KR102598182B1 - Softening system - Google Patents

Abstract

Soft water that is connected to the main flow path for supplying raw water to the consumer, removes at least part of the ionic substances contained in the raw water supplied through the main flow path, and supplies soft water containing less ionic substances than raw water to the consumer. In the system, a storage unit for storing soft water to be supplied to a demand place; And in order to supply water to the storage unit as the soft water is discharged from the storage unit, at least a part of the raw water supplied from the main flow path is supplied, and at least a part of the ionic substances contained in the supplied raw water are removed based on electrical power. Thus, it includes a filter unit that discharges first soft water containing less ionic substances than the supplied raw water to the storage unit, and second soft water, which is soft water discharged from the storage unit, is supplied to the consumer.

Description

Softening system {SOFTENING SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to water softening systems.

General tap water contains ionic substances such as calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ) and magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ). Water containing ionic substances can cause damage to skin and fabrics. Additionally, calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ) may be precipitated into calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ) by heat, and the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ) may be adhered to pipes through which water flows. Such adhesion may cause cracks in pipes, etc.

Therefore, water softening systems that remove ionic substances from water containing ionic substances are being used. Conventionally, a water softening system that removes ionic substances using ion exchange resin was used. Conventional water softening systems require salt to be replenished for continuous operation, and as a result, the water from which ionic substances have been removed contains salt, making it potable water. A problem occurred that made it difficult to use. Additionally, there was a problem that wastewater discarded after ionic substances were removed caused environmental pollution.

One object of the present invention is to provide a water training system that can solve at least one of the problems described above.

In one example, it is connected to a main flow path for supplying raw water to a demand destination, and at least a part of the ionic substances contained in the raw water supplied through the main flow path is removed, so that soft water containing less ionic substances than the raw water is supplied to the demand destination. A system for supplying soft water, comprising: a storage unit for storing soft water to be supplied to a consumer; And in order to supply water to the storage unit as the soft water is discharged from the storage unit, at least a part of the raw water supplied from the main flow path is supplied, and at least a part of the ionic substances contained in the supplied raw water are removed based on electrical power. Thus, it includes a filter unit that discharges first soft water containing less ionic substances than the supplied raw water to the storage unit, and second soft water, which is soft water discharged from the storage unit, is supplied to the consumer.

According to the present invention, since ionic substances are removed based on electrical force, it can be more convenient than a conventional water softening system that requires continuous supply of salt.

In addition, according to the present invention, the soft water stored in the storage unit can be supplied to the consumer, so a relatively higher flow rate of soft water than before can be supplied to the consumer.

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an installed state of a water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing a water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram explaining the principle of ion removal in the CDI method.
Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram explaining the principle of electrode regeneration in the CDI method.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the storage unit of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of supplying soft water from the water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention when the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer is less than the standard flow rate.
Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of supplying soft water from the water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention when the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer exceeds the standard flow rate.
Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of removing ionic substances from the softened water stored in the storage unit in the water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention when the supply of water to the consumer is stopped.
Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of regenerating the filter unit in the water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention when the supply of water to the consumer is interrupted.
Figure 10 is a configuration diagram showing a water softening system according to Example 2 of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of supplying soft water from the water softening system according to Example 2 of the present invention when the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer is less than the standard flow rate.
Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of supplying soft water from the water softening system according to Example 2 of the present invention when the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer exceeds the standard flow rate.
Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of removing ionic substances from soft water stored in the storage unit in the water softening system according to Example 2 of the present invention when the supply of water to the consumer is stopped.
Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of regenerating the filter unit in the water softening system according to Example 2 of the present invention when the supply of water to the consumer is stopped.
Figure 15 is a configuration diagram showing a water softening system according to a modification of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing an embodiment of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is judged to impede understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

Example One

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an installed state of a water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing a water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention. Hereinafter, a water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, raw water such as tap water is supplied to the consumer 20 along the main flow path 10. The consumer 20 may be an ordinary home. And the water softening system 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention is connected to the main flow path 10 and removes at least a portion of the ionic substances contained in the raw water supplied through the main flow path 10. Therefore, soft water containing less ionic substances than raw water is discharged from the softened water system (1) and supplied to the consumer.

In this way, the water softening system provided in front of the inlet of the consumer and removing ionic substances in all raw water supplied to the consumer is called a Point Of Entry (POE) water softening system, and the water softening system according to Example 1 of the present invention (1 ) may be a POE training system.

Referring to Figure 2, the water softening system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a filter unit 200 and a storage unit 300. And the water softening system 100 of this embodiment includes a first supply line 410, a second supply line 420, a first discharge line 430, a drain line 440, and a second discharge line to form a flow path. It may further include (450) and a recovery line (460).

Since the POE softened water system needs to process all raw water supplied to the consumer, it must process a relatively high flow rate of raw water. To this end, the softened water system 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention includes a filter unit 200 and Includes a storage unit 300. The raw water flowing along the main flow path 10 is discharged into the first soft water through the filter unit 200 and supplied to the storage unit 300, and then is discharged from the storage unit 300 into the second soft water to be supplied to the consumer. You can. That is, the storage unit 300 can receive the first soft water from the filter unit 200, store it, and discharge at least the second soft water derived from the first soft water to supply it to the consumer. The filter unit 200 and the storage unit 300 will be described in more detail below.

