JP5375842B2 - Ion exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion exchanger that suppresses fluctuations both in water head difference and in liquid permeating resistance during regeneration and extrusion processes. <P>SOLUTION: The ion exchanger includes a pressure tank 2; a liquid tank 4 (6) for storing regenerated liquid W4 and/or water W1; a liquid supply line L4 (L1) connecting the pressure tank 2 to the liquid tank 4 (6); a liquid level control means 75 (74); and a drain line L5 connected to the pressure tank 2 to discharge, from an open end, regenerated liquid and/or water supplied to the pressure tank 2 from the liquid tank 4 (6). The ion exchanger is set so as to satisfy the following height relationship: the liquid level in the liquid tank 4 (6)&gt; the open end of the drain line L5. The regenerated liquid and/or water are supplied to the pressure tank 2 from the liquid tank 4 (6) and to discharge the regenerated liquid and/or water to the drain line L5 from the pressure tank 2 by the water head difference between the liquid level in the liquid tank 4 (6) and the open end of the drain line L5. An ion exchange resin bed 211 of the pressure tank 2 comprises ion exchange resin beads with a crosslinking degree of 10-12%. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion exchange device such as a water softening device.

  Conventionally, ion exchange devices that adsorb and remove hardness components (calcium ions and magnesium ions), nitrate nitrogen (nitrate ions and nitrite ions), etc. contained in raw water such as tap water and groundwater by ion exchange resins are known. It has been. Among these ion exchange devices, those that use a cation exchange resin to replace the hardness component in raw water with sodium ions or potassium ions are usually called hard water softening devices. On the other hand, an ion exchange device that uses anion exchange resin to replace nitrate nitrogen in raw water with chloride ions is usually called a nitrate nitrogen removal device.

  In the water softening device, when the ion exchange resin bed reaches a predetermined amount of water sampling, the ion exchange groups are almost saturated with the hardness component, and the ion exchange capacity is lost, that is, a breakthrough state. Therefore, in the water softening device, before the ion exchange resin bed is in a breakthrough state, a regeneration process and an extrusion process for supplying salt water as a regeneration liquid to the pressure tank in which the ion exchange resin bed is accommodated to restore the ion exchange capacity. Has been done.

  In the hard water softening device, a configuration using the head pressure difference is provided as a configuration for supplying the salt water stored in the salt water tank to the pressure tank and obtaining a driving force for discharging the supplied salt water out of the system from the pressure tank. is there. For example, a water softening device having a configuration using a head pressure difference may include a raw water tank and a salt water tank above the pressure tank, and allow salt water to flow from the salt water tank into the pressure tank as a downward flow during the regeneration process. A hard water softening device is known in which raw water flows from a raw water tank into a pressure tank as a downward flow during an extrusion process (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-10-216537

  In the configuration using the head pressure difference for supplying and discharging the regenerated liquid, the fluctuation of the water head pressure difference and the flow resistance are minimized through the regeneration process and the extrusion process in order to stabilize the regeneration rate of the ion exchange resin bed. It is important to suppress it. This is because if the regeneration rate of the ion exchange resin bed is unstable, it is impossible to constantly ensure the desired amount of collected water and water quality. The fluctuation of the water head pressure difference is mainly caused by the structural design and construction state of the apparatus, while the fluctuation of the liquid flow resistance is mainly caused by the physicochemical properties of the ion exchange resin beads. However, in the conventional ion exchange apparatus, sufficient attention has not been paid to these two factors, and the regeneration rate of the ion exchange resin bed tends to be unstable.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ion exchange device that can simultaneously suppress the hydraulic head pressure difference and the fluctuation of the flow resistance during the regeneration process and the extrusion process.

  The present invention relates to a pressure tank in which an ion exchange resin bed is accommodated, a regenerative liquid for regenerating the ion exchange resin bed and / or a liquid tank in which water is stored, and a liquid that connects the pressure tank and the liquid tank. A drainage line having a supply line, a liquid level control means for controlling the liquid level in the liquid tank to a predetermined range, and a connection end and an open end opened to the atmosphere, wherein the pressure tank at the connection end A drain line for discharging the regenerated liquid and / or water supplied from the liquid tank to the pressure tank as drainage from the open end, and the liquid level in the liquid tank and the drain line The height relationship with the open end portion is set so that the liquid level in the liquid tank> the open end portion, and the liquid level in the liquid tank and the drain line The regenerative liquid and / or water is supplied from the liquid tank to the pressure tank, and the regenerative liquid and / or water is discharged from the pressure tank to the drain line due to a water head pressure difference between the open end and the open end. The ion exchange resin bed is related to an ion exchange apparatus comprising ion exchange resin beads having a degree of crosslinking of 10 to 12%.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the uniformity coefficient of the particle size of the ion exchange resin beads of the ion exchange device is 1.2 or less.

  The ion exchange device is provided at a top liquid distribution part provided at a top part of the ion exchange resin bed, a bottom liquid distribution part provided at a bottom part of the ion exchange resin bed, and a top part of the ion exchange resin bed. Ascending flow of raw water by collecting at the top liquid collection part, while collecting the top liquid collection part, the bottom liquid collection part provided at the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed, and the raw water to the bottom liquid distribution part The flow of water in a water treatment process to produce treated water; and the downward flow of the regenerated liquid by collecting the regenerated liquid at the bottom liquid collecting section while distributing the regenerated liquid to the top liquid distributing section. And a valve control for controlling the valve means to sequentially switch the water treatment process and the regeneration process. Means and Preferably further comprises a.

  The ion exchange device is provided at a top liquid distribution part provided at a top part of the ion exchange resin bed, a bottom liquid distribution part provided at a bottom part of the ion exchange resin bed, and a top part of the ion exchange resin bed. Downstream flow of raw water by collecting at the bottom collecting part while collecting the top collecting part, the bottom collecting part provided at the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed, and the raw water to the top collecting part The flow of the water in the water treatment process to produce the treated water; and ascending flow of the regenerated liquid by collecting the regenerated liquid at the top liquid collecting part while distributing the regenerated liquid to the bottom liquid distributing part And a valve control for controlling the valve means to sequentially switch the water treatment process and the regeneration process. Means and Preferably further comprises a.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the ion exchange apparatus which can suppress simultaneously the fluctuation | variation of a hydraulic head pressure difference and liquid flow resistance during execution of a regeneration process and an extrusion process can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a whole block diagram of the water softening apparatus 1 as 1st Embodiment of the ion exchange apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the process control valve 3 of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the open / close state of the process control valve 3 in each process of 1st Embodiment. It is a whole block diagram of the water softening apparatus 1A as 2nd Embodiment of the ion exchange apparatus of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the open / close state of 3 A of process control valves in each process of 2nd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a water softening apparatus 1 as a first embodiment of an ion exchange apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a water softening device 1 as a first embodiment of an ion exchange device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the process control valve 3 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an open / close state of the process control valve 3 in each process of the first embodiment.

  The water softening device 1 of the first embodiment generates soft water by replacing hardness components contained in raw water such as tap water, ground water, and industrial water with sodium ions (or potassium ions). The hard water softening device 1 is used for the purpose of supplying soft water as various types of water to demand points. The water softening device 1 is connected to residential buildings such as houses and condominiums, customer-collecting facilities such as hotels and public baths, refrigeration equipment such as boilers and cooling towers, and water-using equipment such as food processing devices and cleaning devices.

