JP2022017673A - Soft water producing apparatus and method for producing soft water - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and a method for continuously producing soft water having a low hardness.SOLUTION: A soft water producing apparatus X includes: a soft water production line L1 provided with a first soft water generation part 4 and a second soft water generation part 5; a regenerated water supply line L2 which supplies regenerated water to the first soft water generation part 4 and the second soft water generation part 5; and a regenerated water discharge line which discharges used regenerated water obtained by regenerating each ion exchange resin of the first soft water generation part 4 and the second soft water generation part 5, wherein a hardness measuring apparatus 6 is installed in the soft water production line L1. When the hardness of soft water exceeds a predetermined level based on information of the measuring apparatus 6, a control part performs control to start the production of soft water by one of the first soft water generation part 4 or the second soft water generation part 5 by switching the flow of raw water, performs control to start the reproduction of the ion exchange resin of either one of the first soft water generation part 4 or the second soft water generation part 5, and performs control to discharge the used regenerated water of the one with the regenerated ion exchange resin into the regenerated water discharge line after the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the regeneration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a soft water producing apparatus, and more particularly to a soft water producing apparatus for drinking water and a soft water producing method capable of reducing the hardness of soft water to, for example, "1" or less.

Patent Document 1 is "Kazumasa Ikuta" who is the same person as the inventor of the patent applicant of the present application. An object of the invention of Patent Document 1 is to provide a water softening device that automatically removes a hardness component adhering to a water softening means (ion exchange resin) of a soft water generating portion by using raw water (fresh water) such as well water and lake water. It is to be.

Then, the water softening device X has a regenerated water storage unit 2 that stores a required amount of the regenerated water WS in which the raw water HW and the salt S are mixed, and the lower end portion of the regenerated water storage unit 2 and the ino exchange of the soft water generating unit 3. The regenerated water supply line 21 that is connected to the generation tank 30 containing the resin via the main pipe 1 on the upstream side and supplies the regenerated water WS of the regenerated water storage unit 2 that is pressure-fed to the pumping means 22, and the soft water generation unit 3. Obtained from the hardness measuring means 11 and the hardness measuring means 11 provided in either the main pipe 1 (soft water production line) on the downstream side of the main pipe or the sampling unit 55 connected to the soft water storage part 4 at the end of the main pipe 1. A control unit 45 for processing information is provided, and during regeneration, the control unit 45 drives a first three-way switching valve 7, a pumping means 22, and the regenerated water supply line provided in the main pipe 1 (soft water production line) on the upstream side. The on-off valve 23 provided in the 21 is controlled, and the regenerated water WS stored in the regenerated water storage unit 2 is automatically supplied to the soft water generation unit 3 ”(reference numeral 1).

In this respect, the soft water generation unit 3 that can reduce the hardness of the raw water is used, and the ion exchange resin of the soft water generation unit 3 is salted with the reclaimed water (salt water) WS of the reclaimed water storage unit 2 for a required time and regenerated as new. In terms of automation of soft water generation and regeneration of ion exchange resin, the technical principle is the same as that of the present invention.

However, since the water softening device X has only "one" soft water generating unit 3 arranged in the soft water production line, the adhesion of impurities to the ion exchange resin, the shortening of the use time of the ion exchange resin, and the ion. Considering the characteristics such as the consumption rate of the exchange resin, in order to continue using the ion exchange resin of one soft water generator 3 for as long as possible, after using it for a certain period of time, the soft water production line is temporarily stopped and the soft water is said to be used. It is necessary to soak (stand) the ion exchange resin of the generation unit 3 in regenerated water (salt water) for about half a day to one day to make it as good as new. Therefore, there is a problem that soft water having a desired hardness (for example, 1 mg / l (liter) or less) cannot be continuously obtained during the regeneration of the soft water generating unit 3.

Here, the distinction between "soft water" and "hard water" will be briefly explained. Soft water generally refers to water with a low content of calcium and magnesium salts, and is a term for hard water. The simple difference between soft water and hard water is the difference in "hardness". Hardness is the content of calcium and magnesium per liter of water. According to the standards set by WHO (World Health Organization), hardness of less than 120 mg is soft water and 120 mg or more is hard water. In Japan, the hardness of water is expressed by converting the amount of potassium and magnesium in water into the corresponding ppm of calcium carbonate. Therefore, "100 ppm or less" is used as soft water. The formula for calculating the hardness of soft water is a well-known fact described in electronic publications, but is, for example, an American formula.

As a result of many years of research on methods for producing pure water and ultrapure water, the inventor of the present application has combined the hardness of soft water with a preferable filtration device, for example, cell-activated water (ultrapure water) of "1" or less. Succeeded in mass production. In addition, cell-activated water (ultrapure water) more preferably has a hardness of "0 mg", a pH of "6.8", a salt equivalent amount of "0 mg", a potassium "0 mg", and a "magnesium" of 0 mg. Etc.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-12927

For example, when tens of tons of soft water is produced by a soft water production device, the ability to generate ion-exchanged trees inside the soft water generation section becomes the limit, and the hardness values of the soft water increase to 10, 20, 50, and 100. .. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to automate the generation of soft water and the regeneration of the ion exchange resin. Therefore, the main subject of the present invention is to take advantage of Patent Document 1 and alternately regenerate (similar to a new product) the ion exchange resin of a set of soft water generating portions to continuously produce soft water having low hardness. Is what you can get. By achieving this continuous automation, it is possible to significantly reduce the labor during the production of soft water and the regeneration of the generated portion.

The second object of the present invention is not general drinking water that simply satisfies the hardness of Japanese drinking water, "for example, 100, 60, 50 (symbol omitted), etc.", but for example, tap water as raw water, groundwater. Etc. is filtered with a filter containing activated charcoal to continuously obtain drinking water having a hardness of "1 (symbol omitted) or less".

In addition, by making the regenerated water supply line a simple structure, it facilitates piping work, suppresses manufacturing costs, stably supports a set of soft water generating parts, and overflows soft water from the soft water storage part. The purpose, such as preventing, is specified by the dependent term.

