JP2023034382A - water softener - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water softener which can suppress degradation in regeneration efficiency of other ion exchange resin generated by completion of regeneration processing of one ion exchange resin, in regeneration processing of a weakly acidic cation-exchange resin and a weakly basic anion-exchange resin.SOLUTION: A water softener 1 includes a water softening tank 3, a neutralization tank 4, and an electrolytic cell 9. The electric cell 9 generates acidic electrolytic water for regenerating a weakly acidic cation-exchange resin 7 and alkaline electrolytic water for regenerating a weakly basic anion-exchange resin 8. The water softener 1 has an acidic electrolytic water circulation flow channel 40 for circulating and distributing the acidic electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell 9, a first discharge port 13, the water softening tank 3, and a first water intake 12 in this order, and an alkaline electrolytic water circulation flow channel 44 for circulating and distributing the alkaline electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell 9, a second discharge port 17, the neutralization tank 4, and a second water intake 16 in this order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a water softening device for obtaining domestic water.

In a conventional water softening device using a weakly acidic cation exchange resin, a method of regenerating the cation exchange resin with acidic electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis is known as a method of regenerating the cation exchange resin without using salt. (See Patent Document 1, for example). The weakly acidic cation exchange resin has protons (hydrogen ions) at the end of the functional group, and softens the raw water by exchanging hardness components (e.g., calcium ions, magnesium ions) in the raw water with protons. . In addition, the water softened by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin becomes acidic because protons are released instead of the hardness ions, and it is used in combination with the weakly basic anion exchange resin to neutralize it. There is something. As a method for regenerating the anion exchange resin, a method using alkaline electrolyzed water produced by electrolysis is known. The weakly basic anion exchange resin neutralizes the softened raw water by adsorbing protons and anions contained in the water softened by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-30973

In such a conventional water softening device, when the regeneration of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin is completed before the regeneration of the weakly basic anion exchange resin, for example, the weakly acidic cation exchange resin The hydrogen ions that have been used for regeneration react with hydroxide ions, and the hydroxide ions are consumed by neutralization. As described above, when the regeneration of one ion-exchange resin is completed first, there is a problem that the regeneration performance of the other ion-exchange resin is degraded.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and in the regeneration treatment of weakly acidic cation exchange resins and weakly basic anion exchange resins, the regeneration treatment of one of the ion exchange resins is completed. An object of the present invention is to provide a water softening device capable of suppressing a decrease in regeneration efficiency of an ion exchange resin.

In order to achieve this object, the water softening device according to the present invention comprises a water softening tank, a neutralization tank, and an electrolytic tank. The water softening tank softens raw water containing hardness components with a weakly acidic cation exchange resin. The neutralization tank neutralizes the softened water that has passed through the water softening tank with a weakly basic ion exchange resin. The electrolytic cell produces acidic electrolyzed water for regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin and alkaline electrolyzed water for regenerating the weakly basic anion exchange resin. The electrolyzer has a first discharge port for sending acidic electrolyzed water to the water softening tank, a first water intake port for taking in water that has passed through the water softening tank, and a first water inlet for sending alkaline electrolyzed water to the neutralization tank. and a second water intake for taking in water that has passed through the neutralization tank. The water softening device includes an acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel that circulates the acidic electrolyzed water in the order of the electrolytic cell, the first discharge port, the water softening tank, and the first water intake, and the alkaline electrolyzed water, the electrolytic cell, the second discharge port. It has an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel that circulates through the outlet, the neutralization tank, and the second water intake in this order. This achieves the intended purpose.

According to the present invention, in the regeneration treatment of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin and the weakly basic anion exchange resin, the regeneration efficiency of the other ion exchange resin is lowered due to the completion of the regeneration treatment of one of the ion exchange resins. It is possible to provide a water softening device capable of suppressing

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a water softening device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel and an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel of the water softener. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state during operation of the water softening device.

A water softening device according to the present invention includes a water softening tank, a neutralization tank, and an electrolytic tank. The water softening tank softens raw water containing hardness components with a weakly acidic cation exchange resin. The neutralization tank neutralizes the pH of the softened water that has passed through the water softening tank with a weakly basic ion exchange resin. The electrolytic cell produces acidic electrolyzed water for regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin and alkaline electrolyzed water for regenerating the weakly basic anion exchange resin. The electrolyzer has a first discharge port for sending acidic electrolyzed water to the water softening tank, a first water intake port for taking in water that has passed through the water softening tank, and a first water inlet for sending alkaline electrolyzed water to the neutralization tank. and a second water intake for taking in water that has passed through the neutralization tank. The water softening device includes an acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel that circulates the acidic electrolyzed water in the order of the electrolytic cell, the first discharge port, the water softening tank, and the first water intake, and the alkaline electrolyzed water, the electrolytic cell, the second It is configured to have an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel that circulates in order of two discharge ports, a neutralization tank, and a second water intake port.

As a result, acidic electrolyzed water circulates through the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel and alkaline electrolyzed water circulates through the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel during the regeneration treatment, thereby suppressing mixing of the acidic electrolyzed water and the alkaline electrolyzed water. can do. Therefore, even after regeneration of one of the ion exchange resins is completed, acidic electrolyzed water with an acidic pH circulates in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel, and alkaline electrolyzed water with an alkaline pH circulates in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel. It becomes possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration efficiency of the other ion exchange resin.

Further, in the water softening device according to the present invention, the electrolytic cell comprises an anode chamber containing an anode, a cathode chamber containing a cathode, and a diaphragm provided between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. may be The electrolytic cell is characterized by producing acidic electrolyzed water in the anode compartment and producing alkaline electrolyzed water in the cathode compartment. According to this configuration, the anode chamber and the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell are separated by the diaphragm, thereby suppressing the neutralization reaction of protons and hydroxide ions due to mixing of the acidic electrolyzed water and the alkaline electrolyzed water. becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in regeneration efficiency of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin and the weakly basic anion exchange resin.

Further, the water softening device according to the present invention may be configured to include an acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump provided in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel and an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump provided in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel. This makes it possible to control the flow rate of the acidic electrolyzed water flowing through the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel and the alkaline electrolyzed water flowing through the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel. Therefore, by controlling the flow rate to be constant to regenerate each ion exchange resin by the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump, the constant regeneration performance of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin and the weakly basic anion exchange resin can be maintained.

Further, the water softening apparatus according to the present invention may be configured to include an acidic electrolyzed water storage tank in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path downstream of the water softening tank and upstream of the first water intake. According to such a configuration, by storing the acidic electrolyzed water in the acidic electrolyzed water reservoir, it is possible to control the total amount of the acidic electrolyzed water flowing through the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel.

In addition, the water softening device according to the present invention may be configured to include an alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path downstream of the neutralization tank and upstream of the second water intake. According to such a configuration, by storing the alkaline electrolyzed water in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank, it is possible to control the total amount of the alkaline electrolyzed water flowing through the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel.

In addition, the water softening device according to the present invention has a configuration in which a capture unit for separating solids in the alkaline electrolyzed water is provided downstream of the second discharge port and upstream of the neutralization tank in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path. may be According to such a configuration, it is possible to separate solids generated when alkaline electrolyzed water is produced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress solids from flowing into and accumulating in the neutralization tank, and to suppress deterioration in performance during water softening treatment.

Further, in the water softening device according to the present invention, when regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin, the acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the first discharge port may be configured to flow from the downstream side to the water softening tank. good. As a result, during the regeneration process, the acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the anode chamber of the electrolytic cell flows in from the downstream side of the water softening tank where the amount of adsorption of hardness components is smaller, and the water softening tank is regenerated. conduct. In the regeneration of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin on the downstream side, proton consumption in the acidic electrolyzed water is less than that on the upstream side, so reduction in the proton concentration of the acidic electrolyzed water can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the re-adsorption of hardness components contained in the acidic electrolyzed water from the downstream side on the upstream side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration treatment efficiency of the water softening tank and shorten the regeneration time.

