WO2009133251A1

WO2009133251A1 - Water treatment device

Info

Publication number: WO2009133251A1
Application number: PCT/FR2008/000614
Authority: WO
Inventors: Natalberto Valtancoli
Original assignee: Natalberto Valtancoli
Priority date: 2008-04-30
Filing date: 2008-04-30
Publication date: 2009-11-05
Also published as: WO2009133251A8; EP2276568A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a water treatment device wherein the water being treated is contacted with the treatment medium (4), which is regularly regenerated, optionally using a regeneration medium (19), and a controller (48) is used therefor together with a hydraulic programmer (24) for monitoring the water consumption and for controlling the start of the regeneration cycle, and with a further hydraulic programmer (25) for monitoring the regeneration cycle, wherein each of the programmers (24-25) is controlled by an ordinary water meter (23).

Description

Water treatment device

This invention relates to a water treatment apparatus, more particularly to a system by which the water during the treatment is brought into contact with a treatment medium and by which this treatment medium is regularly regenerated by means of a medium of regeneration.

At first, water softeners are intended by this invention, but do not exclude other applications for which other treatments are performed.

It is common that such water treatment devices are equipped with a regulator that allows the realization of an automatic regeneration.

Two types of regulators are known, the electronic regulator and the hydraulic regulator. The electronic system has the disadvantage of a high cost. Another disadvantage is that such a regulator requires an electrical supply.

This invention substantially defines the type of hydraulic regulator which has none of the disadvantages mentioned above.

In the hydraulically activated system, in order to perform a regeneration, it is common to provide a regulator with a hydraulic programmer that controls water consumption and that controls the initiation of the regeneration cycle, and with another hydraulic programmer that controls the regeneration cycle. regeneration cycle. For this purpose, two water meters are used which are respectively provided for driving the two programmers. Such a device, among the others, is described in US 3,891,552.

The disadvantage of these known regulators is that they are rather complicated compared to others, because different volumetric meters are required.

Aside from the above-mentioned US patent US 30891.552, other less significant water treatment devices and related technologies are known under US patents:

US 2,024,479 US 3,136,331 US 3,164,550 US 3,302,467

US 3,396,845 US 3,454,492 US 3,509,998 US 3,570,520

US 3,792,614 US 3,960,721 US 4,026,673 US 4,089,220

US 4,298,025 US 4,313,825 US 4,336,134 US 4.3370153

US 4,539,106 US 4,577,498 US 4,693,814 US 4,804,465

US 4,889,623 US 4,943,371 US 4,990,245 US 5,022,994

US 5.060.167 US 5.069.779 US 5.073.255 US 5.089.140

US 5,166,491 US 5,157,979 US 5,512,168 US 5,589,058

And also patented documents:

EP 219,704 Of 1,517,483 Of 2,001,516 Of 2,060,751 Of 2,131,117 DE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DETAILED DESCRIPTION BRIEF DE DETAILED DESCRIPTION DE DETAILED DESCRIPTION DE DETAILED DE DETECTION OF DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

The invention aims to provide a water treatment apparatus which is considerably simplified, and which is an improvement of the apparatus described in WO 98/04349.

The invention shows additional advantages, such as a very precise control, the interest in the treatment of small volumes used, the simple possibility of increasing large volumes used and the most efficient use of a treatment medium and regeneration means.

For this purpose, the invention initially applies to a water treatment apparatus, a model with which the water is brought into contact with a processing medium, with which this medium is regenerated regularly with a regeneration medium with which a regulator is used for this purpose, supplied with a hydraulic programmer which controls the water consumption and which controls the initiation of the regeneration cycle, and with another hydraulic programmer which controls the regeneration cycle , pointing out that each of the two programmers are managed by a simple water meter.

By using only a simple water meter, the regulator becomes considerably less complicated and thus takes up less space than other known hydraulic devices.

A volumeter is used for the water meter, in contrast to the turbines conventionally used. The use of a volumeter for hydraulic controllers shows the advantage that a very precise measurement is possible and that a quantity of water can be measured very precisely during the regeneration phase, and during the service function during which water consumption can be accurately recorded. This is the opposite of turbines for which it is difficult to record such low volumes and often do not work at very low water flow. Such turbines have a very low torque and exhibit a larger and more complex transmission ratio. With the use of a volumeter, the device can be smaller, so it is not only suitable for professional use, but also for small domestic applications where often there are small streams of water.

The use of a volumeter also has the advantage that constant accuracy is obtained in each direction of flow. The result is that the driver circuit of the regulator can be simplified considerably because complicated switching is not required to direct the flow of water in one direction through the water meter.

Such volumetric meters are known, among others, in the book "Chemical Engineers' Handbook" by JH Perry, 4th edition, 1963, edited by McGraw-HiII Book Company, pages 22-25, more particularly "oscillating". -piston meters "and the" nutating piston meters "mentioned on this page.

In addition, the water treatment apparatus is provided with a number of valves with which the flow of water and the regeneration medium can be altered between the moment of the service and the moment of regeneration. The aforementioned programmer supports a group valve operation. This operation of the valves in group occurs with the respective servo valves. In this way the number of servo valves can be considerably limited and, in the context of this invention, even reduced to two. This is completed by the use of a conduit circuit, which consists of a power supply; a reservoir where the treatment medium is contained; a conduit, from the feed to the tank inlet, and in this conduit, a first valve is installed; a conduit, connected to the tank inlet to the sewer, and in this conduit, a second valve is installed; a conduit between the outlet of the reservoir and the service outlet, and in this conduit, a third valve is installed; a connection between the use output and the power supply mentioned above, which is optionally equipped with a fourth valve; whereby the first valve, the second valve and the fourth valve are controlled by the first of the two servovalves mentioned above, and the third valve is controlled by the second servovalve.

