JP3551073B2 - Water quality meter and water quality monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water quality meter and a water quality monitoring system for detecting drinking water supplied through a pipe.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a system for monitoring distribution water quality of a water supply system, for example, there is an automatic water quality measurement system in Tokyo, and "Measurement and Control" Vol. 33 (1994), page 649, introduces the specifications of the system and the water quality meter used at that time.
[0003]
In this distribution water quality monitoring system, a water quality meter is installed for each system of a company-side piping network, and the distribution water quality for each system is continuously measured and a signal is periodically transmitted to a center by a telemeter. . In addition, the water quality measurement means at the end of the water distribution pipe or at the customer side may be water quality measurement by hand analysis (analysis performed entirely by hand, such as sampling of sample water and mixing of reagents) or portable water quality. Off-line measurement was performed with the meter.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional system, the water quality meter is arranged for each water distribution system on the operator side, so the number of installations is small and there is an advantage that the average water quality of the supply water for each system can be grasped. There is a drawback that the quality of water consumed by the house cannot be determined.
[0005]
The water quality of the distribution water is measured and managed at the distribution supply point, but the water quality decreases while passing through the distribution pipe network. Specifically, the concentration of residual chlorine to maintain sterilization power decreases due to chemical reactions in the water distribution equipment and with the contained substances, the chromaticity increases due to rust in the pipeline, and the adherence on the pipe wall peels off For example, turbidity increases due to the above. These can occur in the mains of the system, but are more pronounced at the end of the distribution pipes and in the customer's piping. It is known that the concentration of residual chlorine decreases in proportion to the residence time. In some cases, a consumer who drinks water having a concentration of zero and thus has lost sterilizing power may occur. When the residual chlorine capacity is reduced, the bactericidal power of water is reduced, and there is a possibility that microorganisms, particularly pathogenic microorganisms (for example, O-157, etc.) may proliferate, causing social problems in safety and health. Also, if excessive chlorine injection is performed for safety reasons, the residual chlorine concentration will be secured, but the chlorine concentration will increase, resulting in the problem of so-called "calky" odor, and harmful substances such as trihalomethane which is a by-product of chlorine. Are generated and leave challenges in terms of safety.
[0006]
The same can be said for the chromaticity, turbidity, etc. as a result of the longer residence time. Especially in apartment houses and business establishments, there is a water receiving tank, and if the management is not appropriate, this problem becomes remarkable.
[0007]
As described above, ideal water quality management is to measure the quality of water at the end of the distribution pipe that is ultimately consumed by consumers, monitor whether the value is appropriate, and manage the value so that it is appropriate.
[0008]
A water quality meter for measuring water quality of each system according to the conventional technology has a large shape (eg, 1.2 mx 1.8 mx 0.6 m), so that it cannot be installed in a home or an apartment house that is a consumer. Can not. In addition, since the unit price of the water quality meter and the construction cost are expensive, the number of units to be deployed was limited due to budget constraints. In addition, it was difficult to introduce it into ordinary households because it required specialized skills for maintenance and it was necessary to consider safety. Therefore, it could not be installed in a desired water distribution route such as in the vicinity of a consumer home or an apartment house.
[0009]
In water analysis at the end of water distribution by hand analysis or portable water quality meter, the water quality at the end can be measured.However, it takes a long time to obtain the results, and it is not possible to obtain continuous water quality data. There is a drawback in that the change range of the data and the behavior at the time of unsteady state cannot be grasped.
In this kind of data, the maximum value and the minimum value in an unsteady state have an important meaning, and it is important to establish a system operation / control method for minimizing it. In this sense, there is a drawback that the above-mentioned manual analysis or portable water quality meter cannot be used as a water quality meter of a monitoring system.
[0010]
In some rare cases, the measurement items and installation locations were limited at the end of the water distribution pipe (for example, only one residual chlorine analyzer was installed per 10,000 to tens of thousands of households) and online measurement was performed. However, the on-line water quality meter used in the conventional system is an analyzer that is used in a water treatment plant even for a single item measurement, and is not only large and expensive, but also secures an installation place. It was difficult to measure the water quality in a fine-grained manner with sufficient measurement items and locations.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized water quality meter that can be disposed near the end of a water distribution pipe and that can detect a plurality of items, eliminating the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A feature of the present invention for achieving the above object is that a part of a water distribution pipe of a water distribution system that supplies water obtained by purifying raw water to be drinkable to a consumer through a distribution network. A water quality meter attached to a single unit having an analysis unit for analyzing the sample water introduced from the water distribution pipe, and a plurality of supply flow paths for supplying a plurality of liquids including the sample water to the analysis unit; And an introduction portion made of the above member.