Further, in the water softening device according to the present invention, when the weakly basic anion exchange resin is regenerated, the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the second discharge port is configured to flow from the downstream side to the neutralization tank. good too. As a result, during the regeneration process, the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell flows into the neutralization tank from the downstream side where the amount of adsorbed anion components is smaller, and the neutralization tank is regenerated. I do. In the regeneration of the weakly basic anion exchange resin on the downstream side, the consumption of hydroxide ions in the alkaline electrolyzed water is less than that on the upstream side, so the decrease in the hydroxide ion concentration of the alkaline electrolyzed water can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the anions contained in the alkaline electrolyzed water coming from the downstream side from re-adsorbing on the upstream side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration processing efficiency of the neutralization tank and shorten the regeneration time.

Further, the water softening tank of the water softening apparatus according to the present invention has a first water softening tank and a second water softening tank, and the neutralization tank comprises a first neutralization tank and a second neutralization tank. , and when the raw water is softened, it may be configured to flow through the first water softening tank, the first neutralization tank, the second water softening tank, and the second neutralization tank in this order. As a result, the raw water containing hardness components flows out of the first water softening tank before the pH of the raw water decreases due to the water softening treatment in the first water softening tank, and is neutralized in the first neutralization tank, The water is softened in the second water softening tank and neutralized in the second neutralization tank. Therefore, compared with the case where the water softening tank and the neutralizing tank are configured individually, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the pH of the water flowing through the water softening tank, that is, the acidification. The exchange with protons held by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin in the water softening tank) is facilitated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the water softening performance.

In addition, in the water softening device according to the present invention, during the regeneration treatment for regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin, the acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the anode chamber of the electrolytic cell flows through the second water softening cell, It is good also as a structure so that a 1st water softening tank may be distribute|circulated. As a result, during the regeneration process, the acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the anode chamber of the electrolytic cell flows into the second water softening tank, which adsorbs less hardness components than the first water softening tank. is discharged from the second water softening tank to the first water softening tank. Regeneration of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin in the second water softening tank consumes less protons in the acidic electrolyzed water than in the first water softening tank, so the proton concentration is reduced compared to regeneration in the first water softening tank can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the acidic electrolyzed water containing a large amount of protons from flowing into the first water softening tank and the re-adsorption of the hardness component in the first water softening tank. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration processing efficiency and shorten the regeneration time.

Further, in the water softening device according to the present invention, during the regeneration treatment for regenerating the weakly basic anion exchange resin, the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell is , may be configured to flow through the first neutralization tank. As a result, during the regeneration treatment, the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell flows into the second neutralization tank, which has a smaller amount of anions adsorbed than the first neutralization tank, and anions are is discharged from the second neutralization tank to the first neutralization tank. Compared to the first neutralization tank, the regeneration of the weakly basic anion exchange resin in the second neutralization tank consumes less hydroxide ions in the alkaline electrolyzed water. Reduction in hydroxide ion concentration can be suppressed. Therefore, alkaline electrolyzed water containing a large amount of hydroxide ions can be prevented from flowing into the first neutralization tank and re-adsorbing anions in the first neutralization tank. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration processing efficiency and shorten the regeneration time.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Also, each drawing described in the embodiment is a schematic drawing, and the ratios of sizes and thicknesses of components in each drawing do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

(Embodiment 1)
A water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that FIG. 1 conceptually shows each element of the water softening device 1 .

(overall structure)
The water softening device 1 is a device that converts externally supplied city water containing hardness components (raw water containing hardness components) into neutral soft water that can be used as domestic water. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the water softening device 1 includes an inlet 2 for raw water from the outside, a water softening tank 3, a neutralization tank 4, an intake 5 for softened water after treatment, and a playback device 6 . The water softening tank 3 includes a first water softening tank 3a and a second water softening tank 3b. The neutralization tank 4 includes a first neutralization tank 4a and a second neutralization tank 4b. The regeneration device 6 includes an electrolytic cell 9 , an acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 , an acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 , an alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 , an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 , and a capture section 25 . be done. Further, the water softening device 1 includes a plurality of on-off valves (on-off valves 51 to 55, on-off valves 61 to 66, on-off valves 71 and 72) and a controller 26. be.

The inlet 2 is connected to city water (raw water containing hardness components). The inlet 2 is an opening for introducing city water (raw water containing hardness components) into the device.

The water intake port 5 is an opening for discharging neutral soft water treated by the softening tank 3 and the neutralizing tank 4 to the outside of the apparatus. That is, the water softening device 1 can take out the softened water from the water intake 5 under the pressure of city water.

The inlet 2 to the water intake 5 are connected by channels 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , and 34 . The channel 30 is a channel that connects the inlet 2 to the first water softening tank 3a. The flow path 31 is a flow path that connects the first water softening tank 3a to the first neutralization tank 4a. The channel 32 is a channel that connects the first neutralization tank 4a to the second water softening tank 3b. The flow path 33 is a flow path that connects the second water softening tank 3b to the second neutralization tank 4b. The flow path 34 is a flow path that connects the second neutralization tank 4b to the water intake port 5. As shown in FIG.

In other words, the flow path 30 is a flow path that guides raw water containing hardness components from the inlet 2 to the first water softening tank 3a. Further, the flow path 31 is a flow path that guides the water softened in the first water softening tank 3a to the first neutralization tank 4a. The channel 32 is a channel that guides the water neutralized in the first neutralization tank 4a to the second water softening tank 3b. The flow path 33 is a flow path that guides the water softened by the second water softening tank 3b to the second neutralization tank 4b. The flow path 34 is a flow path that guides the water (soft water) neutralized by the second neutralization tank 4 b to the water intake port 5 .

That is, in the water softening device 1, in the water softening process, the city water supplied from the outside flows through the inlet 2, the flow path 30, the first water softening tank 3a, the flow path 31, the first neutralization tank 4a, the flow path 32, the second softening tank 3b, the channel 33, the second neutralizing tank 4b, the channel 34, and the water intake 5, and discharged as neutral soft water.

(Water softening tank and neutralization tank)
The water softening tank 3 is composed of, for example, a cylindrical container filled with a weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 . In addition, the neutralization tank 4 is configured by, for example, filling a cylindrical container with a weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 .

The water softening tank 3 includes a first water softening tank 3a and a second water softening tank 3b. The first water softening tank 3a is filled with a first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a. The second water softening tank 3b is filled with a second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b. Also, the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b have the same channel length, the same channel cross-sectional area, and the same volume of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7. As shown in FIG. In the following description, the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a and the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b will be described as the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 when there is no particular need to distinguish between the two.

Moreover, the neutralization tank 4 is comprised including the 1st neutralization tank 4a and the 2nd neutralization tank 4b. The first neutralization tank 4a is configured by, for example, filling a cylindrical container with a first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a. The second neutralization tank 4b is filled with a second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b. In addition, the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b have the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 with the same channel length, channel cross-sectional area, and volume. In the following description, the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a and the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b are referred to as the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 when there is no particular need to distinguish between the two. explain.

Here, the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 is not particularly limited, and general-purpose resins can be used. Alternatively, protons (H+), which are counter ions of carboxyl groups, may be positive ions such as metal ions and ammonium ions (NH4+).

Also, the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 is not particularly limited, and general-purpose resins can be used, and examples thereof include free base resins.

The water softening tank 3 softens raw water containing hardness components by the action of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 . More specifically, the water softening tank 3 is equipped with a weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 having protons at the ends of the functional groups. The water softening tank 3 exchanges cations (calcium ions, magnesium ions), which are hardness components contained in flowing water (raw water), with hydrogen ions, so that the hardness of the raw water is lowered and the raw water can be softened. . In addition, since the terminal of the functional group of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 is a proton, the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 can be regenerated using acidic electrolyzed water in the regeneration treatment described later. At this time, the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 releases cations, which are hardness components taken in during the water softening treatment.

More specifically, in the first water softening tank 3a, the raw water containing the hardness component is passed from the flow path 30, and passes through the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a filled inside to remove the hardness component. The raw water containing water is softened, and the softened water is passed through the flow path 31 to the first neutralization tank 4a. However, the water softened by the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a contains many protons exchanged with hardness components and flowed out, and is acidic water with a low pH. Here, water containing a large amount of permanent hardness components (for example, sulfates such as calcium sulfate or chlorides such as magnesium chloride) as hardness components is used to soften temporary hardness components (for example, carbonic acid such as calcium carbonate). The pH tends to decrease more easily than water containing a large amount of salt). Since water softening does not progress easily when the pH is lowered, the water that has flowed through the first water softening tank 3a is passed through the first neutralizing tank 4a for neutralization.