For this group operation, pressure lines are advantageously used connecting the valves to each other so that the servovalves actuate a number of valves and one or more other valves react automatically.

The two servovalves mentioned above, compose the openings which are closed or respectively opened, by means of the rotation of a disc, according to the position of this disc, and which are connected to a water chamber under pressure. A particular characteristic advantage that results from the facts mentioned is that these servo valves can be manufactured with conventional materials and can therefore be insensitive to malfunctions and are of a low price, and do not require a great deal of precision during operation. the assembly, in contrast to items sold in ceramic, described on US 3,891,552.

Preferably, the regulator is equipped with two disks which are driven by means of a volumeter, which provides the corresponding programming, on the one hand for the triggering of the regeneration cycle, and on the other hand for the execution of the cycle of regeneration; with systems that can interrupt the driving of the second disc to an inoperative position; the systems being active between the first disk and the second disk in order to position the second disk, with a well defined mutual position between the two disks, out of the inoperative position; and with reset systems to bring the first disk after each regeneration back to a starting position. The application of the reset systems offers the advantage that a relatively simple adjustment is allowed and also offers the advantage that, it will be explained clearly further later in the detailed description, the regulator can simply be equipped with an external adjustment with which the start of the regeneration cycle can be adjusted according to the volume of water treated since the previous regeneration cycle, depending on the degree to which the water is to be treated. In the case of a softener, this means that adjustment is possible depending on the hardness of the water.

The control of the regulator used in this invention, more particularly on the discs, is obtained with gears driven by a volumetric meter, which, depending on their position, directly or indirectly, can operate on the discs. Free pivoting arms are used, which are mounted on an axis on which a pinion driven by a volumetric counter is provided, and which, on the other hand, are equipped with at least one pinion which is constantly driven by the first pinion mentioned and which, thanks to a rotary movement of the pivoting arm concerned, can be placed at least between two positions, respectively a position where the pinion is coupled to the tooth circumference of the disk concerned or to an element coupled to the disk, and a position where the pinion is decoupled from the disk concerned or an element coupled with.

If the treatment apparatus functions as a softener, the processing medium are resins that are positioned in a reservoir and the regeneration medium is a brine from a salt pan.

In addition, the use of reset offers the advantage that the operation of the device can be adapted easily depending on the hardness of the water. This water treatment unit is equipped with an adjustable regulator with which one can start the regeneration cycle. In other words, the amount of water treated between two regeneration cycles is adjusted by the means which cooperates with the reset function so that the stroke of the reset movement is changed. The reset motion control is externally managed. The reset is executed each time a regeneration cycle is done.

The processing medium is a resin, for example, a resin cation changer, which softens the water and is regularly regenerated with a regeneration medium, for example, sodium chloride. Hydraulic control is carried out by a water meter which, during regeneration, especially during the passage of the brine through the resins and the resulting slow rinse, allows a controlled flow that is equivalent to or less than 10 times the volume "bed" per hour. A resin with a high exchange rate is used, more particularly an exchange rate which is equivalent to or greater than 100 bed volumes per hour.

The volume "bed" is a volumetric measurement of comparison for all the resins. The space between the resin beads is removed.

As a result, we see that this resin has a high efficiency, a small volume "bed" and a passage (flow) of water quite important. Thanks to this combination, we lose little brine, we do not use electrical or electronic means therefore it is very economical.

The apparatus has a regulator which, during the regeneration, gives a quantity of water through the resins with a flow rate which is less than 5 volumes "bed" per hour and with a total flow through the water meter which is less than 10 volumes "bed".

To have a controlled flow, the hydraulic control contains one or more flow regulators which limit the flow defined above.

The latest features of the invention can be applied in water treatment apparatus which are equipped with a water meter, or equipped with two or more water meters. To control flow rates of less than 10 "bed" volumes of a In order to be effective, the water meter must be used before regeneration.

Below, a combination of two or more of the features mentioned above: there are ducts equipped with valves with which the flow of water and the medium of regeneration can be altered, the valves are controlled by 2 servo valves . there are ducts with valves which are controlled by two servovalves which are closed or opened by a rotating disk and where the two servovalves are situated opposite the axis of rotation of the rotary disc, approximately located diametrically from one to the other. 'other.

The servovalves use seals that are made of an elastic material and that thanks to their elasticity, guarantee a better seal.

The disk mentioned in the previous section is equipped with a mechanism that ensures closing and opening of servovalves instantly. there is a regulator with external adjustment means that adjusts the hardness.

With the intention of showing the features of the invention, several preferred forms are described below with examples and with the referenced drawings:

Fig. 1 shows the diagram of the apparatus according to the present invention.

- Fig.2 shows a practical form of an apparatus according to the present invention with a sectional view.

- Rg.3 shows the inside of the container regulator and mechanical systems.

- Fig.4, with a larger scale, shows the two programmers.

- Fig.5, with a larger scale, shows a programmer.

- Fig.6, 7, 9 and 10 show the operation of the two programmers with their mechanical systems.

