JPH11151489A - Weakly acidic soft water generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prolong the service life of a cation-exchange resin at the time of generating weakly acidic soft water by passing city water through the cation- exchange resin. SOLUTION: The city water to be treated is passed through an alkalinity removing vessel 1 filled with a water-soluble org. acid such as citric acid. The water-soluble org. acid is slowly released from the vessel 1, and the alkalinity component such as bicarbonate and carbonate in the city water is removed. The city water freed from alkalinity flows to a vessel 2 packed with a cation- exchange resin, the hardness component such as calcium ion and magnesium ion in the city water is exchanged for the hydrogen ion in the cation-exchange resin, and a weakly acidic soft water is obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for converting tap water into weakly acidic soft water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, water includes acidic water and alkaline water, and hard water containing a large amount of calcium and magnesium and soft water containing a small amount of these. Among such waters, particularly weakly acidic soft water is less irritating to the skin and hair, for example, is good for beauty, and further reduces the adhesion of dirt to vanities, bathtub facilities, toilets, system kitchens, etc. In addition, since soap has good foaming and has a bacteriostatic effect, it is desired that soap can be easily and safely used at home.

[0003] Conventionally, in order to produce weakly acidic and soft water, water has been obtained by, for example, passing tap water through a cation exchange resin.

[0004]

When tap water is passed through a cation exchange resin having a sodium-terminated functional group, sodium ions contained in the resin and cations such as calcium and magnesium in the tap water are ionized. For replacement, the water obtained is softened. However, in this case, only soft water can be obtained, and it is not possible to obtain weak acid soft water having a good astringent effect on skin and hair and a bacteriostatic action.

When tap water is passed through a cation exchange resin having a functional group terminal of hydrogen type, hydrogen ions provided in the resin are
Since the cations such as calcium and magnesium in the tap water are ion-exchanged, the obtained water tends to decrease in pH due to an increase in hydrogen ions simultaneously with the softening. On the other hand, since tap water contains alkalinity components such as bicarbonate and carbonate, hydrogen ions released from the cation exchange resin are consumed by these, and a phenomenon that prevents a decrease in pH occurs. . Therefore, there was a limit in generating weakly acidic soft water.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for producing a weakly acidic soft water, which is provided with means for extending the life of a cation exchange resin.

[0007]

According to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, there is provided an apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water from tap water, comprising a cation such as calcium ion or magnesium ion in tap water. The cation exchange resin and a means for removing alkalinity in the tap water were provided so that the replaced tap water exhibited weak acidic soft water.

[0008] The cation exchange resin mentioned here includes a strongly acidic cation exchange resin, a weakly acidic cation exchange resin, and a chelate resin. The terminal of the functional group of the cation exchange resin is a hydrogen type, a sodium type, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, alkalinity components such as bicarbonate and carbonate in tap water can be removed, and hydrogen ions released from the cation exchange resin are consumed by the alkalinity components in tap water. Therefore, the terminal of the functional group of the cation exchange resin is in a hydrogen form.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means for removing alkalinity in tap water is an acid.

As the acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid,
Succinic, malic, tartaric, maleic, fumaric,
Organic acids such as acetic acid; and inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid. Preferably, it is one or more selected from water-soluble organic acids such as citric acid, ascorbic acid, and succinic acid.

[0012] Among the water-soluble organic acids, citric acid is preferred as a food additive, having high solubility in water, and from the viewpoint of cost. Furthermore, ascorbic acid may be mixed in decomposing residual chlorine in tap water. Furthermore, from the viewpoint that it is preferable to carry out the powder in an aqueous solution for easy handling, compactness of the container, and long-term sustained release,
The organic acids in these aqueous solutions are preferably powders.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container is constituted by a container filled with a means for removing alkalinity in tap water.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container filled with the cation exchange resin and the means for removing alkalinity is preferably replaceable.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container having a means for removing alkalinity in tap water is provided with means for gradually releasing the outflow of a water-soluble organic acid. More preferably, the opening for gradually releasing the outflow of the water-soluble organic acid is formed of a porous film. By using the porous membrane, the amount of the water-soluble organic acid dissolved in tap water can be limited, and the organic acid is not wasted.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the terminal of the functional group of the cation exchange resin is of a hydrogen type, the means for removing alkalinity of tap water is provided before the cation exchange resin. By providing a means for removing the alkalinity of tap water at the preceding stage of the cation exchange resin, cations such as calcium and magnesium in tap water and hydrogen ions in the subsequent cation exchange resin are ion-exchanged. When hydrogen ions are released, the released hydrogen ions are not consumed due to the alkalinity of tap water, and thus the generation capacity of weakly acidic soft water is preferably maintained for a long time.