On the other hand, in the second water softening tank 3b, the neutralized water is passed through the channel 32 and passes through the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b filled inside. As a result, the hardness components that could not be removed in the first water softening tank 3a are exchanged with protons possessed by the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b. Therefore, the water flowing into the second water softening tank 3b is softened. However, the water softened by the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b contains protons exchanged with hardness components and flowed out, so that the water is acidic water.

The neutralization tank 4 neutralizes the pH of the proton-containing soft water (acidified soft water) discharged from the water softening tank 3 by the action of the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8, and converts it into neutral soft water. It is. More specifically, the neutralization tank 4 is equipped with a weakly basic anion exchange resin 8, which adsorbs protons and anions contained in the soft water from the water softening tank 3, so that the pH of the soft water rises to medium soft water. Further, the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 can be regenerated using alkaline electrolyzed water in the regeneration treatment described later.

More specifically, in the first neutralization tank 4a, softened water containing protons is passed through the flow path 31, and flows through the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a filled inside. , the acidified water flowing out of the first water softening tank 3a is neutralized and made to flow into the second water softening tank 3b through the channel 32 as neutral water. That is, the first neutralization tank 4a is the acidic water that has flowed out from the first water softening tank 3a, and by neutralizing the acidic water containing protons released from the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a, The water that has flowed through the first neutralization tank 4a is sent to the second water softening tank 3b as water that is easy to soften due to its neutral pH.

On the other hand, in the second neutralization tank 4b, soft water containing protons is passed from the flow path 33, and flows through the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b filled inside, whereby the second water softening tank 3b Neutralize the acidified soft water coming out of, and pass it to the outside through the flow path 34 as neutral soft water. That is, the second neutralization tank 4b is the acidic water that has flowed out from the second water softening tank 3b, and by neutralizing the acidic water containing the hydrogen ions released from the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b, , discharges soft water that can be used as domestic water to the water intake 5 .

(playback device)
The regeneration device 6 is a device that regenerates the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 in the water softening tank 3 and regenerates the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 in the neutralization tank 4 . Specifically, as described above, the regeneration device 6 includes the electrolytic cell 9, the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23, the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21, the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24, and the capture 25. Then, the regeneration device 6 provides the first supply channel 41, the first recovery channel 43, the first recovery channel 43, and the A second supply channel 45 and a second recovery channel 47 are connected to each other. Moreover, the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 are connected by the first bypass flow path 42 . Further, the channel 32 and the channel 33 are connected by the second bypass channel 46 . Each channel constitutes an acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44, which will be described later. Here, the first supply channel 41 is a channel for supplying acidic electrolyzed water from the electrolytic bath 9 to the second water softening bath 3b. The first bypass channel 42 is a channel for bypassing the first neutralization tank 4a and supplying the acidic electrolyzed water that has flowed through the second water softening tank 3b to the first water softening tank 3a. The first recovery channel 43 is a channel for recovering into the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 the acidic electrolyzed water containing hardness components that has flowed out of the water softening tank 3 due to the regeneration treatment of the water softening tank 3 . The second supply channel 45 is a channel for supplying alkaline electrolyzed water from the electrolytic bath 9 to the second neutralizing bath 4b. The second bypass flow path 46 is a flow path that bypasses the second water softening tank 3b and supplies the alkaline electrolyzed water that has flowed through the second neutralization tank 4b to the first neutralization tank 4a. The second recovery channel 47 is a channel for recovering the alkaline electrolyzed water that has passed through the first neutralization tank 4 a into the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 . The water supply channel 48 is a channel for supplying the acidic electrolyzed water stored in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 to the anode chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 9 using the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 . The water supply channel 49 is a channel for supplying the alkaline electrolyzed water stored in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 to the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9 using the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 .

(Electrolyzer)
The electrolytic cell 9 comprises a diaphragm 10 , an anode compartment 14 and a cathode compartment 18 . The electrolytic cell 9 is separated into an anode chamber 14 and a cathode chamber 18 by a diaphragm 10 provided inside.

The diaphragm 10 is a fluorine-based porous membrane, and suppresses mixing of the acidic electrolyzed water generated in the anode chamber 14 and the alkaline electrolyzed water generated in the cathode chamber 18 by electrolysis. As a result, the hydrogen ions in the acidic electrolyzed water and the hydroxide ions in the alkaline electrolyzed water can be suppressed from being consumed by the neutralization reaction, so that the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 and the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 are regenerated. Efficiency reduction can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to suppress the decrease in regeneration efficiency of the other ion-exchange resin when the regeneration of one ion-exchange resin ends first. Specifically, when there is no diaphragm 10, an environment in which acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water are easily mixed is created. Then, for example, when the regeneration of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 is completed before the regeneration of the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8, the acidic electrolyzed water used for regeneration of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 hydrogen ions react with hydroxide ions in the alkaline electrolyzed water, and the hydroxide ions are consumed by neutralization. That is, when the diaphragm 10 is not provided, if the regeneration of one ion-exchange resin is completed first, the efficiency of regeneration of the other ion-exchange resin tends to decrease. However, by separating the inside of the electrolytic cell 9 into the anode chamber 14 and the cathode chamber 18 by the diaphragm 10, even when the regeneration of one ion exchange resin is completed, the other ion exchange resin can be regenerated. Mixing with electrolyzed water can be suppressed. Therefore, the diaphragm 10 can also suppress a decrease in regeneration efficiency of one ion exchange resin when regeneration of the other ion exchange resin is completed first. As the porous membrane used for the diaphragm 10, in addition to the fluorine-based porous membrane, a generally used porous membrane such as a hydrocarbon-based porous membrane may be used. Fluorine-based porous membrane is used in the water softening device 1 because of its superiority.

Anode chamber 14 includes anode 11 , first intake port 12 , and first outlet port 13 . The anode 11 produces hydrogen ions by electrolyzing water. A platinum electrode, for example, can be used as the anode 11 . The first water intake port 12 is an opening through which the acidic electrolyzed water stored in the acidic electrolyzed water reservoir 19 is introduced into the anode chamber 14 through the water supply channel 48 . The first outlet 13 is an opening for supplying acidic electrolyzed water containing hydrogen ions generated at the anode 11 to the water softening tank 3 through the first supply flow path 41 . The acidic electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic bath 9 to the water softening bath 3 is used to regenerate the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 . Cathode chamber 18 includes cathode 15 , second intake port 16 , and second outlet port 17 . The cathode 15 produces hydroxide ions by electrolyzing water. As the cathode 15, for example, a platinum electrode can be used. The second water intake port 16 is an opening through which the alkaline electrolyzed water stored in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 is introduced into the cathode chamber 18 through the water supply channel 49 . The second discharge port 17 is an opening for supplying alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydroxide ions generated at the cathode 15 to the neutralization tank 4 through the second supply flow path 45 . The alkaline electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic bath 9 to the neutralizing bath 4 is used to regenerate the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 .
In addition, the electrolytic cell 9 is configured so that the energization state of the anode 11 and the cathode 15 can be controlled by a control section 26 which will be described later.

(Acidic Electrolyzed Water Storage Tank and Alkaline Electrolyzed Water Storage Tank)
The acidic electrolyzed water reservoir 19 is a tank or container equipped with an air vent valve 20 . The acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 secures and stores water to be circulated in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 (see FIG. 2) when the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 is regenerated. The air vent valve 20 extracts gas contained in the acidic electrolyzed water so that the gas does not accumulate in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 . The alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 is a tank or container provided with an air vent valve 22 .

By storing the acidic electrolyzed water in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 , it is possible to control the total amount of the acidic electrolyzed water flowing through the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 . For example, by increasing the capacity of the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19, the ion concentration in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 can be reduced when the amount of ions in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 is constant. Due to the decrease in the concentration of cations such as hardness components, the equilibrium of the reaction in the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 is on the side of the regeneration reaction (the reaction in which the hardness components are desorbed from the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 and hydrogen ions are adsorbed). , it is possible to improve the regeneration efficiency. In addition, by reducing the volume of the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19, when the amount of ions (cations such as hardness components) in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 is constant, the ions in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 Concentration can be increased. Due to the increase in the ion concentration of the acidic electrolyzed water, the solution resistance during electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 9 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the applied voltage applied by the electrolytic cell 9, and it is possible to reduce the power consumption. In other words, the performance of the water softening device 1 can be improved by using the acidic electrolyzed water reservoir 19 having a volume suitable for the purpose.

The alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 secures and stores water to be circulated in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 (see FIG. 2) when the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 is regenerated. The air vent valve 22 extracts gas contained in the alkaline electrolyzed water so that the gas does not accumulate in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44 .

By storing the alkaline electrolyzed water in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 , it is possible to control the total amount of the alkaline electrolyzed water flowing through the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44 . For example, by increasing the volume of the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21, the ion concentration in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 can be reduced when the amount of ions in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 is constant. As the anion concentration decreases, the equilibrium of the reaction in the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 inclines toward the regeneration reaction side, so regeneration efficiency can be increased. In addition, by reducing the volume of the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21, the ion concentration in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 can be increased when the amount of ions in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 is constant. Due to the increase in the ion concentration of the alkaline electrolyzed water, the solution resistance during electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 9 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the applied voltage applied by the electrolytic cell 9, and it is possible to reduce the power consumption. That is, the performance of the water softening device 1 can be improved by using the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 having a volume suitable for the purpose.

(Acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump and alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump)
The acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 is a device that circulates water in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 (see FIG. 2) during the regeneration process by the regeneration device 6 . The acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 is provided in a water supply channel 48 that communicates and connects between the acidic electrolyzed water reservoir 19 and the first water intake 12 .

The acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 makes it possible to control the flow rate of the acidic electrolyzed water flowing through the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 . For example, when the generation rate of hydrogen ions in the electrolytic cell 9 is constant, increasing the flow rate of the acidic electrolyzed water reduces the hydrogen ion concentration (increases the pH). Further, when the flow rate of the acidic electrolyzed water is decreased, the hydrogen ion concentration increases (the pH decreases). That is, by adjusting the flow rate of the acidic electrolyzed water with the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23, the hydrogen ion concentration in the acidic electrolyzed water supplied to the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 can be adjusted. Therefore, hydrogen ions can be supplied according to the state of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7, and the performance of the water softening device 1 can be improved.

The alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 is a device that circulates water in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 (see FIG. 2) during the regeneration process by the regeneration device 6 . The alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 is provided in a water supply channel 49 that communicates between the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 and the second water intake port 16 . Also, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 are connected to a control unit 26 to be described later so as to communicate wirelessly or by wire.

The alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 makes it possible to control the flow rate of the alkaline electrolyzed water flowing through the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 . For example, when the generation rate of hydroxide ions in the electrolytic cell 9 is constant, increasing the flow rate of the alkaline electrolyzed water reduces the hydroxide ion concentration. Also, when the flow rate of the alkaline electrolyzed water is reduced, the hydroxide ion concentration increases. That is, by adjusting the flow rate of the alkaline electrolyzed water with the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24, the hydroxide ion concentration in the alkaline electrolyzed water supplied to the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 can be adjusted. Therefore, hydroxide ions can be supplied according to the state of the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8, and the performance of the water softening device 1 can be improved.

By providing the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 independently of each other instead of using one pump, the flow rate of acidic electrolyzed water capable of supplying hydrogen ions suitable for regeneration of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 It is possible to individually set the flow rate of the alkaline electrolyzed water capable of supplying hydroxide ions suitable for regeneration of the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 .

(Trapping part)
The capture unit 25 is provided in the second supply channel 45 after the electrolytic bath 9 and before the second neutralization bath 4b.

The capture unit 25 separates solids contained in the alkaline electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic cell 9 . A solid is a reaction product that is precipitated by a reaction between hardness components in the alkaline electrolyzed water and hydroxide ions generated by the cathode 15 in the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9 . For example, when the hardness component contained in the alkaline electrolyzed water is magnesium ions, magnesium hydroxide is generated. If solids precipitated during the regeneration treatment are not removed, they accumulate in the neutralization tank 4, and hardness components are eluted from the solids, increasing the soft water hardness during the water softening treatment, that is, reducing the softening performance.

Therefore, by separating the precipitates in the trapping section 25, it is possible to suppress the inflow and accumulation of the precipitates in the second neutralization tank 4b, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the water softening performance during the water softening process.

The capturing part 25 may take any form as long as it can separate the reaction product with the hardness component contained in the alkaline electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic cell 9 . Examples thereof include a form using a cartridge-type filter, a filter layer using granular filter media, a cyclone-type solid-liquid separator, or a hollow fiber membrane.

(Open/close valve)
A plurality of on-off valves (on-off valve 51 to on-off valve 55, on-off valve 61 to on-off valve 66, on-off valve 71, and on-off valve 72) are provided in each channel, and each channel is in an "open" state. and the "closed" state. In addition, a plurality of on-off valves (on-off valves 51 to 55, on-off valves 61 to 66, on-off valve 71, and on-off valve 72) are connected to the control unit 26 described later so as to communicate wirelessly or by wire. there is

(control part)
The control unit 26 controls a water softening process for softening raw water containing hardness components. Further, the control unit 26 controls the regeneration processing of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 in the water softening tank 3 and the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 in the neutralization tank 4 . Further, the control unit 26 controls switching of the water softening device 1 among the water softening process, the regeneration process, and the waste water process. At this time, the control unit 26 controls the anode 11, the cathode 15, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23, the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24, the on-off valves 51 to 55, the on-off valves 61 to 66, the on-off valve 71, and the on-off valves. It controls the operation of 72 to switch between water softening treatment, regeneration treatment, and wastewater treatment, and causes each treatment to be executed.

(acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel, alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel)
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 formed during the regeneration treatment of the water softener 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 of the water softening device 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in the water softening device 1 , the first water intake 12 and the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 that constitute the regenerating device 6 are communicated with each other by a water supply channel 48 . Further, the second water intake 16 and the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 are communicated and connected by a water supply channel 49 . In addition, the first outlet 13, the acidic electrolyzed water reservoir 19, the second outlet 17, and the alkaline electrolyzed water reservoir 21 have a flow path 33, a flow path 30, and a flow path 34 from the inlet 2 to the water intake 5. , and the channel 31, the first supply channel 41, the first recovery channel 43, the second supply channel 45, and the second recovery channel 47 are connected, respectively. Further, the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 are bypass-connected by the first bypass flow path 42 . Further, the flow path 32 and the flow path 33 are bypass-connected by the second bypass flow path 46 . Each channel constitutes an acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44, which will be described later.

The first supply channel 41 is a channel for supplying acidic electrolyzed water from the first intake port 12 to the second water softening tank 3b, and an on-off valve 63 is installed in the channel. That is, the water softening device 1 is provided with a first supply channel 41 that draws out the acidic electrolyzed water from the first water intake port 12 and makes it possible to supply the water to the downstream side of the second water softening tank 3b.

The first bypass channel 42 is a channel for supplying acidic electrolyzed water from the second water softening tank 3b to the first water softening tank 3a, and an on-off valve 65 is installed in the channel. That is, the water softening device 1 includes a first bypass channel 42 that allows the acidic electrolyzed water that has flowed through the second water softening tank 3b to be sent to the downstream side of the first water softening tank 3a. By providing the first bypass channel 42, the regeneration treatment can be performed without circulating the acidic electrolyzed water in the first neutralization tank 4a existing between the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b. can proceed.

In addition, the first recovery channel 43 is a channel for recovering the acidic electrolyzed water containing the hardness component that has passed through the first water softening tank 3a to the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19. The channel has an on-off valve 61 is installed. That is, the water softening device 1 includes a first recovery channel 43 that allows the upstream side of the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 to be connected to the upstream side of the first water softening tank 3a.

The water supply channel 48 uses the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 to supply the acidic electrolyzed water stored in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 from the first water intake 12 to the anode chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 9. , and an on-off valve 71 is installed in the flow path. That is, the water softening device 1 includes a water supply channel 48 that allows the downstream side of the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 to be connected to the first water intake 12 provided in the electrolytic tank 9 .