Fig. 11, 13 and 14 show the operation of the servovalves.

- Fig.15 shows, with a sectional view, the operation of the valve 7.

- Fig.16 and 17 show, with a larger scale, the operation of the valve 7.

- Fig.18 shows, with a sectional view, the operation of the valve 14.

- Fig.21 shows, with a sectional view, the operation of the valve 30.

- Fig.22, 26, 27 and 29 show, schematically, the positions of the servo valves relative to the programmer.

- Fig.24 shows the schematic of the device in service mode.

- Fig.25 shows the device diagram in fast flushing mode (backwash).

- Fig.28 shows the diagram of the device in brining mode.

- Fig.30 shows the diagram of the device in duplex (two devices in parallel).

According to the invention, as shown schematically in FIG. 1, only a water meter 23, preferably a volumetric meter, is used. It manages the first timer 24 which controls the consumption of water and triggers the regeneration cycle and manages the second timer 25 by which the regeneration cycle is controlled. Preferably, circuit 1 here substantially provides a water supply 2; a treatment tank 3 where the treatment medium 4 is contained; a duct 5, extended from the supply 2 to the inlet 6 of the treatment tank 3, in this duct 5, a first valve 7 is provided; a conduit 8, connecting the inlet 6 to the treatment tank 3 at the outlet of the sewer 9, wherein a second valve 10 is provided; a conduit 11 between the outlet 12 of the treatment tank 3 and the water outlet 13, where a third valve 14 is provided; a conduit 15, from the servovalve 26 to the inlet of a venturi 16; a duct 20 which connects the outlet of the venturi 16 with the duct 11, more particularly between the outlet 12 of the treatment tank 3 and the valve 14, in which a nonreturn valve 31 is provided; a connection 17 between the venturi 16 and a salt container 18 for supplying the brine 19; and a connection 21 between the supply 2 and the water outlet 13, which is optionally provided with a fourth valve 22 which can open during the regeneration. For installations having a single tank, the fourth valve 22 may make possible a continuous water source.

The water meter 23 is placed in a conduit through which the main stream of water occurs during the treatment, and through which the water that is necessary to carry out the regeneration passes. For this purpose, the water meter 23 should preferably be placed in the duct 11, more particularly in the part that extends between the valve 14 and the water outlet 13.

The activation of the valves 7, 10, 14, and 22 is managed in groups, in which the valves 7, 10, and 22 form a first group and the valve 14 forms a second group. Therefore, for activation, the second programmer uses only two servovalves, 26 and 27 respectively.

The coupling of the valves in a group is advantageously carried out by means of the pressure lines 28 and 29.

As represented in FIG. 2, the treatment tank 3 here consists of a vertical reservoir 40 where the resins 41 are immobilized, for example, being between two permeable disks 42 and 43. The inlet 6 is on the upper side of the tank 40. The outlet 12 is formed by the upper side of a pipe 44 which is connected to the lower part 45 of the tank 40.

The reservoir 40 forms part of an apparatus 46, which is additionally provided with a body 47 in which, on the one hand, a regulator 48, containing the controllers 24 and 25, is mounted, on the other hand, numerous valves mentioned above are mounted.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the two controllers 24 and 25 uses a disk 60 and 61 respectively which is activated by means of a water meter 23.

The operation of the regulator 48 is described in FIGS. 3 through 10. Two pivoting levers 100 and 101, which are freely pivotable about the axes 102 and 103, are used. As indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 4, each of the axes 102-103 is driven by means of a water meter 23, for example, by means of a gear transmission. Here, the axes 102 and 103 rotate in the same direction of rotation with respect to one another. Axis 102, however, turns considerably slower than axis 103. On the axes 102-103, pinions 104-105 are provided.

On the pivoting lever 100, a pinion 106 is mounted which is permanently meshing with the pinion 104 and which, by turning the pivoting lever 100, can be positioned between two positions, a position where the pinion 106 is meshing with the teeth 107. which are provided on the circumference of the disk 60, and a position where the pinion 106 is spaced from the teeth 107.

On the pivoting lever 101, on the opposite side of the pinion 105, pinions 108 and 109 are mounted which cooperate with the pinion 105. By turning the pivoting lever 101 in one direction, the pinion 108 is meshing with the teeth 110 which are provided on the circumference of the disk 61, and, if the lever is rotated in the other direction, the pinion 109 is meshing with the teeth 110, but in this case via an intermediate gear 111.

The controller 48 is provided with systems that are active between the first disk 60 and the second disk 61 to rotate the second disk 61 at a well defined mutual position of the two disks 60-61, out of the inoperative position. In the example shown, the means consist, on the one hand, of a guide 112 which forms part of the disk 60, and which is provided with a recess 113, and, on the other hand, a part 114 formed by the pivoting lever 101 for example, a shape such as a cam which can make contact with the guide 112, so that the pinion 108 can exclusively mesh with the teeth 110 when the cam 114 is in the recess 113.

The regulator 48 is also provided with systems that ensure that the conduit of the disc 60 is interrupted in a well-defined position, particularly where regeneration is initiated. Here the system consists of a toothless zone 125 of the teeth 107.

The regulator 48 is also provided with reset systems which allow the disc 60, at each regeneration, to return to its initial position. These reset systems consist of a reset spring 116, more particularly a torsion spring which is fixed between the disc 60, more particularly with a coupling piece 117, and an element 118.