  Moreover, the water softening apparatus 1 of this embodiment is the water which supplies the treated water (soft water) W2 obtained by softening the raw water W1 with the ion exchange resin bed 211 (after-mentioned) to demand places (not shown), such as a bathroom. Treatment process ST1, priming process ST2 for discharging (extracting air) the air remaining in the drain line L5, regeneration process ST3 for supplying salt water W4 to regenerate the ion exchange resin bed 211, and ion exchange An extrusion process ST4 for extruding the salt water W4 supplied to the resin bed 211 and a rinse process ST5 for cleaning the salt water W4 remaining on the ion exchange resin bed 211 are provided.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, the whole structure of the water softening apparatus 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated. In the following description, “line” is a general term for a flow path, a path, a pipeline, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water softening apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a pressure tank 2, a process control valve 3 as a valve means, a salt water tank 4 as a liquid tank, and a control unit 5 as a valve control means. And a raw water tank 6 as a liquid tank.

  The pressure tank 2 is mainly composed of a pressure tank body 21. The pressure tank body 21 is a bottomed tubular body having an opening at the top, and the opening is sealed with a lid member. Inside the pressure tank body 21, an ion exchange resin bed 211 made of cation exchange resin beads and a support bed 212 made of filtration gravel are accommodated.

  The ion exchange resin bed 211 functions as a treatment material that softens the raw water W1. The ion exchange resin bed 211 is laminated on the support bed 212 inside the pressure tank body 21.

  The ion exchange resin bed 211 in this embodiment is a cation exchange resin bead having a degree of crosslinking of 10 to 12%, more preferably a cation having a degree of crosslinking of 10 to 12% and a particle size uniformity coefficient of 1.2 or less. Consists of exchange resin beads. The cation exchange resin beads preferably have a sodium-type harmonic mean diameter of 0.5 to 0.8 mm, and the volume change rate when the calcium-type changes to the sodium-type is 10% or less. More desirable.

  Examples of the cation exchange resin beads satisfying a degree of cross-linking of 10 to 12% include, for example, products manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation: product names “DIAION SK110” and “DIAION SK112”, and products manufactured by Dow Chemical Co .: product name “AMBERLITE IR122”. , “AMBERLITE IR124”, manufactured by Purolite: product names “PUROLITE C100x10”, “PUROLITE C100x12”, and the like.

  Examples of the cation exchange resin beads satisfying the condition that the degree of cross-linking is 10 to 12% and the particle size uniformity coefficient is 1.2 or less are, for example, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation: Product names “DIAION UBK10” and “DIAION UBK12”. Manufactured by Dow Chemical Co., Ltd .: product names “IMAC HP1220” and “AMBERJET 1220”, manufactured by Purolite: product name “PUROFINE PFC100 × 10”, and the like.

The support floor 212 functions as a fluid rectifying member for the ion exchange resin bed 211. The support floor 212 is accommodated on the bottom side of the pressure tank body 21.
Details of the pressure tank 2 will be described later.

  The process control valve 3 collects at the top screen (top liquid collection part) 241 while collecting at least the raw water W1 to the bottom screen (bottom liquid distribution part) 242 of the pressure tank 2, thereby increasing the upward flow of the raw water W1. And the flow of water (raw water W1, soft water W2) of the water treatment process ST1 for producing the soft water W2 that is the treated water; and the salt water W4 that is the regenerated liquid is distributed to the top screen (top liquid distribution portion) 241. A valve capable of switching the flow of the salt water W4 in the regeneration process ST3 for regenerating the ion exchange resin bed 211 by generating a downward flow of the salt water W4 by collecting the liquid at the bottom screen (bottom liquid collecting portion) 242 while liquid. It is. Details of the process control valve 3 will be described later.

  The salt water tank 4 is a liquid tank that stores salt water W4 as a regenerating liquid for regenerating the ion exchange resin bed 211. As the salt water W4, aqueous solutions of sodium chloride and potassium chloride can be used in a water softening apparatus using cation exchange resin beads.

  The salt water tank 4 is disposed above the pressure tank 2 in the direction of gravity. The salt water tank 4 is arranged at a position substantially parallel to the raw water tank 6 in a direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity. The height relationship between the liquid level of the salt water tank 4 (the liquid level of the tank region 41 described later) and the open end portion (described later) of the drainage line L5 is as follows: The liquid level of the salt water tank 4> the open end portion of the drainage line L5 It is set to be a relationship. And the hard water softening apparatus 1 of this embodiment is comprised so that salt water W4 may flow from the salt water tank 4 to the pressure tank 2 by the water head pressure difference between the liquid level in the salt water tank 4 and the open end part of the drainage line L5. Has been. Details of the salt water tank 4 will be described later.

  The control unit 5 is configured by a microprocessor (not shown) including a CPU and a memory. The control unit 5 controls the operation of the process control valve 3 based on a detection signal or the like input from a flow switch 321 (described later). In the memory, a control program for performing the operation of the water softening device 1 of the present embodiment is stored in advance. This control program is, for example, a program that controls the process control valve 3 so as to switch the flow path of the water treatment process ST1 and the flow path of the regeneration process ST3 in the water softening apparatus 1. The CPU controls the process control valve 3 so as to sequentially switch the water treatment process ST1 to the rinse process ST5 according to the control program.

  The raw water tank 6 is a liquid tank that stores the raw water W1 supplied from the raw water line L1 through the first supplementary water line L7. As the raw water W1, tap water, ground water, industrial water, or the like can be used.

  The raw water tank 6 is disposed above the pressure tank 2 in the direction of gravity. The height relationship between the liquid level of the raw water tank 6 and the open end portion of the drainage line L5 is set so as to be the relationship of the liquid level of the raw water tank 6> the open end portion of the drainage line L5. And the water softening apparatus 1 of this embodiment is comprised so that raw | natural water W1 may flow from the raw | natural water tank 6 to the pressure tank 2 by the water head pressure difference between the liquid level in the raw | natural water tank 6 and the open end part of the drainage line L5. Has been. Details of the raw water tank 6 will be described later.

  Next, the structure of the pressure tank 2, the process control valve 3, the salt water tank 4, and the raw water tank 6 described above will be described in detail.

  In the pressure tank 2, the other end of the raw water line L <b> 1 is disposed at the bottom of the pressure tank body 21. The raw water line L1 disposed in the pressure tank main body 21 is a collection and distribution pipe 231 using a synthetic resin pipe or the like, and this collection and distribution pipe 231 penetrates the ion exchange resin bed 211 to form the support floor 212. It is provided to reach the lower part.

  In the water treatment process ST <b> 1, raw water W <b> 1 that flows through the raw water line L <b> 1 is supplied from the bottom of the pressure tank body 21 to the inside of the pressure tank 2. On the other hand, one end of the soft water line L2 is disposed at the top of the pressure tank body 21. That is, in the water treatment process ST1, the soft water W2 obtained by being treated by the ion exchange resin bed 211 inside the pressure tank 2 flows through the soft water line L2 from the upper part of the pressure tank 2.

  At the other end of the raw water line L1 (collection liquid distribution pipe 231) disposed in the pressure tank 2, a bottom screen 242 for preventing the resin beads from flowing out is provided. The bottom screen 242 has a large number of apertures smaller than the resin beads (the same applies to the top screen 241 described later). The bottom screen 242 communicates with the other end of the raw water line L1. The liquid distribution position and the liquid collection position by the bottom screen 242 are set at the lower part of the support floor 212. The bottom screen 242 collects the salt water W4 from the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the water treatment process ST1 and the bottom liquid distribution unit that distributes the raw water W1 from the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the water treatment process ST1. It functions as a bottom collecting part.

  A top screen 241 for preventing the resin beads from flowing out is provided at one end of the soft water line L2 disposed in the pressure tank 2. The top screen 241 communicates with one end of the soft water line L2. The liquid distribution position and the liquid collection position by the top screen 241 are set near the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211. The top screen 241 collects the raw water W1 from the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the regeneration process ST3 and the top liquid distribution unit that distributes the salt water W4 from the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the regeneration process ST3. It functions as a top collecting part.