[0013]
Still further, a purification facility for purifying raw water such as rivers, lakes and marshes and well water so as to be suitable for drinking, a water distribution facility for supplying purified water obtained by the purification facility to consumers, and the purification facility, In a water distribution system composed of a management center for monitoring and controlling distribution facilities and a distribution network for supplying the purified water from the distribution facility to each customer, the distribution pipes are introduced at various points in the distribution network. An analysis unit for analyzing the sample water obtained, and an introduction unit comprising a single member having a plurality of supply channels for supplying a plurality of liquids including the sample water to the analysis unit; and at least the management center. A water quality meter having a communication unit for communicating with the water quality meter is connected, and a measurement result by the water quality meter is transmitted to the management center.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a distribution water quality monitoring system using the water quality meter of the present invention. Raw water such as rivers, lakes, wells, etc. is purified by the water purification facility 1 into water suitable for drinking and sent to the water distribution facility 2. The drinking water discharged from the water distribution facility 2 enters the water quality meter 8 from the water distribution main line 4 or the distribution system main line 5, or further passes through the water supply company side water distribution line 6, the customer side water distribution line 7, and then to the water quality meter 8. May enter. The water quality meter 8 includes a communication unit, and can mutually communicate with the water quality management center 3. The output of the water quality meter 8 that measures the water quality of drinking water online is sent to the water quality management center 3 through media such as wireless, wired, and satellite, and the water quality management center 3 uses the output from the water quality meter 8 for data processing. To control the operating conditions of the water purification facility and the water distribution facility so that the water quality becomes an appropriate value.
[0015]
FIG. 3 shows an example of installation of a water quality meter in a customer of such a distribution water quality monitoring system. The drinking water branched from the water distribution system main pipe 5 on the water supply company side, the water distribution pipe 6 on the water service provider side or the water distribution pipe 7 on the customer side enters the water distribution equipment 11 via the shutoff valve 10 and the water meter 9, but at the same time water quality A total of 8 items of water quality are measured. The water distribution facility 11 is composed of a piping network, and drinking water is supplied to a consumer from one location through a water tap 12 such as a faucet. The water quality meter 8 is mounted around the water meter 9 and can be installed in a water meter storage box, and has a size that can be easily installed in a manhole, a fire hydrant, in a customer facility, near a water tap, and the like. Although the specific configuration of the water quality meter 8 will be described later, the structure of the water quality meter of the present invention can be easily installed if there is a space of about 10 cm × 20 cm × 20 cm.
[0016]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the water quality meter. The sample water introduced from the water distribution pipes 4, 5, 6, and 7 via the sample introduction unit 13 is measured in a predetermined sequence for each item by the mixing and analysis unit 110, and the measurement result is converted into an electric signal. The signal is transmitted to the signal processing / control unit 18. The mixing / analyzing unit 110 includes reagent mixing units 14a to 14c for a plurality of measurement components for mixing the sample water from the sample introduction unit 13 and a plurality of measurement / analysis units 15 to 17. Here, the reagent mixing units 14a to 14c and the measurement and analysis units 15 to 17 have a unit structure, and can be provided according to the number of measurement items. Components to be measured include residual chlorine concentration, turbidity, chromaticity, conductivity, pH, concentration of chlorination by-products such as trihalomethane, and the number of pathogenic microorganisms. The signal processing / control unit 18 operates by receiving power supply from the power supply unit 20, and performs data processing of the measurement result obtained by the mixing analysis unit 110. The result of the data processing performed by the signal processing / control unit 18 is converted into a transmission signal for transmission by the communication unit 19 and then transmitted to the water quality management center 3 via a dedicated line or a public line by radio 25 or by a telemeter. Transmitted to
[0017]
The sample mixing unit 110 can be made very small by employing microfabrication, and by reducing power consumption and the amount of sample water and reagents used, it becomes possible to use batteries as power sources and employ wastewater recovery or evaporation methods. In addition, the use of a wireless line for data transmission eliminates the need for wiring and drainage work when installing a water quality meter, thus dramatically improving the freedom of installation of the water quality meter.
[0018]
Next, a specific configuration of the water quality meter will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the water quality meter includes pumps (74, 84, 87, 90) and solenoid valves (69, 73, 83, 93, 75a to 75c, 85a to 85c, 88a to 88c, 91a to 91c) and the analysis units (76, 77, 78). Note that, specifically, diaphragm pumps 87 and 89 are used. As the pumps 74 and 84, metering pumps (syringe pumps) are used. In FIG. 1, the motherboard 101 has a flow path shown inside a dotted line. Drinking water (sample water) 52 flowing through the water distribution pipe 51 on the water supply company side or the customer side is sampled via a pipe 53, passed through a manual valve 54, a pipe 55, a pressure reducing valve 56, and further connected to a pipe 57, The water is drained from the valve 58 and the drain pipe 59 to the drain groove 60.
