WO2008091845A1 - Système de traitement d'eau et processus pour atteindre un débit d'eau variable et algorithme et système de contrôle de la durée de vie du filtre - Google Patents

Système de traitement d'eau et processus pour atteindre un débit d'eau variable et algorithme et système de contrôle de la durée de vie du filtre Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008091845A1
WO2008091845A1 PCT/US2008/051624 US2008051624W WO2008091845A1 WO 2008091845 A1 WO2008091845 A1 WO 2008091845A1 US 2008051624 W US2008051624 W US 2008051624W WO 2008091845 A1 WO2008091845 A1 WO 2008091845A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
filter
water
flow rate
water treatment
capacity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/051624
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James Doyle
James Larson
David Bardwell
Original Assignee
Ecowater Systems Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ecowater Systems Llc filed Critical Ecowater Systems Llc
Publication of WO2008091845A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008091845A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F9/00—Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F9/20—Portable or detachable small-scale multistage treatment devices, e.g. point of use or laboratory water purification systems
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/28—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption
    • C02F1/283—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption using coal, charred products, or inorganic mixtures containing them
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
    • C02F2301/04—Flow arrangements
    • C02F2301/043—Treatment of partial or bypass streams

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to water treatment systems and, in particular, point- of-entry water treatment systems subject to variable water flow rate demands.
  • the prior art includes filter tanks for use in residential and commercial use.
  • the prior art includes point-of-entry (POE) filter tanks.
  • the filter tank has a finite life of typically 2-4 years, dependent on the water usage. At the end of the filter tank life, the filter tank must be replaced.
  • the filter tank is a large and expensive item which is not readily replaced.
  • the prior art also includes a dual carbon filter used in a low flow rate system, such as an under counter point-of-use (POU) products.
  • POU point-of-use
  • the present invention recognizes and takes advantage of the fact that approximately 80% of residential water usage is of a relatively low flow rate, such as required by a coffee machine, ice maker, bathroom faucet, and drinking water dispenser.
  • approximately 20% of the water flow rate is a relatively high flow rate, such as a clothes washing machine or simultaneous shower usage, toilet flushing and the filling of a pot, for example.
  • low flow rate may be in the range of 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute. 10 gallons per minute is considered in many systems to be in the high flow rate range.
  • the present invention is not limited to residential systems.
  • the present invention is directed particularly to POE water treatment systems subject to variable water flow rate demands.
  • the present invention provides a small carbon pre-filter cartridge with high physical flow capability at low pressure drop fluidly coupled to a large granulated activated carbon (GAC) bed filter.
  • the pre-filter has an inlet coupled to the source of the influent water. The outlet is coupled to the inlet of the larger carbon filter. The outlet of the larger filter provides the effluent water.
  • the pre- filter provides a water treatment contact time which is adequate only for lower flow rates, and quickly becomes overrun by higher flow rates.
  • the larger filter provides water treatment contact time which is capable of filtering various contaminants, such as arsenic, lead and chlorine, for example, from water having a high flow rate, as well as low flow rates.
  • the pre-filter will be capable of filtering approximately 80% of the water demand, prior to the water passing through the larger filter, to protect the main bed of the large filter from peak volatile organic chemicals (VOC)/TOC/chlorine or other contaminants.
  • VOC volatile organic chemicals
  • the water will pass through the pre-filter with inadequate filtering, and then through the larger filter which will be capable of filtering the water having a high flow rate.
  • the larger filter will be called upon for Attorney Docket No: 223644-001301
  • the pre-filter will be mechanically designed to readily accommodate periodic replacement by the end user. It is anticipated that the pre-filter will be replaced approximately every 6 months. Of course, replacement time of the pre-filter will vary dependent on various factors, including contact time of the pre-filter, the size of the pre- filter, and the water flow rate and time of water flow.
  • the present invention also provides a method and system of monitoring carbon life of the pre-filter.
  • the system will include a means for monitoring the rate of flow, such as a flow rate meter.
  • the output of the flow rate meter will be coupled to a controller having a indicator to indicate the anticipated replacement period of the pre-filter.
  • the present invention provides a means for extending the service life of a POE carbon tank filter.
  • the main carbon bed is protected at lower flow rates by a replaceable pre-filter.
  • the actual system's varying flow rate will be monitored to predict filter end point. Testing will be done to determine pre-filter 2 ppm chlorine removal at 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 gpm and will be referenced in the controller.
  • the filter will have different capacities. This algorithm will account for the different capacities and percentage of chlorine removed at the various flow rates. This will allow the system to accurately predict the chlorine removal end point of the pre-filter.
  • the filter will have a chlorine removal capacity of 10,000 gallons and 100% of the chlorine will be removed.