When the terminal of the functional group of the cation exchange resin is sodium, the means for removing alkalinity of tap water is as follows:
It is preferable that the cation exchange resin is provided at the subsequent stage because the ion exchange between sodium ions and hydrogen ions does not occur in the cation exchange resin, so that the water softening efficiency is improved.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may be cases where it is not necessary to use a weakly acidic soft water for the purpose of use. It is preferable that a means for switching whether or not water can be passed to the means for removing alkalinity is provided before the means for removing alkalinity in water.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tap water is divided and one is passed through a passage provided with a means for removing alkalinity in the tap water, and the other is passed through a passage provided with a cation exchange resin. The water is mixed with water from these passages, and a pH sensor for detecting the pH of the mixed water is provided, and the flow control valve is controlled according to the pH value detected by the pH sensor. It is preferable that the pH sensor controls the flow control valve so that the pH of the obtained water is in the range of 4 to 6, so as to be close to the pH of human skin or hair.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows a strongly acidic soft water generating apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the cation exchange resin is a strong acid type cation exchange resin having a hydrogen-terminated functional group, and means for removing alkalinity in tap water. , Citric acid and ascorbic acid as water-soluble organic acids. In FIG. 1, tap water to be treated first passes through an alkalinity removing container 1 filled with a water-soluble organic acid such as citric acid. From the alkalinity removing container 1, a water-soluble organic acid is gradually released, and alkalinity components such as bicarbonate and carbonate in tap water are removed. The tap water from which the alkalinity has been removed flows into the container 2 filled with the cation exchange resin, and hardness components such as calcium ions and magnesium ions existing in the tap water and hydrogen ions existing in the cation exchange resin are mixed. By ion exchange, weakly acidic and soft water is obtained.

FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which tap water is branched into two layers and mixed later. In FIG. 2, the flow of tap water to be treated is firstly adjusted by a flow control valve 3 and branched into water that passes through an alkalinity removal container 1 and water that passes through a container 2 filled with a cation exchange resin. You.

The water that has passed through the alkalinity removing vessel 1 is gradually released with a water-soluble organic acid, so that weakly acidic water is obtained.
On the other hand, the water that has passed through the container 2 filled with the cation exchange resin is ion-exchanged between hardness components such as calcium ions and magnesium ions existing in tap water and hydrogen ions existing in the cation exchange resin. Soft water is obtained.

The water that has passed through the alkalinity removing container 1 and the container 2 filled with the cation exchange resin is mixed. The mixed water that has passed through the pH sensor unit 4 provided at the subsequent stage becomes weakly acidic and soft water. At this time, the output of the pH sensor unit 4 is output to the flow control valve 3 as shown by the broken line in FIG. The flow rate adjusting valve 3 can divide the supplied tap water in two directions and also control the flow rate ratio. The flow rate ratio of the tap water divided in the two directions is determined by the pH sensor unit 4. Controlled by the output from

When the target pH of the weakly acidic soft water is high, the amount of water passing through the alkalinity removing vessel 1 is large, and when the pH of the target weakly acidic soft water is low, the water is passed through the vessel 2 filled with a cation exchange resin. The flow control valve 3 is adjusted so as to increase the amount of water to be discharged.

The pH value is preferably from 4 to 6 which is close to the pH of human skin or hair, because it is less irritating and good for beauty.

In FIG. 2, the flow control valve 3 has been described as being arranged on the upstream side. However, water from the alkalinity removing container 1 is used for water from the container 2 filled with the cation exchange resin. It may be provided at a junction where mixing is performed.

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water according to another embodiment of the present invention. The tap water to be treated first passes through the alkalinity removal container 1. From the alkalinity removing container 1, a water-soluble organic acid is gradually released, and alkalinity components such as bicarbonate and carbonate in tap water are removed. The tap water from which the alkalinity has been removed is branched by the flow control valve 3.