The reset systems also have stop points 119 and 120 on the disc 60 and the element 118 respectively, which determine the start position of the disc 60.

The reset systems also have cam-shaped deactivating elements 121 which are supplied to the second disk 61. These cams may be in contact with the pivoting lever 100 during their rotation, as a result of which the last-supplied pinion 106 is forced to leave the teeth 107.

The regeneration disc, or disc 61, provides three regeneration cycles per rotation.

In fig.5, edentulous areas 115 and 122 of teeth 110 are visible. The zone 115, with its position at the height of the pinion 108, prevents the latter is still meshed with the teeth 110 after the initiation of the regeneration. After opening the servovalve 26, the direction of rotation of the water meter 23 and thus also the axis 103 and the pivoting lever 101 is reversed. The driving of the disc 61 will be continued via the intermediate gear 111. The zone 122, with its position at the height of the intermediate gear 111, prevents the latter is still meshing with the teeth 110 at the end of the regeneration. The driving of the disk 61 is thus avoided during the closing of the various valves, as a result that a triggering of the next regeneration, due to a phenomenon of inertia in the system, is excluded.

Regulator 48 contains externally operable control systems with which the start of a regeneration cycle can be adjusted according to the amount of water treated. In FIG. 3, these control systems are formed by an element 118 which, for this purpose, must be turned to adjust the stop point 120 in different positions. The rotation of the element 118 is made by means of a workpiece 123 in the form of a rotating shaft with which, by means of a pinion 124, the element 118 can be adjusted.

Fig.6 shows the service conditions. As the axes 102 and 103 are driven in the indicated directions, the gears 106 and 108 are forced to turn towards the teeth 107-110. As a result, pinion 106 is meshing with teeth 107, resulting in disk 60 being driven. The cam 114 makes contact with the guide 112 which rotates with the disk 60, so that the gear of the pinion 108 in the teeth 110 is excluded.

After a well-defined amount of water is passed through the water treatment apparatus, the condition of Fig. 7 is obtained, with which regeneration is started. The start is obtained when the recess 113 is placed before the cam 114, resulting in the latter turning in the recess 113 and resulting that the pinion 108 is meshing with the teeth 110. A little later after this situation is obtained, the edentulous zone 125 provided in the disc 60, comes to the pinion 106, resulting in a continuous rotation of the latter has no influence on the disc 60.

When, during the regeneration, the direction of rotation of the water meter 23 is reversed, a condition as shown in Fig.9 is obtained. Here, the direction of rotation of the axes 102-103 is reversed. The pivoting lever 101 rotates, thanks to the effect of range, exerted by the axis 103, from the position of fig.7 to the position of fig.9, results that the disk 61 which triggers the regeneration is conducted in the same direction of rotation.

The pivoting lever 100, thanks to the effect of range, exerted by the axis 102, intends to leave the teeth 107 itself, but in practice, it is impossible, because the teeth 107 exert a force against the pinion 106, provided by the reset spring 116.

After a definite time, the pivoting lever 100, as shown in fig.10, is pushed out of the teeth 107 by means of a deactivating element 121 so that the disk 60, by means of the reset spring 116, is returned to the initial position where the stop point 119 is positioned against the stop point 120.

When finally, at the end of the regeneration cycle, the direction of rotation of the water meter 23 is reversed, a service condition as seen in Fig.6 is again obtained. The adjustment of the adjustment systems can be read externally by a scale 126 provided on the element 118 on which the hardness of the water in degrees, or the volume of water in liters to be treated before the start of a regeneration, is visible. The adjustable value is readable in front of a reference point 127.

The graduation 126 can be read through a transparent cover 128 mounted on the body 47.

At the same time, an indication can be provided which defines the status of the apparatus 46. According to Fig.3, for this purpose, a small disk 129, positioned under the transparent cover 128 and which rotates with the second disk 61, is provided indications "S", "R1", "R2" and "R3" which, with reference to point 127, thus indicate that the apparatus 46 is in "service" or "regeneration".

As seen in Fig. 11, the servovalves 26 and 27, mentioned above, consist of a duct 150 and 151 which are closed or open depending on the position of the disc 61. When the ducts 150-151 are open, they are put into position. connection with a chamber 152 where the pressurized water is contained.

According to the invention under the patent WO 98/04349, a seal formed of an elastic material is used, which, thanks to its elasticity, guarantees a seal against the surfaces of the disc 61. By turning the disc 61, the surfaces slide on the seals and may, depending on the position of the disc 61, open or close the ducts 150-151. The disadvantage of this system is a closing or a gradual opening which can disrupt the operation of the device.

In order to have a closure or an instantaneous opening, the apparatus according to this invention a seal formed of an elastic material which, thanks to its elasticity, guarantees a seal against the bottom 157, in the form of a half-sphere, of a Tilting element 158. More particularly, O-rings 153 and 154 are used, which are positioned in grooves 155 and 156 around openings 150-151.

The tilting element 158, which can tilt in the groove 159, is held, with its half-sphere 157, against the O-ring 153 under the force of an elastic element 160, consequently the initial position of the tilting element 158 is always the closed position.