  The process control valve 3 includes various lines and valves therein. Specifically, the process control valve 3 includes a raw water line L1, a soft water line L2, a dilution water line L3, a salt water line L4, a drainage line L5, and a bypass line L6 as lines. As will be described later, a part of the raw water line L1 also functions as the drainage line L5. A part of the soft water line L2 also functions as the salt water line L4.

  In addition, the process control valve 3 includes a raw water flow valve 311, a bypass valve 312, a soft water flow valve 313, a salt water valve 314, and a regeneration drain valve 315 as valves. Further, the process control valve 3 includes a flow switch 321.

The water softening device 1 of the present embodiment includes various lines and the like outside the process control valve 3.
Specifically, the raw water line L1 is introduced from the outside (raw water supply source) of the process control valve 3 to the inside and extends again to the outside. The soft water line L2 is introduced into the inside from the outside (pressure tank 2) of the process control valve 3, and extends toward the outside again. The dilution water line L3 extends so as to be introduced from the outside (raw water tank 6) of the process control valve 3 into the inside. The salt water line L4 is introduced from the outside (salt water tank 4) to the inside of the process control valve 3, and extends toward the outside (pressure tank 2) again. The drain line L5 is introduced into the inside from the outside (pressure tank 2) of the process control valve 3, and extends toward the outside again. The 1st water replenishment line L7 connects the connection part J11 (after-mentioned) of the raw | natural water line L1 and the 1st float valve 74 (after-mentioned) provided in the raw | natural water tank 6. FIG. The second supplementary water line L8 connects the connecting portion J14 (described later) of the raw water line L1 and a second float valve 75 (described later) disposed in the salt water tank 4.

  The raw water line L1 is connected to an external raw water supply source (not shown) on the upstream side, and communicates with the bottom of the pressure tank 2 on the downstream side. The raw water line L1 constitutes a supply path for supplying the raw water W1 to the pressure tank body 21 and the raw water tank 6. The raw water W1 is pumped to the raw water line L1 from the raw water supply source (for example, if the raw water W1 is tap water, it is pumped by tap pressure). In the raw water line L1, a connecting part J11, a pressure reducing valve 73, a flow switch 321, a connecting part J12, a raw water water passing valve 311, a connecting part J13, and a connecting part J14 are provided in order from the raw water supply source to the pressure tank 2. It has been.

  The upstream side of the first supplementary water line L7 is connected to the connection portion J11 of the raw water line L1. An upstream end portion of the bypass line L6 is connected to the connection portion J12 of the raw water line L1. An upstream end portion of the drainage line L5 is connected to the connection portion J13 of the raw water line L1. As will be described later, in the raw water line L1, the downstream side of the connection portion J13 also functions as a drainage line L5. An upstream end portion of the second supplementary water line L8 is connected to the connection portion J14 of the raw water line L1.

  The pressure reducing valve 73 is a valve for reducing the raw water W1 to a predetermined water pressure. The pressure reducing valve 73 is provided on the downstream side of the connection portion J11 of the raw water line L1.

  The flow switch 321 is provided between the pressure reducing valve 73 and the connection part J12 in the raw water line L1. The flow switch 321 is electrically connected to the control unit 5. The flow switch 321 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 5 when detecting a predetermined water flow in the raw water line L1. That is, the flow switch 321 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 5 when detecting that the raw water W1 having a predetermined flow rate has passed through the raw water line L1.

  The raw water flow valve 311 is provided between the connection part J12 and the connection part J13 in the raw water line L1. The raw water flow valve 311 controls the flow of the raw water W1 in the raw water line L1. In the raw water flow valve 311, the valve drive unit is electrically connected to the control unit 5. The opening and closing of the raw water flow valve 311 is controlled by the control unit 5.

  The 1st water replenishment line L7 is connected to the connection part J11 of the raw | natural water line L1 in the upstream, and is connected to the raw | natural water tank 6 in the downstream. The first supplemental water line L7 constitutes a supply path for supplying a part of the raw water W1 flowing through the raw water line L1 to the raw water tank 6.

  The soft water line L2 communicates with the top of the pressure tank 2 at one end, and is connected to a demand point (not shown) at the other end. The soft water line L2 mainly constitutes a supply path for supplying soft water W2 obtained by processing with the ion exchange resin bed 211 to the demand point. In the soft water line L2, the connection part J21, the soft water water flow valve 313, and the connection part J22 are provided in order from the pressure tank 2 toward the demand point. The downstream end of the salt water line L4 is connected to the connection part J21 of the soft water line L2. In the soft water line L2, the pressure tank 2 side from the connection part J21 also functions as the salt water line L4. Further, the downstream end of the bypass line L6 is connected to the connection portion J22 of the soft water line L2.

  The soft water flow valve 313 is provided between the connection part J21 and the connection part J22 in the soft water line L2. The soft water flow valve 313 controls the flow of soft water in the soft water line L2. As for the soft water flow valve 313, the drive part of the valve body is electrically connected with the control part 5. FIG. The opening and closing of the soft water flow valve 313 is controlled by the control unit 5.

  The salt water line L4 is connected to a tank region 41 (described later) of the salt water tank 4 on the upstream side, and connected to the connection portion J21 of the soft water line L2 on the downstream side. The salt water line L4 constitutes a supply path for supplying salt water W4 for regenerating the ion exchange resin bed 211 to the pressure tank 2.

  The salt water line L4 is provided with a second check valve 72, a salt water valve 314, and a connection portion J4 in order from the salt water tank 4 toward the connection portion J21 of the soft water line L2. The second check valve 72 restricts the flow of the salt water W4 only in the direction in which the salt water W4 flows down from the salt water tank 4 to the pressure tank body 21. The salt water valve 314 controls the flow of the salt water W4 in the salt water line L4. The salt water valve 314 has a valve body drive section electrically connected to the control section 5. The opening and closing of the salt water valve 314 is controlled by the control unit 5.

  The dilution water line L3 is connected to the bottom part of the raw water tank 6 on the upstream side, and connected to the connection part J4 of the salt water line L4 on the downstream side. The dilution water line L3 mainly supplies raw water W1 for diluting the salt water W4 in the regeneration process ST3 to the salt water line L4 and raw water W1 for pushing out the salt water W4 in the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the extrusion process ST4. A supply path for supplying the pressure tank 2 is configured. A first check valve 71 is provided in the dilution water line L3. The first check valve 71 restricts the flow of the raw water W1 only in the direction in which it flows down from the raw water tank 6 to the pressure tank body 21.

  One end of the drain line L5 is open to the atmosphere and constitutes an open end. The other end of the drainage line L5 is connected to the connection part J13 of the raw water line L1. The drainage line L5 constitutes a drainage channel for draining various types of drainage W5 out of the system.

  The downstream side of the raw water line L <b> 1 communicates with the bottom of the pressure tank 2. As described above, in the raw water line L1, the downstream side of the connection portion J13 also functions as the drainage line L5. Accordingly, the other end of the drainage line L5 is connected to the pressure tank 2 via the raw water line L1, and constitutes a connection end.

  The regeneration drain valve 315 is provided on the downstream side of the connection portion J13 in the drain line L5. The regeneration drainage valve 315 controls the flow of the drainage W5 or the salt water W4 in the drainage line L5. The regeneration drainage valve 315 is electrically connected to the control unit 5 at the valve drive unit. The opening / closing of the regeneration drain valve 315 is controlled by the control unit 5.

  The bypass line L6 is connected to the connection part J12 of the raw water line L1 on the upstream side, and connected to the connection part J22 of the soft water line L2 on the downstream side. The bypass line L6 constitutes a supply path for supplying the raw water W1 to the demand point without using the pressure tank 2 in the regeneration process ST3 or the like.