One of the branched water passes through a container 2 filled with a cation exchange resin, and the other passes through a bypass. Water passing through the container 2 filled with the cation exchange resin is weakly acidic because hardness components such as calcium ions and magnesium ions existing in tap water and hydrogen ions existing in the cation exchange resin are ion-exchanged. And it becomes soft water.

The water that has passed through each of the two passages is mixed. The mixed water that has passed through the pH sensor unit 4 provided at the subsequent stage becomes weakly acidic and soft water. At this time, the output of the pH sensor unit 4 is output to the flow control valve 3 as shown by the broken line in FIG. The flow rate adjusting valve 3 can divide the supplied tap water in two directions and also control the flow rate ratio. The flow rate ratio of the tap water divided in the two directions is determined by the pH sensor unit 4. Controlled by the output from

FIG. 4 is provided with a viewing window 5 for allowing a user to recognize the degree to which the water-soluble organic acid shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is reduced by passing tap water through the alkalinity removing container. Things. By doing this,
It can be visually observed that the amount of the water-soluble organic acid decreases in proportion to the amount of water passing therethrough, so that the timing of replenishment of the water-soluble organic acid can be easily known.

FIG. 5 shows the internal structure of the alkalinity removing container shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, wherein the outflow of the water-soluble organic acid is gradually released by the sustained release means of the alkalinity removing container. is there.

The cartridge 6 inside the alkalinity removing container is filled with a water-soluble organic acid, and a porous film 7 is provided below the cartridge 6. The cartridge 6 is filled with a water-soluble organic acid and water, and the water-soluble organic acid is dissolved by an amount corresponding to the solubility. Therefore, the cartridge 6 is filled with a saturated aqueous solution of a water-soluble organic acid and a water-soluble organic acid of an undissolved powder.

FIG. 5A shows a state at the time of stopping water flow. At the time of stopping the flow of water, although not shown, the spring provided on the upper portion of the cartridge 6 causes both the cartridge 6 and the rectifying piece 8 to fall down, so that the porous membrane 7 stops the stopper 9. And the water-soluble organic acid is not released over time.

FIG. 5B shows a state when water is passed. When the flow of water is started to generate a weakly acidic soft water, water flows from the lower part of the cartridge 6 and pushes the cartridge 6 upward at the same time as the rectifying piece 8. As a result, the stopper 9
Waterway 1 that did not exist at the time between
0 results.

Most of the flowing water flows upward through the side of the cartridge 11, but a part of the water flows into the porous membrane 7.
And enters the cartridge 6 through the center of the cartridge. Since the cartridge 6 is fully filled with a saturated aqueous solution of a water-soluble organic acid, the saturated aqueous solution of a water-soluble organic acid is gradually released from the outer peripheral portion of the porous film 7. And joins the water flowing along the side of the cartridge 11 without passing through. As a result, water from which alkalinity has been removed is obtained.

FIG. 6 shows the internal structure of another embodiment of the alkalinity removing container according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the water-soluble organic acid is gradually released through the capillary 12. That is, the alkalinity removing container of the present invention filled with the aqueous solution of the water-soluble organic acid is installed in the middle of the tap water passage 13. The tubule 12 is dimensioned so that an aqueous solution of a water-soluble organic acid does not flow into the water passage 13 during a water stoppage when there is no flow of water. The aqueous solution of a water-soluble organic acid does not flow out of the thin tube 12 at the time of water stoppage where there is no flow of water. Since the aqueous solution of the water-soluble organic acid filled in the container flows out and enters the water passage 13, water from which alkalinity has been removed can be obtained.

FIG. 7 shows a case where citric acid is used as a water-soluble organic acid as an alkalinity removing means, a case where no alkalinity removing means is used, and FIG.
FIG. 6 shows the results of a water flow experiment when citric acid was used as a water-soluble organic acid as a means for removing alkalinity using the apparatus of FIG. As the cation exchange resin, a strongly acidic cation exchange resin was used.

FIG. 7 shows that removal of the alkalinity significantly prolongs the generation life of the weakly acidic soft water having a pH of 6 or less. In addition, it can be seen that, when branched as in the apparatus of FIG. 3, the pH can be maintained at the preferable value of 4 to 6 for a considerably long time.