[0019]
A portion of the sample water 52 maintained at a constant pressure from the pipe 57 is branched by a pipe 61, passes through a manual valve 62, passes through a filter 63 for removing large foreign matter in the sample water, and further passes through a flow path in the motherboard 101. It is led to a defoaming tank 66 via 65. Bubbles 67 contained in the sample water 52 inside the defoaming tank 66 accumulate in the upper portion of the defoaming tank 66 and are discarded from the motherboard 101 to the drainage groove 60 via the flow path 68, the solenoid valve 69, and the flow path 70 as needed. Is done.
[0020]
On the other hand, the sample water (water distribution pipe) 71 from which the bubbles in the defoaming tank 66 have been removed is guided to a metering pump 74 via a flow path 72 and an electromagnetic valve 73. Further, the sample water (water distribution pipe) 71 is selectively supplied to a plurality of analysis units 76, 77, 78 for analyzing independent items through a plurality of solenoid valves 75a, 75b, 75c and introduction holes 71a to 71c. Sent out. The analyzers 76, 77 and 78 have a common mounting shape and piping arrangement, and are detachably held on the motherboard 101 so as to be completely the same or compatible with other analyzers. A plurality of cartridges 79, 80, and 81 containing a liquid are detachably held outside the motherboard 101, and supply the liquid inside the cartridge to the motherboard 101. The liquid (reagent) 82 from the cartridge 79 is guided to a solenoid valve 83 and a metering pump 84, and is passed through a plurality of solenoid valves 85a, 85b, 85c and introduction holes 82a to 82c, and the analysis sections 76, 77, 78 are provided. To be sent out selectively. Similarly, the liquid (washing water) 86 in the cartridge 80 passes through the pump 87 and then to the analysis section via a plurality of solenoid valves 88a, 88b, 88c and introduction holes 86a to 86c, and to the liquid in the cartridge 81. The (zero water) 89 is selectively sent to the analyzers 76, 77, 78 via a pump 90 via solenoid valves 91a, 91b, 91c and introduction holes 89a to 89c.
[0021]
At this time, each analysis unit has a reagent mixing unit and a measurement analysis unit that mix or select and react each of the fluids using a microfabrication technique, although the detailed structure will be described later. It has the function of one analyzer. The waste liquid 92 after the completion of each analysis is discharged outside the apparatus via the flow path 70. When the waste liquid 92 is harmful or when there is no drainage facility, the waste liquid 92 is discharged to the collection container 95 via the electromagnetic valve 93 and the flow path 94.
[0022]
Further, details of the mixing analyzer 110 will be described with reference to FIG. The motherboard 101 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and electromagnetic valves 93 and 69 on the discharge side and the introduction side of the sample water are mounted on the corresponding introduction holes on the right side surface. Further, introduction holes 89a to 89c and 82a to 82c for introducing the zero water 89 and the reagent 82 are formed so as to be arranged in a vertical direction, and electromagnetic valves 88a to 88c and electromagnetic valves 91a to 91c are mounted so as to match with them. Is done. In addition, mounting screw holes are cut on both sides of the introduction holes arranged in the vertical direction, and each of the solenoid valves (93, 69, 88a to 88c, 91a to 91c) is set by screwing the screw holes. It is fixed to the motherboard 101.
Similarly, on the left side surface, the solenoid valves 83 and 73 on the sample water introduction side are mounted in the corresponding introduction holes. Further, the introduction holes 71a to 71c for introducing the sample water and the introduction holes 86a to 86c for introducing the cleaning liquid 86 are formed so as to be arranged in the vertical direction, and the solenoid valves 75a to 75c and the solenoid valves 88a to 88c are mounted. Mounting screw holes are cut on both sides of the introduction holes arranged in the vertical direction, and the solenoid valves (83, 73, 85a to 85c, 75a to 75c) are connected to the motherboard 101 by fitting screws to the screw holes. Fixed to.
[0023]
On the other hand, an opening is formed in the upper surface of the motherboard 101, and the pumps 74, 84, and 87 are communicated with each other to apply pressure for feeding a fluid flowing through the motherboard. The analysis units 76 to 78 are fixed on the upper surface. The analysis units 76 to 78 and the motherboard 101 are connected via introduction holes 82a to 82c, 71a to 71c, 89a to 89c, 86a to 86c, and 309a to 309c.
[0024]
Next, main flow paths formed in the motherboard will be described with reference to FIG. All the internal channels (channels 65, 68, 70, 72, 92, 94, etc.) are three-dimensionally formed inside the motherboard 101. As shown in the figure, an introduction hole for introducing the sample water 52, the reagent 82, the cleaning liquid 86, and the zero water 89 is formed at the lower end on the back side of the motherboard 101. The appearance of the motherboard 101 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped, and a plurality of valves, pumps, analyzers, and the like are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof so that a plurality of valves, pumps, analyzers, and the like can be held directly without using piping or through a sealing member. Are formed.