  The bypass valve 312 is provided in the bypass line L6. The bypass valve 312 controls the flow of the raw water W1 in the bypass line L6. The bypass valve 312 has a valve body drive unit electrically connected to the control unit 5. The opening and closing of the bypass valve 312 is controlled by the control unit 5.

  The second supplementary water line L8 is connected to the connection part J14 of the raw water line L1 at one end, and communicates with the salt water tank 4 at the other end. The second supplementary water line L8 constitutes a supply path for supplying the raw water W1 flowing from the connection portion J14 of the raw water line L1 to the salt water tank 4 in the rinsing process ST5.

  The salt water tank 4 includes a tank region 41, a salt placement unit 42, and a net 43. The tank region 41 constitutes a reservoir for salt water W4 in the salt water tank 4. The salt placing unit 42 is disposed inside the tank region 41. A net 43 having water permeability is provided at the bottom of the salt placing portion 42. A salt (sodium chloride, potassium chloride, etc.) to be dissolved in the raw water W1 is placed on the salt placement unit 42. The other end of the second water replenishment line L8 is disposed at the upper part of the salt placement unit 42 and is opened toward the salt placement unit 42. The raw water W1 supplied from the second supplementary water line L8 flows down from the other end of the second supplementary water line L8 toward the salt placement unit 42. The salt placed on the salt placement unit 42 is dissolved by the raw water W1 stored in the tank region 41, and salt water W4 is generated.

  An upstream end of the salt water line L <b> 4 is connected to the bottom of the salt water tank 4. In the regeneration process ST3, the salt water W4 stored in the tank region 41 flows down the salt water line L4 due to the water head pressure difference between the liquid level in the salt water tank 4 and the open end of the drain line L5. The salt water W4 is diluted by being mixed with the raw water W1 flowing down the dilution water line L3 at the connection portion J4 of the salt water line L4. The diluted salt water W4 flows down a part of the soft water line L2, is supplied to the pressure tank 2, and is distributed from the top screen 241 to the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211.

  Further, the salt water tank 4 includes a second float valve 75 as a liquid level control means. The float valve 75 is provided at the other end of the second refill water line L8. Here, the configuration and operation of the second float valve 75 will be briefly described. The second float valve 75 includes a float (not shown), a valve body, and a raw water pipe.

  The float is a cylindrical buoyancy body, and the raw water pipe penetrates through the center. The float is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the raw water pipe. A magnet is attached to the top of the float. The float floats on the surface of the salt water W4 stored in the tank region 41, and moves up and down following the water level of the salt water W4.

  The valve body is a cylindrical member, and is accommodated in a rubbing space formed inside the raw water pipe. The lower end portion of the rubbing space serves as an inlet for the raw water W1, while the upper end portion serves as an outlet for the raw water W1. The valve body can move up and down in the rubbing space, and the flow of the raw water W1 is blocked by the valve body coming into contact with the outlet. That is, the outlet of the raw water W1 functions as a valve seat for the valve body. In addition, a magnetic body is incorporated in the valve body.

  The raw water pipe is a conduit communicating with the second supplementary water line L8. The raw water pipe is disposed substantially vertically inside the salt water tank 4 (tank region 41). As described above, the raw water pipe passes through the center of the float. An inverted U-shaped outlet pipe is connected to the upper part of the raw water pipe. Further, the end portion of the outlet pipe is opened toward the salt mounting portion 42 of the salt water tank 4. The raw water W1 flowing through the raw water pipe is guided to the end of the outlet pipe without being mixed with the salt water W4 stored in the salt water tank 4.

  In the above configuration, when the liquid level of the salt water W4 in the salt water tank 4 does not reach the predetermined water level, the raw water W1 supplied from the second supplementary water line L8 flows through the outlet pipe from the raw water pipe, and the salt water in the salt water tank 4 It is supplied to the mounting unit 42. Thereby, the liquid level of the salt water W4 in the salt water tank 4 rises. When the liquid level of the salt water W4 rises, the float rises together with the liquid level. At this time, since the magnet of the float attracts the magnetic body of the valve body, the valve body housed in the rubbing space of the raw water pipe also rises with the float. When the liquid level rises to a predetermined water level, the raised valve element comes into contact with the outlet of the rubbing space and closes the conduit. Thereby, supply of the raw water W1 from a pipe line stops.

  On the other hand, when the liquid level of the salt water W4 in the salt water tank 4 becomes lower than a predetermined water level, the float descends together with the liquid level. At this time, since the magnet of the float attracts the magnetic body of the valve body, the valve body housed in the rubbing space of the raw water pipe also descends together with the float. When the liquid level drops to a predetermined water level, the lowered valve body separates from the outlet of the friction space and opens the pipe line. Thereby, supply of the raw | natural water W1 from a pipe line is started.

In the present embodiment, the liquid level of the salt water W4 stored in the tank region 41 of the salt water tank 4 is maintained in a predetermined range by the second float valve 75. For this reason, the water head pressure difference between the liquid level in the salt water tank 4 and the open end of the drain line L5 becomes substantially constant. Accordingly, the linear velocity of the salt water W4 flowing through the ion exchange resin bed 211 can be kept constant in the regeneration process ST3 described later.
Here, the linear velocity of the salt water W4 is obtained by dividing the flow rate of the salt water W4 by the cross-sectional area of the ion exchange resin bed 211, and is expressed by the following equation.
Linear velocity [m / h] = flow rate [m ³ / h] ÷ cross-sectional area [m ² ] (1)

  In addition, although the structure and operation | movement of the 2nd float valve 75 mentioned above are based on the indication by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 4-108586, it shows an example and is not limited to this example. An overflow pipe (not shown) is attached to the upper part of the salt water tank 4. This overflow pipe is a facility for discharging the overflowing salt water W4 out of the system when a failure in blocking the flow path occurs due to a failure of the second float valve 75 or the like.

  The raw water tank 6 includes a first float valve 74 as liquid level control means. The first float valve 74 is connected to the downstream end of the first refill water line L7. The first float valve 74 controls the amount of water stored in the raw water tank 6 so that the level of the raw water W1 stored in the raw water tank 6 is maintained within a predetermined range.

The first float valve 74 is a valve that opens and closes the flow path according to the displacement of the floating ball 61 following the vertical fluctuation of the liquid level of the raw water tank 6, and is called a ball tap. In the present embodiment, the liquid level of the raw water W1 stored in the raw water tank 6 is maintained in a predetermined range by the first float valve 74. For this reason, the water head pressure difference between the liquid level in the raw water tank 6 and the open end of the drainage line L5 becomes substantially constant. Therefore, in the regeneration process ST3 and the extrusion process ST4 described later, the linear velocity of the raw water W1 or the salt water W4 flowing through the ion exchange resin bed 211 can be kept constant.
Here, the linear velocity of the raw water W1 or the salt water W4 is obtained by dividing the flow rate of the raw water W1 or the salt water W4 by the cross-sectional area of the ion exchange resin bed 211, and is expressed by the above-described equation (1).

  In addition, although the structure and operation | movement of the 1st float valve 74 mentioned above are based on a general ball tap, they show an example and are not limited to this example. An overflow pipe (not shown) is attached to the upper part of the raw water tank 6. This overflow pipe is a facility for discharging the overflowing raw water W1 out of the system when the flow path blockage failure occurs due to failure of the first float valve 74 or the like.

  The controller 5 controls the process control valve 3 so as to sequentially switch the water treatment process ST1 to the rinse process ST5. The control unit 5 includes a memory (not shown) and a CPU as a calculation unit.

  The memory stores data relating to the processing procedures of each of the water treatment process ST1, the priming process ST2, the regeneration process ST3, the extrusion process ST4, and the rinse process ST5, which will be described later.

