the second mode will be described. First, the regeneration control of each of the water softeners 22 and 23 is the same as the regeneration control of the first embodiment, and the integrated value of any of the water softeners in the water-flowing operation state becomes the set value. When it arrives, the regenerating operation of the water softening device is started.

For example, a case will be described in which the first water softening device 22 is in the water-passing operation state and the second water softening device 23 is in the standby state after the regeneration operation is completed.

In this state, the first water softener 2
2 communicates with the water supply line 4 via the first water supply line 24, and communicates with the treated water line 6 via the first treated water line 27 to supply treated water to the boiler 5. is doing. Then, the first water softening device 22
Communicates with the salt water tank 7 through the salt water line 8 and the first salt water line 31.

On the other hand, since the second water softening device 23 is in the standby state, it communicates with the water supply line 4 through the second water supply line 25, but the merging means 29 and the switching means 30 are connected to each other. Due to the action, the communication between the treated water line 6 and the salt water line 8 is blocked.

Now, when the water-passing operation of the first water softening device 22 is continuing, the controller 20 detects the detected value (evaporation amount) from the inlet hardness measuring means 10 and the operating condition detecting means 18. Based on the above, the integrated value of the hardness removal amount of the first water softening device 22 is calculated over time. Then, when the integrated value of the first water softening device 22 reaches the set value, the controller 20 switches the water passing operation of the first water softening device 22 to a regenerating operation and is in a water waiting state. The control for switching to the water-passing operation of the second water softener 23 is performed. This switching control will be described in detail.

First, the water passage operation of the first water softening device 22 is stopped and the regeneration operation is started. That is, the merging means 29 is switched to cut off the communication between the first treated water line 27 of the first water softening device 22 and the treated water line 6. Then, salt water is introduced from the salt water tank 7 into the resin cylinder 2 through the salt water line 8 and the first salt water line 31, and the ion exchange resin is regenerated.

At the same time, the merging means 29 is switched to connect the second treated water line 28 and the treated water line 6 of the second water softening device 23, and the treated water to the boiler 5. Supply. As a result, the first water softening device 22 is brought into the regenerating operation state, and the second water softening device 23 is brought into the water passage operation state.

Next, when the integrated value of the second water softening device 23 reaches the set value, the water passing operation of the second water softening device 23 is stopped and the regeneration operation is started, as in the above. On the other hand, the water-passing operation of the first water softening device 22 that is in a standby state after the regeneration operation is finished is started. Hereinafter, such control is repeated to repeat both the water softening devices 22 and 23.
Is alternately switched to the water-passing operation and the regenerating operation, which makes it possible to continuously supply the treated water for 24 hours or more.

The regeneration operation of both the water softening devices 22 and 23 will be briefly described below.
Similar to the normal regenerating operation, it includes a backwashing step, a salt water regenerating step, a water washing step, a water replenishing step, etc. Each of these steps controls the control valves 3 of the water softening devices 22 and 23. The above is done individually.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, at the time when each of the steps is completed, the controller 20 performs the switching operation of the switching means 30 and the control valve of the water softening device in the water-passing operation state. 3 and the salt water line 8 are connected. That is, the water softener in the water flow operation state is in a state of being cut off from the salt water line 8 in the initial water flow, but the respective steps of the other water softener are completed. At the time, that is, when the process of replenishing the salt water tank 7 is completed, the communication state is established. Then, the other water softening device is in a standby state in preparation for the next water passage operation.

Further, in each of the water softeners 22 and 23, the controller 20 controls the salt water concentration of the water softener in the standby state based on the detection value from the salt water concentration detecting means 17. Calculated, the degree of regeneration of the ion-exchange resin is determined by the calculated salt water concentration and the amount of salt water set in advance, based on this determination result,
The hardness removal amount that can be removed by the next reproduction is calculated. Then, the hardness removal amount until the next reproduction is set based on the calculated value.