The soft water production apparatus of the present invention includes a soft water production line provided with a set of a first soft water generation unit and a second soft water generation unit having a valve for changing the flow of the flow path and reducing the hardness of the raw water to one digit or less. The first has a regenerated water supply line having a valve for changing the flow of the flow path and selectively supplying regenerated water to the first soft water generation section and the second soft water generation section, and a valve for changing the flow of the flow path. It is a soft water production apparatus provided with a regenerated water discharge line for selectively discharging used regenerated water obtained by regenerating each ion exchange resin of the soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit, and flows through the soft water production line. A measuring instrument for measuring the hardness of the soft water is provided, and the control unit switches the flow of the raw water when the hardness of the soft water exceeds a predetermined value based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument. The first soft water generation unit or the first soft water generation unit that needs to be regenerated by controlling one of the first soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit to start the generation of soft water and switching the flow of the regenerated water. The second soft water generation unit is controlled to start regeneration of one of the ion exchange resins, and the control unit further controls the regenerated used water of the ion exchange resin after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the regeneration. It is characterized in that the water is controlled to be discharged to the regenerated water discharge line, and thereafter, the control is periodically repeated based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument.

Further, the soft water production method of the present invention is a soft water production line provided with a set of a first soft water generation unit and a second soft water generation unit having a valve for changing the flow of the flow path and reducing the hardness of raw water to one digit or less. The regenerated water supply line having a valve for changing the flow of the flow path and selectively supplying the regenerated water to the first soft water generation section and the second soft water generation section, and a valve for changing the flow of the flow path. There is a soft water production method including a regenerated water discharge line that selectively discharges used regenerated water obtained by regenerating each ion exchange resin of the first soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit, and the control unit is a soft water production line or soft water storage. When the hardness of the soft water becomes more than a predetermined value based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument provided in any of the parts, the flow of the raw water is switched to generate the first soft water generation part or the second soft water generation part. By controlling so that either one of the units starts the generation of soft water and switching the flow of the regenerated water, either one of the first soft water generation unit or the second soft water generation unit that needs to be regenerated. The control unit controls to start the regeneration of the ion exchange resin, and the control unit controls to discharge the regenerated used regenerated water of the ion exchange resin to the regenerated water discharge line after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the regeneration. Then, the control is periodically repeated based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument.

In the above configuration, the measuring instrument for acquiring soft water hardness information is not provided in the soft water production line, but in a soft water storage unit connected to an outlet portion on the downstream side of the soft water production line. And. Further, the measuring instrument is a flow rate integrator, and the determination means of the control unit collates the information of the flow rate information recorded in the storage means with the amount integrated by the measurement of the flow rate integrator to match the hardness of the soft water. Is characterized by determining whether or not is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Further, the measuring instrument is a hardness meter for measuring the hardness of soft water, and the determination means of the control unit obtains the hardness information of soft water recorded in the storage means and the hardness information obtained by the measurement of the hardness meter. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the hardness of the soft water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value by abutting. Further, "more than a predetermined value" is characterized in that the hardness of the soft water is "2 or more".

Further, the reclaimed water supply line connecting the reclaimed water storage section, the first soft water generation section and the second soft water generation section is branched into the first reclaimed water supply pipe and the second reclaimed water supply pipe via a branching section. It is characterized by being. Further, it is preferable that the soft water production line is provided with a filter containing activated carbon.

Further, the set of the first soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit each have a vertical generation tank containing an ion exchange resin, and these vertical generation tanks are installed on the floor surface. It is characterized in that it is individually supported by a pair of binding members integrally attached to the support frame. In addition, a soft water storage unit is provided in the flow path downstream of the measuring instrument, and a water level detector for detecting the water level of the stored soft water is provided in this soft water storage unit, and the water level detector is in the storage. When the soft water reaches the required level, a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit sends an on-off valve on the upstream side of the first soft water generation unit or an on-off valve provided on the raw water supply port side. It is characterized in that one of the above is "closed".

Here, the "production line for softening raw water" means, for example, a flow path from a tap water faucet to an inlet of a soft water storage portion. Further, the "line for supplying reclaimed water" is, for example, a first soft water generation section and a second soft water passing through a first reclaimed water supply pipe and a second reclaimed water supply pipe from a discharge port of a pressure feeding means connected to a reclaimed water storage section. The flow path leading to the generation part.

The present invention can always be said to be soft water with low hardness, preferably cell-activated water (ultrapure water), by alternately regenerating (similar to new) the ion exchange resin of a pair of soft water generating parts. Soft water with such low hardness can be continuously obtained. In the most desirable embodiment, for example, fresh water such as tap water or ground water as raw water is filtered by a filter containing activated charcoal, and the soft water production line uses drinking water having a hardness of "1 (symbol omitted) or less". Even during the regeneration of the ion exchange resin of the soft water generating portion of No. 1, the ion exchange resin of the other soft water generating portion can be continuously obtained. As a result, cell-activated water (ultrapure water) containing no impurities can be efficiently obtained.

1 to 13 are explanatory views showing the first embodiment of the present invention. 14 and 15 are explanatory views showing other embodiments of the main part.
Schematic explanatory view showing the whole of the preferable 1st Embodiment of this invention (reclaimed water discharge line is omitted, a plurality of on-off valves, wiring of a control part are omitted). Schematic diagram of the main part. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a filter. Explanatory view from the front view where the soft water generating part is installed on the floor and supported by the frame. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view from a plan view. The schematic explanatory view which shows the reclaimed water storage part and the pumping means. Schematic cross-sectional view of one soft water generation part (same for the structure of the other soft water generation part) Block diagram of the control system. Explanatory drawing when soft water is generated in the first soft water generation part. Explanatory drawing in the case where the first soft water generation unit 4 is salted while the second soft water generation unit 5 produces soft water. Explanatory drawing when the used reclaimed water (drainage) in which the first soft water generation part is salted is discharged by the first drain pipe (the second soft water generation part is generating soft water as it is). Explanatory drawing which makes soft water generation part in the first soft water generation part again, and this time, makes the second soft water generation part salted. Explanatory drawing when the used reclaimed water (drainage) in which the second soft water generation part is salted is discharged by the second drain pipe (the first soft water generation part is generating soft water as it is). Explanatory drawing which shows the other embodiment of the determination means of a control part. An explanatory diagram showing another embodiment in which a detection signal of a water level detector is transmitted to a control unit.

1 to 13 are explanatory views showing the first embodiment of the present invention. The soft water production apparatus X of the first embodiment is used, for example, as a first production line for ultrapure water. Therefore, a known or new ultrapure water second production line can be connected to the downstream side of the first production line.

First, FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing the whole of the preferred first embodiment of the present invention, and the reclaimed water discharge line is omitted. Further, a plurality of on-off valves, wiring of the control unit, etc. are omitted so as not to complicate the drawing.

In FIG. 1, X filters fresh water such as tap water and ground water as raw water with a filter containing activated charcoal, and the filtered fresh water (hard water or soft water) has a hardness of one digit or less (for example, 1). It is a soft water production device that can make soft water of the following). This soft water production apparatus X has a soft water production line (flow path) L1 from the raw water supply port (for example, tap water faucet) 1 on the left side of the drawing to the soft water storage unit 2 for drinking water on the right side of the drawing. In the embodiment, the "filter 3", the "set of the first soft water generation unit 4 and the second soft water generation unit 5", and the "measuring instrument 6" are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the soft water production line L1. Has been done.

Further, the soft water production apparatus X has a regenerated water supply line (flow path) L2 capable of selectively regenerating the set of the first soft water generation unit 4 and the second soft water generation unit 5. In the embodiment, the reclaimed water supply line L2 receives the filtered raw water from the upstream side of the soft water production line (piping) L1 via the filter 3 and reclaimed water (salt water using industrial salt). The reclaimed water storage unit 7 for generating the water is arranged.

The reclaimed water (salt water) reclaimed in the reclaimed water storage section 7 is supplied with the first reclaimed water supply pipe L2a and the second reclaimed water via, for example, a T-shaped branch portion in the middle of one pipe connected to the outlet. It is branched into a pipe L2b, and the outlet portion of the first reclaimed water supply pipe L2a is connected to the first soft water generation portion 4 of the soft water production line L1, while the outlet portion of the second reclaimed water supply pipe L2b is a second soft water generation. It is connected to the part 5.

Further, in this soft water production apparatus X, a reclaimed water discharge line (reclaimed water discharge line) for selectively discharging used reclaimed water obtained by regenerating each ion exchange resin after the first soft water generation unit 4 and the second soft water generation unit 5 produce soft water. Channel) L3.

Although the regenerated water discharge line L3 is omitted in FIG. 1, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the regenerated water discharge line L3 is connected to a discharge port formed at the upper end of the first soft water generation unit 4. It has a first drainage pipe L3a and a second drainage pipe L3b connected to a discharge port formed at the upper end of the second soft water generation part 5, and the first drainage pipe L3a and the second drainage pipe L3b are one. It joins the drainage main pipe of.

Further, in the embodiment, in order to automate the system, a plurality of on-off valves a and a1 paired with the soft water production line L1, the regenerated water supply line L2, and the reclaimed water discharge line L3, respectively. b, b1, c, c1, d, d1 are provided at appropriate positions in the piping, and for example, a control unit 10 disposed on the floor surface via a base plate 8 and a support frame 9 appropriately controls the opening and closing of these on-off valves. do.

As described above, the soft water production apparatus X of the preferred embodiment includes at least one filter 3 as a water purification means, and has a plurality of on-off valves to reduce the hardness of the raw water to one digit or less. A soft water production line L1 provided with a set of a first soft water generation unit 4 and a second soft water generation unit 5, and a plurality of on-off valves, which are selectively selected for the first soft water generation unit 4 and the second soft water generation unit 5. Selectively used recycled water having a regenerated water supply line L2 for supplying regenerated water to the water and regenerating each ion exchange resin of the first soft water generation unit 4 and the second soft water generation unit 5 having a plurality of on-off valves. It is equipped with a regenerated water discharge line L3 for discharging water to the water.

Therefore, a single or a plurality of measuring instruments 6 are provided on the soft water production line L1, and the control unit 10 determines that the hardness of the soft water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value as a determination result of the determination means for determining based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument 6. In the case of (for example, when it exceeds 2,), by appropriately switching the flow of the raw water between a plurality of on-off valves (simultaneously or at different times), either the first soft water generation unit 4 or the second soft water generation unit 5 is used. The first soft water generation unit 4 of which one needs to be regenerated by controlling one of them to start the generation of soft water and appropriately switching the flow of the regenerated water between a plurality of on-off valves (simultaneously or at different times). Alternatively, the ion exchange resin of either one of the second soft water generation unit 5 is controlled to start regeneration, and the control unit 10 further controls the ion after a predetermined time (for example, 12 to 24 hours) has elapsed from the start of the regeneration. The used regenerated water of the regenerated exchange resin is controlled to be discharged to the regenerated water discharge line L3 by appropriately switching a plurality of on-off valves (simultaneously or at different times), and thereafter, the measurement information of the measuring instrument 6. The control is periodically repeated based on the above.
Further, the details including the detailed matters will be described in detail with reference to the drawings of FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view of a main part (members necessary for soft water generation and regeneration of a set of soft water generation parts). In FIG. 2, L1 is a soft water production line, and this soft water production line is for measuring the hardness of the main pipe 12 on the upstream side connected to the filter 3 containing activated charcoal and the soft water flowing through the soft water production line L1. It has a main pipe 13 on the downstream side where the measuring instrument 6 is provided.

Thus, in the embodiment, the first sub-pipe 14 is connected between the filter 3 and the above-mentioned first soft water generation unit 4 via a T-shaped branching portion, and the first sub-pipe 14 is described above. It is connected to the reclaimed water storage unit 7. Therefore, the reclaimed water storage unit 7 can make reclaimed water by using the raw water.
Further, as a preferred embodiment, a pressure gauge 15 as an example of the detection means is provided in either the main pipe 12 or the first sub pipe 14 on the upstream side, and the pressure gauge 15 is used to change (for example, decrease) the pressure in the flow path. ) Is detected, and this detection signal is sent to the control unit 10.

Further, a second sub pipe 16 is connected to the main pipe 12 on the upstream side via a T-shaped branch portion, and the outlet portion of the second sub pipe 16 is connected to the inlet portion of the first soft water generation portion 4. Further, a third sub-pipe 17 is connected to the main pipe 12 on the upstream side via an elbow (L-shaped portion) following the T-shaped branch portion, and the outlet portion of the third sub-pipe 17 is the second soft water generation portion 5. It is connected to the entrance of.

Further, the soft water production line L1 connects the first supply pipe 18 connecting the outlet portion of the first soft water generation unit 4 and the main pipe 13 on the downstream side, and the outlet portion of the second soft water generation unit 5 and the main pipe 13 on the downstream side. It has a second supply pipe 19. A plurality of on-off valves a, a, b, b, c, c1, d, and d1 that form a set with each other will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and the like.