The second supply flow path 45 is a flow path that supplies alkaline electrolyzed water from the second discharge port 17 to the second neutralization tank 4b through the capture part 25, and an on-off valve 64 is installed in the flow path. . That is, the water softening device 1 is provided with a second supply flow path 45 that draws out the alkaline electrolyzed water from the second outlet 17 and feeds it to the downstream side of the second neutralization tank 4b.

The second bypass channel 46 is a channel for supplying alkaline electrolyzed water from the second neutralization tank 4b to the first neutralization tank 4a, and an on-off valve 66 is installed in the channel. That is, the water softening device 1 includes a second bypass channel 46 that allows the alkaline electrolyzed water that has flowed through the second neutralization tank 4b to be sent to the downstream side of the first neutralization tank 4a.

Further, the second recovery channel 47 is a channel for recovering the alkaline electrolyzed water that has passed through the first neutralization tank 4a to the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21, and an on-off valve 62 is installed in the channel. there is That is, the water softening device 1 includes a second recovery channel 47 that allows the upstream side of the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 to be connected to the upstream side of the first neutralization tank 4a.

The water supply channel 49 uses the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 to supply the acidic electrolyzed water stored in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 from the second water intake 16 to the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9. , and an on-off valve 72 is installed in the flow path. That is, the water softening device 1 includes a water supply channel 49 that allows the downstream side of the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 to be connected to the second water intake 16 provided in the electrolytic tank 9 .

The acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40, as shown in FIG. It is a flow path that flows through the first water softening tank 3 a and returns to the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 for circulation. More specifically, in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40, the water sent from the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 by the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 flows through the water supply channel 48, the first water intake 12, the anode chamber 14, and the first outlet. Outlet 13, first supply channel 41, on-off valve 63, second water softening tank 3b, first bypass channel 42, on-off valve 65, first water softening tank 3a, first recovery channel 43, on-off valve 61, It is a flow path that circulates and circulates in order of the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 .

As shown in FIG. 2 (black arrow), the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44 is configured so that the water sent from the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 by the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 flows through the electrolytic cell 9, the second neutralization tank 4b, and the It is a flow path that flows through the first neutralization tank 4 a and returns to the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 for circulation. More specifically, the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 sends water from the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 by the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 through the water supply channel 49, the second intake port 16, the cathode chamber 18, and the second outlet. Outlet 17, second supply channel 45, capture unit 25, on-off valve 64, second neutralization tank 4b, second bypass channel 46, on-off valve 66, first neutralization tank 4a, second recovery channel 47, It is a channel that circulates through the on-off valve 62 and the alkaline electrolyzed water reservoir 21 in this order.

Here, the state of each channel for circulating water in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 will be described.

An on-off valve 54 is installed in the channel 33 downstream of the first supply channel 41 and upstream of the first bypass channel 42 . By closing the on-off valve 54 and opening the on-off valve 63, the first supply flow path 41 is connected to the downstream side of the second water softening tank 3b. As a result, the acidic electrolyzed water from the anode chamber 14 of the electrolytic bath 9 can be supplied to the second water softening bath 3b.

An on-off valve 52 is installed in the channel 31 downstream of the first bypass channel 42 and upstream of the second recovery channel 47 . In addition, an on-off valve 53 is installed on the downstream side of the second bypass flow path 46 and the upstream side of the first bypass flow path 42 in the flow path 32 . By closing the on-off valve 52 and the on-off valve 53 and opening the on-off valve 65, the first bypass flow flows upstream of the second water softening tank 3b and downstream of the first water softening tank 3a. The path 42 will be in a state of communication and connection. As a result, the acidic electrolyzed water that has flowed through the second water softening tank 3b can be supplied to the first water softening tank 3a.

An on-off valve 51 is installed in the channel 30 downstream of the inlet 2 and upstream of the first recovery channel 43 . By closing the on-off valve 51 and the on-off valve 52 and opening the on-off valve 61, the first recovery passage 43 is connected to the upstream side of the first water softening tank 3a. As a result, in the water softening device 1, the water (acidic electrolyzed water containing hardness components) that has flowed through the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b can be recovered into the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19. Become.

An on-off valve 54 is installed in the channel 34 downstream of the second supply channel 45 and upstream of the second bypass channel 46 . In addition, an on-off valve 55 is installed in the flow path 34 upstream of the water intake 5 and downstream of the second neutralization tank 4b. By closing the on-off valve 54 and the on-off valve 55 and opening the on-off valve 64, the second supply flow path 45 is connected to the downstream side of the second neutralization tank 4b. As a result, the alkaline electrolyzed water from the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9 can be supplied to the second neutralization cell 4b.

An on-off valve 53 is installed in the channel 32 downstream of the second bypass channel 46 and upstream of the second water softening tank 3b. In addition, by closing the on-off valve 52, the on-off valve 53, and the on-off valve 54 and opening the on-off valve 66, The second bypass channel 46 is in a state of being connected. As a result, the alkaline electrolyzed water that has flowed through the second neutralization tank 4b can be supplied to the first neutralization tank 4a.

By closing the on-off valve 52 and opening the on-off valve 62, the second recovery passage 47 is connected to the upstream side of the first neutralization tank 4a. As a result, in the water softening device 1, the water (alkaline electrolyzed water containing anions) that has flowed through the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b can be recovered into the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21. Become.

In addition, an on-off valve 71 is installed in the water supply channel 48 on the downstream side of the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 (position between the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 and the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23). Water can be stored in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 by closing the on-off valve 71 . On the other hand, water can be supplied to the water supply channel 48 by opening the on-off valve 71 .

In addition, an on-off valve 72 is installed in the water supply channel 49 on the downstream side of the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 (position between the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24). Water can be stored in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 by closing the on-off valve 72 . On the other hand, water can be supplied to the water supply channel 49 by opening the on-off valve 72 .

Further, by closing the on-off valve 51 and the on-off valve 55, the circulation of water to the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 can be started, while the on-off valve 51 and the on-off valve 55 are opened. By doing so, the circulation of water to the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 can be stopped.

(Water softening treatment and regeneration treatment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the water softening process, the regeneration process, and the waste water treatment of the water softening apparatus 1 starting from the regeneration process will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of the water softening device 1 during operation.

In the water softening treatment, regeneration treatment, and drainage treatment, the control unit 26, as shown in FIG. , the cathode 15, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23, and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 are switched and controlled to be in the respective circulation states and operating states. Note that the control unit 26 has a computer system having a processor and memory. The computer system functions as a controller by the processor executing the program stored in the memory. Although the program executed by the processor is recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system here, it may be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet. may be provided through

Here, "ON" in FIG. 3 indicates a state in which the corresponding on-off valve is "open", a state in which the anode 11 and the cathode 15 are energized, and the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 are in operation. indicates the state of each. Blanks indicate a state in which the corresponding on-off valve is "closed", a state in which the anode 11 and the cathode 15 are not energized, and a state in which the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 are stopped.

(regeneration processing)
First, the operation during regeneration processing by the regeneration device 6 of the water softening device 1 will be described in order with reference to the "during regeneration" column in FIG.

In the water softening device 1, the water softening tank 3 filled with the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 loses or loses its cation exchange capacity with continued use. That is, after all hydrogen ions, which are functional groups of the cation exchange resin, are exchanged with calcium ions or magnesium ions, which are hardness components, ion exchange becomes impossible. In such a state, hardness components come to be contained in the treated water. Therefore, in the water softening device 1 , the water softening tank 3 and the neutralization tank 4 need to be regenerated by the regenerating device 6 .

During regeneration, when the on-off valves 51 to 55 are closed and the on-off valves 61 to 66, the on-off valve 71, and the on-off valve 72 are opened, as shown in FIG. Alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channels 44 are formed respectively.

When the anode 11, the cathode 15, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23, and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 are operated, the water stored in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 and the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 flows into the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21. It circulates through each of the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channels 44 .