The first supply line 410 refers to a line that supplies raw water from the main flow path 10 to the front end of the filter unit 200. The filter unit 200 may include a plurality of filter modules (200a, 200b), as will be described later, and the first supply line 410 has a plurality of filter modules (200a, 200b) to supply raw water to each filter module (200a, 200b). It can branch into lines. A main valve 610 is provided in the main flow path 10, and raw water may or may not be supplied to the softened water system 1 depending on the opening and closing of the main valve 610.

The second supply line 420 refers to a line that branches off from the first supply line 410 or the main flow path 10 and supplies raw water to the storage unit 300. A second supply valve 620 is provided in the second supply line 420, and raw water may or may not be supplied to the storage unit 300 depending on the opening and closing of the second supply valve 620.

The first discharge line 430 refers to a line that guides the water discharged from the filter unit 200 to the storage unit 300, and the drain line 440 drains the water discharged from the filter unit 200 to the outside. This refers to a line that branches off from the first discharge line 430 and leads to the outside. The first discharge line 430 may also include a plurality of lines (430a, 430b) connected to a plurality of filter modules (200a, 200b), and the plurality of lines (430a, 430b) can be combined into one line. there is. In addition, the drain lines (440a, 440b) may also be provided to branch from each of the plurality of first discharge lines (430a, 430b) connected to the plurality of filter modules (200a, 200b).

A three-way valve as a drain valve 640 is provided at the point where the first discharge line 430 and the drain line 440 meet, so that the drain valve 640 opens toward the storage unit 300 or opens toward the drain line 440. By opening, the direction of water discharged from the filter unit 200 can be determined. However, the drain valve 640 does not necessarily have to be a three-way valve, and a valve that opens and closes a plurality of drain lines 440a and 440b, respectively, may be used.

The second discharge line 450 refers to a line that guides the water discharged from the storage unit 300 to the point of demand. A discharge pump 750 is provided in the second discharge line 450, and the second soft water can be discharged from the storage unit 300 by operating the discharge pump 750. However, when raw water is supplied along the main flow path 10 and water is supplied to the storage unit 300, the second soft water may be discharged from the storage due to the pressure, so a discharge pump 750 is used to discharge the second soft water. ) may not necessarily work.

A second discharge valve 650 is provided at the downstream end of the second discharge line 450, and when the second discharge valve 650 is opened and closed, water flowing along the second discharge line 450 is supplied to the consumer. It may or may not be supplied.

The recovery line 460 refers to a line connected from the storage unit 300 to the first supply line 410. As shown in FIG. 2, the recovery line 460 may be provided to branch from the second discharge line 450, and may be provided separately from the second discharge line 450 to connect the storage unit 300 and the first supply line. It may be a line connecting (410). When the recovery line 460 is branched from the second discharge line 450, a recovery valve 660 is provided in the recovery line 460, and the second discharge discharged from the storage unit 300 according to the opening and closing of the recovery valve 660 Soft water may or may not be supplied to the recovery line 460.

Meanwhile, a flow sensor 720 is provided in the second discharge line 450, and the flow sensor 720 can measure the flow rate of water supplied to the demand source 20.

In addition, a filter (not shown) that removes physical foreign substances such as rust may be provided at the front of the water softening system 1, that is, at least one of the main flow path 10 and the rear end of the water softening system 1. Such a filter may be a carbon filter. The filter provided in the main flow path (10) prevents physical foreign substances contained in the raw water from being supplied to the softened water system (1), and the filter provided at the rear of the softened water system (1) prevents the physical foreign substances contained in the softened water from being supplied to the consumer. can be prevented.

Below, the filter unit 200 and the storage unit 300 will be described in more detail.

filter part (200)

The filter unit 200 receives at least a portion of the raw water supplied from the main flow path 10, removes at least a portion of the ionic substances contained in the supplied raw water, and removes at least a portion of the ionic substances contained in the supplied raw water to produce a product containing less ionic substances than the supplied raw water. 1 Discharge the soft water into the storage unit (300). As soft water is discharged from the storage unit 300, the filter unit 200 supplies the first soft water to the storage unit 300 so that the water stored in the storage unit 300 can be maintained above a certain volume.

The filter unit 200 removes ionic substances in water originating from raw water based on electrical force. More specifically, among the methods for removing ionic substances, there is an electrodeionization method. When a direct current voltage acts on the charged particles in the electrolyte, the positively charged particles move to the cathode, and the negatively charged particles move to the anode. This is called electrophoresis. Electrodeionization refers to a method of removing ions (ionic substances) in water by selectively adsorbing or moving them through electrodes or ion exchange membranes, based on the principle of electrophoresis.

Electrodeionization methods include electrodialysis (ED), electro deionization (EDI), continuous electro deionization (CEDI), and capacitive deionization (CDI). The ED type filter unit is equipped with an electrode and an ion exchange membrane. And the EDI type filter unit is equipped with an electrode, an ion exchange membrane, and an ion exchange resin. In contrast, the CDI type filter unit does not include an ion exchange membrane or ion exchange resin.

The filter unit 200 according to Example 1 of the present invention can remove ionic substances using a capacitive deionization (CDI) method among the electrical deionization methods. The CDI method refers to a method of removing ions using the principle that ions (or ionic substances) are adsorbed and desorbed from the surface of an electrode by electrical force.

Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram explaining the principle of ion removal in the CDI method. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram explaining the principle of electrode regeneration in the CDI method. As shown in Figure 3, when a voltage is applied to the electrode and water containing ions passes between the electrodes, negative ions move to the anode and positive ions move to the cathode. In other words, adsorption occurs. Ions can be removed from water through this kind of adsorption. In this way, the mode in which the filter unit (filter module) removes ions (ionic substances) in the water passing through the filter unit through the electrode is hereinafter referred to as the removal mode.

