KR20060101973A - Sensor for measuring chloride concentration, sensor for detecting microorganisms, and water cleansing apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring chlorine concentration, a sensor for detecting microorganisms and a water purification device having the same. The chlorine concentration measuring sensor according to the present invention has the advantage of preventing corrosion of the working electrode, ensuring the accuracy of the sensor, and can extend the life of the sensor semi-permanently. In addition, the sensor for detecting microorganisms according to the present invention can accurately detect microorganisms in a liquid sample.

Chlorine, Microbe, Measurement, Sensor, Water Purifier

Description

Sensor for measuring chloride concentration, sensor for detecting microorganisms, and water cleansing apparatus having the same}

Figure 1 shows a preferred example of the chlorine concentration measurement sensor according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a preferred example of a sensor for detecting microorganisms according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a water purifier with a sensor according to the present invention which is an example of a water purifying apparatus according to the present invention.

The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring chlorine concentration, a sensor for detecting microorganisms and a water purification device having the same.

In general, various analytical methods have been developed to measure the presence or amount of various chemicals or biomaterials contained in an unknown sample. Recently, a very small amount of sample having excellent sensitivity to a specific chemical or biomaterial to be analyzed Methods are also being developed that can be analyzed accurately.

In particular, as the need for analyzing samples in a short time for process automation, quality control, medical analysis, and analysis of environmental samples increases, interest in developing a method and equipment for easily analyzing chemicals is increasing.

Electrochemistry is the study of the relationship between matter and electricity, such as the potential difference, the amount of electricity, and the change in conductivity values due to electrode reaction in solution. The method used for chemical analysis of materials using these principles is called electrochemical analysis. An electrochemical cell is made by dipping a suitable electrode in a sample solution containing an electrolyte. Potentiometry is a method of quantifying a substance by measuring electrode potential, and a method of measuring electrical resistance between electrodes is conduction method. The method of measuring the amount of electricity flowing through the coulometry, measuring and analyzing the current method is called amperometry.

In addition, there is a method of measuring and analyzing two electrical properties at the same time. The method of measuring the relationship between current and voltage is called voltammetry, and one of these methods is polarography. The current-voltage method is an electrochemical analysis method that obtains information about an analytical sample by measuring the change of current according to the voltage supplied between the working electrode and the auxiliary electrode. Heyrovsky, a Czech chemist in the early 1920s, It was invented under the name Polarography. Since then, with the development of instrumentation, polarography has been developed to measure trace metals and organic components up to concentrations up to 0.5 mg / L.

On the other hand, as the standard of living improves recently, clean water quality is required not only for drinking water but also for general living water such as washing water. In recent years, in response to the demand, water purifiers such as water purifiers, water softeners, humidifiers, bidets and the like have been attracting attention. The water used for water purification appliances needs to have a certain water quality or more, and in particular, the water quality of water purified by water purification appliances should be excellent.

In general, the water used in the water purification appliances is tap water. Tap water is purified by adding disinfectants and filtering in a water treatment plant before it is supplied to the home. Drinking water containing a large amount of microorganisms can cause water-borne diseases, so it is necessary to reduce or completely eliminate them below a certain level. To this end, chlorine is generally added as a disinfectant for the removal of microorganisms in water purification plants. The added chlorine is volatilized into the atmosphere during the water purification process and supplied to each household, and is naturally removed, but not all of them are removed, and some remain in the water. There is a possibility.

Water purifiers such as water purifiers, water softeners, humidifiers, bidets and the like serve to lower the microorganisms and chlorine to acceptable concentrations. However, when the function of the filter is reduced due to long use, microorganisms and chlorine cannot be efficiently filtered. Therefore, there is a need for a sensor or device capable of measuring the water quality, in particular, the concentration of microorganisms and chlorine, which has passed through the filtration step of the water purification appliance.

Methods or devices capable of measuring the concentration of microorganisms or chlorine in water have been conventionally known. For example, there are methods using a reagent such as the SNORT method (Stabilized Neutral Orthotolidine Method) and the DPD method (N, N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) for measuring the chlorine concentration in water. Due to problems such as waste treatment, it is difficult to use in households other than water purification plants. In addition, in the case of the measuring device using the electro-measuring method, most of them depend on the import, which requires a high import cost, and there is a problem in that the electrode needs to be replaced after a certain time.