At the other tipping element end 158, a cam 161 is provided, which may be in contact with cams 162 which are part of a disk 163. This disk 163 returns with its cams 162 into grooves 164 which are The disc 163 rotates at the same time with the disc 61, thanks to its cams 162 which are held in the grooves 164, but can move freely in the vertical direction. On the circumference of the disk 163, elements 165 are provided which can, in a well-defined position, come into contact with surfaces 166 which are fixed. The surfaces 166 are inclined, therefore, during the rotation of the disc 61 and thus also the disc 163, the last mounts against the force of a spring 167 which is mounted between the disc 163 and the small disc 129. well defined, the inclined surface stops, as a result that the element 165 and thus also the disk 163 falls instantly under the force of the spring 167. At the same time, the cam 162 has just pushed on the cam 161 of the element tilting 158, therefore the last rocker against the elastic element force 160 and or- the connection between the pressurized chamber 152 and the conduit 150, as shown in FIG.

In a well-defined position, the cam 162 of the disk 163 leaves the rocking cam 161 158, therefore the latter under the elastic element force 160 closes instantly, as shown in fig.14.

It should be noted that the elastic element 160 is a help to tilt the rocking element 158 quickly enough to obtain an instant closure of the servovalves. Once the tilting element 158 is in its closed position, the pressure in the chamber 152 has just pressed the half sphere 157 and guaranteed a better seal between the last and the O-ring 153.

It should also be noted that, like disk 61, disk 163 provides three rotational regeneration cycles.

According to the invention under the patent WO 98/04349, the first valve 7 consists of a membrane which, at its closing side, operates with an input channel and which, by its displacement, may or may not create a connection between the inlet channel and the upper side of the tank. With its rear side, the membrane is in contact with a spring and a pressure chamber which is in connection with the servovalve 27.

According to the invention under the patent WO 98/04349, the second valve 10 consists of a piston which, at its closing side, operates with a channel towards the sewer and which, by its displacement, may or may not create a connection between the sewer and the upper side of the tank. With its intermediate portion, the piston is in contact with the same pressure chamber, mentioned above, which is in connection with the servovalve 27 and on its rear side, the piston is in contact with a spring.

In order to raise the pressure of the pressure chamber when no pressure is applied via the servovalve 27, the pressure chamber is connected to the sewer 9 via a flow controller.

The disadvantage of this system is that the closure of the second valve 10 is dependent decompression of the chamber and the spring force, a system not reliable enough.

To have a more reliable closure, the first valve 7, in this invention and according to Fig.15, consists of a body 170 which operates, using a closure seal 171, with an inlet channel 172 and which, by its displacement, may or may not create a connection between this channel 172 and the upper side of the tank 40. With its rear side 173, the body 170 is in contact with a pressure chamber 174 which, via the channels 151-175- 176-177, is in connection with the servovalve 26.

On the body 170, two closure seals are provided. The closure seal 179, which is attached to the body 170 and thus moves with it, and the closure seal 178 which is fixed and through which thus slides the body 170. The body portion 170, which is between the joints closure 178 and 179, consists of two diameters 180 and 181. This part is in contact with the duct 182 which leads to the sewer 9. Depending on the position of the body 170, a connection can be obtained, or not, between the upper side of the reservoir 40 and the channel 182, as present in fig.16 and 17.

It should be noted that, according to fig.l, during the servovalve 26 is open, a quantity of water from the last is used to supply the venturi 16.

In order to raise the pressure of the pressure chamber 174 when no pressure is applied via the servovalve 26, the path to the salt container 18 via the venturi 16 is used. In case the valve in the salt container 18 is closed, the decompression of the pressure chamber 174 is also possible via a small hole 183 which creates a connection between the pressure chamber 174 and the duct 182.

As seen in FIG. 18, the third valve 14 consists of a membrane 190 which, at its closing side 191, operates with a channel 192 which leads to the upper part of the pipe 44, and which, by its displacement, may or may not , create a connection between the channel 192 and the space 193 in which the output of the water meter 23 is present. With its rear side 194, the membrane 190 is in contact with a pressure chamber 195 which, via the channels 150-196-197-198, is in connection with the servovalve 27.

In order to read the pressure of the chamber 195 when no pressure is applied via the servovalve 27, the channels 150-196-197-198 are connected to the sewer 9 via a flow controller.

The output of the water meter 23 is connected to the output of the channel 201 via a space 202.

The chamber 152, mentioned above, is pressurized via a conduit 203 coming from the channel 172.

At channel 166, as shown in Fig. 15, an output 204 is provided via which an external pressure signal 205 may be provided. This output is clogged when not in use.

The fourth valve 22 is outside the apparatus 46 and consists of an apparatus, such as a bypass, which, in its initial position, closes the connection between the supply 2 and the water outlet 13, as a result the water is forced to flow through the apparatus 46. The bypass has a mechanism which, with a pressure signal, can open the fourth valve, for this reason this mechanism is connected with the pressure signal 205. When the servovalve 26 opens, the mechanism of the bypass is pressurized, therefore the last one opens the fourth valve 22.

According to the invention under the patent WO 98/04349, a differential piston is used to trigger a regeneration by the external pressure signal 205. The piston operates under the force that results from the two different surfaces, provided at the ends of the piston, on which the water pressure works. The presence of the external pressure signal, or not, results in a movement of the piston to the left or right. During the movement to the left, the disk 63 is pushed out of its inoperative position, as a result a regeneration cycle is initialized. The differential piston technique is a considerably complicated technique and therefore subject to less reliable operations. According to this invention, the differential piston is replaced by a valve 30, described below.