  The CPU uses the detection signal output from the flow switch 321 (the signal output when it is detected that a predetermined amount of raw water W1 has passed through the raw water line L1), the timer, and the like based on information such as a timer. Set the process to be executed. Then, the CPU outputs a predetermined valve opening / closing signal to the process control valve 3 based on data relating to the processing procedure of each process stored in the memory. Note that the opening and closing of the valves 311 to 315 constituting the process control valve 3 is controlled by a valve drive circuit (not shown). The valve drive circuit controls the opening and closing of the raw water flow valve 311, the soft water flow valve 313, the bypass valve 312, the salt water valve 314, and the regeneration drain valve 315 based on the valve open / close signal output by the CPU. In the following description, opening the valve is referred to as “open state”, and closing the valve is referred to as “closed state”.

In the water softening apparatus 1 configured as described above, the control unit 5 sequentially performs the following processes ST1 to ST5 shown in FIG. 2 by switching the flow path of the process control valve 3.
(ST1) Water treatment process (water softening process) for passing raw water W1 from the bottom to the top with respect to the ion exchange resin bed 211
(ST2) By forcibly draining the raw water W1 from the drain line L5 and discharging the air staying in the drain line L5 (releasing the air), and removing dust etc. accumulated in the drain line L5, Retrieval process for preventing poor regeneration (ST3) Regeneration process for passing salt water W4 as regenerated liquid from top to bottom with respect to ion exchange resin bed 211 (ST4) Raw water W1 as extrusion water for ion exchange resin bed 211 Extrusion process for passing from top to bottom (ST5) Rinse process for passing raw water W1 as rinsing water from top to bottom with respect to the ion exchange resin bed 211

  The opening and closing of the valves 311 to 315 in the process control valve 3 is controlled by the control unit 5 for each of the processes ST1 to ST5 as shown in FIG. As a result, the inside of the pressure tank 2 is in a state where a fluid flow is generated or a state where no fluid flow is generated for each of the processes ST1 to ST5.

  Next, the operation method (operation) of the water softening device 1 in the present embodiment will be described in detail. In each process ST2 to ST5 excluding the water treatment process ST1, the bypass valve 312 is open. Therefore, the excess raw water W1 that circulates downstream from the connection portion J11 of the raw water line L1 flows from the connection portion J12 to the bypass line L6, and to the demand point of the soft water W2 via the connection portion J22 and the soft water line L2. Temporarily supplied.

[Water treatment process ST1]
The valves 311 to 315 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / closed state indicated by ST1 in FIG. 3 according to a command signal from the control unit 5. As a result, raw water W1 such as tap water, ground water, and industrial water flowing through the raw water line L1 is supplied to the inside of the pressure tank body 21 via the raw water line L1 and distributed from the bottom screen 242. The raw water W1 distributed from the bottom screen 242 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in an upward flow. In the process, the hardness component of the raw water W1 is replaced with sodium ions (or potassium ions), and the raw water W1 is softened.

  The treated water (soft water W <b> 2) that has passed through the ion exchange resin bed 211 is collected on the top screen 241 at the top of the pressure tank 2. Then, the soft water W2 is supplied to the demand location of the soft water W2 via the soft water line L2. When the ion exchange resin bed 211 cannot replace the hardness component by collecting the predetermined amount of soft water W2, the control unit 5 performs the priming process ST2 and subsequent processes.

[Priming process ST2]
The valves 311 to 315 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / closed state shown in ST2 of FIG. 3 by a command signal from the control unit 5. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing through the raw water line L1 flows from the raw water line L1 through the drainage line L5 via the connecting portions J12 and J13, and is discharged out of the system from the open end of the drainage line L5 as drainage W5.

[Regeneration process ST3]
The valves 311 to 315 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / closed state indicated by ST3 in FIG. As a result, the salt water W4 stored in the salt water tank 4 flows down through the salt water line L4 due to a water head pressure difference between the liquid level of the salt water tank 4 and the open end of the drain line L5. At the same time, the raw water W1 stored in the raw water tank 6 flows down through the dilution water line L3 due to a water head pressure difference between the liquid level of the raw water tank 6 and the open end of the drainage line L5. The salt water W4 flowing down each line and the raw water W1 are mixed at the connection portion J4 of the salt water line L4 to become a salt water W4 having a predetermined concentration (about 10% by weight). The salt water W4 is distributed from the top screen 241 disposed on the top of the pressure tank 2 through the salt water line L4, and passes through the inside of the pressure tank body 21 in a downward flow. In the process, the salt water W4 regenerates the ion exchange resin bed 211. The used salt water W4 is collected by a bottom screen 242 disposed at the bottom of the pressure tank 2 and drained outside the system through a drain line L5. This regeneration process ST3 is executed for a predetermined time and is completed by supplying a predetermined amount of salt water W4.

[Extrusion process ST4]
The valves 311 to 315 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / close state shown in ST4 of FIG. As a result, the salt water W4 does not flow down through the salt water line L4, and only the raw water W1 stored in the raw water tank 6 flows down through the dilution water line L3 and the salt water line L4. The raw water W <b> 1 that has flowed down is distributed from a top screen 241 disposed at the top of the pressure tank 2, and passes through the inside of the pressure tank body 21 in a downward flow. In the process, the raw water W1 continuously regenerates the ion exchange resin bed 211 while extruding the salt water W4 supplied in advance. The used salt water W4 and raw water W1 are collected by a bottom screen 242 disposed at the bottom of the pressure tank 2 and drained outside the system through a drain line L5. This extrusion process ST4 is executed for a predetermined time, and is completed by supplying a predetermined amount of raw water W1 and extruding the salt water W4.

[Rinse Process ST5]
The valves 311 to 315 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / close state shown in ST5 of FIG. As a result, the soft water flow valve 313 and the bypass valve 312 are opened, and the raw water W1 is pumped from the raw water supply source to the raw water line L1. The raw water W1 flows to the pressure tank 2 through the raw water line L1, the connection part J12, the bypass line L6, the connection part J22, and the soft water line L2. The raw water W1 is distributed from a top screen 241 disposed at the top of the pressure tank 2 and passes through the inside of the pressure tank body 21 in a downward flow. In the process, the raw water W1 rinses the ion exchange resin bed 211 while washing away the salt water W4 remaining inside the ion exchange resin bed 211. The used raw water W1 is collected by a bottom screen 242 disposed at the bottom of the pressure tank 2 and drained outside the system through a drain line L5. This rinsing process ST5 is executed until the accumulated detection time with water flow by the flow switch 321 reaches a predetermined time, and is completed by supplying a predetermined amount of raw water W4.

  In the rinsing process ST5, a part of the raw water W1 pumped from the raw water supply source is supplied to the salt water tank 4 through the raw water line L1, the connection portion J14, and the second supplemental water line L8. Thereby, the salt water W4 used in the next regeneration process ST3 is prepared.

  Thus, in rinse process ST5, the raw | natural water W1 pumped from the external raw | natural water supply source distribute | circulates to the pressure tank 2. FIG. Therefore, the raw water supply amount per unit time to the pressure tank 2 is larger than that in the extrusion process ST4. For this reason, the salt water W4 remaining inside the ion exchange resin bed 211 is quickly washed away. When the rinsing process ST5 ends, the control unit 5 returns the process control valve 3 to the state of the water treatment process ST1.

  In the priming process ST2 to the rinsing process ST5, the bypass valve 312 is open. For this reason, if a user opens a faucet etc. in the demand point of soft water W2, raw water W1 will be supplied via bypass line L6. Thus, in the hard water softening apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the raw water W1 can be supplied to the user during the execution of a series of regeneration operations (raw water supply state).

According to the water softening device 1 of the first embodiment described above, for example, the following effects are exhibited.
In the water softening apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the ion exchange resin bed 211 is composed of cation exchange resin beads having a degree of crosslinking of 10 to 12%.