[0025]
The internal flow path of this motherboard 101 is shown in FIG. 6 when the resin part is removed and only the flow path part is three-dimensionally described. Conventionally, it is difficult to realize such a three-dimensional three-dimensional channel, and if it is to be manufactured by force, a two-dimensional channel has been formed by overlapping a plurality of machined plates and joining them. In the present embodiment, an ultraviolet curable plastic is used, and a laser molding method is employed in which a liquid resin is selectively irradiated with an ultraviolet laser beam, and only a portion irradiated with the light is cured to form a shape. In this stereolithography method, an uncured liquid is left as it is without irradiating light to a portion corresponding to the flow path, and after molding, the uncured resin is washed away to form an arbitrary three-dimensional flow path. The resin used was an ultraviolet-curing transparent epoxy resin, so that the inside of the flow path could be observed from the outside. In addition, the stereolithography method has an advantage that it can be realized inexpensively and quickly with only CAD (computer aided design) three-dimensional design data without requiring a special molding die, and can improve the reliability of a piping system connection portion.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 6, the flow path in the motherboard 101 can be freely selected in thickness and path by using an optical shaping method, and can be smoothly connected without a three-dimensional shortest distance or sharp bending. It is possible to make it difficult for dust and air bubbles in the fluid to accumulate.
[0027]
Further, in the motherboard, the flow path can be connected or branched without any joint at a three-dimensionally free position, so that the fluid can be mixed or separated. The defoaming tank 66 described with reference to FIG. 1 can also be easily configured specifically as the structure of the defoaming tank 104 shown in FIG.
[0028]
The present invention, in the above configuration, the sample water 52 sampled from the drinking water distribution pipe 51, sequence control of a plurality of pumps and solenoid valves, the liquid in a plurality of cartridges and the reagent mixing unit in the analysis unit. The guidance reaction is performed, and the result is measured by the measurement analysis unit. At this time, a reagent reaction may not be required depending on an analysis item. In this case, no reagent is selected.
[0029]
As a typical application example, tap water is used as the sample water 52, a reagent (for example, DPD or ortho-tolidine) that develops a color in response to residual chlorine is used for the liquid 82 in the cartridge 79, and a cleaning liquid (for example, A reference liquid (for example, pure water or a calibration liquid) is selected as the liquid 89 in the cartridge 81 (dilute hydrochloric acid or neutral detergent). These are sequence-controlled at a predetermined timing and guided to each analysis unit. For example, the analyzer 76 is used as a residual chlorine meter, the analyzer 77 is used as a chromaticity meter, and the analyzer 78 is used as a turbidity meter. The liquid 82 containing the reagent is used only for the analyzer 76 assigned to the residual chlorine meter. If the type of the reagent is changed, the measurement item can be changed, and the selection of which analysis item is assigned to which analyzer is also free.
[0030]
In the case of a residual chlorine meter, the degree of color development of the sample water is measured by the reagent reaction using an absorbance method.In the case of a chromaticity meter, the absorbance of the sample water itself is measured without using a reagent. (Pure water) is used as a comparative measurement method. The reference liquid is measured at a predetermined cycle, and the baseline of the zero point is corrected. On the other hand, the turbidity meter used a method in which the number of turbid particles in the sample water was counted and the turbidity was converted without using any reagent or reference solution.
[0031]
In addition, if an analyzer with a built-in electrode is attached to the analyzer, the function of a conductivity meter or a pH meter can be added without changing the structure of the analyzer.
[0032]
Further, the cleaning liquid (liquid 86) is guided to each analysis unit at a predetermined interval, and cleans a flow path, a cell, an electrode, and the like in the analysis unit. Foreign matter generated by the washing is washed away by the sample water (water distribution pipe) 71 or the zero water 89.
[0033]
Next, in FIG. 7, the details of the analysis units (76, 77, 78) shown in FIG. 4 will be described. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates the analysis unit 76 as a specific example of the analysis unit, but the analysis unit 77 and the analysis unit 78 are the same, and thus description thereof will be omitted.
[0034]
The analysis unit 76 includes an analysis unit substrate 209 and a flow cell substrate 325. By inserting and fixing the screws 224 and 225 in the screw holes 220 and 221, respectively, the flow cell substrate 325 is connected to the recess of the analysis unit substrate 209 and the motherboard 101. Press it in between and pinch it. The space between the motherboard 101 and the flow cell substrate 325 is sealed by O-rings 310 to 317.
[0035]
Although each analyzer has a different measurement principle depending on the purpose of measurement (the residual chlorine meter and the chromaticity meter adopt an absorbance measurement for light of a predetermined wavelength, and the turbidimeter employs a particle number coefficient formula for measuring the number of changes in scattered light). In addition, it is also possible to attach an analysis unit with a built-in electrode for measuring conductivity and pH), the dimensions of attachment and the arrangement of flow paths are common and modularized. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which three analysis sections are configured to be detachable via a seal member on the motherboard 101, but the number of analysis sections is not necessarily limited to three. By changing to a motherboard having a different flow path, the number of mounted analysis units can be set freely. Also, it is possible to freely arrange which analysis section of which item is arranged. By selecting an analysis unit selection and a liquid supply and measurement sequence according to the measurement purpose, it is possible to provide an analysis function for a predetermined application.