Next, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the filter 3. In the embodiment, the filter 3 is arranged on the raw water supply port 1 side of the soft water production line (flow path) L1. The filter 3 is mounted on a support 21 having an appropriate height in order to facilitate the connection of the pipes on the inlet side of the raw water and the outlet side of the filtered water. The support base 21 includes a total of four support legs 21a having a length of, for example, about 30 cm to 40 cm, and a horizontal support plate 21b fixed to the upper ends of these support legs.

By the way, in FIG. 3, 23 is a container, and the container 23 has a container body 23a having an upper end opening and a lid body 23b provided on the container body via an annular packing (sealing material) 24 so as to be removable. Consists of. Flange portions are provided around the upper end portion of the container body 23a and the lower end portion of the lid 23b, respectively. The upper and lower flange portions are integrally fastened via a fixing means 25 composed of a plurality of bolts and nuts.

The container 23 contains the granular activated carbon 27 wrapped in a storage body 26 such as a net-like basket body and a mesh-like bag body (embodiment). The granular activated carbon 27 can be freely cleaned and maintained by opening the lid 23b by removing the fixing means 25. The granular activated carbon 27 is preferably a so-called high-performance activated carbon having a large number of pores having a pore diameter of 20 to 1000 Å (angstrom).

By the way, reference numeral 28 is a raw water inlet portion provided on the peripheral body portion of the container main body 23a, and reference numeral 29 is a filtered water outlet portion provided on the opposite side of the raw water inlet portion.

Further, in FIG. 3, the filter 3 contains only the granular activated carbon 27, but of course, other filter materials (ion exchange resin, bakuhan stone, coral, etc.) can be installed in a stacked state in the vertical direction. When the other filter material is installed in the container 23 together with the activated carbon 27, it is desirable to make the container 23 a vertically long tank. In that case, it is desirable that the raw water inlet portion 28 described above is provided at the upper end portion of the vertically elongated container 23, while the filtered water outlet portion 29 is provided at the bottom portion of the vertically elongated container 23.

Next, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view from a front view in which a set of soft water generating portions is installed on a floor surface and supported by a frame, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view from a plan view. In these figures, 8 is a rectangular base plate, 31 is a total of at least three or more columns erected on the upper surface of the base plate at predetermined intervals on the left, right, front and back, and 32 faces left and right. A long beam-shaped cross beam erected at the upper ends of a set of columns 31 and 31, 33 faces the front and rear of the right end portion (the other end) of the base plate 8 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the long beam-shaped cross beam 32. A short beam-shaped cross beam erected at the upper end of a set of columns 31 and 31, and a control 34 fixed horizontally to the front and rear set of columns 31 and 31 so as to be located below by the cross beam 33. It is a support plate for a part 10.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vertical generation tank of the pair of left and right first soft water generation units 4 and the vertical type of the second soft water generation unit 5 arranged on the upper surface of the base plate 8 A pair of U-shaped binding members 35 in a plan view capable of individually supporting the peripheral body portions of the generation tank are provided on the long rod-shaped cross beam 32 with a required interval.

Tightening nuts 36 are screwed into the male threaded portions at both ends of each binding member 35. Further, depending on the embodiment, it is also possible to use an arcuate clamp that can open and close each binding member 35. Therefore, the configuration of each binding member 35 is a matter that can be arbitrarily changed in design.

Next, FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory view showing a reclaimed water storage unit, a pumping means, and the like. One of the problems of the present invention is "to minimize the labor during regeneration". In relation to this problem of labor saving, the control unit 10 is necessary based on the information of the pressure gauge 15, the measuring device 10 for detecting the flow rate, the water level detector for detecting the water level in the reclaimed water storage unit 7, and the like. Controls the on-off valve and activates the electric motor 42a of the pumping means 42 to pump the reclaimed water WS in the raw water storage unit 7 to the reclaimed water supply line L2 at regular or necessary times, and is necessary after pumping. The on-off valve (for example, the three-way switching valve 41) is controlled to take in the required amount of raw water into the raw water storage unit 7.

Therefore, on the outlet side of the filter 3 of the main pipe 12, a first three-way switching valve 41 for guiding the raw water (fresh water) HW filtered by the filter 3 to the reclaimed water storage unit 7 is provided, and the first three-way switching valve 41 is provided. The first auxiliary pipe 14 described above is connected to the switching valve 41.

The reclaimed water storage unit 7 of the embodiment mixes a required amount of salt S stored in advance with raw water (fresh water) HW to produce a required amount of “reclaimed water WS”. The reclaimed water WS is selectively fed to either the first soft water generation unit 4 or the second soft water generation unit 5 via the branched reclaimed water supply line L2 by the pumping means 42 controlled by the control unit 10. Be done.

The reclaimed water storage unit 7 has a volume of, for example, 100 to 200 liters, and has a first sub-pipe 14 branched from the main pipe 1 via the first three-way switching valve 41, and the raw water suction port 43 at the upper end thereof. From the storage tank main body 44 to which the storage tank main body is connected, the substantially horizontal salt support 45 located near the lower end of the storage tank main body and internally installed in the storage tank main body 44, and the salt support 45. A float valve 47 having a substantially vertical suction pipe 46 that protrudes downward and can suck the reclaimed water WS, and a float 47a that is displaced in the vertical direction depending on the water level of the reclaimed water WS in the storage tank main body 44. The upper end of the suction pipe 46 is connected to a pump 42b constituting the pumping means 42. The float valve 47 is a mechanical fluid on-off valve installed in, for example, a restroom (toilet). The float valve 47 can be replaced with, for example, an electric water level sensor.

Further, as the salt support 45, a mesh having a shape such that industrial salt S (salt having a particle size larger than that of the mesh of the salt support) does not fall on the bottom surface of the storage tank main body 44 is preferably used. On the side surface of the inner wall of the lower end of the storage tank main body 44, a plurality of projecting pieces 48 capable of supporting the net-like salt support 45 are provided on the left, right, front and back.

By the way, the reason why the salt support 45 is raised from the bottom surface 44a of the storage tank main body 44 is to prevent the solid industrial salt S from being clogged in the suction pipe 46 having the reclaimed water supply port. The salt support 45 may be in the shape of a net-like container or a mesh-like bag.