  • the filter will have 7,000 Attorney Docket No: 223644-001301
  • the filter will have 5,000 gallons capacity and 50% of the chlorine will be removed.
  • low flows of 1 gpm will be tallied as 2 ppm per gallon of chlorine removal, as flow increases to say 6 gpm only 1 ppm of the chlorine is removed by the pre-filter and will be tallied as such.
  • the algorithm will also account for the removal capacity based on average flow rate through the system. A system with a lower average flow rate, i.e. 2 gpm, will consume more of the pre-filter' s capacity than a system that runs at a higher average flow rate, i.e. 5 gpm.
  • Figure l is a schematic block diagram of a POE carbon filter system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a functional flow chart of the process for determining the remaining capacity of the pre-filter of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is an illustrative example of an algorithm or table of data for determining the remaining capacity of the pre-filter of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a POE filter system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. While the embodiments disclosed are shown principally as a carbon filter system, it will be appreciated that the present invention is also applicable to other systems, such as for arsenic removal, sediment Attorney Docket No: 223644-001301
  • the POE carbon filter system 10 includes a main carbon filter 12.
  • the main carbon filter 12 may be a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter.
  • GAC granular activated carbon
  • the carbon filter 12 includes a tank 14, GAC 16, pipe 18, a conventional liquid perforated lower collector 20, and a conventional liquid perforated upper distributor 22.
  • the tank 14 is shown to be of a size 8 inch by 25 inch. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to any one size.
  • the pipe 18 includes a lower portion 24 and an upper portion 26.
  • the lower portion 24 is coupled to the lower collector 20.
  • the upper portion 26 is coupled to the upper distributor 22.
  • the upper distributor 22 and upper portion 26 of the pipe 18 form an outlet port 28.
  • the upper distributor 22 also includes inlet port 30.
  • FIG. 1 shows a rotary flow control valve 32.
  • Such control valves 32 are often incorporated in water treatment systems, such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,162,080, issued to Drager et al., and which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the patent shows a control valve coupled to a conventional liquid perforated upper distributor.
  • the upper distributor is coupled via a pipe to a conventional liquid perforated collector.
  • a rotary control valve 32 is utilized in a water softener system. It should be noted the present invention may be practiced in an application with our without a water softener. Further, the present invention may be practiced with or without a control valve. 32. Still further, other embodiments of the main carbon filter 12 are anticipated, such as one skilled in the art will appreciate. For the sake of convenience, Figure 1 shows the main carbon filter 12 coupled to the control valve 32 via conduits 34, 36. In Attorney Docket No: 223644-001301
  • conduit 34 is coupled between inlet port 30 and valve exit port 38.
  • Conduit 36 is coupled between outlet port 28 and valve input port 40.
  • the conduits 34, 36 may be incorporated in the control valve 32 and filter 12.
  • Figure 1 further shows a replaceable pre-f ⁇ lter 42.
  • the pre-filter 42 includes an input port 44 and an output port 46.
  • the pre-filter 42 may be an encapsulated pre-filter. However, in another embodiment the pre-filter 42 may also be an open sump pre-filter.
  • the input port 44 is coupled to the source or influent water 48.
  • the output port 46 is coupled to the valve inlet port 50.
  • the rotary control valve 32 includes a position which couples valve inlet port 50 to valve outlet port 38.
  • valve outlet port 38 is coupled via conduit 34 to the inlet port 30.
  • the outlet port 28 provides effluent or treated water via the conduit 36 to the valve inlet port 40.
  • the rotary control valve 32 includes a position which couples the valve inlet port 40 to the valve outlet port 52.
  • the valve outlet port 52 provides the effluent or treated water to the system output 54.
  • the rotary control valve 32 may be omitted and the encapsulated pre-filter 42 is coupled directly to the main carbon filter 12.
  • a flow meter 56 is shown coupled to the valve outlet port 52.
  • the flow meter 56 monitors the flow of fluid out of the valve outlet port 52.
  • the flow meter 56 develops a signal representing the rate of flow at a flow meter output 58.
  • the rotary control valve 32 includes a position switch 60 having a output 62 which generates a signal representing movement or position of the rotor (not shown) of the rotary control valve 32.
  • control valve 32 includes a motor 64 which is coupled to the rotor.
  • the motor 64 includes motor control inputs 66 which control operation of the motor 64.
  • FIG. 1 also shows a controller unit 68.
  • the controller unit 68 includes a memory 70 having a program for controlling a controller 71 , a display 72 for displaying data to a user, a user interface 74 which may include buttons or switches, for example, for controlling or inputting data to the controller unit 68. Further, the controller unit 68 includes a treated water flow input 76, a valve position switch input 78, and a valve motor control output 80.
  • the flow meter output 58 is coupled to the treated water flow input 76 via line 82.
  • the position switch output 62 is coupled to the valve position switch input 78 via a line 84.
  • the valve motor control output 80 is coupled to the motor control inputs 66 via lines 86.
  • the control unit 68 controls the position of the motor 64 by developing the appropriate signals to the motor 64.
  • the control unit 68 also verifies the position of the valve rotor 32 via the signal received from the position switch 60. Further, the control unit 68 monitors the flow of treated water.