The present inventors have continued the research to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and completed the present invention by developing a novel sensor that can effectively measure the concentration of microorganisms and chlorine.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor for measuring the chlorine concentration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor for detecting microorganisms.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifying device having the chlorine concentration measuring sensor or the microorganism detecting sensor.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for producing a battery comprising: a) voltage measuring means; b) a reference electrode connected to one end of said voltage measuring means; c) a switch 105 and a switch 106 connected in parallel to the other end of the voltage measuring means; d) primary and secondary working electrodes connected in series to each of said switch 105 and switch 106; e) a switch 101 and a switch 103 connected in parallel to said primary working electrode; f) a switch 102 and a switch 104 connected in parallel to said secondary working electrode; And g) power supply means connected at one end to the switch 101 and the switch 102 in parallel and at the other end to the switch 103 and the switch 104 in parallel, wherein the switches ( Provides a sensor for measuring chlorine concentration, characterized in that the 101, 104, 106 and the switches 102, 103, 105 are opened and closed alternately.

In the chlorine concentration measuring sensor according to the present invention, the reference electrode is preferably an Ag / AgCl electrode.

In the sensor for measuring chlorine concentration according to the present invention, the working electrode is preferably an Ag electrode.

In the chlorine concentration measuring sensor according to the present invention, opening and closing of the switches is preferably controlled by a control unit.

In order to achieve the other object of the present invention, the present invention provides a power supply unit comprising: a) power supply means; b) an electrode made of a material that inhibits the attachment of microorganisms connected to one of the power supply means; c) resistance and voltage measurement means connected in parallel to one side of said power supply means; And d) provides a sensor for detecting microorganisms comprising an electrode made of a material that is easy to attach microorganisms connected in parallel with the resistance and voltage measuring means.

In the sensor for detecting microorganisms according to the present invention, the substance which inhibits the attachment of the microorganisms is preferably gold, silver, platinum, iridium, zirconium or titanium.

In the sensor for detecting microorganisms according to the present invention, the material easily adhered to the microorganism may be a mixture of carbon, 60% by weight of graphite powder and 40% by weight of silicon, or a glass plate plated with 0.01 mm or less fine gold wire at intervals of 0.01 mm or less. Is preferably.

In order to achieve another object of the present invention, the present invention provides a water purification device having the sensor for measuring the chlorine concentration or the sensor for detecting microorganisms.

The water purifying device according to the present invention preferably includes the chlorine concentration measuring sensor and the microorganism detecting sensor together.

The water purifying device according to the present invention may be a water purifier, a softener, a humidifier or a bidet.

Preferably, the water purifying device according to the present invention further includes a control unit and a display unit controlled by the control unit.

The display unit may be an alarm device or an LED indicating when to replace the filter or to disinfect the water tank.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a preferred example of the chlorine concentration measurement sensor according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the chlorine concentration measuring sensor according to the present invention includes a voltage measuring means 107, a reference electrode 109 connected to one end of the voltage measuring means 107, and the other of the voltage measuring means 107. Two working electrodes 108, 110 connected in parallel at one end. A switch 105 and a switch 106 are connected between the working electrodes 108 and 110 and the voltage measuring means 107, respectively. In addition, the power supply means 111 is connected between the working electrodes (108, 110), the connection portion includes four switches (101, 102, 103, 104). The switch 101 and the switch 103 are connected in parallel to the primary working electrode 108, and the switch 102 and the switch 104 are connected in parallel to the secondary working electrode 110. At the same time, the switch 101 and the switch 102 are connected in parallel to one end of the power supply means, and the switch 103 and the switch 104 are connected in parallel to the other end of the power supply means.

A potentiometer may be used as the voltage measuring means.

In the sensor for measuring chlorine concentration according to the present invention, the portions immersed in the sample solution are the reference electrode 109 and two working electrodes 108 and 110.

The reference electrode 109 maintains a constant potential at all times regardless of the sample solution conditions, and the two working electrodes 108 and 110 change their potential according to the concentration of residual chlorine present in the sample solution. Therefore, the residual chlorine concentration in the sample solution can be measured by measuring the voltage change at the working electrode according to the residual chlorine concentration in the sample solution.

In the sensor for measuring chlorine concentration according to the present invention, the reference electrode is preferably an Ag / AgCl electrode, and the working electrode is preferably an Ag electrode. When Ag is used as the working electrode, there is no advantage in that a substance harmful to the human body is not generated at all.

In the sensor for measuring chlorine concentration according to the present invention, the switches 101, 104, 106 and the switches 102, 103, 105 are alternately opened and closed. The opening and closing of the switches is preferably controlled by a controller (not shown).

Chlorine is mostly hydrolyzed in water as follows.

_{Cl 2 + H 2 O → HOCl} + H + + Cl - (pK 1 = 4.6)

The HOCl is ionized as follows according to the hydrogen ion concentration of water.