In this way, in the reclaimed water WS of the reclaimed water storage unit 7, raw water (fresh water) HW such as well water and lake water and industrial salt S supported by the mesh-like salt support 16 are mixed with each other in the storage tank main body 44. Generated by. When the reclaimed water WS of the reclaimed water storage unit 7 is reclaimed, the control unit 10 controls the opening and closing of the reclaimed water first on-off valve c of the first reclaimed water supply pipe L2a or the reclaimed water second on-off valve c1 of the second reclaimed water supply pipe L2b. When it is selectively opened and closed by, it is pumped to either the first soft water generation unit 4 or the second soft water generation unit 5. It is preferable to provide a flow meter (not shown) at an appropriate position on the reclaimed water supply line L2, measure the flow rate of the reclaimed water WS as a "pulse signal", and send this measurement information to the control unit 10.

Next, the first soft water generation unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Since the configuration of the second soft water generation unit 5 is the same as that of the first soft water generation unit 4, the description of the configuration of the first soft water generation unit 4 is referred to.
The first soft water generation unit 4 receives the required amount of the reclaimed water WS stored in the reclaimed water storage unit 7 into the generation tank 50 at the time of regeneration, and makes the required time, so-called salted state, into a water softening means (for example, granular). Ion exchange resin) 51 is regenerated.

Thus, the first soft water generation unit 4 has a vertical cylindrical generation and regeneration tank (referred to as a “generation tank” for convenience) 50 and granular or granular ion exchanges internally provided in the vertical generation tank 50. The generation tank 50 is made of a resin 51, and has an upper inflow port portion 52 provided at the upper end portion and an upper outflow port portion 54 connected to a pipe-shaped delivery pipe 53 substantially perpendicular to each other. Then, in the embodiment, a discharge port 55 for discharging the reclaimed water is provided at a portion near the upper end of the generation tank 50.

By the way, the ion exchange resin 51 of the embodiment is preferably a chloride ion type granular strong basic anion exchange resin, and the nitrate ion and nitrite nitrogen contained in the raw water HW by this type of ion exchange resin. Is removed by ion exchange. As described above, the granular ion exchange resin 51 of the first soft water generation unit 4 is an anion exchange resin capable of decomposing neutral salts regardless of the pH of the raw water HW. In the embodiment, the soft water produced by the first soft water generation unit 4 more preferably has a hardness of "0 mg", ph of "6.8", a salt equivalent amount of "0 mg", potassium of "0 mg", and "magnesium". Therefore, if it is possible to obtain soft water of the above quality, the anion exchange resin may be replaced with a demineralized film member in a laminated state. Further, not only the case where only the granular ion exchange resin 51 is installed in the generation tank 50, but also a ceramics-based adsorbent which is a heavy metal adsorbent may be appropriately coexisted together with the ion exchange resin.

In this embodiment, the amount of raw water HW that enters from the inflow port 52 of the generation tank 50 during regeneration is preferably smaller than the amount of reclaimed water WS stored in the reclaimed water storage section 7. When the ion exchange resin 51 is reclaimed (salted) in the generation tank 50 in the generation tank 50 for 12 to 24 hours, for example, with 80 to 100 liters of reclaimed water WS, the hardness components such as calcium and magnesium adhering to the ion exchange resin 51 are present. The HT is removed (so to speak, it is cleaned as clean as new). Then, after the regeneration, the treated water (salt water containing the removed hardness component) WS1 is automatically discharged from the reclaimed water discharge line L3 as described later.

Next, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the control system. In this figure, reference numeral 60 denotes an operation unit having a plurality of operation switches 60a, and the operation unit 60 is provided on the front surface of an opening / closing door of the control unit (control panel). Reference numeral 61 is an input unit, and the input unit 61 is provided with pressure information in the flow path from, for example, a pressure gauge 15, a flow meter 6 which is an example of a measuring instrument, a water level gauge 47, etc., and flow rate information of soft water flowing in the flow path. Information such as the water level inside the storage tank body comes in. Reference numeral 10 is a control unit that processes signals, and the control unit 10 here includes a control program 62a, a storage means 62 that stores flow rate information, a timekeeping means 63 that measures elapsed time, and a determination means 64 that determines flow rate information. It is a concept.

Since the control unit 10, the storage means 62 having RAM / ROM and the like, and the timekeeping means 63 such as a timer include publicly known or well-known self-evident techniques as long as they do not deviate from the subject of the invention, the details thereof will be omitted.

One of the features of the control system of the present invention is the determination means 64. As described above, the main pipe 13 on the downstream side of the soft water production line L1 is provided with a measuring instrument 6 for measuring the hardness of the soft water flowing through the soft water production line L1, but the measuring instrument 6 is a flow rate integrator. The determination means 64 of the control unit of the first embodiment collates the information of the flow rate information (flow rate threshold) recorded in the storage means 62 with the amount integrated by the measurement of the flow rate integrator 6 to soften the water. It is determined whether or not the hardness of SW is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

When the hardness of the soft water SW becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument 6, the control unit 10 switches the flow of the raw water HW to the first soft water generation unit 4 or the first. 2 Any one of the soft water generation units 5 is controlled to start the generation of soft water, but the hardness of the soft water is preferably one digit or less, more preferably "1" or less.

Therefore, in the embodiment, when the hardness of the soft water flowing toward the soft water storage unit 2 through the main pipe (flow path) 13 on the downstream side of the soft water production line L1 becomes "2 or more", the control unit 10 may, for example, When one set of the raw water first on-off valves a and a and the other set of the raw water second on-off valves b and b of the soft water production line L1 are "closed", the other set is "closed". Switch to each other so that it becomes "open".

Then, after switching between the reclaimed water first on-off valves a and a and the reclaimed water second on-off valves b and b, immediately after or after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 10 is, for example, the reclaimed water first set which is a set of the reclaimed water supply line L2. When either one of the supply valve c and the reclaimed water first supply valve c1 is "closed", the other is switched to "open".

Further, the control unit 10 controls, for example, to discharge the reclaimed water of the reclaimed water of the ion exchange resin 51 to the reclaimed water discharge line L3 after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the regeneration, and thereafter, the measurement information of the measuring instrument 6 is used. Based on this, the control is periodically repeated.