At this time, the acidic electrolyzed water generated in the anode chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 9 flows from the first discharge port 13 through the first supply channel 41 and is sent into the second water softening tank 3b, where the second weakly acidic water is supplied. It flows through the cation exchange resin 7b. Then, the acidic electrolyzed water that has flowed through the second water softening tank 3b flows through the first bypass channel 42, is sent into the first water softening tank 3a, and flows through the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a inside. do. That is, by passing acidic electrolyzed water through the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a and the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b, the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a and the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin The cations (hardness components) adsorbed to 7b undergo an ion exchange reaction with protons contained in the acidic electrolyzed water. As a result, the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a and the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b are regenerated. After that, the acidic electrolyzed water that has flowed through the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 a contains cations and flows into the first recovery channel 43 . That is, the acidic electrolyzed water containing cations that has flowed through the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a and the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b passes through the first bypass flow path 42 and the first recovery flow path 43 to produce an acidic It is recovered in the electrolyzed water storage tank 19 .

In this way, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 is located most downstream from the inlet of the raw water, and has the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b with a small amount of adsorption of hardness components for the second water softening. A first soft water having a first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a that is circulated from the downstream side of the tank 3b and is located upstream and adsorbs more hardness components than the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b. It is constructed so as to flow into the downstream side of the gasification tank 3a. That is, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 circulates the acidic electrolyzed water sent from the electrolytic tank 9 to the second water softening tank 3b, and then sends it to the first water softening tank 3a through the first bypass flow path 42. , and flows through the first water softening tank 3 a , recovers it in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 , and then flows into the electrolytic tank 9 from the first intake port 12 . Also, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 circulates the acidic electrolyzed water sent from the electrolysis tank 9 from the downstream side of the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b to the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b. A route is provided to introduce water into the water softening tank 3b and to flow out from the upstream side of the water softening tank 3 where the amount of adsorbed hardness components is greater than that on the downstream side. Note that the downstream side refers to the downstream side in the flow path during the water softening process.

Moreover, since the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 is a channel independent of the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44, mixing of the acidic electrolyzed water and the alkaline electrolyzed water is suppressed.

On the other hand, the alkaline electrolyzed water generated in the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9 is fed from the second discharge port 17 through the second supply channel 45 and the trapping portion 25 into the second neutralization cell 4b, whereupon the internal first It flows through di-weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b. Then, the alkaline electrolyzed water that has flowed through the second neutralization tank 4b flows through the second bypass flow path 46, is sent into the first neutralization tank 4a, and displaces the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a inside. circulate. That is, by passing alkaline electrolyzed water through the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a and the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b, the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a and the second weakly basic The anions adsorbed on the anion exchange resin 8b undergo an ion exchange reaction with hydroxide ions contained in the alkaline electrolyzed water. This regenerates the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a and the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b. After that, the alkaline electrolyzed water that has passed through the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 b contains anions and flows into the second recovery channel 47 . That is, the alkaline electrolyzed water containing anions that has passed through the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a and the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b passes through the second bypass channel 46 and the second recovery channel 47. is collected in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21.

In this way, the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44 is located most downstream from the raw water inflow port, and has a second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b with a small amount of anion adsorption. Circulating from the downstream side of the sum tank 4b and having the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a located upstream and adsorbing more anions than the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b It was configured to flow into the downstream side of the first neutralization tank 4a. That is, the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44 circulates the alkaline electrolyzed water sent from the electrolytic tank 9 to the second neutralization tank 4b, and then sends it to the first neutralization tank 4a through the second bypass flow path 46. , and flows through the first neutralization tank 4 a , recovers it in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 , and then flows into the electrolytic tank 9 from the second intake port 16 . In addition, the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 receives the alkaline electrolyzed water sent from the electrolysis tank 9 from the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b downstream of the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b. A route is provided to introduce the anions into the tank 4b and to flow out from the upstream side where the amount of anions adsorbed is larger than that on the downstream side of each neutralization tank. Note that the downstream side refers to the downstream side in the flow path during the water softening process.

Further, since the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 is a channel independent of the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40, mixing of the acidic electrolyzed water and the alkaline electrolyzed water is suppressed.

Then, in the water softening device 1, when the regeneration treatment is completed, the operations of the anode 11, the cathode 15, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23, and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 are stopped. It should be noted that the end of the regeneration process may be a certain period of time (for example, 7 hours) from the start of the regeneration process (at the start of the operation of the anode 11 and the cathode 15).

(Water softening treatment)
Next, the operation of the water softening device 1 during the water softening process will be described with reference to the "water softening" column in FIG.

In the water softening apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3, in the water softening process (during water softening), the on-off valve 55 provided at the water intake 5 is opened while the on-off valves 51 to 54 are open. As a result, city water (raw water containing hardness components) from the outside flows through the water softening tank 3 and the neutralization tank 4, so that the water softening device 1 softens water (neutral soft water) from the water intake 5. can be taken out. At this time, the on-off valves 61 to 66, the on-off valve 71, and the on-off valve 72 are all closed. The operation of the anode 11, the cathode 15, the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23, and the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 is also stopped.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, in the water softening process, the pressure of city water causes the raw water supplied from the inflow port 2 to pass through the flow path 30 and be supplied to the first water softening tank 3a. . The raw water supplied to the first water softening tank 3a flows through the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a provided in the first water softening tank 3a. At this time, cations, which are hardness components in the raw water, are adsorbed by the action of the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a, and protons are released (ion exchange is performed). Then, the raw water is softened by removing the cations from the raw water. The softened water contains a large amount of protons that have been exchanged with hardness components and flowed out, so that the water is acidified and has a low pH. The softened water further flows through the channel 31 and flows into the first neutralization tank 4a. In the first neutralization tank 4a, protons contained in the softened water are adsorbed by the action of the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a. That is, since protons are removed from the water softened by the first water softening tank 3a, the lowered pH is raised and neutralized. Therefore, compared with the case where the water softened in the first water softening tank 3a is directly softened in the second water softening tank 3b, the water softening treatment in the second water softening tank 3b proceeds more easily. The water neutralized by the first neutralization tank 4a further flows through the channel 32 and flows into the second water softening tank 3b. In the second water softening tank 3b, the action of the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b adsorbs cations, which are hardness components, and releases protons. That is, the water flowing into the second water softening tank 3b is softened and becomes soft water. Soft water containing protons flows through the flow path 33 and flows into the second neutralization tank 4b. In the second neutralization tank 4b, protons contained in the inflowing soft water are adsorbed by the action of the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b. That is, since the protons are removed from the soft water, the lowered pH rises, and the water becomes neutral soft water that can be used as domestic water. Neutral soft water can flow through the channel 34 and be taken out from the water intake 5 .

Then, in the water softening device 1, the regeneration process is executed when the time period specified by the control unit 26 comes or when the water softening process exceeds a predetermined time period.

As described above, the water softening device 1 repeatedly performs the water softening process and the regeneration process.

As described above, according to the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The water softening device 1 includes a water softening tank 3 , a neutralization tank 4 and an electrolytic tank 9 . The water softening tank 3 softens raw water containing hardness components with a weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 . The neutralization tank 4 neutralizes the pH of the softened water that has passed through the water softening tank 3 with a weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 . The electrolytic cell 9 produces acidic electrolyzed water for regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 and alkaline electrolyzed water for regenerating the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 . The electrolyzer 9 has a first discharge port 13 for sending the acidic electrolyzed water to the water softening tank 3, a first water intake port 12 for taking in the water that has passed through the water softening tank 3, and a neutralizer for the alkaline electrolyzed water. It has a second discharge port 17 for sending it to the tank 4 and a second water intake port 16 for taking in the water that has passed through the neutralization tank 4 . The water softening device 1 includes an acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 that circulates the acidic electrolyzed water in the order of the electrolytic tank 9, the first discharge port 13, the water softening tank 3, and the first water intake port 12, and the alkaline electrolyzed water. and an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44 that circulates through the electrolytic bath 9, the second discharge port 17, the neutralization bath 4, and the second water intake port 16 in this order.

As a result, during the regeneration process, the acidic electrolyzed water flows through the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 and the alkaline electrolyzed water flows through the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44, so that the acidic electrolyzed water and the alkaline electrolyzed water are mixed. can be suppressed. Therefore, even after regeneration of one of the ion exchange resins is completed, acidic electrolyzed water with an acidic pH flows through the acidic electrolyzed water circulation passage 40, and alkaline electrolyzed water with an alkaline pH circulates through the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation passage 44. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration efficiency of the other ion exchange resin.