To avoid that, in case two devices 46A and 46B are connected in parallel mode (duplex system), as shown in fig. 30, the last two return to regeneration cycle at the same time, a valve 30 is supplied in the conduit 15. This valve 30 is managed by the pressure signal 205 of the other device. When the first apparatus is in regeneration, the pressure signal 205 has just closed the valve 30 of the second apparatus. When the second device opens its servovalve 26, the pressure can not continue to its own valves, therefore the device concerned remains pending. Due to the edentulous zone 115 in the disc 61, the latter can not continue despite the water meter 23 and therefore the pinion 108 rotates.

The operation of the valve 30 is shown in FIG. A small piston 210 with a closing seal 211 can slide through a second seal 212. The seal between the piston 210 and the seal 212 creates a separation between the chamber 213 and the chamber 214. The chamber 213 is the connection between the channel 150, from the servovalve 26, and the channel 175 which is linked with the valve 7 and 10. The chamber 214 has an external connection 216 through which the external pressure signal 205 of the other apparatus 46 can be provided . In the absence of a pressure in the chamber 214, the piston can open the opening 217 when the servovalve 26 opens, as a result that the pressure can continue to the channel 175. In this case, the triggering of the regeneration is possible

When, for example, the apparatus 46A is in the regeneration cycle, a water pressure, coming from the pressure signal 205 of the apparatus 46A, is present in the valve 30 of the apparatus 46B, more particularly in the chamber 214. When the servovalve 26 of the apparatus 46B opens, the valve 30 of the latter will remain closed, due to the much larger surface of the piston 210 which exerts under the pressure of water a closing force on the lower surface of the opening 217. The apparatus 46B is put on hold.

It should be noted that, in the case where two apparatuses 46 are connected in parallel mode (duplex system), the fourth valve 22, which is an external valve, becomes unnecessary because the supply of water to perform a regeneration cycle on a device, comes from the output 13 of the other device.

The operation of the apparatus 46 is described with reference to Figs. 24 to 28.

During a duty cycle, the second disc 61 is in the inoperative position because the cam 114 of the pivoting part 101 has just touched the guide 112 of the first disc 60, avoiding the gear of the pinion 108 in the teeth 110 of the disc 61 In this position, shown in FIG. 22, the servovalves 26-27 are closed because the cams 162 of the disc 163 do not touch the cams 161 of the tilting parts 158.

At the beginning of the duty cycle, the first disk 60 is in the reset position, according to FIG. 10, where the stop point 119 of the disk 60 is in contact with the stop point 120. The first disk 60 is driven continuously, by the pinion 106 of the pivoting part 100, as shown in fig.6. During service, because the two servovalves 26-27 are closed, the valves 7 and 14 are open, the valves 10 and 22 are closed, therefore a stream of water is present which follows the path indicated by arrows, as shown in fig.24. In this case, the water is brought into contact with the resin 4. The water meter 23 rotates towards the first direction of rotation R1, continuously driving the first disk 60, mentioned above.

As a result of the rotation of the disk 60, the stop point 119 leaves the stop point 120, and the reset spring 116 is stretched. After a certain volume of water has passed through the water meter 23, the disk 60 reaches a position where the recess 113, provided in the latter, is present at the cam 114 of the pivoting part 101, as indicated in FIG. 7, consequently the pinion 108 can mesh with teeth 110 of the second disk 61.

At first, the cams 162 reach the position shown in Fig.26, in which the first servovalve 26 is open and the second servovalve 27 remains closed. The result here, the pressure chamber 174 becomes pressurized, accordingly the body 170 moves and opens the valve 10, respectively closes the valve 7. At the same time, the valve 22, which is an external valve, is also pressurized accordingly the valve 22 opens. The valve 14 remains open, while a stream of water from the servovalve 26 is sent to the venturi 16. The result is the presence of a stream of water that follows the path indicated by arrows as shown in fig.25. In this case, the water is sent in the opposite direction through the processing medium 4, and triggers an action of a first fast rinse (backwash).

It should be noted that the water pressure in the duct 11 prevents the opening of the non-return valve 31, consequently the water entering the venturi 16, comes out the last via the duct 17 to the salt container 18.

After a while, the cams 162 reach the position shown in Fig. 27, in which the two servovalves 26-27 are open. The result; the pressure chamber 195 also becomes pressurized, therefore the diaphragm 190 moves and closes the valve 14. As indicated by arrows in Fig. 28, the flow of water is forced to continue through the venturi 16 to the check valve 31 which, in the absence of pressure because the valve 14 is closed, is now open. The venturi 16 supplies a quantity of brine which is directed towards the treatment tank 3, and is guided towards the outlet of the sewer 9. Here, the resin 4 is regenerated.

The venturi 16 provided in a moderate flow, ensuring that the contact between the regeneration medium 19 and the processing medium 4 is sufficiently long in order to achieve a complete regeneration.

It should be noted that after the brining, a slow rinse will be performed, in order to rinse the resin 4 slowly from bottom to top, while the brine present may continue to regenerate this resin. The beginning of the slow rinse is obtained by closing the valve in the salt container 18 after a certain amount of brine is directed to the treatment tank 3. After a while, the cams 162 reach the position shown in Fig. 29, and as a result the second servovalve 27 is closed again. Here, the valves 7-10-14-22 and the check valve 31 are placed in a position similar to Fig.25, from a quick rinse to remove the residue of salt residues of the resin 4. At the same time, time, the main water filling to the salt container 18 is done.