FIG. 8 shows an apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, a device for generating a weakly acidic soft water is provided at a stage subsequent to a flush fitting having a temperature control function of water and hot water.

FIG. 9 shows the internal structure of FIG. Water or hot water enters the device for generating weakly acidic soft water through a water passage 14 having a certain cross-sectional area.
In the middle of the process, a water passage 15 having a certain length smaller than the water passage 14 is provided, and an aspirator 16 is provided so as to provide the water passage 14 again. The aspirator section 16 is provided with two pipes 17 and 18 so that the cartridge 19 containing citric acid and ascorbic acid is connected to the water passage.

When the cartridge 19 is filled with a sufficient amount of citric acid and ascorbic acid powders 24 and filled with water, a saturated aqueous solution 25 of these powders is always filled. Become. The cartridge 19 is made of a transparent container and has a structure in which the powder 24 of citric acid and ascorbic acid filled therein can be seen, and the reduction of the powder 24 of citric acid and ascorbic acid can be recognized.

Due to the pressure difference between the water passage 14 and the water passage 15, citric acid,
A saturated aqueous solution of ascorbic acid 25 is slowly released from the tube 17. Since water is supplied from the pipe 18, the citric acid powder and the saturated aqueous solution of ascorbin are always full.
The alkalinity in water or hot water and residual chlorine are removed by the sustained-release saturated aqueous solution 25 of citric acid and ascorbin.

A cation exchange resin cartridge 20 filled with a cation exchange resin is provided at the latter part of the water passage, and the cartridge 1 containing citric acid and ascorbic acid is provided.
9 (20-80%) passes through the cation exchange resin through the pipe 26, thereby allowing hydrogen ions in the cation exchange resin to be mixed with calcium, magnesium and other water in the water. Ion exchange occurs with cations, and weakly acidic and soft water is obtained, which is combined with water or hot water that has not passed through the cation exchange resin cartridge 20 through the pipe 27.

The obtained weakly acidic soft water is supplied to, for example, a shower hose and used as body wash water.

The cartridge 19 containing citric acid and ascorbic acid and the cation exchange resin cartridge 20 filled with a cation exchange resin have a replaceable structure.

Regarding the replacement time, the cartridge 19 containing citric acid and ascorbic acid is a transparent container, and the powder of citric acid and ascorbic acid can be visually observed to decrease. Can be easily recognized. The life of these powders and the life of the cation exchange resin (the time until the ion exchange capacity is lost) are set at the same time, and the user exchanges these two cartridges at the same time. Performance can be maintained.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a lever 21 for switching between weakly acidic soft water and tap water is provided. When it is not desired to use weakly acidic soft water, ordinary tap water can be used with this lever 21. Can be.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a drain hole 22 is provided so that at least the water in the water passage 15 of the aspirator section 16 can be drained after using weakly acidic water. A check valve may be provided at the subsequent stage of the drain hole 22 so that, for example, water flowing backward from the shower head side does not enter.

FIG. 10 shows the internal structure of FIG. 8, which is another embodiment of FIG. In FIG. 10, a sustained release membrane structure 23 as shown in FIG. 5 is used, and a cation exchange resin cartridge 20 and a cartridge 19 containing citric acid and ascorbic acid are provided on the upper stage with respect to the water passage. The other points are the same as those in FIG.

In FIG. 8, water or hot water that has passed through the cartridge section containing citric acid and ascorbic acid is branched into one that flows into the cation exchange resin cartridge and one that does not. 11 does not have to be branched as shown in FIG. However, in this case, the life of the cation exchange resin is shortened.

[0052]

As described above, according to the apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water of the present invention, a cation exchange resin for exchanging cations such as calcium ions and magnesium ions in tap water and an alkalinity in tap water can be obtained. Since a removal means is provided, alkalinity components such as hydrogen carbonate and carbonate contained in tap water can be removed by means of alkalinity removal means such as a water-soluble organic acid.