(2) In the water softener 1, the electrolytic cell 9 includes an anode chamber 14 containing the anode 11, a cathode chamber 18 containing the cathode 15, and a diaphragm provided between the anode chamber 14 and the cathode chamber 18. 10. The electrolytic cell 9 is configured to produce acidic electrolyzed water in the anode chamber 14 and to produce alkaline electrolyzed water in the cathode chamber 18 .

According to such a configuration, since the anode chamber 14 and the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9 are separated by the diaphragm 10, the neutralization reaction of protons and hydroxide ions by mixing the acidic electrolyzed water and the alkaline electrolyzed water can be carried out. can be suppressed. Therefore, deterioration of the regeneration performance of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 and the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 can be suppressed.

(3) The water softener 1 is configured to include an acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 provided in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 40 and an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 provided in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 44. .

According to such a configuration, it is possible to control the flow rate of the acidic electrolyzed water in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation passage 40 and the flow rate of the alkaline electrolyzed water in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation passage 44 . During the regeneration treatment, the flow rate of the acidic electrolyzed water affects the regeneration performance of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 and the flow rate of the alkaline electrolyzed water affects the regeneration performance of the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 . Therefore, by controlling the flow rate of acidic electrolyzed water in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 using the acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 23 and the alkaline electrolyzed water flow rate in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44 using the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 24, It becomes possible to maintain the regeneration performance of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin and the weakly basic anion exchange resin at constant regeneration performance.

(4) The water softening device 1 is configured to include an acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 provided downstream of the water softening tank 3 and upstream of the first water intake 12 in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40. .

According to such a configuration, by storing the acidic electrolyzed water in the acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 19 , it is possible to control the total amount of acidic electrolyzed water flowing through the acidic electrolyzed water circulation flow path 40 .

(5) The water softening device 1 is configured to include an alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 provided downstream of the neutralization tank 4 and upstream of the second water intake 16 in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44. .

According to such a configuration, by storing the alkaline electrolyzed water in the alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 21 , it is possible to control the total amount of the alkaline electrolyzed water flowing through the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44 .

(6) The water softening device 1 includes a capture unit 25 for separating solids in the alkaline electrolyzed water, which is provided downstream of the second discharge port 17 and upstream of the neutralization tank 4 in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation flow path 44. configured to prepare.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to separate solids generated when alkaline electrolyzed water is produced. During the regeneration process, hardness components in the alkaline electrolyzed water react with hydroxide ions generated by the cathode 15 of the electrolytic cell 9, and solids (magnesium hydroxide, etc.) may precipitate. Solids derived from hardness components contained in this alkaline electrolyzed water will accumulate in the neutralization tank 4 unless removed, and the hardness components will elute from the solids, increasing the soft water hardness during water softening treatment. degrades curing performance. Therefore, by adopting a configuration including the capture unit 25, the solids generated when generating the alkaline electrolyzed water can be separated in the upstream stage of the neutralization tank 4, thereby suppressing the inflow and deposition of the solids into the neutralization tank 4. It is possible to suppress performance deterioration during water softening treatment.

(7) In the water softening device 1, when the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 is regenerated, the acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the first outlet 13 flows into the water softening tank 3 from the downstream side.

According to such a configuration, during the regeneration process, the acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the anode chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 9 flows from the downstream side of the water softening tank 3 where the amount of adsorption of hardness components is smaller, The water softening tank 3 is regenerated. Regeneration of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 on the downstream side consumes less hydrogen ions in the acidic electrolyzed water than in the upstream side, so reduction in the hydrogen ion concentration of the acidic electrolyzed water can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the re-adsorption of hardness components contained in the acidic electrolyzed water from the downstream side on the upstream side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration treatment efficiency of the water softening tank 3 and shorten the regeneration time.

(8) In the water softening device 1, when the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 is regenerated, the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the second discharge port 17 flows into the neutralization tank 4 from the downstream side.

According to this configuration, during the regeneration process, the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9 flows into the neutralizing tank 4 from the downstream side where the amount of adsorbed anion components is smaller. , the neutralization tank 4 is regenerated. In regeneration of the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 on the downstream side, the consumption of hydroxide ions in the alkaline electrolyzed water is less than that on the upstream side, so reduction in the hydroxide ion concentration of the alkaline electrolyzed water can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the anions contained in the alkaline electrolyzed water coming from the downstream side from re-adsorbing on the upstream side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration processing efficiency of the neutralization tank 4 and shorten the regeneration time.

(9) The water softening tank 3 of the water softening device 1 has a first water softening tank 3a and a second water softening tank 3b. and a sum tank 4b, and when the raw water is softened, it flows in order of the first water softening tank 3a, the first neutralization tank 4a, the second water softening tank 3b, and the second neutralization tank 4b. configured to

According to such a configuration, the raw water containing the hardness component flows out of the first water softening tank 3a before the pH of the raw water decreases due to the water softening treatment in the first water softening tank 3a, and the first neutralization tank It is neutralized in 4a, softened in the second softening tank 3b, and neutralized in the second neutralizing tank 4b. Therefore, compared with the case where the water softening tank 3 and the neutralizing tank 4 are configured individually, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the pH of the water flowing through the water softening tank 3, that is, the acidification. 3 (particularly the second water softening tank 3b) is easily exchanged with protons retained by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin. Therefore, it is possible to improve the water softening performance.

(10) In the water softening device 1, during the regeneration process for regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7, the acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the anode chamber 14 of the electrolytic tank 9 flows through the second water softening tank 3b. After that, it flows through the first water softening tank 3a.

According to this configuration, during the regeneration process, the acidic electrolysis discharged from the anode chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 9 is transferred to the second water softening tank 3b, which has a smaller amount of adsorption of hardness components than the first water softening tank 3a. Water flows in, and acidic electrolyzed water containing hardness components is discharged from the second water softening tank 3b to the first water softening tank 3a. Regeneration of the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b in the second water softening tank 3b consumes less protons in the acidic electrolyzed water than in the first water softening tank 3a. Compared to this, the decrease in proton concentration can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the acidic electrolyzed water containing a large amount of protons from flowing into the first water softening tank 3a and the re-adsorption of hardness components in the first water softening tank 3a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration processing efficiency and shorten the regeneration time.

(11) In the water softening device 1, during the regeneration process for regenerating the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8, the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9 flows through the second neutralizing cell 4b. After that, it flows through the first neutralization tank 4a.

According to this configuration, during the regeneration process, the alkaline electrolysis discharged from the cathode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 9 is transferred to the second neutralization tank 4b, which has a smaller amount of anion adsorption than the first neutralization tank 4a. Water flows in, and alkaline electrolyzed water containing anions is discharged from the second neutralization tank 4b to the first neutralization tank 4a. In the regeneration of the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b in the second neutralization tank 4b, the consumption of hydroxide ions in the alkaline electrolyzed water is less than in the first neutralization tank 4a. Compared to the regeneration of 4a, the decrease in hydroxide ion concentration can be suppressed. Therefore, alkaline electrolyzed water containing a large amount of hydroxide ions can be prevented from flowing into the first neutralization tank 4a and re-adsorbing anions in the first neutralization tank 4a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the regeneration processing efficiency and shorten the regeneration time.

(12) In the water softening device 1, the channel length, the channel cross-sectional area, the volume of the resin filled in the water softening tank 3, and the water softening tank 3 The type of resin filled in each was the same.

According to such a configuration, the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b can be composed of the same member, so the cost of the water softening device 1 can be reduced.

(13) In the water softening device 1, the channel length, the channel cross-sectional area, the volume of the resin filled in the neutralization tank 4, and the neutralization tank 4 between the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b The type of resin filled in each was the same.

According to such a configuration, the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b can be composed of the same member, so the cost of the water softening device 1 can be reduced.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely examples, and that various modifications can be made to combinations of each component or each treatment process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. I am where I am.

In the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the water softening tank 3 and the neutralizing tank 4 are two each, but the number is not limited to this. For example, it may be one each. This simplifies the device configuration. Also, for example, each may be three or more. This increases the number of times that water softening and neutralization are alternately performed during the water softening process, so that the water softening performance can be further improved.