  • a user may program the control unit 68 via the user interface 74 to indicate that the pre-filter 42 has been replaced.
  • the user may indicate the model or type of pre-filter 42.
  • the control unit 68 may calculate an anticipated performance life of the pre-filter 42 based on total treated water, and optionally, based in part on the programmed quality of the influent or supply water.
  • the anticipated performance life of the pre-filter 42 may be preprogrammed or determined.
  • the controller unit 68 is capable of estimating the value of the remaining performance life of the pre-filter 42.
  • the value may be displayed by the user display 72.
  • the user will anticipate the time period for replacing the pre-filter 42. It will be appreciated that various types of signals my be presented to indicate the need for replacement, such as numeric values, an illuminated color, series of blinking lights, or even an audible indication.
  • the user may again program the controller 71 to indicate the pre-filter 42 has been replaced.
  • the flow meter 56 provides the benefit of tracking the amount of water filtered by the pre-filter 42.
  • the system 10 is capable of monitoring the pre-filter 42 performance life and providing an indication to the user.
  • the present invention provides a means for extending the service life of the POE main carbon filter 12.
  • the main carbon filter 12 is protected at lower flow rates by the replaceable encapsulated pre-filter 42.
  • an algorithm or table is created based on evaluation testing. The testing determines the amount of chlorine (e.g., typically in parts- per-million) which the pre-filter 42 is capable of filtering at various flow rates (e.g., 1 gpm through 6 gpm, for example).
  • the capacity in gallons is determined at the various Attorney Docket No: 223644-001301
  • the flow meter 56 monitors system water usage, preferably in terms of (N) gpm and the period of time (t) of the water flow at (N) gpm, the system is capable of determining the percentage of carbon life remaining in the pre-filter 42.
  • Step 1 consists of installing a new water treatment system 10 and initializing the software in memory 70.
  • Step 2 consists of setting the anticipated chlorine level which the system 10 is expected to treat. Of course, this value may also be pre-programmed into the control unit 68.
  • Step 3 includes storing the algorithm in the control unit 68 for the specific pre- filter 42. Again, this step may be pre-programmed into the control unit 68. Alternatively, this step may follow and be included in step 4.
  • Step 4 consists of installing a new pre- filter 42 and providing notification to the control unit 68 of the new pre-filter 42.
  • Step 5 consists of the control unit 68 resetting the carbon filter performance capacity to 100%.
  • Step 6 includes the flow meter 56 and control unit 68 detecting water flow.
  • Step 7 includes determining the flow rate value (N) in gpm.
  • Step 8 includes determining the time (t) of the water flow at (N) gpm.
  • Step 9 includes calculating the percentage of the remaining capacity of the pre-filter 42.
  • Step 10 includes displaying the capacity percentage to the user.
  • control unit 68 is shown to include a transceiver 90.
  • a remote device 92 is also shown and includes a transceiver 94, controller 96 and display 98. It will be appreciate that the capacity percentage may be displayed remotely.
  • the system 10 may be similar to U.S. Patent 6,456,202, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the pre-filter 42 may impose a pressure differential across the pre-filter 42.
  • the pressure differential will create a back pressure, particularly the higher the flow rate.
  • Known filter design practices minimize the pressure differential and consequently the back pressure.
  • the pre-filter 42 may include sintering carbon particles with a polymeric binder.
  • U.S. Patent 7,022,274 issued to Harris et al and assigned to Graver Technologies, LLC, and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a gas sintered carbon block and method.
  • the pre-filter 42 is constructed using concentric meshed cylindrical filter walls. Between the walls is a annular ring of carbon material. The thickness and general size of the carbon material may be selected as desired. In both embodiments, it will be appreciated that the construction of the pre-filter 42 may be dictated with the goal of reducing pressure differential at high flow rates.
  • FIG. 1 shows a further optional feature, namely bypass device 100.
  • the bypass device 100 includes an input port 102 coupled to the input port 44 of the pre-filter 42 and an output port 104 coupled to the output port 46 of the pre-filter 42.
  • the bypass device 100 is a poppet valve bypass device.
  • the poppet valve is designed to open at a specified back pressure, thereby allowing flow through the bypass device 100 and to bypass the pre-filter 42.
  • the bypass device 100 significantly reduces pressure differential and back pressure when the filter back pressure is at or over the specified Attorney Docket No: 223644-001301
  • the bypass device 100 allows greater system design flexibility. For example, having a bypass device 100 allows the design of a pre-filter 42 which is more efficient at filtering at low flow rates, e.g., the water flow rate of approximately 80% of the water flow system demand. However, the greater efficiency requires a pre-filter having a greater back pressure. The increased back pressure reduces system flow performance.
  • the specified back pressure, at which the bypass device 100 opens may be strategically selected to optimize the range of filtering performed by the pre-filter 42, yet allow the system to bypass the pre-filter 42 to avoid significant degradation in the system flow performance.
  • Figure 3 is an illustrative example of an algorithm or table 106.
  • the table 106 is for a hypothetical pre-filter A and includes example data 108 which represents data obtained through testing or calculating the performance of the pre-filter A. While the table 106 shows FLOW RATE GPM 1 gpm through 6 gpm, it will be appreciated that other ranges may be included such as through 10 gpm.