Towards the end of the fast rinse, the second disk 61 comes to the position shown in FIG. Here, the pivoting piece 100, and therefore also its pinion 106, is forced by the deactivation element 121 to leave the teeth 107 of the first disk 60, resulting in the first disk 60 being turned back into its position. starting, a position named in fig.10, by the force of reset spring 116.

Finally, the cams 162 reach their position similar to those of FIG. 22, and the second disk 61 arrives in an inoperative position, waiting for the start of a next regeneration.

Regulator 48 is also equipped with a system that allows manual start of programmer 25, and thus the regeneration cycle.

This system, shown in FIG. 3, consists of a mechanically rotating element 130 with which the second disk 61 can be turned out of its inoperative position.

The manual start can also be activated by a computer 250, shown on fιg.31, with which the start of a regeneration cycle can be programmed, independent of the consumption of water through the device. The computer (250), which is attached to the regulator 48 and thus coupled to the element 130, consists of an electronic card, which may be programmed, which controls an electric motor with which, by a box of gears the element 130 and thus also the second disc 61 can be driven. The supply of electricity for the electronic card and the motor is made with batteries.

It should be noted that, to achieve higher capacities, several devices 46 in duplex mode, as shown schematically in Fig.30, can be installed next to each other in a parallel manner.

This invention is not limited by the forms given by examples only shown in the accompanying figures. Such a treatment apparatus can be constructed in different ways without deviating from the purpose of this invention.

Claims

1) The water treatment apparatus, of a type by which the water during the treatment is brought into contact with the treatment medium (4) which, either by means of a regeneration medium (19) or not, is regenerated regularly and by which for this purpose, a regulator (48) is used, provided with a hydraulic programmer (24) which controls the water consumption and which controls the initiation of the regeneration cycle, and with a another hydraulic programmer (25) which controls the regeneration cycle, emphasizing that each of the two controllers (24-25) are managed by a simple water meter (23).

2) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 1, is characterized in that the water meter 23 operates in two flow directions.

3) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 2, is characterized in that it consists of a duct (1) in which the water meter (23) in one direction measures the water consumed during service and in another direction controls the regeneration cycle.

4) The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 is characterized in that the water meter 23 consists of a volumetric measuring element.

5) The water treatment apparatus, according to the above-mentioned claims, is characterized in that the regulation is provided with a number of valves (7-10-14-22) with which the channel to be followed by the water and the regeneration medium (19) may be altered between the service condition and the regeneration condition, in which the operation of the valves (7-10-14-22) is performed in a group by means of the servovalves (26-27).

6) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 5, is characterized in that the regulator (48) comprises only two servovalves (26-27).

7) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 6, is characterized in that the conduit (1) provides a water supply (2); a treatment tank (3) where the treatment medium (4) is contained; a duct (5), extended from the supply (2) to the inlet (6) of the treatment tank (3), in this duct (5), a first valve (7) is provided; a conduit (8), connecting the inlet (6) to the treatment tank (3) at the outlet of the sewer (9), wherein a second valve (10) is provided; a conduit (11) between the outlet (12) of the treatment tank (3) and the water outlet (13), wherein a third valve (14) is provided; a conduit (15) from the servovalve (26) to the inlet of a venturi (16); a conduit (20) which connects the outlet of the venturi (16) with the conduit (11), more particularly between the outlet (12) of the treatment tank (3) and the valve (14), in which a non-return valve (31) is provided; a connection (17) between the venturi (16) and a salt container (18) for supplying the brine (19); and a connection (21) between the supply (2) and the water outlet (13), which is optionally provided with a fourth valve (22); where the first valve (7), the second valve (10) and the fourth valve (22) are controlled by the first of the two servovalves (26) and the third valve (14) is controlled by the second servovalve (27).

8) The water treatment apparatus, according to the claims cited above, is characterized in that it comprises an overpressure protection cooperating with the second valve (10) which connects the inlet (6) of the treatment tank (3) to the sewer (9).

9) The water treatment apparatus, according to claims 5 to 9, is characterized in that the valves (7-10-14-22) are mutually coupled and are controlled in groups through the pressure lines. (28-29).

10) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 9, is characterized in that the first valve (7) and the second valve (10), which consist of a body (170) sliding through seals closure (178-179), and the fourth valve (22) can be loaded by an open or closed pressure via a first pressure line (28) which, via the first servovalve (26) depending on the cycle regeneration, perhaps under pressure, or not; the third valve (14) is a diaphragm valve which can be loaded by an opening or closing pressure via a second pressure line (29) which, via the second servovalve (27) depending on the regeneration cycle , maybe put under pressure, or not.

11) The water treatment apparatus, according to claims 5 to 10, is characterized in that the servovalves (26-27) consist of openings (150-151) which are closed, respectively open, by means of the rotation of a disc (61), depending on the position of this disc (61), and which are connected to the chamber (152) where the pressurized water is contained and the servovalves (26-27) are provided with joints formed of an elastic material which, by its elasticity, guarantee the closure against the bottom (157) of the tilting piece (158) which cooperates with the disc (61).

12) The water treatment apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the seals consist of O-rings (153-154) which are provided around the circumference of the openings (150-151) in grooves. (155-156).

13) The water treatment apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the disc (61) with which the openings (150-151) can be closed, has a second disc (163) which cooperates with the disc (61) and the rocker (158).