In addition, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the channel lengths and channel cross-sectional areas of the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b are equal, but this is not the only option. For example, the channel length or the channel cross-sectional area may be different, or both the channel length and the channel cross-sectional area may be different. Even in this way, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a filled in the first water softening tank 3a and the second weak Although the volumes of the acidic cation exchange resins 7b are assumed to be equal, this is not the only option. For example, the volumes of the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7a and the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b may be different, or different kinds of weakly acidic cation exchange resins 7 may be used. Thereby, the water softening performance can be adjusted, and the water softening device 1 having the water softening performance suitable for the purpose can be obtained.

Further, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the channel lengths and channel cross-sectional areas of the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b are equal, but this is not the only option. For example, the channel length or the channel cross-sectional area may be different, or both the channel length and the channel cross-sectional area may be different. be done.

Further, in the water softening apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1, the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a filled in the first neutralization tank 4a and the second Although the volumes of the weakly basic anion exchange resins 8b are assumed to be equal, this is not the only option. For example, the first weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a and the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b may have different volumes, or different types of weakly basic anion exchange resins 8 may be used. . However, the volume of the second weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b filled in the second neutralization tank 4b adsorbs the hydrogen ions released from the second water softening tank 3b, It is sufficient if the volume is sufficient to convert the inflowing acidic soft water to neutral soft water. Thereby, the water softening performance can be adjusted, and the water softening device 1 having the water softening performance suitable for the purpose can be obtained.

Further, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the acidic electrolyzed water is circulated in the order of the second water softening tank 3b and the first water softening tank 3a, but this is not the only option. For example, the acidic electrolyzed water may be circulated through the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b in this order. Furthermore, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the acidic electrolyzed water is circulated from the downstream side of the water softening tank 3, but it may be circulated from the upstream side. Also in this way, the water softening tank 3 can be regenerated.

Further, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the acidic electrolyzed water is circulated in the order of the second water softening tank 3b and the first water softening tank 3a, but this is not the only option. For example, a first playback device and a second playback device having functions equivalent to those of the playback device 6 may be used to carry out playback processing through independent distribution channels. Thereby, the regeneration treatment of the first water softening tank 3a and the second water softening tank 3b can be performed independently, and the time required for the regeneration treatment can be shortened.

Further, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the alkaline electrolyzed water is circulated in the order of the second neutralization tank 4b and the first neutralization tank 4a, but this is not the only option. For example, the alkaline electrolyzed water may be circulated through the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b in this order. Furthermore, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the acidic electrolyzed water is circulated from the downstream side of the neutralization tank 4, but it may be circulated from the upstream side. Even in this way, the neutralization tank 4 can be regenerated.

Moreover, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the alkaline electrolyzed water is circulated in the order of the second neutralization tank 4b and the first neutralization tank 4a, but this is not the only option. For example, a first playback device and a second playback device having functions equivalent to those of the playback device 6 may be used to carry out playback processing through independent distribution channels. Thereby, the regeneration treatment of the first neutralization tank 4a and the second neutralization tank 4b can be performed independently, and the time required for the regeneration treatment can be shortened.

Further, in the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the regeneration process is executed when the time period specified by the control unit 26 has come or when the water softening process has exceeded a certain period of time. It is not limited to this. For example, an ion concentration detector is provided on the downstream side of the second neutralization tank 4b and the upstream side of the on-off valve 55, and the ion concentration detector detects the ion concentration (e.g., hardness) of the soft water flowing through the flow path 34. component concentration) is always detected, and not only when the time period specified by the control unit 26 comes or when the water softening process exceeds a certain time, but also when the ion concentration exceeds a preset reference value You may make it perform a reproduction|regeneration process. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether to perform the regeneration process based on the ion concentration of the water after it has flowed through the second neutralization tank 4b. Therefore, the state of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 in the water softening tank 3 can be determined more accurately, and the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7 and the weakly basic anion exchange resin 8 can be regenerated at appropriate timing. It can be carried out.

The water softener according to the present invention can be applied to a water purifier installed at a place of use (POU: Point of Use) or a water purifier installed at a building entrance (POE: Point of Entry).

1 water softener 2 inlet 3 water softening tank 3a first water softening tank 3b second water softening tank 4 neutralization tank 4a first neutralization tank 4b second neutralization tank 5 water intake 6 regenerator 7 weakly acidic cation Exchange resin 7a First weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7b Second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 8 Weakly basic anion exchange resin 8a First weakly basic anion exchange resin 8b Second weakly basic anion exchange resin 9 Electrolysis Tank 10 Diaphragm 11 Anode 12 First water intake 13 First discharge port 14 Anode chamber 15 Cathode 16 Second water intake 17 Second discharge port 18 Cathode chamber 19 Acidic electrolyzed water reservoir 20 Air vent valve 21 Alkaline electrolyzed water reservoir 22 Air vent Valve 23 Acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump 24 Alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump 25 Capture unit 26 Control unit 30 Channel 31 Channel 32 Channel 33 Channel 34 Channel 40 Acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel 41 First supply channel 42 First bypass channel 43 first recovery channel 44 alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel 45 second supply channel 46 second bypass channel 47 second recovery channel 48 water supply channel 49 water supply channel 51 on-off valve 52 on-off valve 53 on-off valve 54 on-off valve 55 on-off valve 61 on-off valve 62 on-off valve 63 on-off valve 64 on-off valve 65 on-off valve 66 on-off valve 71 on-off valve 72 on-off valve

Claims (11)

a water softening tank for softening raw water containing hardness components with a weakly acidic cation exchange resin;
a neutralization tank for neutralizing soft water that has passed through the water softening tank with a weakly basic anion exchange resin;
an electrolytic cell for producing acidic electrolyzed water for regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin and alkaline electrolyzed water for regenerating the weakly basic anion exchange resin;
with
The electrolytic cell is
a first outlet for sending the acidic electrolyzed water to the water softening tank;
a first water intake for taking in water that has passed through the water softening tank;
a second outlet for sending the alkaline electrolyzed water to the neutralization tank;
a second water intake for taking in water that has passed through the neutralization tank;
has
an acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel for circulating and circulating the acidic electrolyzed water in the order of the electrolysis tank, the first discharge port, the water softening tank, and the first water intake;
an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel that circulates the alkaline electrolyzed water through the electrolytic cell, the second discharge port, the neutralization cell, and the second intake port in this order;
A water softening device comprising: The electrolytic cell is
an anode chamber containing an anode;
a cathode chamber containing a cathode;
a diaphragm provided between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber;
configured with
2. The water softening device according to claim 1, wherein the acidic electrolyzed water is produced in the anode chamber, and the alkaline electrolyzed water is produced in the cathode chamber. an acidic electrolyzed water circulation pump provided in the acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel;
an alkaline electrolyzed water circulation pump provided in the alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel;
3. The water softening device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: 4. The acidic electrolyzed water circulation channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an acidic electrolyzed water storage tank provided downstream of the water softening tank and upstream of the first water intake. The water softening device according to . 5. The alkaline electrolyzed water circulation channel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank provided downstream of the neutralization tank and upstream of the second water intake. The water softening device according to . 2. The alkaline electrolyzed water circulating flow path is provided with a capturing part provided downstream of the second discharge port and upstream of the neutralization tank for separating solids in the alkaline electrolyzed water. 6. The water softening device according to any one of -5. 7. The acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the first discharge port flows from the downstream side of the water softening tank when regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin. or the water softening device according to claim 1. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the second discharge port flows from the downstream side of the neutralization tank when regenerating the weakly basic anion exchange resin. A water softening device according to any one of the preceding claims. The water softening tank has a first water softening tank and a second water softening tank, the neutralization tank has a first neutralization tank and a second neutralization tank, and the raw water is softened. The first water softening tank, the first neutralization tank, the second water softening tank, and the second neutralization tank are configured to flow in this order when the 9. The water softening device according to any one of -8. When regenerating the weakly acidic cation exchange resin, the acidic electrolyzed water discharged from the first discharge port flows through the second water softening tank and then flows through the first water softening tank. 10. A water softening device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises: When regenerating the weakly basic anion exchange resin, the alkaline electrolyzed water discharged from the second discharge port flows through the second neutralization tank and then flows through the first neutralization tank. 11. The water softening device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it is configured as

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