Abstract

Dans un système de traitement d'eau au point d'entrée ayant un grand filtre à charbon actif granulaire, approximativement 80 % de l'usage d'eau résidentielle est d'un débit relativement bas. Un pré-filtre à carbone pouvant être remplacé est ajouté pour filtrer le débit bas, en augmentant ainsi de manière significative la durée de vie du grand filtre GAC. En outre, le débit est contrôlé et la capacité de filtrer résiduelle du pré-filtre est calculée et affichée pour un utilisateur. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, les écrans de pré-filtre et de filtre sont incorporés dans d'autres systèmes de traitement d'eau.
PCT/US2008/051624 2007-01-22 2008-01-22 Système de traitement d'eau et processus pour atteindre un débit d'eau variable et algorithme et système de contrôle de la durée de vie du filtre WO2008091845A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US88599907P 2007-01-22 2007-01-22
US60/885,999 2007-01-22

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WO2008091845A1 true WO2008091845A1 (fr) 2008-07-31

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113908600A (zh) * 2021-11-03 2022-01-11 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 一种滤芯更换检测方法、装置、净水设备及存储介质

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4681677A (en) * 1978-02-17 1987-07-21 Olin Corporation Water processor having automatic shutoff and bypass means
US4918426A (en) * 1988-05-02 1990-04-17 Amway Corporation Method and apparatus for sensing fluid flow volume to indicate end of filter life
US5928504A (en) * 1994-03-08 1999-07-27 Recovery Engineering, Inc. Faucet-mounted water treatment device
US6068761A (en) * 1998-08-19 2000-05-30 International House Of Distinction (Hk) Ltd. Liquid purification system
WO2002028782A1 (fr) * 2000-10-06 2002-04-11 Polar Light Limited Appareil de traitement d'eau en cycle continu
US20030168389A1 (en) * 2002-02-15 2003-09-11 Astle Robert E. System for monitoring the performance of fluid treatment cartridges
US20040164006A1 (en) * 2003-03-04 2004-08-26 Brown Keith E. Multiple baarier filter apparatus
US20050279676A1 (en) * 2004-06-21 2005-12-22 Izzy Zuhair A Fluid filter assembly for a dispensing faucet
US20070119758A1 (en) * 2005-11-30 2007-05-31 Duplessis Samuel V Control method and apparatus for a water treatment system
WO2007125490A1 (fr) * 2006-05-01 2007-11-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Disoisitif autonome de purification d'eau

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4681677A (en) * 1978-02-17 1987-07-21 Olin Corporation Water processor having automatic shutoff and bypass means
US4918426A (en) * 1988-05-02 1990-04-17 Amway Corporation Method and apparatus for sensing fluid flow volume to indicate end of filter life
US5928504A (en) * 1994-03-08 1999-07-27 Recovery Engineering, Inc. Faucet-mounted water treatment device
US6068761A (en) * 1998-08-19 2000-05-30 International House Of Distinction (Hk) Ltd. Liquid purification system
WO2002028782A1 (fr) * 2000-10-06 2002-04-11 Polar Light Limited Appareil de traitement d'eau en cycle continu
US20030168389A1 (en) * 2002-02-15 2003-09-11 Astle Robert E. System for monitoring the performance of fluid treatment cartridges
US20040164006A1 (en) * 2003-03-04 2004-08-26 Brown Keith E. Multiple baarier filter apparatus
US20050279676A1 (en) * 2004-06-21 2005-12-22 Izzy Zuhair A Fluid filter assembly for a dispensing faucet
US20070119758A1 (en) * 2005-11-30 2007-05-31 Duplessis Samuel V Control method and apparatus for a water treatment system
WO2007125490A1 (fr) * 2006-05-01 2007-11-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Disoisitif autonome de purification d'eau

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113908600A (zh) * 2021-11-03 2022-01-11 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 一种滤芯更换检测方法、装置、净水设备及存储介质

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