Next, FIGS. 9 to 13 are explanatory views schematically showing the control of a plurality of on-off valves instead of the flowchart. In each figure, the virtual lines are the flow of raw water HW and soft water SW (Fig. 9), the flow of soft water SW and reclaimed water WS (Fig. 10), raw water HW and used reclaimed water (drainage) WS1, raw water HW and soft water SW. (FIG. 11), the flow of raw water HW, soft water SW, and reclaimed water WS (FIG. 12), and the flow of raw water HW and used reclaimed water (drainage) WS2 (FIG. 13).

Further, in each figure, the control unit 10 indicates the "open" and "closed" states of a plurality of on-off valves a, a, b, b, c, c1, d, and d1 as a set, respectively, for convenience. It is represented by.

First, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the soft water SW is generated by using the raw water HW filtered by the first soft water generation unit 4. Hereinafter, the plurality of on-off valves a, a, b, b, c, c1, d, and d1 shown in FIGS. b, b "," reclaimed water supply first opening / closing piece c "," reclaimed water supply second opening / closing piece c1 "," drainage first opening / closing piece d "and" drainage first opening / closing piece d1 "should be described. It is simply referred to as "on-off valve a, a", "on-off valve b, b", "on-off valve c", "on-off valve c1" and the like.

In FIG. 9, since the first soft water generation unit 4 first generates the soft water SW, one set of on-off valves a and a is "open", and the other set of on-off valves b and b is "closed". Become. The remaining on-off valves c and d are also "closed".

Then, the raw water HW filtered by the filter 3 enters the second auxiliary pipe 16 from the T-shaped branch portion on the upstream side of the soft water production line L1, and then the upper inflow port portion 52 of the first soft water generation portion 4. The raw water HW that has entered the generation tank 50 from the above and has flowed into the generation tank 50 flows downward in the laminated ion exchange resin 51 as shown by a virtual line. At this time, by passing through the ion exchange resin 51, the raw water becomes soft water having a very low hardness, and the soft water enters from the lower inlet of the pipe-shaped delivery pipe 53 and passes through the upper outlet portion 54 to become the first soft water. It flows into the soft water supply pipe 18.

Further, it flows from the first soft water supply pipe 18 through the main pipe 13 on the downstream side and the measuring instrument 6 into the large soft water storage unit 2. At this time, the second soft water generation unit 5 is inactive.

Next, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the second soft water generation unit 5 produces soft water while the first soft water generation unit 4 is in a salted state. The determination means 64 of the control unit 10 collates the flow rate information (threshold value) recorded in the storage means 62 with the flow rate information of the flow rate integrator, and determines whether or not the hardness of the soft water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

In addition, when the flow rate information of the flow rate integrator reaches the flow rate information (threshold value) of the storage means, the determination means 64 presumes or considers that the hardness of the soft water becomes a predetermined value or more (for example, “2”). Therefore, the control unit 10 sends a switching signal from the output unit 80 to the on-off valves a and a and the on-off valves b and b. In this case, one set of on-off valves a and a is "closed" and the other set of on-off valves b and b is "open". That is, the mode is the opposite of that of FIG.

The raw water HW filtered by the filter 3 passes through the T-shaped branch portion on the upstream side of the soft water production line L1 and enters the third auxiliary pipe 17, and then the upper inflow port portion 52 of the second soft water generation portion 5. The raw water HW that has entered the generation tank 50 from the above and has flowed into the generation tank 50 flows downward in the laminated ion exchange resin 51 as shown by a virtual line.

At this time, by passing through the ion exchange resin 51, the raw water becomes soft water having a very low hardness, and the soft water enters from the lower inlet of the pipe-shaped delivery pipe 53 and passes through the upper outlet portion 54 to the second. It flows into the soft water supply pipe 19. Further, it flows from the second soft water supply pipe 19 through the main pipe 13 on the downstream side and the measuring instrument 6 into the large soft water storage unit 2. At this time, the first soft water generation unit 4 is inactive.

Here, a case where the first soft water generation unit 4 is in a salted state will be described with reference to FIG. When the first soft water generation unit 4 is in a salted state, it is carried out at substantially the same time as when the second soft water generation unit 5 produces the soft water, or after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the second soft water generation unit 5 produces the soft water. It does not have to be simultaneous.

The control unit 10 sets either one of the set of on-off valves c and c1 of the reclaimed water supply line L2 to be "open", but in FIG. 10, the on-off valve c on the side connected to the first soft water generation unit 4 is "open". To. At this time, the on-off valve d for drainage is also opened at the same time. When the on-off valve c is "open", the control unit 10 activates the pumping means 42.

When the pumping means 42 is activated, the reclaimed water WS stored in the reclaimed water storage unit 7 flows into the first soft water generation unit 4 via the suction pipe 46, the pump 42b, and the first reclaimed water supply pipe L2a, respectively. When the reclaimed water WS flows into the first soft water generation unit 4, for example, in a substantially full state, the control unit 10 stops the driving of the pumping means 42. The salting time of the first soft water generating unit 4 is preferably 12 hours to 24 hours.

Next, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram when the used reclaimed water (drainage) WS1 in which the first soft water generation unit 4 is salted is discharged through the first reclaimed water discharge pipe. At this time, the second soft water generation unit 5 is producing soft water as it is. In the embodiment, the control unit 10 "opens" only the on-off valve a on the upstream side. Further, the on-off valve c is closed so that the reclaimed water (drainage) WS1 does not return to the reclaimed water storage unit 7.
The raw water HW enters the generation tank 50 from the upper inflow port 52 of the first soft water generation unit 4. As a result, as shown by the virtual line, the used reclaimed water (drainage) WS1 in the first soft water generation unit 4 is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 55, the first reclaimed water discharge pipe L3a, and the on-off valve d.

Similarly, FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram in which the first soft water generation unit 4 generates soft water again, while the second soft water generation unit 5 is salted this time. In this case, since the generation of soft water in the first soft water generation unit 4 is as shown in FIG. 9, it is used. On the other hand, the salting of the second soft water generation unit 5 is the same as in FIG. 10, but this time, the on-off valve of the reclaimed water supply line L2 is switched, and the on-off valve c1 of the second reclaimed water supply pipe L2b is "open". , The reclaimed water WS flows into the second soft water generation unit 5 via the second reclaimed water supply pipe L2b. Since the start and stop of the pressure means 42, the salting time, etc. are the same as in the case of the first soft water generation unit 4, they are used.