However, the adsorption capacity of the electrode is limited. Therefore, if adsorption continues, the electrode reaches a state where it can no longer adsorb ions. To prevent this, it is necessary to regenerate the electrode by desorbing the ions adsorbed on the electrode. To this end, as shown in FIG. 4, a voltage opposite to that in the removal mode may be applied to the electrode, or no voltage may be applied. In this way, the mode in which the filter unit (filter module) regenerates the electrode is hereinafter referred to as the regeneration mode. Replay mode can be performed before or after removal mode, and the time interval between play mode and removal mode can be set in various ways.

Meanwhile, if the filter unit has only one pair of electrodes, the first soft water may not be discharged from the filter unit when the filter unit performs the regeneration mode. Therefore, the filter unit 200 of the water softening system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a plurality of filter modules 200a and 200b as shown in FIG. 2. A plurality of filter modules 200a and 200b may be arranged in parallel so that the inlet through which water is supplied communicates with each other, and the outlet through which water is discharged communicates with each other.

Each of the plurality of filter modules 200a and 200b can selectively perform either a removal mode or a regeneration mode. The number of filter modules provided in parallel is not particularly limited.

Meanwhile, each of the plurality of filter modules 200a and 200b may be controlled so that the time for performing the removal mode is longer than the time for performing the regeneration mode. Accordingly, the flow rate of the first soft water discharged from the filter unit 200 may increase. And by controlling the amount of power supplied to the electrode in the regeneration mode to be greater than the amount of power supplied to the electrode in the removal mode, the electrode can be sufficiently regenerated in the regeneration mode for a relatively short period of time. .

Since the filter unit 200 removes ionic substances while performing a regeneration mode and a removal mode, the inconvenience of having to continuously supply salt like a conventional water softening system using an ion exchange resin can be eliminated. In addition, since the first soft water discharged from the filter unit 200 does not contain salt, the first soft water can be used as drinking water, and when the filter unit 200 performs the regeneration mode, the water discharged contains only ions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent environmental pollution caused by wastewater like in the conventional water softening system.

Meanwhile, as described above, the water softening system (1) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a POE softening system, so it is necessary to treat a large flow rate of raw water, and for this purpose, the water softening system (1) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention ) includes a storage unit 300.

Storage unit (300)

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the storage unit of the present invention. The storage unit 300 is connected to the main body 310 having a storage space 310a, the water supply ports 301 and 302 provided in the main body 310 to supply water to the storage space 310a, and the storage space 310a. It may include a water outlet 309 provided in the main body 310 to discharge the stored soft water to the outside of the main body 310.

The storage unit 300 stores soft water to be supplied to the consumer 20 in the storage space 310a, and discharges at least the second soft water derived from the first soft water supplied from the filter unit 200 to the consumer 20. do. In some cases, raw water may also be supplied to the storage unit 300. First soft water or raw water can be supplied into the interior of the main body 310 through the water supply ports 301 and 302, and the second soft water is discharged to the outside of the main body 310 through the water outlet 309 to the consumer 20. can be supplied.

Since the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 can be discharged as second soft water and supplied to the consumer 20, it is more effective than the case where the first soft water discharged through the filter unit 200 is supplied to the consumer 20. A large flow rate of soft water can be supplied to the consumer (20).

Meanwhile, as the soft water stored in the storage space 310a is discharged through the water outlet 309, supplemental water is supplied to the storage space 310a through the water supply ports 301 and 302, and the water stored in the storage unit 300 It is necessary to always maintain a certain volume or more. This is especially true when the storage unit 300 is a closed tank.

Meanwhile, the second soft water originates from the first soft water, but in some cases, raw water may also be supplied to the storage unit 300 as supplemental water. Therefore, in order to prevent the water supplied through the water inlets 301 and 302 from flowing toward the outlet 309, the storage unit 300 may further include a partition 320 that partitions the storage space 310a. You can.

The partition 320 is a component that divides the storage space 310a. As the soft water stored in the storage space 310a is discharged through the water outlet 309, the make-up water flows through the water supply ports 301 and 302. When supplied to the storage space 310a, make-up water may be prevented from flowing toward the outlet 309. In other words, it is possible to prevent the make-up water and soft water from easily mixing, and it can act to discharge the soft water originally stored through the water outlet 309 first.

More specifically, the partition 320 may include a partition plate 321 to partition the storage space 310a. The partition plate 321 may be formed to extend along an extension direction. Here, the extension direction refers to the direction crossing the direction from the water inlet (301, 302) toward the outlet (309). As the partition plate (321) extends along the extension direction, make-up water flows from the water inlet (301, 302). It may hinder the flow toward the outlet 309.

Additionally, a plurality of partition plates 321 may be provided to be spaced apart along a direction from the water supply ports 301 and 302 to the water outlet port 309 and may be installed on the inner surface of the main body 310. A plurality of partition plates 321 are provided to be spaced apart along the direction from the water inlets 301 and 302 to the water outlet 309, thereby ensuring the flow of hard water from the water inlets 301 and 302 towards the outlet 309. It can be a hindrance.

Meanwhile, since the plurality of partition plates 321 prevent makeup water and softened water from mixing, but do not completely block the flow of water, they may each be provided with a partition flow path 321a for water to flow.

For example, the plurality of partition plates 321 may be installed on the inner surface of the main body 310 so that the ends along the extension direction are spaced apart from the inner surface of the main body 310. That is, a partition flow path 321a may be formed between the end and the inner surface of the partition plate 321. Alternatively, the partition flow path 321a may be formed to penetrate the partition plate 321.