On the other hand, when the two water softening devices 22 and 23 are installed in parallel, the hardness leak detecting means 11 is used.
Is a backup control means when softening the supply water, and when the hardness leak detection means 11 outputs a hardness leak signal to the controller 20, the controller 2
0 is determined as deterioration of the ion exchange resin, and an alarm is issued from the alarm device 21 to report hardness leak, and
Control is performed to switch the water softener during water flow operation to regeneration operation and to switch the water softener during water flow standby mode to water flow operation.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, waste of salt water is eliminated, and treated water can be continuously supplied to the boiler 5 for 24 hours or more. You can

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3 showing the third mode, the same members as those in the first mode and the second mode are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Now, FIG. 3 shows a form for dealing with the case where continuous supply of treated water by the water softening device for 24 hours or more is required. When three water softening devices 1 are installed in parallel. FIG. Further, also in FIG. 3, among the members forming the water softening device 1, the commonizable members are illustrated as being common.

In FIG. 3, the third water softening device 33, the fourth water softening device 34, and the fifth water softening device 35 are installed in parallel between the water supply line 4 and the treated water line 6. , Which are independently connected to each other so that they can be in a water-flowing operation state (water softening treatment operation) and a regeneration operation state.

First, each water softening device 33, 34, 35
The inlet side of the water supply will be described. The water softeners 33, 34, 35 and the water supply line 4 are the third water supply line 36, the fourth water supply line 37, and the fifth water supply line branched from the water supply line 4. The lines 38 are connected to each other. And these water supply lines 36,
The inlet hardness measuring means 10 is provided on the upstream side of the branch portions 26 of 37 and 38 (that is, the portion of the water supply line 4). Thereby, the inlet hardness measuring means 10
By providing only one water softening device 33, 34, 3
It is possible to detect the inlet hardness of the feed water supplied to No. 5. Of course, the inlet hardness measuring means 10 is connected to each of the water supply lines 3
It is also suitable to provide each of 6, 37, and 38 depending on the implementation.

Next, each of the water softening devices 33, 34, 3
5, the third treated water line 39 of the third water softener 33, the fourth treated water line 40 of the fourth water softener 34, and the third treated water line 35 of the fifth water softener 35 will be described. The five treated water lines 41 join together via a joining means 42 such as a four-way valve, and the joining means 42 and the treated water line 6 are connected to each other. This merging means 4
By the switching operation of 2, the treated water lines 39, 40,
Any one of 41 and the treated water line 6 communicate with each other. The hardness leak detecting means 11 is provided on the downstream side of the merging means 42 (that is, the treated water line 6), and the water supply pump 12 and the check valve 13 are further provided. There is. Thus, by providing only one hardness leak detecting means 11, it is possible to individually detect the presence or absence of hardness leak during water passage of each water softening device 33, 34, 35. put it here,
The hardness leak detecting means 11 is connected to the treated water lines 39,
It is also suitable to provide each of 40 and 41 depending on the implementation.

Further, the salt water concentration detecting means 17 will be explained. Since the salt water concentration detecting means 17 is provided in the salt water line 8 connected to the salt water tank 7 as described above, the salt water is detected. The configuration will be described as having one tank 7. The salt water line 8 is
A third salt water line 44, via a switching means 43 such as a four-way valve,
It branches into a fourth salt water line 45 and a fifth salt water line 46, and the third salt water line 44 is connected to the third water softener 3
3, the fourth salt water line 45 is connected to the control valve 3 of the fourth water softener 34, and the fifth salt water line 46 is
It is connected to the control valve 3 of the fifth water softening device 35. Therefore, the salt water in the salt water tank 7 is switched by the switching operation of the switching means 43.
It is supplied to any one of 3, 34 and 35.

As a result, by only providing one of the salt water concentration detecting means 17, each of the water softening devices 33, 34, 35.
The concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration can be detected individually. Here, each of the water softening devices 33,
It is also suitable, depending on the implementation, to provide the salt water tank 7 in each of 34 and 35 and to provide the salt water concentration detecting means 17 in each salt water line 8 of each salt water tank 7.