Next, FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram when the used reclaimed water (drainage) in which the second soft water generation unit 5 is salted is discharged through the second drain pipe. At this time, the first soft water generation unit 4 generates soft water as it is. Inside. In this case, the control unit 10 sets only the on-off valve on the upstream side to "open" and the on-off valve d1 of the second drain pipe L3b to "open". Further, the on-off valve c1 is closed so that the reclaimed water (drainage) WS2 does not return to the reclaimed water storage unit 7. The flow of reclaimed water (drainage) WS2 is as shown by the virtual line.

As described above, in the soft water production apparatus X of the present invention, a set of the first soft water generation unit 4 and the second soft water generation unit 5 are individually arranged on the soft water production line L1 for converting the raw water HW into the soft water SW. Further, a first reclaimed water discharge pipe L3a provided with a first discharge on-off valve d for discharging the used reclaimed water (drainage) WS1 is connected to the first reclaimed water generation unit 4, and the reclaimed water generation unit 5 is connected to the first reclaimed water discharge pipe L3a. A second reclaimed water discharge pipe L3b provided with a second reclaimed water on-off valve d1 for discharging the used reclaimed water (drainage) WS2 is connected, while a reclaimed water supply line L2 for supplying the reclaimed water WS of the reclaimed water storage unit 7 is configured. The first reclaimed water supply pipe L2a is connected to the first soft water generation unit 4, and the second reclaimed water supply pipe L2b constituting the reclaimed water supply line L2 is connected to the second reclaimed water generation unit 5.

Further, a measuring instrument for measuring the hardness of the soft water flowing through the soft water production line L1 from the first soft water generation unit 4 and the second soft water generation unit 5 to the relatively large soft water storage unit 2 ( For example, a measuring meter) 6 is provided.

When the control unit 10 determines that the hardness of the soft water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (preferably "2" or higher) based on the information measured by the measuring instrument 6, the determination means 64 of the control unit immediately determines. Alternatively, the flow of the raw water HW can be flowed without delay to the opening and closing of the first raw water on-off valve a and a and the second raw water on-off valves b and b provided in the soft water production line L1 and the regeneration. By switching the opening and closing of the first regenerated water on-off valve c and the second regenerated water on-off valve c1 provided in the fresh water supply line L2, either the first soft water generating section 4 or the second soft water generating section 5 is softened. Is started, and the other person is controlled to start the regeneration of the ion exchange resin 51 in the soft water generation tank 50.

Further, the control unit 10 reclaims the used reclaimed water (drainage) used for regenerating the ion exchange resin 51 after a predetermined time (for example, preferably in the range of 12 to 24 hours) has elapsed from the start. The on-off valve c or the second reclaimed water on-off valve c1 and the first discharge on-off valve d or the second discharge on-off valve d1 are switched to control the discharge to the outside.

After that, the control unit 10 periodically repeats the control based on the determination result of the determination means 64 of the control unit that determines the measurement information of the measuring instrument 6. It should be noted that the control of each on-off valve does not necessarily have to be performed at the same time.

Next, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the determination means 64 of the control unit 10. The measuring instrument of this embodiment is, for example, a hardness meter 6A long in the vertical direction, which is directly or indirectly provided in the large soft water storage section 2 or indirectly in the sample section (not shown) to measure the hardness of the soft water SW being stored, and is controlled. The determination means 64 of the unit 10 collates the hardness information of the soft water recorded in the storage means 62 with the hardness information obtained by the measurement of the hardness meter 6A, and determines whether or not the hardness of the soft water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The control unit 10 controls a plurality of sets of on-off valves a, a, b, and b as a switching signal based on the determination result of the determination means 64. Even with this configuration, the same problems and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

The hardness tester 6A as a hardness measuring means is a high-precision in-line water hardness tester, and in the embodiment, a high-precision water hardness tester called "EC" by those skilled in the art is used. The "EC" may be provided in a single unit or a plurality of "ECs" at appropriate locations such as a main pipe on the downstream side and a soft water storage unit for drinking water.

Finally, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment in which the water level detector 72 is provided in the soft water storage unit 2A and the detection signal of the water level detector 72 is transmitted to the control unit 10. In addition, this embodiment also includes a "hardness meter 6A" as in the embodiment of FIG. The water level detector 72 is similar to that shown in FIG. 6, for example, a base end portion is attached to a soft water inlet portion 71 of a soft water tank main body 70, and a float 72a is provided at a free end portion that is displaced vertically. A float valve 72 is used. The float valve 72 can be replaced with, for example, an electric water level sensor.

Then, when the stored soft water SW in which the float valve 72 has flowed into the soft water tank body 70 reaches a required level, a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 10 and the detection signal is received. The control unit 10 "closes" either the on-off valve a on the upstream side of the first soft water generation unit 4 or the on-off valve provided on the raw water supply port 1 side (not shown). This makes it possible to prevent the soft water SW from overflowing from the soft water storage portion.

<Appendix 1>
The soft water production line L1, the reclaimed water supply line L2, and the reclaimed water discharge line L3 of the embodiment each have a plurality of switching valves, but it is not always necessary to provide a plurality of switching valves, for example, each line (flow path). ) If one valve (three-way switching valve) for changing the flow of the flow path is provided in the T-shaped portion of L1 and L2, the flow of each line can be changed.

<Appendix 2>
When the invention of the thing of this embodiment is replaced with the invention by the method, it becomes as follows. That is, "a set of a soft water production line having a valve for changing the flow of the flow path and having a set of a set of first soft water generation section and a second soft water generation section for reducing the hardness of the raw water to one digit or less, and the flow of the flow path. A regenerated water supply line having a changing valve to selectively supply regenerated water to the first soft water generating section and the second soft water generating section, and a valve for changing the flow of the flow path, the first soft water generating section and the first soft water generating section. 2 There is a soft water production method including a regenerated water discharge line for selectively discharging used regenerated water obtained by regenerating each ion exchange resin of the soft water generation unit, and the control unit is provided in either the soft water production line or the soft water storage unit. When the hardness of the soft water becomes more than a predetermined value based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument, either the first soft water generating section or the second soft water generating section is softened by switching the flow of the raw water. By controlling the generation of the regenerated water and switching the flow of the regenerated water, the regeneration of the ion exchange resin of either the first soft water generating section or the second soft water generating section of the one requiring regeneration is started. Further, the control unit controls so that the used regenerated water of the regenerated one of the ion exchange resin is discharged to the regenerated water discharge line after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the regeneration, and thereafter, of the measuring instrument. A method for producing soft water, which comprises periodically repeating the control based on the measurement information. "

The present invention relates to a soft water producing apparatus, and can be used particularly in the field of a soft water producing apparatus for drinking water in which the hardness of soft water can be reduced to, for example, "1" or less.