Hereinafter, the control method of the water softening system 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention according to various conditions will be described in detail.

The flow rate of water supplied to the consumer is the standard flow rate In case of less than

Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of supplying soft water from the water softening system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer is less than the standard flow rate. In the conceptual diagram below, a thick line means a line where water is flowing, and a dotted line means a line where water is not flowing.

When the flow rate of water supplied to the demander 20, that is, the supply flow rate, is less than the standard flow rate, all of the raw water supplied from the main flow path 10 is supplied to the filter unit 200, and the first water discharged from the filter unit 200 All of the soft water may be supplied to the storage unit 300. And, the second soft water formed by mixing the first soft water supplied to the storage unit 300 and the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 may be supplied to the consumer 20. Here, the reference flow rate refers to a value below the maximum flow rate that the filter unit 200 can accommodate, and means a preset value. For example, it may be set to about 80% of the maximum flow rate that the filter unit 200 can accommodate. And the supply flow rate can be measured by the flow sensor 720.

In this case, the first soft water discharged from the filter unit 200 is supplied to the storage unit 300 as much as the second soft water discharged from the storage unit 300, but since the supply flow rate is less than the standard flow rate, the filter unit 200 Can remove ionic substances contained in raw water by a set removal rate and discharge them into the first soft water, thereby preventing ionic substances from accumulating in the soft water stored in the storage unit 300.

Meanwhile, the water softening system 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention may further include a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the water softening system 1, such as the valve and pump described above, and the control unit is as follows. The water softening system 1 can be controlled to cause water to flow as shown in FIG. 6. Below, the filter unit discharge water refers to water discharged from the filter unit, for example, first soft water.

When the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer exceeds the standard flow rate

Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of supplying soft water from the water softening system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer exceeds the standard flow rate.

When the supply flow rate exceeds the reference flow rate, especially when the supply flow rate exceeds the maximum flow rate that the filter unit 200 can accommodate, the removal rate of the filter unit 200, that is, the ionic energy passing through the filter unit 200 The ratio of the amount of ionic material removed from the filter unit 200 to the amount of material may decrease.

In addition, when the supply flow rate exceeds the standard flow rate, it may be difficult for the first supply line 410 to accommodate the entire supply flow rate, so some of the raw water supplied from the main flow path 10 is supplied to the filter unit 200. , the remainder may be supplied to the storage unit 300. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, a flow rate of 2 can be supplied from the main flow path 10, of which only 1 is supplied to the first supply line 410. In the case of FIG. 7, 2 of the main flow path 10 is supplied. One of the flow rates may be supplied to the first supply line 410, and the remaining one may be supplied to the second supply line 420. Accordingly, in the case of FIG. 7, a flow rate of 2 can be supplied to the demander 20.

And the second soft water formed by mixing the first soft water discharged from the filter unit 200 and supplied to the storage unit 300 and the raw water supplied to the storage unit 300 with the soft water stored in the storage unit 300. It can be supplied to the demand source (20). At this time, in order to ensure that the soft water already stored in the storage unit 300 is preferentially supplied to the consumer 20, the above-described partition unit 320 may be provided in the storage space 310a of the storage unit 300.

The control unit can control the water softening system 1 as follows to cause water to flow as shown in FIG. 7.

At this time, at least one of the plurality of filter modules may perform a removal mode so that the first soft water is continuously supplied to the storage unit 300. For example, when the drain valve 640a is opened toward the storage unit 300 and the drain valve 640b is opened toward the drain line 440b, the filter module 200a is in the removal mode, and the filter module 200b is in the removal mode. ) can perform playback mode.

Alternatively, a plurality of filter modules may alternately perform removal mode and regeneration mode together.

And as described above, since the second soft water can be discharged by the pressure of the first soft water or raw water supplied to the storage unit 300, the discharge pump 750 does not necessarily have to be operated. However, for example, when water is not sufficiently discharged from the storage unit 300 with these pressures alone, the discharge pump 750 can be operated.

When the amount of ionic substances in the soft water stored in the storage unit exceeds the limit

As the second soft water is continuously discharged from the storage unit 300, ionic substances contained in the raw water or ionic substances that have not been removed from the filter unit 200 may be supplied to the storage unit 300. Ionic substances may gradually accumulate in the soft water stored in unit 300.

Meanwhile, the amount of ionic substances contained in the soft water supplied to the demand source 20 may be preset to be below a certain standard value, and the amount of ionic substances in the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 increases, When the second soft water discharged from (300) is supplied to the consumer (20), if the amount of ionic substances contained in the second soft water exceeds the preset standard value, then the ionic substance in the soft water stored in the storage unit (300) It can be determined that the amount of substance exceeds the limit.

At this time, the control unit may inform the user that the amount of ionic substances in the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 exceeds the limit.

Meanwhile, a TDS sensor 710 may be provided inside the storage unit 300 to measure the TDS of soft water stored in the storage unit 300, and the control unit may measure the TDS of the soft water stored in the storage unit 300. By doing this, it can be determined whether the amount of ionic substances in the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 exceeds the limit.

When water supply to the consumer is interrupted

When the supply of water to the demand source 20 is stopped, control can be performed to remove ionic substances contained in the soft water stored in the storage unit 300. That is, the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 is circulated between the filter unit 200 and the storage unit 300 and ionic substances are removed through the filter unit 200, so that the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 is larger. It can be made to contain a small amount of ionic substances.

Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of removing ionic substances from the softened water stored in the storage unit 300 in the water softening system 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention when the supply of water to the consumer is stopped.

When the supply of water to the demand source 20 is stopped and the filter module performs the removal mode, the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 is transferred to the recovery line 460, the first supply line 410, and the filter unit 200. ) and sequentially pass through the first discharge line 430 and may circulate between the storage unit 300 and the filter unit 200.

The control unit can control the water softening system 1 as follows to cause water to flow as shown in FIG. 8.

Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of regenerating the filter unit 200 in the water softening system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the supply of water to the consumer is interrupted.

When the supply of water to the demand source 20 is stopped and the filter module performs the regeneration mode, the raw water supplied through the first supply line 410 passes through the filter unit 200 and is discharged from the electrode of the filter unit 200. Together with the desorbed ionic material, it can be drained to the outside through the first discharge line 430 and the drain line 440.

The control unit can control the water softening system 1 as follows to cause water to flow as shown in FIG. 9.

Example 2

Figure 10 is a configuration diagram showing a water softening system according to Example 2 of the present invention. The water softening system 2 according to Example 2 of the present invention differs from the water softening system 1 according to Example 1 in that the location of the recovery line is different and a second drainage line is further provided. Additionally, there are differences in the way the water softening system 2 is controlled depending on these differences. Configurations that are the same or equivalent to those of the water softening system 1 according to Example 1 are assigned the same or equivalent reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

Referring to Figure 10, the water softening system 2 according to Example 2 of the present invention includes a filter unit 200, a storage unit 300, a first supply line 410, a second supply line 420, and a first It may include a discharge line 430, a first drain line 440, a second drain line 470, a second discharge line 450, and a recovery line 460.

The first supply line 410 refers to a line that supplies raw water from the main flow path 10 to the front end of the filter unit 200. The first supply line 410 may be branched into a plurality of lines to supply raw water to each filter module 200a and 200b.

A main valve 610 is provided in the main flow path 10, and raw water may or may not be supplied to the softened water system 2 depending on the opening and closing of the main valve 610.

The second supply line 420 refers to a line that branches off from the first supply line 410 and supplies raw water to the storage unit 300. A second supply valve 620 is provided in the second supply line 420, and raw water may or may not be supplied to the storage unit 300 depending on the opening and closing of the second supply valve 620.

The first discharge line 430 refers to a line that guides the water discharged from the filter unit 200 to the storage unit 300, and the first drain line 440 refers to a line that guides the water discharged from the filter unit 200 to the outside. Refers to a line branched from the first discharge line 430 for draining water. The first discharge line 430 may also include a plurality of lines (430a, 430b) connected to a plurality of filter modules (200a, 200b), and the plurality of lines (430a, 430b) can be combined into one line. there is. Additionally, the first drain lines 440a and 440b may also be provided to branch from each of the plurality of first discharge lines 430a and 430b connected to the plurality of filter modules 200a and 200b.

A three-way valve as the first drain valve 640 is provided at the point where the first discharge line 430 and the first drain line 440 meet, so that the first drain valve 640 opens toward the storage unit 300 or 1 By opening toward the drain line 440, the direction of water discharged from the filter unit 200 can be determined.

The second drain line 470 refers to a line branched from the first supply line 410 and connected to the first drain line 440. At the point where the first supply line 410 and the second drain line 470 meet, a three-way valve is provided as a second drain valve 670, so that the second drain valve 670 opens toward the filter unit 200 or the second drain valve 670 opens. By opening toward the drain line 470, the flow direction of water flowing through the first supply passage can be determined.

The second discharge line 450 refers to a line that guides the water discharged from the storage unit 300 to the consumer 20. A discharge pump 750 is provided in the second discharge line 450, and the second soft water can be discharged from the storage unit 300 by operating the discharge pump 750. In addition, a second discharge valve 650 is provided at the downstream end of the second discharge line 450, and when the second discharge valve 650 is opened and closed, the water flowing along the second discharge line 450 flows to the demand destination. It may or may not be supplied as (20). In addition, a flow sensor 720 is provided in the second discharge line, and the flow sensor 720 can measure the flow rate of water supplied to the demand source 20.

The recovery line 460 refers to a line branched from the second discharge line 450 and connected to the first discharge line 430. As shown in FIG. 10, a three-way valve as a branch valve 680 is provided at the point where the recovery line 460 and the first discharge line 430 meet, and the branch valve 680 opens toward the storage unit 300. The direction of water flow can be determined by being open or open toward the recovery line 460.

Additionally, a filter (not shown) that removes physical foreign substances may be provided at the front of the water softening system 2, that is, at least one of the main flow path 10 and the rear end of the water softening system 2. The filter provided in the main flow path (10) prevents physical foreign substances contained in the raw water from being supplied to the softened water system (2), and the filter provided at the rear of the softened water system (2) prevents physical foreign substances contained in the softened water from being supplied to the water softener system (20). supply can be prevented.

Hereinafter, as in Example 1, the control method of the water softening system 2 according to various conditions will be described in detail.

When the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer is below the standard flow rate

Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of supplying soft water from the water softening system 2 according to Example 2 of the present invention when the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer is less than the standard flow rate.

When the flow rate of water supplied to the demander 20, that is, the supply flow rate, is less than the standard flow rate, all of the raw water supplied from the main flow path 10 is supplied to the filter unit 200, and the first water discharged from the filter unit 200 All of the soft water may be supplied to the storage unit 300. And, the second soft water formed by mixing the first soft water supplied to the storage unit 300 and the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 may be supplied to the consumer 20.