Here, the operation of the third mode will be described. Regeneration control of each of the water softening devices 33, 34, 35 is the same as the regeneration control of the first form and the second form. First, at the time when the integrated value of the first water softener in the water flow operation state reaches the set value, the water softener shifts to the regeneration operation. Next,
Of the remaining two water softeners, the second water softener that has been in the standby state after the regeneration operation has been completed first is transferred to the water-flowing operation state. Then, the third other water softening device is placed in a standby state. Such three rotations will be specifically described. For example, the third water softening device 33 is in a water-flowing operation state, the fourth water softening device 34 is in a standby state in which the regeneration operation is completed first, and the fifth water softening device 35 is in a regeneration operation state. The case will be described.

In this state, the third water softener 3
3 communicates with the water supply line 4 through the third water supply line 36, and communicates with the treated water line 6 through the third treated water line 39 to supply treated water to the boiler 5. is doing. The communication between the third water softening device 33 and the salt water line 8 is blocked by the action of the switching means 43 because the fifth water softening device 35 is in the regeneration operation.

The fourth water softening device 34 is in communication with the water supply line 4 through the fourth water supply line 37, but is in a standby state, so that the merging means 42 and the switching means 43 are connected. Due to the action, the communication between the treated water line 6 and the salt water line 8 is blocked.

Further, the fifth water softening device 35 is in communication with the water supply line 4 through the fifth water supply line 38, but since it is in the regenerating operation, the action of the merging means 42 causes Communication with the treated water line 6 is cut off. Further, the fifth water softener 35 is in communication with the salt water tank 7 through the salt water line 8, the switching means 43, and the fifth salt water line 46.

Now, when the water-passing operation of the third water softening device 33 is continuing, the controller 20 detects the detected value (evaporation amount) from the inlet hardness measuring means 10 and the operating condition detecting means 18. Based on the above, the integrated value of the hardness removal amount of the third water softening device 33 is calculated over time. Then, when the integrated value of the third water softening device 33 reaches the set value, the controller 20 controls to switch the operation of the three water softening devices. This switching control will be described in detail.

First, the controller 20 controls the merging means 4
2 is switched to stop the water flow operation from the third water softening device 33 to the treated water line 6.

At the same time, the merging means 42 is switched to connect the fourth treated water line 40 and the treated water line 6 of the fourth water softening device 34, which was on standby, to each other, and Four treated water is supplied from the water softening device 34 to the boiler 5
Supply to.

Next, in the regenerating operation in this embodiment, since the salt water tank 7 is shared, only one unit can be operated until the time required for the regenerating operation elapses. Therefore, the third water softening device 33 is used. The regenerating operation of is waited until the regenerating operation of the fifth water softening device 35 is completed. However,
If the regeneration operation of the fifth water softening device 35 is completed,
It is possible to immediately shift to the regeneration operation.

Then, when the regeneration operation of the fifth water softening device 35 is completed and the fifth water softening device 35 is in a standby state, the regeneration operation of the third water softening device 33 is started and the switching means 43. To switch the third salt water line 44.
The salt water is introduced into the resin cylinder 2 of the third water softening device 33 by connecting the salt water to the salt water line 8.

As a result, the third water softener 33 is brought into the regeneration operation state, the fourth water softener 34 is brought into the water flow operation state, and the fifth water softener 35 is placed in the first standby state. It becomes a water softening device. Then, the third water softening device 33 becomes the second water softening device in the standby state when the time required for the regeneration operation has elapsed and the regeneration operation has ended.