When the terminal of the functional group of the cation exchange resin is in a hydrogen form, hydrogen ions generated from the cation exchange resin by ion exchange may be consumed by hydrogen carbonate and carbonate in tap water. As a result, the life of the cation exchange resin is prolonged without inhibiting the decrease in pH.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus for generating weakly acidic soft water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device for generating weakly acidic soft water according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device for generating weakly acidic soft water according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an alkalinity removal container of the above-mentioned device for producing weakly acidic soft water

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the alkali removal container of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the internal structure of another embodiment of the alkali removal container of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 of the present invention, and the results of a water flow experiment when no alkali removing means is used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device for generating weakly acidic soft water according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an internal structure according to one embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an internal structure according to another embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device for generating weakly acidic soft water according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Alkaline removal container 2 Container filled with cation exchange resin 3 Flow control valve 4 pH sensor part 5 Viewing window 6 Cartridge 7 Porous membrane 8 Rectifier top 9 Stopper 10, 13, 14, 15 Water passage 11 Side 12 Capillary tube 16 Aspirator part 17, 18, 26, 27 Tube 19 Cartridge mixed with citric acid and ascorbic acid 20 Cation exchange resin cartridge 21 Tap water switching lever 22 Drain hole 23 Slow release membrane structure 24 Citric acid, ascorbic acid powder 25 Saturated aqueous solution of citric acid, ascorbic acid

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI C02F 1/66 530 C02F 1/66 530Q 540 540C (72) Inventor Takuo Imazaka 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture No. Totoki Co., Ltd.

Claims (15)

[Claims] An apparatus for generating weakly acidic soft water from tap water, wherein the cations such as calcium ions and magnesium ions in the tap water are exchanged, and the exchanged tap water exhibits weak acid soft water. An apparatus for producing a weakly acidic soft water, comprising: an ion exchange resin; and means for removing alkalinity in tap water. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the terminal of the functional group of the cation exchange resin is a hydrogen type. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for removing alkalinity in tap water is an acid. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the acid of the means for removing alkalinity in tap water is selected from water-soluble organic acids such as citric acid, ascorbic acid, and succinic acid. An apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water, wherein the apparatus is one or more types. 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means for removing alkalinity in tap water is a container filled with an acid. . 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the container filled with the cation exchange resin and the acid comprises:
An apparatus for generating weakly acidic soft water, wherein the apparatus is replaceable. 7. The apparatus for producing a weakly acidic soft water according to claim 5, wherein the container filled with the acid is provided with a means for gradually releasing the outflow of a water-soluble organic acid. apparatus. 8. The apparatus for generating weakly acidic soft water according to claim 7, wherein the container filled with the acid has an opening for releasing the outflow of the water-soluble organic acid from a porous film. Characteristic weak acid soft water generator. 9. The weak acid soft water generator according to claim 7, wherein the container filled with the acid has a small tube formed with an opening for gradually releasing the outflow of the water-soluble organic acid. A device for generating weakly acidic soft water. 10. The apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water according to claim 5, wherein the container filled with acid has a structure capable of recognizing a decrease in acid. 11. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for removing alkalinity in tap water comprises:
An apparatus for producing a weakly acidic soft water, which is provided before the cation exchange resin. 12. The apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water according to claim 11, wherein a means for switching whether or not water can be passed to the means for removing alkalinity is provided before the means for removing alkalinity in tap water. Device for generating weakly acidic soft water 13. The apparatus for producing a weakly acidic soft water according to claim 1, wherein the tap water is divided, and one is passed through a passage provided with a means for removing alkalinity in the tap water, and the other is passed through the passage. It is provided with a pH sensor for passing water through passages provided with a cation exchange resin, mixing the water from these passages, and detecting the pH of the mixed water, and adjusting the flow rate according to the pH value detected by the pH sensor. An apparatus for generating weakly acidic soft water, characterized by controlling a valve. 14. The apparatus for producing weakly acidic soft water according to claim 1, wherein a flow control valve is provided between the means for removing alkalinity in tap water and the cation exchange resin. Is passed through a passage provided with a cation exchange resin, the other is passed through a bypass passage, water from these passages is mixed, and a pH sensor for detecting the pH of the mixed water is provided. An apparatus for generating a weakly acidic soft water, wherein a flow control valve is controlled in accordance with a pH value to be controlled. 15. The weakly acidic soft water producing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the pH sensor controls the pH of the water obtained from the flow control valve to a range of 4 to 6. Soft water generator.