X ... Soft water production equipment,
HW ... Raw water,
SW ... soft water,
WS ... Reclaimed water,
S ... Industrial salt,
WS1 ... Used reclaimed water,
WS2 ... Used reclaimed water,
L1 ... Soft water production line,
L2 ... Regenerated water supply line,
L2a ... 1st reclaimed water supply pipe,
L2b ... Second reclaimed water supply pipe,
L3 ... Reclaimed water discharge line,
L3a ... 1st reclaimed water discharge pipe,
L3b ... Second reclaimed water discharge pipe,
a, a, b, b, c, c1, d, d1 ... Multiple on-off valves,
1 ... Raw water supply port,
2 ... Soft water storage,
3 ... Filter,
4 ... 1st soft water generator,
5 ... Second soft water generator,
6, 6A ... Measuring instrument (measurement meter, hardness tester),
7 ... Reclaimed water storage,
8 ... Base plate,
9 ... Support frame,
10 ... Control unit,
12 ... upstream main manager,
13 ... Downstream main pipe,
14 ... 1st sub pipe,
15 ... Detection means (pressure gauge),
16 ... Second sub-tube,
17 ... Third sub-tube,
18 ... 1st supply pipe,
19 ... 2nd supply pipe,
21 ... Support stand,
23 ... Container,
26 ... Storage body,
27 ... Activated carbon,
35 ... Binding member,
47 ... Water level gauge,
50 ... Soft water generation tank,
51 ... Ion exchange resin,
60 ... Operation unit,
61 ... Input section,
62 ... Memory means,
63 ... Timekeeping means,
64 ... Judgment means,
72 ... Water level detector.

Claims (10)

A soft water production line equipped with a set of first soft water generation section and second soft water generation section that has a valve that changes the flow of the flow path and reduces the hardness of the raw water to one digit or less, and a valve that changes the flow of the flow path. It has a regenerated water supply line that selectively supplies regenerated water to the first soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit, and has a valve that changes the flow of the flow path, and has the first soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit. A soft water production device provided with a regenerated water discharge line that selectively discharges used regenerated water obtained by regenerating each ion exchange resin in the section, for measuring the hardness of the soft water flowing through the soft water production line. A measuring instrument is provided, and when the hardness of the soft water becomes a predetermined value or more based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument, the control unit switches the flow of the raw water to obtain the first soft water generation unit or the second soft water generation unit. By controlling so that either one of the soft water generation units starts the generation of soft water and switching the flow of the regenerated water, either the first soft water generation unit or the second soft water generation unit that needs to be regenerated. The control unit controls to start the regeneration of one of the ion exchange resins, and the control unit discharges the regenerated used regenerated water of the ion exchange resin to the regenerated water discharge line after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the regeneration. A soft water production apparatus characterized in that the control is controlled to the above and the control is periodically repeated thereafter based on the measurement information of the measuring instrument. In the soft water production apparatus of claim 1, the measuring instrument for acquiring soft water hardness information is provided not in the soft water production line but in a soft water storage unit connected to an outlet portion on the downstream side of the soft water production line. A soft water production device characterized by being In the soft water production apparatus of claim 1 or 2, the measuring instrument is a flow rate integrator, and the determination means of the control unit is based on the flow rate information recorded in the storage means and the measurement of the flow rate integrator. A soft water production apparatus characterized in that it determines whether or not the hardness of soft water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value by collating information with the accumulated amount. In the soft water production apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the measuring instrument is a hardness meter for measuring the hardness of soft water, and the determination means of the control unit is the hardness information of soft water recorded in the storage means. A soft water production apparatus characterized in that it is determined whether or not the hardness of soft water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value by collating it with the hardness information obtained by the measurement of the hardness meter. In the soft water production apparatus according to claim 1, the above-mentioned predetermined value or more is a soft water production apparatus characterized in that the hardness of the soft water is "2 or more". In the soft water production apparatus of claim 1, the reclaimed water supply line connecting the reclaimed water storage unit, the first soft water generation unit, and the second soft water generation unit is the first reclaimed water supply pipe via a branch portion. A soft water production device characterized in that it is branched into a second reclaimed water supply pipe. The soft water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the soft water production line is provided with a filter containing activated carbon. In the soft water production apparatus of claim 1, the set of the first soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit each have a vertical generation tank containing an ion exchange resin, and these vertical generation units are generated. A soft water production device characterized in that a tank is individually supported by a pair of binding members integrally attached to a support frame installed on a floor surface. In the soft water production apparatus of claim 1, a soft water storage unit is provided in a flow path on the downstream side of the measuring instrument, and a water level detector for detecting the water level of the stored soft water is provided in this soft water storage unit. The water level detector transmits a detection signal to the control unit when the stored soft water reaches a required level, and the control unit uses the on-off valve a or the on-off valve a on the upstream side of the first soft water generation unit 4. A soft water production device characterized in that any of the on-off valves provided on the raw water supply port side is "closed". A soft water production line equipped with a set of first soft water generation section and second soft water generation section that has a valve that changes the flow of the flow path and reduces the hardness of the raw water to one digit or less, and a valve that changes the flow of the flow path. It has a regenerated water supply line that selectively supplies regenerated water to the first soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit, and has a valve that changes the flow of the flow path, and has the first soft water generation unit and the second soft water generation unit. There is a soft water production method equipped with a regenerated water discharge line that selectively discharges used regenerated water obtained by regenerating each ion exchange resin of each unit, and the control unit is a measuring instrument provided in either the soft water production line or the soft water storage unit. When the hardness of the soft water becomes more than a predetermined value based on the measurement information of the above, by switching the flow of the raw water, either one of the first soft water generating section or the second soft water generating section produces soft water. By controlling the start and switching the flow of the regenerated water, the regeneration of the ion exchange resin of either the first soft water generating section or the second soft water generating section of the one requiring regeneration is started. Further, the control unit controls so that the used regenerated water of the regenerated one of the ion exchange resin is discharged to the regenerated water discharge line after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the regeneration, and thereafter, the measurement information of the measuring instrument is used. A method for producing soft water, which comprises periodically repeating the control based on the above.

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