When the integrated value of the fourth water softening device 34 reaches the set value, the water passing operation of the fourth water softening device 34 is stopped and the regenerating operation is started, as described above. Further, the water passage operation of the fifth water softening device 35 which has been in the first standby state is started. Then, the third water softener 33 in the second standby state is used as the first water softener in the standby state. Further, the fourth water softener 34 also becomes the second water softener in the standby state when the time required for the regeneration operation has elapsed and the regeneration operation has ended. Hereinafter, by repeating such control, each of the water softening devices 33, 34, 35 is rotated to shift to a water-passing operation state, a regeneration operation state, and a standby state, and continuously supply treated water for 24 hours or more. Is possible.

By the way, each of the water softening devices 33, 34,
Briefly describing the regenerating operation of No. 35, this regenerating operation includes a backwashing step, a salt water regenerating step, a water rinsing step, a rehydration step, etc. similarly to the regenerating operation that is normally performed, as in the case of the second embodiment. Each of these steps includes
It is individually performed by the control of each control valve 3 of each water softening device 33, 34, 35.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the controller 20 switches the switching means 43 so that the control valve 3 of the water softening device in the regeneration operation state and the salt water line 8 communicate with each other. . Then, the water softening device that has completed the regeneration operation enters a standby state in preparation for the next water passage operation. After confirming that the water softener during regeneration is completed, the control valve 3 and the salt water line 8 are in communication with each other.

Further, each of the water softening devices 33, 34, 3
In the fifth aspect, the controller 20 calculates the salt water concentration of the water softening device in the standby state based on the detection value from the salt water concentration detecting means 17, and the calculated salt water concentration and preset. The degree of regeneration of the ion exchange resin is determined based on the amount of salt water that is stored, and the hardness removal amount that can be removed by the next regeneration is calculated based on the determination result. Then, the hardness removal amount until the next reproduction is set based on the calculated value.

On the other hand, each water softening device 33, 34, 35
In the case where three units are installed in parallel, the hardness leak detecting unit 11 is a backup control unit when softening the supply water, and the hardness leak detecting unit 11 outputs the hardness leak signal. When it is output to the controller 20, the controller 20 determines that the ion exchange resin is deteriorated, and issues an alarm from the alarm device 21 to report hardness leak and softening water in the water-flowing operation state. While switching the device to regenerating operation, the first softening device on standby was switched to water passing operation, and the second softening device on standby after regenerating operation was changed to the first softening device in standby state. When the time required for the regenerating operation of the water softening device switched to the regenerating operation has elapsed and the regenerating operation has ended, control is performed to set the water softening device in the second standby state.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to continuously supply the treated water for 24 hours or more. Further, unlike the case where two water softening devices are installed, since there is always one water softening device in a standby state, it is possible to reliably supply treated water for 24 hours or more without stopping water flow.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention, the ion exchange resin can be efficiently regenerated, and the salt water required for the regenerating operation can be saved. Also, when hardness leak is detected, the alarm for hardness leak can be issued and the water softening device can be switched to the regenerating operation so that the supply water with hardness leak is not supplied to the equipment using soft water. be able to. Furthermore, by installing a plurality of water softeners in parallel, it becomes possible to continuously supply the water softener for 24 hours or more.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Water softener 2 resin cylinder 5 Boiler (equipment using soft water) 7 salt water tank 8 salt water line 10 Entrance hardness measuring means 11 Hardness leak detection means 17 Salt water concentration detection means 18 Operation status detection means 26 Bifurcation 29 Confluence means 30 switching means 42 Means of merging 43 switching means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G01N 21/78 G01N 21/78 Z // G01N 27/06 27/06 Z (72) Inventor Hitoshi Asamura Ehime 7 Horie-cho, Matsuyama-shi, Miura Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2G054 AA02 AB10 CA10 CE01 EA04 2G060 AA06 AC08 AE17 AF08 FA01 HC06 HD00 KA06 4D025 AA02 AB19 BA08 BA22 BB07 CA01 CA05 CA10