  On the other hand, when the ion exchange resin bed 211 is composed of cation exchange resin beads having a degree of crosslinking of less than 10%, residual chlorine, dissolved oxygen, etc. in the raw water W1 while the water treatment process ST1 is repeated. As a result of the oxidation, the resin matrix swells irreversibly and the liquid flow resistance of the ion exchange resin bed 211 increases. When the liquid flow resistance increases, not only the salt water W4 and the raw water W1 cannot be passed at a specified linear velocity in the regeneration process ST3 and the extrusion process ST4, but a drift and a short path are liable to occur, resulting in an ion exchange resin bed. The reproduction rate of 211 is lowered. In addition, when the supply amount of the salt water W4 is managed by time measurement using a timer, the supply of the specified amount of salt water W4 is not completed within the specified time due to a decrease in the flow rate of the salt water W4. May cause.

  Furthermore, if the resin matrix swells irreversibly, the strength of the cation exchange resin beads may be reduced, leading to crushing. For this reason, a part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 may be lost, and it may not be possible to secure the desired water sampling amount and water quality.

  On the other hand, when the ion exchange resin bed 211 is composed of cation exchange resin beads having a degree of crosslinking exceeding 12%, the oxidation resistance of the resin matrix is improved. However, since the ratio of the crosslinking agent in the resin matrix is large, the ion exchange capacity is relatively reduced. As a result, in order to secure a required amount of water to be collected, the capacity of the ion exchange resin bed 211 must be increased, so that the pressure tank 2 is enlarged. In addition, cation exchange resin beads having a high degree of crosslinking generally tend to be brittle. For this reason, while repeating water treatment process ST1, there exists a possibility that a cation exchange resin bead may crush by friction between beads and a fragment may mix in the generated soft water W2. In addition, when the cation exchange resin beads are crushed, a part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 may be washed away, and it may not be possible to secure the desired water sampling amount and water quality.

  However, since the ion exchange resin bed 211 of the present embodiment is composed of cation exchange resin beads having a degree of cross-linking of 10 to 12%, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the above problems. Therefore, according to the water softening device 1 of this embodiment, during the execution of the regeneration process ST3 and the extrusion process ST4, by suppressing the fluctuation of the flow resistance of the ion exchange resin bed 211 and stabilizing the regeneration rate, In addition, by suppressing the loss of the ion exchange resin bed 211, it is possible to constantly ensure the desired amount of collected water and water quality.

  The ion exchange resin bed 211 of the present embodiment is composed of cation exchange resin beads having a particle size uniformity coefficient of 1.2 or less in addition to a degree of crosslinking of 10 to 12%.

  On the other hand, when the ion exchange resin bed 211 is configured by cation exchange resin beads having a uniformity coefficient exceeding 1.2, the water treatment process ST1 using the upward flow of the raw water W1 or a general ion exchange apparatus is used. When the backwashing process is performed, the cation exchange resin beads having a small particle diameter are concentrated on the upper part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 due to the difference in the sedimentation speed, while the cation exchange resin having a large particle diameter is concentrated. The beads concentrate on the lower part of the ion exchange resin bed 211.

  As described above, when cation exchange resin beads having a non-uniform particle size are used, the void distribution is increased inside the ion exchange resin bed 211. For this reason, in the ion exchange resin bed 211, the part where the fluid easily flows and the part where the fluid does not easily flow are generated at the same time, and the liquid flow resistance becomes unstable. As a result, in the regeneration process ST3 and the extrusion process ST4, not only the salt water W4 and the raw water W1 cannot be passed at a specified linear velocity, but also a drift and a short path are likely to occur, and as a result, the ion exchange resin bed 211 is regenerated. The rate will drop.

  However, since the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the present embodiment is composed of cation exchange resin beads having a degree of cross-linking of 10 to 12% and a particle size uniformity coefficient of 1.2 or less, the occurrence of the above-described problems occurs. Can be reduced. Therefore, according to the water softening device 1 of the present embodiment, during the execution of the regeneration process ST3 and the extrusion process ST4, the fluctuation of the flow resistance of the ion exchange resin bed 211 is minimized and the predetermined regeneration rate is maintained. The desired amount of water and water quality can be constantly secured.

  Moreover, the hard water softening apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the 2nd float valve 75 which controls the liquid level of the salt water W4 stored inside the salt water tank 4 to the predetermined range, and the raw water stored inside the raw water tank 6 A first float valve 74 for controlling the liquid level of W1 within a predetermined range is provided. In addition, the height relationship between the liquid level of the salt water tank 4 and the raw water tank 6 and the open end of the drainage line L5 is expressed as follows: The liquid level of the salt water tank 4 and the raw water tank 6> The relationship between the open end of the drainage line L5 It is set to be. Then, salt water W4 from the salt water tank 4 to the pressure tank 2 and salt water W4 from the raw water tank 6 to the pressure tank 2 due to the water head pressure difference between the liquid level in the salt water tank 4 and the raw water tank 6 and the open end of the drain line L5. The raw water W1 is configured to flow down.

  Therefore, the water head pressure difference is kept within a predetermined range through the regeneration process ST3 and the extrusion process ST4, and the salt water W4 and the raw water W1 can flow down to the ion exchange resin bed 211 at a substantially constant linear velocity. Therefore, according to the water softening apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, during the execution of the regeneration process ST3 and the extrusion process ST4, by suppressing the fluctuation of the water head pressure difference that becomes the driving force of the liquid flow and stabilizing the regeneration rate, The desired amount of water and water quality can be secured constantly.

  As described above, the water softening device 1 according to the present embodiment has a specific physical chemistry so as to suppress not only the fluctuation of the hydraulic head pressure difference but also the fluctuation of the liquid flow resistance during the regeneration process and the extrusion process. The ion exchange resin bed 211 is composed of cation exchange resin beads having specific properties. For this reason, the regeneration rate of the ion exchange resin bed 211 necessary for obtaining a desired water sampling amount and water quality is stably secured.

  In addition, when the sodium type harmonic average diameter of 0.5 to 0.8 mm is used as the cation exchange resin beads, the contact efficiency with the salt water W4 as the regenerating solution is improved. There is an effect that the regeneration rate of the floor 211 becomes more stable. Furthermore, when a cation exchange resin bead having a volume change rate of 10% or less when changing from calcium type to sodium type is used, it is passed through the regeneration process ST3 and the extrusion process ST4 over time. Since the change in the liquid resistance is suppressed, the regeneration rate of the ion exchange resin bed 211 is further stabilized.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of a water softening device 1A as a second embodiment of the ion exchange device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an open / close state of the process control valve 3A in each process of the second embodiment. In addition, since the flowchart which shows the process performed by 3 A of process control valves of 2nd Embodiment is the same as 1st Embodiment (FIG. 2), description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The water softening device 1A of the second embodiment differs from the water softening device 1 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure tank 2A and the process control valve 3A. Other configurations are the same, and the equivalent parts will be described with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the pressure tank 2A of the present embodiment, a top screen 241A is provided at the other end of the raw water line L1 arranged in the pressure tank 2A. The top screen 241A collects the salt water W4 from the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the water treatment process ST1 and the top portion of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the regeneration process ST3. It functions as a top collecting part.

  In the pressure tank 2A, a bottom screen 242A is provided at one end of the soft water line L2 disposed in the pressure tank 2A. The bottom screen 242A collects the raw water W1 from the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the regeneration process ST3 and the bottom liquid distribution unit that distributes the salt water W4 from the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the regeneration process ST3. It functions as a bottom collecting part.

  The soft water line L2 disposed in the pressure tank body 21 is a collection and distribution pipe 231 using a synthetic resin pipe or the like, and this collection and distribution pipe 231 penetrates the ion exchange resin bed 211 and is a support floor. It is provided so as to reach the lower part of 212.