The control unit can control the water softening system 2 as follows to cause water to flow as shown in FIG. 11.

When the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer exceeds the standard flow rate

Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of supplying soft water from the water softening system 2 according to Example 2 of the present invention when the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer exceeds the standard flow rate.

When the supply flow rate exceeds the standard flow rate, especially when the supply flow rate exceeds the maximum flow rate that the filter unit 200 can accommodate, some of the raw water supplied from the main flow path 10 is supplied to the filter unit 200. and the remainder can be supplied to the storage unit 300. And the second soft water formed by mixing the first soft water discharged from the filter unit 200 and supplied to the storage unit 300 and the raw water supplied to the storage unit 300 with the soft water stored in the storage unit 300. It can be supplied to the demand source (20).

The control unit can control the water softening system 2 as follows to cause water to flow as shown in FIG. 12.

At this time, at least one of the plurality of filter modules may perform a removal mode so that the first soft water is continuously supplied to the storage unit 300. Alternatively, a plurality of filter modules may alternately perform removal mode and regeneration mode together.

When water supply to the consumer is interrupted

When the supply of water to the demand source 20 is stopped, control can be performed to remove ionic substances contained in the soft water stored in the storage unit 300. That is, the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 is circulated between the filter unit 200 and the storage unit 300 and ionic substances are removed through the filter unit 200, so that the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 is larger. It can be made to contain a small amount of ionic substances.

Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of removing ionic substances from the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 in the water softening system 2 according to Example 2 of the present invention when the supply of water to the demand source 20 is stopped. .

When the supply of water to the demand source 20 is stopped and the filter module performs the removal mode, the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 is discharged from the second discharge line 450, the recovery line 460, and the first discharge line. It may sequentially pass through (430), the filter unit (200), the first supply line (410), and the second supply line (420) and circulate between the storage unit (300) and the filter unit (200).

The control unit can control the water softening system 2 as follows to cause water to flow as shown in FIG. 13. Below, storage unit discharge water refers to water discharged from the storage unit, for example, second soft water.

Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of regenerating the filter unit 200 in the water softening system 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when the supply of water to the consumer is stopped.

When the supply of water to the demander 20 is stopped and the filter module performs the regeneration mode, the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 is discharged from the second discharge line 450, the recovery line 460, and the first discharge line. It may be supplied to the filter unit 200 through (430), pass through the filter unit 200, and be discharged to the first supply line 410 together with the ionic material desorbed from the electrode of the filter unit 200. And it can be drained to the outside through the second drain line 470 and the first drain line 440.

The control unit can control the water softening system 2 as follows to cause water to flow as shown in FIG. 14.

Variation example

Figure 15 is a configuration diagram showing a water softening system according to a modification of the present invention. The water softening system according to the modified example of the present invention is different from the water softening system according to Example 1 in that a plurality of filter units are provided. In addition, it is different from the water softening system according to Example 1 in that the second supply line is connected to the first discharge line rather than the storage unit, and includes a second branch line branched from the recovery line and connected to the second discharge line. . Configurations that are the same or equivalent to those of the water softening system according to Example 1 are assigned the same or equivalent reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 15, the water softening system 3 according to a modified example of the present invention includes a filter unit 200 and a storage unit 300. The system of this modified example includes a first supply line 410, a first discharge line 430, a second supply line 420, a second discharge line 450, a recovery line 460, and a first discharge line 460 to form a flow path. It may further include two branch lines (490).

At this time, the filter unit 200 may include a plurality of filter devices provided in parallel along a direction transverse to the supply direction of raw water. The inlets of the plurality of filter devices may communicate with each other, and the outlets may communicate with each other. In addition, the filter device may also include a plurality of filter modules arranged in parallel so that the inlet through which water is supplied communicates with each other, and the outlet through which water is discharged communicates with each other. If the filter unit 200 includes a plurality of filter devices, the flow rate of raw water that the filter unit 200 can accommodate can also be increased.

The first supply line 410, which supplies raw water from the main flow path 10 to the front end of the filter unit 200, may be branched and connected to each filter unit 200. However, there may be cases where the pressure of the raw water supplied to the first supply line 410 is not large enough to be transmitted to all of the plurality of filter units 200. Even in this case, in order to smoothly supply raw water to the filter unit 200 located furthest away, an auxiliary pump 770 may be provided in the first supply line 410 to supply raw water to the filter unit 200. .

The first discharge line 430 may guide the first soft water discharged from the plurality of filter units 200 to the storage unit 300. An auxiliary flow rate sensor 740 is provided in the first discharge line 430 to obtain the flow rate of water supplied to the storage unit 300. The auxiliary flow sensor 740 can obtain the flow rate of water supplied from the plurality of filter units 200 to the storage unit 300.

The second supply line 420 refers to a line branched from the first supply line 410 or the main flow path 10 and connected to the first discharge line 430. A second supply valve 620 is provided in the second supply line 420, and raw water may or may not be supplied to the second supply line 420 by opening and closing the second supply valve 620.

If the flow rate obtained by the first flow sensor 720 does not reach the supply flow rate, the control unit may operate the auxiliary pump 770 to perform control so that a larger amount of raw water is supplied to the filter unit 200. there is. Alternatively, the control unit may supply an insufficient amount of water to the storage unit 300 by opening the second supply valve 620 to supply raw water directly to the first discharge line 430. If sufficient flow rate can be secured by filter units arranged in parallel, the second supply line 420 may not be provided.