[0036]
As another application example of these combinations, all the analysis units mounted on the motherboard 101 can be of the same type. By arranging a plurality of analysis units of the same type and measuring them simultaneously, it is possible to improve the reliability of the measured values. When a failure occurs in the analysis unit, the life of the entire apparatus can be extended by using another analysis unit.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 7, each analysis unit includes a reagent mixing unit 201 (flow cell substrate 325) and a measurement analysis unit 202 (analysis unit substrate 209). The detailed structure of the reagent mixing section 201 (flow cell substrate 325) will be described with reference to FIG. The flow cell substrate 325 has a two-layer structure of a silicon substrate 301 and a Pyrex glass cover 302, and is manufactured by a microfabrication technique. The substrate 301 has a reverse S-shape formed by anisotropic etching of a high-purity silicon wafer, and has a flow path 305 having a slope 303 having a predetermined angle and a flat bottom surface 304. Further, a plurality of rectangular through holes 306, 307, 308, and 309, which are anisotropically etched from the back surface, and mesh holes 310 in which fine holes of several tens of μm are arranged in a mesh at a pitch of 100 to 200 μm. Is formed. These holes are connected by the flow path 305 on the surface. The cover 302 is joined to the surface of the substrate 301 by anodic bonding (anodic bonding). Bonding of both is performed by applying a predetermined voltage in a high-temperature vacuum while maintaining the wafer size. After bonding, the wafer is cut into a usable size and used. The size to be used depends on the shape of the flow path 305, but is about 1 cm × 2 cm.
[0038]
The above-described analyzer selectively operates a plurality of types of liquids (sample water / distribution pipe 71, reagent 82, cleaning liquid 86, and zero water 89) by selectively driving an electromagnetic valve or a pump attached to the side surface of the motherboard 101. Receive supply. In this embodiment, zero water 89 is supplied to the through hole 306, the cleaning liquid 86 is supplied to the through hole 307, the sample water (water pipe) 71 is supplied to the through hole 308, and the reagent 82 is supplied to the mesh hole 310. The supplied liquid flows through the flow path 305, is guided to the cell portion 311 which is a straight line part in the flow path, and is discharged to the motherboard 101 through the through hole 309.
[0039]
In this embodiment, a cleaner fluid (fluid closer to pure) is supplied to the upstream portion. Supplying in such an order makes it possible to make the flow channel 305 hard to be contaminated. If the cleanest fluid (for example, zero water using pure water) is filled in the flow path 305 at the time of measurement and another fluid is introduced into the flow path 305 for the first time at the time of measurement, the flow path 305 Can be prevented from lowering the measurement sensitivity due to the dirt.
[0040]
Further, in the present invention, a plurality of fluids are used as described above, but these fluids all flow through separate flow paths in the motherboard 101. That is, the respective liquids are independently supplied up to the flow cell substrate 325 and are never mixed. Mixing is performed for the first time in the channel 305 where the measurement of the absorbance or the like is performed. Therefore, since a plurality of liquids are mixed immediately before the measurement is performed, contamination generated by mixing of the plurality of liquids can be suppressed as much as possible, and highly accurate measurement can be performed.
[0041]
Furthermore, if the inner surface of the flow channel 305 is coated with a transparent fluororesin having water repellency, it is possible to further reduce the contamination.
[0042]
Next, the measurement analysis unit 202 will be described. The measurement / analysis unit 202 includes a light emitting element 203 composed of an LED or a laser diode, a lens system 204 that collects light from the light emitting element 203 and collects the light on the inclined surface 303 of the cell unit 311, and a light receiving element that monitors a change in light amount. 205 is arranged. Further, the light 206 transmitted through the cell section 311 is reflected by the slope 303 ′ opposite to the slope 303 and returns to the measurement / analysis section 202. A light receiving element 208 for measuring the light amount of the light 207 is arranged in a part of the measurement and analysis unit 202. The light emitting element 203, the light receiving elements 205 and 208, the lens system 204, and the cell unit 311 are held on an analysis unit substrate 209 to fix their relative positions. The analysis unit substrate 209 is detachable from the motherboard 101. Is held in.
[0043]
Regarding the other analysis units (chromaticity and turbidity), the details of the analysis unit are omitted, but the mounting dimensions and the arrangement of the flow paths are common because they are modularized.
[0044]
The case where the analysis unit 76 is used as a residual chlorine meter will be described.