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An operating condition detection of an inlet hardness measuring means 10 for measuring the hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder 2 filled with an ion exchange resin, and an operating condition of a soft water using device 5 using the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder 2. A water softening device comprising means 18 and means 17 for detecting the concentration of salt water during regeneration. 2. An operating condition detection of an inlet hardness measuring means 10 for measuring the hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder 2 filled with an ion exchange resin, and an operating condition of a soft water using device 5 which uses the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder 2. A plurality of water softening devices 1 equipped with means 18 and means 17 for detecting the concentration of salt water during regeneration are installed in parallel,
A water softening device characterized in that the water passing operation and the regenerating operation of each of the water softening devices 1 are switchably connected. 3. An operating condition detection of an inlet hardness measuring means 10 for measuring the hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder 2 filled with an ion exchange resin, and an operating condition of a soft water using device 5 using the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder 2. Means 18; means 17 for detecting the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration; and hardness leak detecting means 11 for measuring hardness of treated water after passing through the resin cylinder 2 and detecting hardness leak. Characterizing water softening device. 4. An operating condition detection of inlet hardness measuring means 10 for measuring the hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder 2 filled with an ion exchange resin, and an operating condition of a soft water using equipment 5 using treated water after passing through the resin cylinder 2. Water softening provided with means 18, means 17 for detecting the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration, and hardness leak detecting means 11 for measuring the hardness of the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder 2 and detecting the hardness leak. A plurality of devices 1 are installed in parallel, and the water softening device 1 and the water softening device 1 are connected so as to be switchable. 5. The water softener according to claim 2, wherein the inlet hardness measuring means 10 is provided on the upstream side of a branch portion 26 provided in the water supply line 4. 6. The hardness leak detecting means 11 and the merging means 2
The water softening device according to claim 4, wherein the water softening device is provided on the downstream side of 9, 42. 7. A single salt water tank 7 is provided, and the salt water tank 7 and each of the water softening devices 1 are switchably connected via switching means 30 and 43 provided in a salt water line 8, respectively. The salt water concentration detecting means 17 is provided on the upstream side of 30, 43.
5. The water softening device according to any one of 5 and 6. 8. An operating condition detection of an inlet hardness measuring means 10 for measuring the hardness of water supplied to a resin cylinder 2 filled with an ion exchange resin, and an operating condition of a soft water using device 5 using the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder 2. A method of controlling regeneration of a water softening device 1 comprising means 18 and salt water concentration detecting means 17 for detecting the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration, the amount of hardness removal until the next regeneration based on the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration. Is set in advance, the integrated value of the hardness removal amount is obtained with time based on the inlet hardness and the operating state detection amount of the soft water using device 5, and when the integrated value reaches the set value, A regeneration control method for a water softening device, characterized in that a regeneration operation of the water softening device 1 is started. 9. The regeneration control method for a water softening device according to claim 2, wherein the set value of the hardness removal amount until the next regeneration is calculated based on the concentration of salt water at the time of regeneration, and the inlet hardness and the use of the soft water are used. An integrated value of the hardness removal amount is obtained with time based on the operating state detection amount of the device 5, and when the integrated value reaches the set value, the water softening device 1 in the water passing operation is switched to the regenerating operation. At the same time, a method for controlling regeneration of the water softening device is characterized in that control is performed to switch the water softening device 1 to a water-flowing operation while waiting for water flow. 10. The method for controlling regeneration of a water softener according to claim 3, wherein the hardness of the treated water after passing through the resin cylinder 2 is measured, and when a hardness leak is detected, the water softener 1 A method for controlling regeneration of a water softening device, characterized in that the regeneration control is performed. 11. The invention according to claim 4 or claim 1.
The method for controlling regeneration of the water softening device according to item 1, wherein the hardness of the treated water after passing through the resin tube 2 is measured, and when hardness leak is detected, the water softening device 1 during the water flow operation is regenerated. A method for controlling regeneration of a water softening device, characterized in that control is performed so that the water softening device 1 in a water flow standby state is switched to a water-flowing operation while switching to operation.