The recovery line 460 refers to a line connected from the storage unit 300 to the first supply line 410, and a recovery valve 660 may be provided in the recovery line 460. And the second discharge line 450 refers to a line that guides the second soft water discharged from the storage unit 300 to the consumer 20, and the second discharge line 450 controls the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer 20. A flow sensor 720 may be provided for measurement.

The second branch line 490 refers to a line branched from the recovery line 460 and connected to the second discharge line 450. A flow control valve may be provided in the second branch line 490. As the first soft water is discharged from the filter unit 200 and supplied to the storage unit 300, when the second soft water is discharged from the storage unit 300 to the consumer 20, in some cases, some raw water is included in the second soft water. Sometimes it is discharged by mixing. In this case, the flow control valve 690 can be opened so that raw water is supplied to the second discharge line 450 through the second branch line 490, and the flow control valve 690 can be adjusted to adjust the second branch line ( The flow rate of raw water supplied to the second discharge line 450 can be adjusted through 490). At this time, the flow control valve 690 can be adjusted to supply an appropriate amount of raw water to the second discharge line 450 based on the TDS of the raw water and the TDS of the soft water set to be supplied to the consumer 20.

The control method of the water softening system 3 according to Example 3 of the present invention is substantially the same as that of the water softening system according to Example 1.

More specifically, the raw water supplied from the main flow path 10 may have ionic substances removed through the filter unit 200 and then be supplied to the storage unit 300 as first soft water. As the first soft water is supplied to the storage unit 300, the second soft water may be discharged from the storage unit 300 and supplied to the consumer 20.

When water is not supplied to the demand source 20 and ionic substances in the soft water stored in the storage unit 300 are removed, the water stored in the storage unit 300 flows through the recovery line 460, the first supply line 410, Ionic substances are removed through the filter unit 200, which sequentially passes through the filter unit 200 and the first discharge line 430 and performs a removal mode while circulating between the storage unit 300 and the filter unit 200. You can.

When the filter unit 200 performs the regeneration mode, the raw water supplied to the filter unit 200 through the first supply line 410 may be drained through the drain line along with the ionic substances desorbed from the electrode. .

The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but are for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

10: Main Euro
20: Source of demand
100: Water softening system
200: Filter unit
300: storage unit
301, 302: Water inlet
309: outlet
310: body
310a: storage space
320: compartment
321: compartment plate
321a: Block Euro
410: First supply line
420: Second supply line
430: First discharge line
440: Drainage line (first drain line)
450: Second discharge line
460: recovery line
470: Second drain line
490: Second branch line
610: Main valve
620: Second supply valve
640: Drain valve (first drain valve)
650: Second discharge valve
660: Recovery valve
670: Second drain valve
680: Branch valve
690: Flow control valve
710: TDS sensor
720: Flow sensor
740: Auxiliary flow sensor
750: Discharge pump
770: Auxiliary pump

Claims (15)