  The process control valve 3A includes a second drain line L9 in addition to the lines L1 to L8 of the first embodiment. Further, the process control valve 3A includes a second drain valve 316 in addition to the valves 311 to 315 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the regeneration drain valve 315 of the first embodiment is a first drain valve 315.

  The second drainage line L9 is connected to the connection part J23 of the soft water line L2 on the upstream side, and connected to the connection part J5 of the drainage line L5 on the downstream side. The second drain valve 316 is provided in the second drain line L9. The second drain valve 316 has a valve body drive unit electrically connected to the control unit 5. The opening and closing of the second drain valve 316 is controlled by the control unit 5.

  Next, an operation method (operation) of the water softening apparatus 1A in the present embodiment will be described. In each process ST2 to ST5 excluding the water treatment process ST1, the bypass valve 312 is open. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, excess raw water W1 that circulates downstream from the connection portion J11 of the raw water line L1 circulates from the connection portion J12 to the bypass line L6, via the connection portion J22 and the soft water line L2. The water is temporarily supplied to the demand point of the soft water W2.

[Water treatment process ST1]
The valves 311 to 316 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / closed state shown in ST1 of FIG. 5 by a command signal from the control unit 5. As a result, raw water W1 such as tap water, groundwater, and industrial water flowing through the raw water line L1 is supplied to the inside of the pressure tank body 21 via the raw water line L1 and distributed from the top screen 241A. The raw water W1 distributed from the top screen 241A passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a downward flow. In the process, the hardness component of the raw water W1 is replaced with sodium ions (or potassium ions), and the raw water W1 is softened.

  The treated water (soft water W2) that has passed through the ion exchange resin bed 211 is collected on the bottom screen 242A at the bottom of the pressure tank 2A. Then, the soft water W2 is supplied to the demand location of the soft water W2 via the soft water line L2. When the ion exchange resin bed 211 cannot replace the hardness component by collecting the predetermined amount of soft water W2, the control unit 5 performs the priming process ST2 and subsequent processes.

[Priming process ST2]
The valves 311 to 316 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / close state shown in ST2 of FIG. 5 by the command signal from the control unit 5. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing through the raw water line L1 flows from the raw water line L1 through the drainage line L5 via the connecting portions J12 and J13, and is discharged to the outside as drainage W5 from the open end of the drainage line L5.

[Regeneration process ST3]
The valves 311 to 316 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / closed state shown in ST3 of FIG. 5 by a command signal from the control unit 5. As a result, the salt water W4 stored in the salt water tank 4 flows down through the salt water line L4 due to a water head pressure difference between the liquid level of the salt water tank 4 and the open end of the drain line L5. At the same time, the raw water W1 stored in the raw water tank 6 flows down through the dilution water line L3 due to a water head pressure difference between the liquid level of the raw water tank 6 and the open end of the drainage line L5. The salt water W4 and the raw water W1 flowing down each line are mixed at the connection portion J4 of the salt water line L4 to become a salt water W4 having a predetermined concentration. The salt water W4 is distributed from the bottom screen 242A disposed at the bottom of the pressure tank 2A via the salt water line L4, and passes through the inside of the pressure tank body 21 in an upward flow. In the process, the salt water W4 regenerates the ion exchange resin bed 211. The used salt water W4 is collected by a top screen 241A disposed at the top of the pressure tank 2A, and is drained outside the system via a drain line L5. This regeneration process ST3 is executed for a predetermined time and is completed by supplying a predetermined amount of salt water W4.

[Extrusion process ST4]
The valves 311 to 316 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / close state shown in ST4 of FIG. 5 by the command signal from the control unit 5. As a result, the salt water W4 does not flow down through the salt water line L4, and only the raw water W1 stored in the raw water tank 6 flows down through the dilution water line L3 and the salt water line L4. The raw water W1 that has flowed down is distributed from a bottom screen 242A disposed at the bottom of the pressure tank 2A, and passes through the inside of the pressure tank body 21 in an upward flow. In the process, the raw water W1 continuously regenerates the ion exchange resin bed 211 while extruding the salt water W4 supplied in advance. The used salt water W4 and raw water W1 are collected by a top screen 241A disposed at the top of the pressure tank 2 and drained outside the system through a drain line L5. This extrusion process ST4 is executed for a predetermined time, and is completed by supplying a predetermined amount of raw water W1 and extruding the salt water W4.

[Rinse Process ST5]
In response to a command signal from the control unit 5, the valves 311 to 316 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / closed state indicated by ST5 in FIG. As a result, the raw water flow valve 311, the bypass valve 312 and the second drain valve 316 are opened. When the raw water flow valve 311 is opened, the raw water W1 is pumped to the raw water line L1 from an external raw water supply source (not shown). This raw water W1 flows to the pressure tank 2A through the raw water line L1. And raw water W1 is distributed from the top screen 241A arrange | positioned at the top part of the pressure tank 2A, and passes the inside of the pressure tank main body 21 by a downward flow. In the process, the raw water W1 rinses the ion exchange resin bed 211 while washing away the salt water W4 remaining inside the ion exchange resin bed 211. The used raw water W1 is collected by a bottom screen 242A disposed at the bottom of the pressure tank 2A, and drained outside the system via the soft water line L2, the connecting part J23, the drain line L9, the connecting part J5, and the draining line L5. Is done. This rinsing process ST5 is executed until the accumulated detection time with water flow by the flow switch 321 reaches a predetermined time, and is completed by supplying a predetermined amount of raw water W1.

  Also in the present embodiment, in the rinsing process ST5, a part of the raw water W1 pumped from the raw water supply source is supplied to the salt water tank 4 via the raw water line L1, the connecting portion J14, and the second supplementary water line L8. Supplied.

  Thus, in rinse process ST5, the raw water W1 pumped from the external raw water supply source distribute | circulates to the pressure tank 2A. Therefore, the raw water supply amount per unit time to the pressure tank 2A is larger than that in the extrusion process ST4. For this reason, the salt water W4 remaining inside the ion exchange resin bed 211 is quickly washed away. When the rinsing process ST5 ends, the control unit 5 returns the process control valve 3 to the state of the water treatment process ST1.

  In the priming process ST2 to the rinsing process ST5, the bypass valve 312 is open. For this reason, if a user opens a faucet etc. in the demand point of soft water W2, raw water W1 will be supplied via bypass line L6. Thus, also in the water softening apparatus 1 of 2nd Embodiment, at the time of execution of a series of regeneration operation | movement, raw water W1 can be supplied to a user (raw water supply state).

  In the water softening device 1A of the second embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms.

For example, in the water softening device 1 of the first and second embodiments, the salt water tank 4 and the raw water tank 6 are both disposed above the pressure tank 2 (2A), but are not limited thereto. The height relationship between the liquid level of the salt water tank 4 and the raw water tank 6 and the open end of the drain line L5 is such that the liquid level of the salt water tank 4 and the raw water tank 6> the open end of the drain line L5. For example, the salt water tank 4 and / or the raw water tank 6 may be disposed on the side of the pressure tank 2 (2A).
The liquid levels of both tanks controlled by the first float valve 74 and the second float valve 75 do not necessarily have to be the same level, but it is easy to keep the concentration of the diluted salt water W4 constant. Therefore, it is desirable that the control is performed at the same level.

  Further, the salt water tank 4 and the raw water tank 6 may not be provided separately, but the raw water tank 6 may be shared with the salt water tank 4. In this configuration, after consuming the salt water W4 stored in the salt water tank 4 in the regeneration process ST3, the raw water W1 is stored while controlling the liquid level below the net 43 (that is, the salt water so as not to contact the salt). The raw water W1 is stored in the tank 4), and in the extrusion process ST4, the raw water W1 is supplied to the pressure tank 2 (2A) as extruded water.