^{HOCl → H + + ClO - (} pK 2 = 7.5)

In Fig. 1, when the switches 101, 104, 106 are closed and the switches 102, 103, 105 are opened, the sensor for measuring chlorine concentration according to the present invention includes a voltage measuring means 107 and the voltage measuring means. A reference electrode 109 connected to one side of 107, a secondary working electrode 110 connected to the other side of the voltage measuring means 107, a power supply 111 connected to the primary working electrode, and the other of the power supply It consists of a primary working electrode 108 connected to the side. When power is supplied to the sensor, the reaction at the primary working electrode 108 and the secondary working electrode 110 is as follows.

Primary working electrode ^{(reduction): Ag + + e - →} Ag

Second working electrode ^{(oxidation): HOCl + H + + 2e} - → Cl - + H 2 O

As above, the secondary working electrode 110 is oxidized according to the concentration of chloric acid in water, indicating a change in voltage. On the other hand, the primary working electrode 108 is reduced and refreshed.

On the contrary, when the switches 101, 104, 106 are opened and the switches 102, 103, 105 are closed, the chlorine concentration measuring sensor according to the present invention is a voltage measuring means 107, the voltage measuring means 107 Reference electrode 109 connected to one side of the power supply, a primary working electrode 108 connected to the other side of the voltage measuring means 107, a power supply 111 connected to the primary working electrode 108, and the power supply device ( And a secondary working electrode 110 connected to the other side of 111. When power is supplied to the sensor, in contrast to the case, the primary working electrode 108 is oxidized according to the concentration of chloric acid in water to indicate a change in voltage, and the secondary working electrode 110 is reduced to refresh. do.

In the chlorine concentration measuring sensor according to the present invention, the oxidation and reduction reaction of the working electrode occurs by a continuous switch replacement operation, thereby preventing corrosion of the working electrode, ensuring the accuracy of the sensor, and extending the life of the sensor. It has the advantage of being able to extend semi-permanently.

When the voltage change of the working electrode in the sample liquid is out of a certain range, it can be determined that the concentration of chlorine contained in the sample liquid is high. The voltage range of the predetermined range can be easily set by those skilled in the art. For example, the voltage change may be 50 to 300 mV.

Figure 2 shows a preferred example of a sensor for detecting microorganisms according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the sensor for detecting microorganisms according to the present invention includes an electrode 202 made of a material that inhibits microbial adhesion, and an electrode 205 made of a material easily attaching microorganisms.

The substance which inhibits the microbial adhesion is preferably gold, silver, platinum, iridium, zirconium or titanium, and the substance which is easy to attach the microorganism is a mixture of carbon, 60% by weight of graphite powder and 40% by weight of silicon, or 0.01 It is preferable that it is a glass plate which plated the fine gold wire of mm or less at the interval of 0.01 mm or less.

In addition, the sensor for detecting microorganisms according to the present invention includes a resistance 203 and a voltage measuring means 204 connected in parallel to an electrode 205 made of a material easily attaching the microorganism, and the resistance 203 and voltage measurement on one side. The means 204 comprise a power supply means 201 connected in parallel and connected to an electrode made of a substance which inhibits the microbial attachment on the other side.

The characteristics of microorganisms proliferating in the tank can utilize organic materials in the poor nutrition state, and since organic matters are attached to the wall surface of the tank to increase the concentration of organic matter on the wall, they tend to proliferate on the wall surface. Therefore, by using an electrode made of a material that inhibits microbial adhesion and an electrode made of a material easily attaching microorganisms, it is possible to detect the presence of microorganisms that proliferate in the tank in a short time by comparing the voltage difference between the two electrodes. Since the microorganisms attached to the electrode secrete metabolic waste products in the unexpired state, the potential of the electrode is directly affected. The potential difference between the two electrodes is measured by comparing the colonies of microorganisms, and after applying the experimental parameter of potential difference that can control the number of microorganisms within the standard limit that does not adversely affect the human body, the tank is easily sterilized and the water in the tank is easily The user will be informed when it can be replaced. The experimental parameters of the potential difference may be easily set by those skilled in the art.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water purifying device having the chlorine concentration measuring sensor or the microorganism detecting sensor.

The water purifying device may be a water purifier, a water softener, a humidifier or a bidet, and is not particularly limited thereto.

Figure 3 shows a water purifier with a sensor according to the present invention which is an example of a water purifying apparatus according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, after receiving a tap water 301, the conventional water purifier filters the tap water through a plurality of filters 302, stores the filtered water 304 in the reservoir 303, and Drain the water little by little as requested by the user.