14) The water treatment apparatus, according to the claims cited above, is characterized in that each of the two controllers (24-25) uses a disc (60-61) which is driven by the water meter ( 23), wherein each of the disks (60-61) provides the programming concerned, and wherein at least one of the two disks (60-61) is driven by means of a gear mechanism, wherein the gear mechanism uses one or several gears (106-108-109) which are driven by means of the water meter (23), in which the gear mechanism may be moved so that, depending on their position, each can cooperate directly, indirectly, or not, with the disks (60-61).

15) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 14, is characterized in that the gear mechanism consists of one or more pivotable parts (100-101) which are each, on one side, pivotable around an axis (102-103) which is driven by the water meter (23), on which a pinion (104-105) is placed in such a way that the pivotable parts (100-101) are moved by a rotation of their axis (102-103) and on the other hand, are provided with at least one pinion (106-108-109) which engages permanently in the pinion (104-105) and which, by means of the rotation of the pivotable part (100-101) concerned, can be moved at least between two positions, respectively a position where the pinion (106-108-109) is meshing with the teeth (107-110) which are provided on the circumference of the disk (60-61) or an element cooperating with and a position where the pinion (106-108-109) is not in mesh with the teeth (107-110) concerned.

16) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 15, is characterized in that the two disks (60-61) are driven by means of pinions (106-108-109) placed on the pivoting parts (100-61). -101) and that the axes (102-103) on which the pivoting parts (100-101) are placed, are driven in such a way that in the operating condition, are turned in a direction where they are forced towards the teeth ( 107-110) discs (60-61), while in the regeneration position they are rotated in the opposite direction, where the disc (60) of the first programmer (24) may be uncoupled and the disc (61) the second programmer (25) can be driven far in the original direction by means of one or more intermediate gears (111).

17) The water treatment apparatus, according to the claims cited above, is characterized in that the first programmer (24) is equipped with reset means which can turn the first programmer (24) to its initial position each time a regeneration cycle is executed.

18) The water treatment apparatus, according to claims 15, 16 and 17, is characterized in that the regulator (48) is equipped with two disks (60-61) which are driven by means of a volumeter (23), which provide for the corresponding programming; with systems that can interrupt the driving of the second disk (61) to an inoperative position and systems being active between the first disk (60) and the second disk (61) to position the second disk (61), with a well-defined mutual position between the two disks (60-61), out of the inoperative position; wherein reset systems bring the first disk (60) after each regeneration back to a starting position.

19) The water treatment apparatus, according to claims 15, 16, 17 and 18, is characterized in that the means which can interrupt the driving of the second disc (61) are formed by a toothless zone (115). the second disk (61) on which the pivoting part (101) acts without driving effect; wherein the means for pushing the second disc (61) out of its inoperative position is a recess (113) in the first disc (60) co-operating with the pivot piece aunt (101) which allows driving the second disk (61) in a well-defined position during the rotational movement in the driving direction, and wherein the reset means of the first disk (60) consists in the combination of a reset spring (116) which is raised while the first disc (60) is rotating, locking means which prevents or excludes the rotation back of the first disc (60) during the tension, and means (121) co-operating with the second disc (60) disc (61) which can disable the blocking means.

20) The water treatment apparatus, according to the claims previously cited, is characterized in that the regulator (48) comprises adjustment means with which the start of a regeneration cycle can be adjusted in proportion to the volume of the water that needs to be treated.

21) The water treatment apparatus, according to claims 19 and 20, is characterized in that the adjustment means are formed by a mechanism (118) which allows to alter the effect of the reset movement of the first disc (60).

22) The water treatment apparatus according to claim 20 or 21 is characterized in that the adjustment of the adjusting means can be read by a scale (126), preferably in degrees of hardness or volume of treated water where the graduation is connected to adjustment means.

23) The water treatment apparatus according to the preceding claims is characterized in that the regulator (48) is provided with a mechanism which can be activated with an external hydraulic signal, with which the triggering of the regeneration cycle may be prevented.

24) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 23, is characterized in that the mechanism mentioned above consists of a valve (30) which prevents the pressure coming from the servovalve (26), can continue to venturi (16) and valves (7-10-22).

25) The water treatment apparatus, according to the claims cited above, is characterized in that the regulator (48) is provided by means (130) which allow a manual start of the second programmer (25) as well as a regeneration cycle.

26) The water treatment apparatus according to claim 25 is characterized in that the means (130) mentioned above can be coupled to a computer (250) with which the start time of a regeneration cycle can be programmed, independent of the consumption of water through the apparatus (46).

27) The water treatment apparatus, according to claim 26, is characterized in that the computer mentioned above consists of an electronic board, which can be programmed, which controls an electric motor with which, by a gear box, the means (130) and therefore also the programmer (25) can be driven; the supply of electricity for the electronic card and the motor is made with batteries. 28) The water treatment apparatus, according to the claims cited above, is characterized in that it consists of a softener in which the treatment medium (4) is formed of resins which are put in a treatment tank (3), and wherein the processing medium (19) is a brine which is supplied by a salt container (18).

29) The water treatment apparatus, according to the claims cited above, is characterized in that two apparatuses (46A-46B) can be coupled in a parallel manner, therefore the treated water can be supplied to the output (13) permanently provided that only one device (46) may be in the regeneration cycle; the start of the regeneration cycle of the second apparatus (46B) is avoided because its valve (30) is closed under pressure from the first apparatus (46A) as a result of which the second apparatus (46B) is on standby.