It is connected to a main flow path for supplying raw water to a consumer, and removes at least part of the ionic substances contained in the raw water supplied through the main flow path, thereby supplying soft water containing less ionic substances than the raw water to the consumer. In the training system for:
a storage unit that stores soft water to be supplied to the demand source;
In order to supply water to the storage unit as the soft water is discharged from the storage unit, at least a portion of the raw water supplied from the main flow path is supplied, and at least a portion of the ionic material contained in the supplied raw water is electrically applied. a filter unit for removing first soft water containing less ionic substances than the supplied raw water to the storage unit;
a first supply line supplying the raw water from the main flow path to the front end of the filter unit;
a recovery line connected from the storage unit to the first supply line;
a first discharge line that guides water discharged from the filter unit to the storage unit; and
It includes a drain line branched from the first discharge line to drain water discharged from the filter unit to the outside,
A water softening system in which second soft water, which is soft water discharged from the storage unit, is supplied to the consumer.
In claim 1,
If the supply flow rate, which is the flow rate of water supplied to the demand destination, is less than the standard flow rate, which is the preset flow rate,
All of the raw water supplied from the main flow path is supplied to the filter unit,
All of the first soft water discharged from the filter unit is supplied to the storage unit,
A soft water system, wherein the second soft water formed by mixing the first soft water supplied to the storage unit and the soft water stored in the storage unit is supplied to the demander.
In claim 1,
If the supply flow rate, which is the flow rate of water supplied to the consumer, exceeds the standard flow rate, which is the preset flow rate,
Some of the raw water supplied from the main flow path is supplied to the filter unit, and the remainder is supplied to the storage unit,
A water softening system wherein the first soft water discharged from the filter unit and supplied to the storage unit and the second soft water formed by mixing the raw water supplied to the storage unit and the soft water stored in the storage unit are supplied to the demand source.
In claim 3,
The filter unit includes a plurality of filter modules arranged in parallel so that the inlet through which water is supplied communicates with each other, and the outlet through which water is discharged communicates with each other,
The filter module selectively performs one of a removal mode in which the ionic material is removed by electrodeionization through an electrode and a regeneration mode in which the electrode is regenerated,
A water softening system, wherein at least one of the plurality of filter modules performs the removal mode.
In claim 3,
The filter unit includes a plurality of filter modules arranged in parallel so that the inlet through which water is supplied communicates with each other, and the outlet through which water is discharged communicates with each other,
The filter module selectively performs one of a removal mode in which the ionic material is removed by electrodeionization through an electrode and a regeneration mode in which the electrode is regenerated,
A water softening system wherein the plurality of filter modules alternately perform the removal mode together and the regeneration mode together.
It is connected to a main flow path for supplying raw water to a consumer, and removes at least part of the ionic substances contained in the raw water supplied through the main flow path, thereby supplying soft water containing less ionic substances than the raw water to the consumer. In the training system for:
a storage unit that stores soft water to be supplied to the demand source;
In order to supply water to the storage unit as the soft water is discharged from the storage unit, at least a portion of the raw water supplied from the main flow path is supplied, and at least a portion of the ionic material contained in the supplied raw water is electrically applied. a filter unit for removing first soft water containing less ionic substances than the supplied raw water to the storage unit;
a first supply line supplying the raw water from the main flow path to the front end of the filter unit; and
It includes a recovery line connected from the storage unit to the first supply line,
The second soft water, which is soft water discharged from the storage unit, is supplied to the consumer,
The filter unit selectively performs one of a removal mode in which the ionic material is removed by electrical deionization through an electrode and a regeneration mode in which the electrode is regenerated,
When the supply of water to the demand source is stopped and the filter unit performs the removal mode, the soft water stored in the storage unit sequentially passes through the recovery line, the first supply line, the filter unit, and the first discharge line. A water softening system that circulates between the storage section and the filter section.
In claim 1,
The filter unit selectively performs one of a removal mode in which the ionic material is removed by electrical deionization through an electrode and a regeneration mode in which the electrode is regenerated,
When the supply of water to the demand source is stopped, the soft water stored in the storage unit is circulated between the filter unit and the storage unit to remove ionic substances through the filter unit, so that the soft water stored in the storage unit is reduced to a smaller amount. A water softening system that includes ionic substances.
In claim 7,
When the supply of water to the demand source is stopped and the filter unit performs the removal mode, the soft water stored in the storage unit sequentially passes through the recovery line, the first supply line, the filter unit, and the first discharge line. Circulating between the storage unit and the filter unit,
When the supply of water to the demand source is stopped and the filter unit performs the regeneration mode, the raw water supplied through the first supply line passes through the filter unit and the ionic material desorbed from the electrode of the filter unit. A water softening system that drains to the outside through a first discharge line and a drain line.
It is connected to a main flow path for supplying raw water to a consumer, and removes at least part of the ionic substances contained in the raw water supplied through the main flow path, thereby supplying soft water containing less ionic substances than the raw water to the consumer. In the training system for:
a storage unit that stores soft water to be supplied to the demand source;
In order to supply water to the storage unit as the soft water is discharged from the storage unit, at least a portion of the raw water supplied from the main flow path is supplied, and at least a portion of the ionic material contained in the supplied raw water is electrically applied. a filter unit for removing first soft water containing less ionic substances than the supplied raw water to the storage unit;
a first discharge line discharging water discharged from the filter unit to the storage unit;
a second discharge line that guides the water discharged from the storage unit to the consumer;
a first drain line branched from the first discharge line to drain water discharged from the filter unit to the outside; and
A water softening system comprising a recovery line branched from the second discharge line and connected to the first discharge line.
In claim 7,
Further comprising a control unit that controls the water softening system,
The filter unit includes a plurality of filter modules arranged in parallel so that the inlet through which water is supplied communicates with each other, and the outlet through which water is discharged communicates with each other,
A water softening system wherein each of the plurality of filter modules is controlled so that the time for performing the removal mode is longer than the time for performing the regeneration mode.
In claim 10,
The filter module is controlled so that the amount of power supplied to the electrode in the regeneration mode is greater than the amount of power supplied to the electrode in the removal mode.
In claim 1,
The filter unit includes a plurality of filter devices provided in parallel so that the inlet through which water is supplied communicates with each other, and the outlet through which water is discharged communicates with each other,
The filter device is a water softening system comprising a plurality of filter modules arranged in parallel so that the inlet through which water is supplied communicates with each other, and the outlet through which water is discharged communicates with each other.
In claim 1,
It is provided at at least one of the front end of the water softening system and the rear end of the water softening system, and further includes a filter that removes physical foreign substances contained in the raw water supplied to the soft water system or the soft water discharged from the soft water system to the consumer. A training system.
In claim 1,
The storage unit,
a main body having a storage space;
a water outlet provided in the main body to discharge soft water stored in the storage space to the outside of the main body;
a water inlet provided in the main body to supply water to the storage space; and
As the soft water stored in the storage space is discharged through the water outlet, the storage space is configured so that when the supplementary water is supplied to the storage space through the water outlet, the supplementary water is prevented from flowing toward the outlet. A water softening system comprising a compartment for partitioning. In claim 9,
a first supply line supplying the raw water from the main flow path to the front end of the filter unit;
a second supply line branched from the first supply line to supply the raw water to the storage unit; and
It further includes a second drain line branched from the first supply line and connected to the first drain line,
The filter unit selectively performs one of a removal mode in which the ionic material is removed by electrical deionization through an electrode and a regeneration mode in which the electrode is regenerated,
When the supply of water to the demand source is stopped and the filter unit performs the removal mode, the soft water stored in the storage unit is transferred to the second discharge line, recovery line, first discharge line, filter unit, and first supply line. and sequentially passes through a second supply line and circulates between the storage unit and the filter unit,
When the supply of water to the demand source is stopped and the filter unit performs the regeneration mode, the soft water stored in the storage unit is supplied to the filter unit through the second discharge line, recovery line, and first discharge line, A water softening system that passes through the filter unit and is discharged to the first supply line along with ionic substances desorbed from the electrodes of the filter unit, and is drained to the outside through the second drain line and the first drain line.

Images