The water purifying apparatus according to the present invention may include the chlorine concentration measuring sensor and / or the microorganism detecting sensor according to the present invention at various sites. Referring again to FIG. 3, the chlorine concentration measuring sensor and / or the microorganism detecting sensor according to the present invention may be provided in a filter front part (A) of a water purifier, a part between a filter and a reservoir (B), or in a reservoir (C). Can be installed.

When installed in the front filter (A) of the water purifier as described above can measure the chlorine concentration and the presence of microorganisms in the tap water itself. In addition, when installed in the portion (B) between the filter and the reservoir can measure the chlorine concentration and the presence of microorganisms of the water filtered by the filter to determine the performance or replacement time of the filter. In addition, when installed in the reservoir (C) it is possible to measure the chlorine concentration and the presence of microorganisms of the water stored in the reservoir can determine the cleaning time of the reservoir or the exchange of water in the reservoir.

As described above, the water purifying apparatus according to the present invention may include a sensor for measuring chlorine concentration and / or a sensor for detecting microorganisms at one site, but more preferably at two or more sites.

For example, when the sensor according to the present invention is installed in the filter area (A) and between the filter and the reservoir (B), the chlorine concentration and microorganisms of the water flowing through the filter from the pipe connected to the tap water and the water filtered through the filter By comparing the concentrations, it is possible to predict when to replace the filter. Two sensors each installed at the front part A of the filter and the part B between the filter and the reservoir may be connected to a microprocessor. According to the potential difference value of the two sensor values connected to the control unit, this can be informed to the user in the form of a predetermined number of alarm sounds and visual mucus.

Similarly, when the sensor according to the present invention is installed in the filter area (A) and the reservoir (C), the chlorine concentration and microorganisms of the water flowing into the filter from the pipe connected to the tap water and filtered and stored in the reservoir By comparing the concentrations, it is possible to predict when the reservoirs will be cleaned or the water replaced. The sensor A and the two sensors installed in the filter and the reservoir C may be connected to a microprocessor. According to the potential difference value of the two sensor values connected to the control unit, this can be informed to the user in the form of a predetermined number of alarm sounds and visual mucus.

As described above, the chlorine concentration measuring sensor according to the present invention can prevent corrosion of the working electrode, ensure the accuracy of the sensor, and has the advantage of semi-permanently extending the life of the sensor. In addition, the sensor for detecting microorganisms according to the present invention can accurately detect microorganisms in a liquid sample.

Claims (11)

a) voltage measuring means; b) a reference electrode connected to one end of said voltage measuring means; c) a switch 105 and a switch 106 connected in parallel to the other end of the voltage measuring means; d) primary and secondary working electrodes connected in series to each of said switch 105 and switch 106; e) a switch 101 and a switch 103 connected in parallel to said primary working electrode; f) a switch 102 and a switch 104 connected in parallel to said secondary working electrode; And g) power supply means connected at one end to the switch 101 and the switch 102 in parallel and at the other end to the switch 103 and the switch 104 in parallel, Sensor for measuring chlorine concentration, characterized in that the switches (101, 104, 106) and the switches (102, 103, 105) are opened and closed alternately. The method of claim 1, The reference electrode is a sensor, characterized in that the Ag / AgCl electrode. The method of claim 1, And said working electrode is an Ag electrode. The method of claim 1, Sensor, characterized in that the opening and closing of the switch is controlled by a control unit. a) power supply means; b) an electrode made of a material that inhibits the attachment of microorganisms connected to one of the power supply means; c) resistance and voltage measurement means connected in parallel to one side of said power supply means; And d) an electrode made of a material easily attached to microorganisms in which the resistance and voltage measuring means are connected in parallel; Microbe detection sensor comprising a. The method of claim 5, The material that inhibits the microbial adhesion is a sensor, characterized in that gold, silver, platinum, iridium, zirconium or titanium. The method of claim 5, The material that is easily attached to the microorganism is a sensor, characterized in that the glass plate coated with a mixture of carbon, 60% by weight of graphite powder and 40% by weight of silicon, or 0.01 mm or less fine gold wire at intervals of 0.01 mm or less. The water purifying apparatus provided with the sensor for chlorine concentration measurement of Claim 1, or the microorganism detection sensor of Claim 5. The method of claim 8, And said water purifier is a water purifier, a water softener, a humidifier or a bidet. The method of claim 8, And a control unit and a display unit controlled by the control unit. The method of claim 10, The display unit is a water purifier, characterized in that the alarm device or LED to inform the filter replacement time or the tank disinfection time.

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