[0045]
In the case of the residual chlorine measurement, the sample water (water distribution pipe) 71 and the reagent 82 are supplied at a predetermined flow ratio while the cleaning liquid 86 and the reference water 89 are stopped, and mixed in the flow path 305. At this time, the reagent 82 is injected into the sample water (water distribution pipe) 71 through the mesh hole 310. Since the reagent 82 can be finely and uniformly injected into the sample water through the mesh hole, it can be diffused in a short time. Therefore, the sample water 71 promptly performs a coloring reaction corresponding to the residual chlorine concentration. The colored reaction solution 312 is led to the cell section 311 and its color development is measured by measuring the absorbance. During measurement, the fluid is temporarily stopped to stabilize the measured value. After the measurement, the reaction solution 312 is discharged from the through hole 309. When calibrating the sensitivity or the zero point, instead of the sample water (water distribution pipe) 71, a reference liquid 89 whose chlorine concentration has been measured in advance is supplied, measured in the same procedure, and the measured value is used as the reference value. To correct the subsequent measurement values. The cleaning liquid 86 is supplied and washed in accordance with a predetermined cycle or the degree of contamination in order to remove mineral or vegetable stains in the reagent mixing section 201 (particularly, the cell section 311).
[0046]
In the structure of the analysis unit of the present invention, if minute foreign matter or air bubbles adhere to the inner surface of the cell unit 311, the amount of the light 206 transmitted through the cell unit 311 fluctuates remarkably, and correct absorbance may be measured. It may not be possible. Since these foreign matters and bubbles are minute and have various attachment locations, all of them cannot be washed away in the ordinary washing step in which only the washing liquid 86 is caused to flow. In the case of the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily select a liquid sending pattern of a fluid flowing in the cell unit 311 in addition to a liquid sending pattern in a normal measurement / washing step.
[0047]
The main liquid transfer patterns for cleaning are shown below.
[0048]
(1) Flow the sample water 52. Since the pump 74 for flowing the sample water 52 is a constant-rate pump, it can apply a high pressure although the flow rate is constant. Foreign matter and bubbles are washed away by the sample water 52 sent at a higher pressure than during normal measurement.
[0049]
(2) The washing liquid 87 and the zero water 81 are supplied. Since the pumps 87 and 90 for flowing the cleaning liquid 87 and the zero water 81 are pulsating because they are diaphragm pumps, the generated pulsating flow is used to remove foreign substances and bubbles.
[0050]
(3) The cleaning liquid 86 (which is effective if a surfactant is contained) is sent into the cell portion 311 and retained therein, and then flushed with the sample water 52. It is advantageous in the case of foreign matter or bubbles that cannot be flowed only by changing the flow velocity.
[0051]
In the present invention, it is possible to easily remove foreign substances and bubbles by executing any or some of the above-mentioned liquid sending patterns in combination, and to realize a more reliable water quality meter. Can be. Further, the selection of these liquid sending patterns can be set by communication from the water quality management center 3.
[0052]
FIG. 9 shows an example different from the configuration example shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the water meter 9 and the water quality meter 8 are integrated. The water quality meter 8 uses a microfabrication technology to reduce the size while enabling measurement of a plurality of components as described above. And it can be integrated with the water meter 9. The supply water to the customer flows through the water meter via the water supply company side water distribution pipe 6 and the shutoff valve 10 to measure the flow rate, and a part of the water is supplied to the water quality meter 8 via the sample introduction pipe 24. You. With this configuration, the water meter and the water quality meter can be integrally mounted on the pipe and housed in the water meter box. Therefore, there is no special installation place or installation work, and installation can be performed with the same simplicity as mounting a water meter.
[0053]
FIG. 10 shows still another configuration example. FIG. 10 shows a system that autonomously supplies power to the water quality meter 8. The power generated by the solar cell 21 is supplied to the water quality meter 8 via the diode 22, and the excess power is charged to the storage battery 23. Is done. When sunlight cannot be expected due to nighttime or rain, the storage battery 23 supplies power to the water quality meter 8 by discharging to back it up. The diode 22 is a protection means for preventing a loss due to a reverse current flow in that case. With such a configuration, autonomous operation that does not require external power supply becomes possible by appropriately selecting the power generation capacity of the solar cell and the capacity of the storage battery. This eliminates the need for equipment and construction to secure commercial power, eliminates restrictions on the installation location, and realizes low cost.
[0054]
By installing the water quality meter 8 of the present invention described above for each customer, the water quality at all the distribution ends can be managed by the management center 3. In addition, if customers are sampled and installed at the rate of one in tens of houses, the amount of communication with the management center 3 can be reduced to several tenths, and processing at the management center 3 can be made very light. Can be. Furthermore, compared to a conventional system that could only manage water quality at the rate of hundreds of thousands of houses, it is possible to perform water quality management at the distribution end with extremely high precision.
In addition, the water quality meter 8 of the present invention can be reduced in size by using a microfabrication technology, thereby achieving a significant miniaturization, so that the amounts of sample water and reagents used for water quality measurement can be suppressed to the microliter level. It becomes. Further, with this, even in the case of continuous measurement, it is possible to extend the replacement cycle of reagents and the like to one month or more.