  In this configuration, immediately before the regeneration process ST3, the raw water W1 is stored while controlling the liquid level above the net 43 (that is, the raw water W1 is stored in the salt water tank 4 so as to come into contact with salt). To do. Then, when a salt water W4 having a concentration suitable for the regeneration of the ion exchange resin bed 211 is prepared, the regeneration process ST3 is operated.

  In 1st and 2nd embodiment, arrangement | positioning and connection of each line, a valve | bulb, etc. which are shown in FIG.1 and FIG.4 show an example, and are not limited to the structure of FIG.1 and FIG.4. It is good also as a structure which connected between the salt water tank 4 and the raw | natural water tank 6 with the line not shown. In this case, the raw water W1 is supplemented from the raw water tank 6 to the tank area 41 of the salt water tank 4.

  In the first and second embodiments, the salt water tank 4 is provided with a second float valve 75 as a liquid level control means, and the raw water tank 6 is provided with a first float valve 74 as a liquid level control means. Explained. The liquid level control means is not limited to this, and can be constituted by, for example, an overflow line.

  Here, the structure provided with the overflow line as the liquid level control means will be briefly described by taking the salt water tank 4 as an example (each part is not shown). The tank area 41 of the salt water tank 4 is divided into a first tank area (large chamber) and a second tank area (small chamber) by a partition plate. The first tank area is an area where the salt water W4 is stored, located on the salt mounting portion 42 side. The second tank region is a region where the salt water W4 overflowed from the first tank region flows. The upstream side of the overflow line is connected to the bottom of the second tank region. For example, the downstream side of the overflow line is connected to the drain line L5. In the above configuration, when the raw water W1 is supplemented from the first supplementary water line L7, the salt water W4 overflowing from the first tank region overflows the upper part of the partition plate and flows into the second tank region. The salt water W4 is drained from the overflow line connected to the bottom of the second tank region to the drain line L5. According to the said structure, the liquid level of the salt water tank 4 can be maintained in a predetermined range, without providing a complicated mechanism by setting the height of a partition plate suitably.

  The liquid surface control means of the raw water tank 6 can be configured in the same manner. In this case, the raw water W1 overflowed from the raw water tank 6 may be drained from the drain line L5, or the salt water tank 4 may be supplemented with water.

Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which combined the liquid level detection electrode and the water supplement valve | bulb as a liquid level control means.
Here, as a liquid level control means, a configuration in which a liquid level detection electrode and a water replenishing valve are combined will be briefly described by taking the salt water tank 4 as an example. The liquid level detection electrode is configured by providing a detection electrode at a predetermined height of the salt water tank 4 and providing a ground electrode at the bottom of the salt water tank 4. The liquid level detection electrode detects that a current flows between the detection electrode and the ground electrode when the liquid level of the salt water W4 contacts the tip of the detection electrode, and outputs a full water detection signal. The detection signal output from the liquid level detection electrode is transmitted to the control unit 5. Further, a water replenishment line for supplying raw water W1 from an external raw water supply source is provided for the salt water tank 4. Furthermore, a water replenishing valve is provided in this water replenishing line. The drive unit of the water refill valve is electrically connected to the control unit 5, and the opening and closing of the valve is controlled by the control unit 5.

  In the above configuration, when the state where no detection signal is received from the liquid level detection electrode continues for a predetermined time, the control unit 5 opens the water refill valve and starts replenishing the raw water W1 to the salt water tank 4. On the other hand, when receiving the detection signal from the liquid level detection electrode, the control unit 5 closes the water refill valve and stops water replenishment of the raw water W1 to the salt water tank 4. The predetermined time until the water replenishing valve is opened is set to correspond to the time during which the liquid level of the salt water W4 falls from the tip of the detection electrode by a predetermined height (for example, 3 to 5 mm) during the regeneration process ST3. . By performing the control as described above, the liquid level of the salt water tank 4 can be maintained within a predetermined range near the tip of the detection electrode. The liquid surface control means of the raw water tank 6 can be configured in the same manner.

  In addition, the structure and operation | movement which combined the water level detection electrode mentioned above and the water supplement valve | bulb showed an example, and are not limited to this example.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, an example in which the ion exchange device of the present invention is applied to a water softening device has been described. However, the application of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the ion exchange resin of the ion exchange resin in the water softening device is replaced from a cation exchange resin to an anion exchange resin, it can be used as a nitrate nitrogen removal device.

1,1A Water softening device (ion exchange device)
2,2A Pressure tank 3,3A Process control valve (valve means)
4 salt water tank (liquid tank)
5 Control unit (valve control means)
6 Raw water tank (liquid tank)
211 Ion exchange resin beds 241, 241A Top screen (top liquid distribution part, top liquid collection part)
242 and 242A Bottom screen (bottom liquid distribution part, bottom liquid collection part)
74 First float valve (liquid level control means)
75 Second float valve (liquid level control means)
L1 Raw water line L2 Soft water line L3 Diluted water line (liquid supply line)
L4 salt water line (liquid supply line)
L5 Drainage line L6 Bypass line L7 First water replenishment line L8 Second water replenishment line

Claims (4)

A pressure tank containing an ion exchange resin bed;
A liquid tank in which regenerated liquid and / or water for regenerating the ion-exchange resin bed is stored;
A liquid supply line connecting the pressure tank and the liquid tank;
Liquid level control means for controlling the liquid level in the liquid tank to a predetermined range;
A drainage line having a connection end and an open end open to the atmosphere, connected to the pressure tank at the connection end, and supplying regenerated liquid and / or water supplied from the liquid tank to the pressure tank A drainage line discharging as drainage from the open end,
With
The height relationship between the liquid level in the liquid tank and the open end portion in the drainage line is set so that the liquid level in the liquid tank> the open end portion,
Due to the water head pressure difference between the liquid level in the liquid tank and the open end in the drainage line, the regenerated liquid and / or water is supplied from the liquid tank to the pressure tank, and the regenerated liquid and / or water is Configured to discharge from the pressure tank to the drain line,
The ion exchange resin bed is an ion exchange apparatus comprising ion exchange resin beads having a degree of crosslinking of 10 to 12%.   The ion exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a uniformity coefficient of a particle diameter of the ion exchange resin beads is 1.2 or less. A top liquid distribution section provided at the top of the ion exchange resin bed;
A bottom liquid distribution part provided at the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed;
A top liquid collection part provided at the top of the ion exchange resin bed;
A bottom collecting portion provided at the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed;
A flow of water in a water treatment process for producing treated water by producing raw water by collecting raw water at the top liquid collecting part while distributing raw water to the bottom liquid distributing part; and regenerating liquid While the liquid is distributed to the top liquid distribution part, the regenerative liquid flow of the regenerative process for regenerating the ion-exchange resin bed is generated by collecting the liquid at the bottom liquid collecting part to generate a downward flow of the regenerated liquid. Possible valve means;
Valve control means for controlling the valve means so as to sequentially switch the water treatment process and the regeneration process;
The ion exchange apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A top liquid distribution section provided at the top of the ion exchange resin bed;
A bottom liquid distribution part provided at the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed;
A top liquid collection part provided at the top of the ion exchange resin bed;
A bottom collecting portion provided at the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed;
A flow of water in a water treatment process for producing treated water by producing raw water by collecting raw water at the bottom liquid collecting part while distributing raw water to the top liquid distributing part; The regeneration liquid flow in the regeneration process for regenerating the ion-exchange resin bed is generated by collecting the liquid at the top liquid collection part while dispensing the liquid to the bottom liquid distribution part. Possible valve means;
Valve control means for controlling the valve means so as to sequentially switch the water treatment process and the regeneration process;
The ion exchange apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

Images