The embodiments of the present invention are summarized as follows.
[0055]
(1) Install a water quality meter near the end of the water distribution pipe near the drinking water, and manage the information in an integrated manner at the management center for optimal water quality management.
[0056]
(2) Install a water quality meter in the manhole, fire hydrant, water meter storage box, inside the customer (under the sink, etc.) near the end of the water distribution pipe. As a result, the chance of the general public touching the water quality meter is reduced, and safety can be ensured.
[0057]
(3) The sample introduction section, the reagent mixing section, and the analysis / measurement section, which are the causes of the increase in size of the apparatus, are reduced in size by using microfabrication technology. Even with the current technology, it is possible to reduce the size by about 1/1000 of the conventional water quality meter in volume.
[0058]
(4) A three-dimensional three-dimensional flow channel made of an ultraviolet-curing plastic is adopted for a piping system inside the analyzer, and a configuration without piping (tube) is used to save space and improve reliability.
[0059]
(5) The downsizing of the device reduces the main body cost and the construction cost, and the microfabrication technology is an application of the silicon semiconductor process technology, so that the cost can be significantly reduced by mass production.
[0060]
(6) Since the device is very small, the amount of liquid consumed during measurement can be suppressed to the level of microliters, so even in the case of continuous measurement, it is possible to extend the chemical exchange cycle to more than one month. It becomes possible. Also, since the amount of wastewater is very small, it can be recovered or an evaporation method can be adopted, and the drainage work can be omitted.
[0061]
(7) The supply and replacement can be easily performed by supplying the consumables such as the reagent and zero water with the cartridge.
[0062]
(8) Power saving can be achieved by miniaturization, and an external battery is not required by using a built-in battery or a solar battery as a power supply and a wireless line as a signal transmission means.
[0063]
(9) An independent flow path configuration in which a plurality of liquids are not mixed up to the flow cell substrate where the measurement is performed, so that generation of contamination is reduced as much as possible. In addition, the flow path of the flow cell substrate is provided with an opening (through hole) for introducing a plurality of liquids, and by introducing a cleaner liquid toward the upstream of the flow path, contamination in the flow path is prevented. I do.
[0064]
(10) If the measurement results fluctuate, it is possible that foreign matter or bubbles adhere to the analysis section. Therefore, besides the normal cleaning process, send sample water and cleaning water in various patterns. This removes foreign substances and bubbles.
[0065]
Furthermore, when the effects are summarized, the following effects can be expected.
[0066]
(1) It is possible to provide a water quality meter having a volume of about 1/1000 of the conventional one, and the degree of freedom of installation is improved.
[0067]
(2) A water quality meter with small size and low power consumption can be realized, and an online multi-item water quality measurement system requiring no wiring can be realized by adopting battery drive and wireless communication.
[0068]
(3) Modularization of the analysis unit makes it easy to select, combine, and change measurement items, and can flexibly respond to changes in the measurement sequence.
[0069]
(4) Since the three-dimensional three-dimensional flow path is manufactured by an optical molding method using an ultraviolet-curable synthetic resin, it can be manufactured without using a mold using CAD data, and is inexpensive. Rapid production is possible.
[0070]
(5) Since a very small sampling system can be realized, the amount of liquid used is reduced, and the maintenance cycle accompanying liquid replenishment can be greatly extended.
[0071]
(6) Since a plurality of liquids are not mixed until immediately before the measurement, contamination of the measurement unit can be prevented, and the measurement can be performed with high accuracy.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a small and highly reliable water quality meter and a water quality monitoring system using the water quality meter can be realized.
[0073]
More specifically, the size is reduced to about 1/1000 in volume as compared with the related art, so that a water quality meter with low power consumption and small flow rate can be realized. Therefore, since it can be driven for a long time by the built-in battery and can be measured for a long time with a small amount of reagent, special wiring and piping are not required when installing the water quality meter, and the construction cost is greatly reduced. it can. Therefore, construction of a water quality monitoring system becomes very easy.
[0074]
Further, since the analysis unit has a modular structure, it is possible to realize a multi-item water quality meter having a high degree of freedom in setting measurement items.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a detailed internal configuration diagram of an analyzer.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a system.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an installation example of an analyzer of the system.
FIG. 4 is an internal configuration diagram of the analyzer.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of a motherboard.
FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of the internal flow path of the motherboard.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of an analysis unit.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of a flow cell.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Water purification facility, 2 ... Water distribution facility, 3 ... Water quality control center, 4 ... Water distribution main pipe, 5 ... Distribution system main pipe, 6 ... Water service provider side distribution pipe, 7 ... Consumer side distribution pipe, 8 ... Water quality meter , 9 ... water meter, 10 ... shut-off valve, 11 ... water distribution equipment, 12 ... water tap, 13 ... sample introduction section, 14 a, 14 b, 14 c ... reagent mixing section, 15, 16, 17 ... analysis section, 18 ... signal processing -Control part, 19 ... communication part, 20 ... power supply part, 51, 71 ... water pipe, 52, 72 ... drinking water, 53, 55, 57, 61 ... piping, 54, 58, 62 ... manual valve, 56 ... decompression Valve: 59: drain pipe, 60: drain groove, 63: filter, 65, 68, 70: flow path, 66: defoaming tank, 67: bubble, 69: solenoid valve.

Claims (17)

In a water quality meter attached to a part of a water distribution pipe of a water distribution system that supplies water obtained by purifying raw water to be drinkable to consumers through a water distribution network,
An analyzer comprising: a measurement channel through which a liquid flows, a mixing unit having a plurality of openings for introducing the liquid into the measurement channel, and a measurement unit that analyzes the liquid in the measurement channel. When,
It said communicating with the opening, and a inlet portion consisting of a single member having a plurality of supply passages for supplying a plurality of liquids comprising the sample water,
The water quality meter according to claim 1, wherein the introduction unit is provided with a region to which a plurality of the analysis units can be connected, and a common arrangement position of a supply flow path communicating with the opening is provided in each region . In claim 1,
The water quality meter, wherein the member forming the introduction portion is formed using a synthetic resin that is cured by irradiation of ultraviolet rays. In claim 1,
The water quality meter, wherein the measuring unit includes a light source and a light receiving unit, irradiates light from the light source to the measurement flow path, and receives light passing through the measurement flow path at the light receiving unit. In claim 1,
A water quality meter, wherein the analysis unit includes an electrode for measuring conductivity or pH. In claim 1 ,
Reagents corresponding to the minute析項eyes, wash water for cleaning of the measuring channel, and storing any of the standard water used to correct the measurement result, and comprises a plurality of containers is detachable from the water meter The water quality meter, wherein the liquids in the plurality of containers are supplied to the analysis unit via a supply flow path in the introduction unit . In claim 5,
A water quality meter, wherein an opening for introducing a reagent among the openings of the analysis section has a mesh shape. In claim 5,
A water quality meter for supplying a sample water to the measurement flow channel at a higher pressure than that at the time of measurement when removing foreign matter and bubbles from the measurement flow channel in the analysis section. In claim 5,
A water quality meter characterized by pulsating wash water or reference water and supplying it to the measurement flow path when removing foreign matter and bubbles from the measurement flow path in the analysis section. In claim 5,
When removing foreign matter and bubbles in the measurement flow path in the analysis section, after supplying washing water to the measurement flow path and retaining the same, sample water is supplied to the measurement flow path. . In claim 1 ,
The analysis unit includes a member obtained by anodically bonding a silicon wafer and an anodically bonded Pyrex glass to a silicon wafer, and forming the measurement flow path therebetween.
A water quality meter characterized in that a film is formed of a water-repellent resin on a surface of the measurement flow path where the liquid contacts. In claim 1,
A filter member for removing foreign matter of the sample water is provided, and the sample water is supplied to any of the supply channels of the introduction unit through the filter member,
The water quality meter further comprises a defoaming tank for removing air bubbles in a part of the supply flow path for introducing the sample water out of the flow paths in the introduction section. In claim 3 ,
Measurements performed in the previous SL analyzing unit, chlorine concentration, turbidity, chromaticity, conductivity, pH, chlorinated by-product concentration, of the pathogenic microorganism number, quality meter is characterized in that either. In claim 1 ,
Before SL plurality of analysis unit, water meter and performing each measurement of the same analysis item. Purification facilities for purifying raw water such as rivers, lakes, marshes and well water so as to be suitable for drinking, water distribution facilities for supplying purified water obtained by the purification facilities to consumers, and monitoring of the purification facilities and water distribution facilities In a water distribution system configured with a control center that performs control and a water distribution network that supplies the purified water from the water distribution facility to each customer,
In each part of the water distribution pipe network, a measurement channel for flowing a liquid, and a mixing unit having a plurality of openings for introducing the liquid into the measurement channel, and analyzing the liquid in the measurement channel. an analysis unit comprising a measurement unit for performing, before Symbol a plurality of liquid containing water purification comprising a supply passage for supplying the opening, and provided with a region in which the analyzer can be multiple connections, in each region An introduction section made of a single member having a common arrangement position of the supply flow passage communicating with the opening , and a water quality meter having at least a communication section for communicating with the management center are connected, and A water quality monitoring system for transmitting a measurement result of a water quality meter to the management center. In claim 14,
The water quality monitoring system is characterized in that the water quality meter is connected to the water distribution network in any of a water meter storage box, a fire hydrant, a manhole, and a customer-side facility. In claim 14,
Communication between the water quality meter and the management center is performed by any of radio, a dedicated line, or a public line. In claim 14,
A water quality monitoring system, wherein the water quality meter includes a solar cell via a charging battery, and is driven by power supply from the solar cell.

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