JP3769906B2

JP3769906B2 - Water purification equipment

Info

Publication number: JP3769906B2
Application number: JP29218997A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 朋秀松本; 祐河合; 原　　徹; 利明平井
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1997-10-24
Filing date: 1997-10-24
Publication date: 2006-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-24
Also published as: JPH11128944A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、入浴水などの被浄化水に含まれる懸濁物質を除去浄化する水浄化装置に関し、特に電気分解により金属水和物を生成し、この金属水和物のもつ凝集作用により懸濁物質の凝集フロックを形成して浄化する水浄化装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の水浄化装置としては、微生物担持体に微生物を繁殖させ、この微生物の酵素活性作用により有機物を分解し浄化するものがある（例えば特開平５−２９３４８５号公報）。
【０００３】
しかしながら上記微生物方式の水浄化装置では以下の課題があった。
（１）微生物の酵素活性作用により浄化するので浄化速度が遅い。このため入浴により浴水が一旦汚濁すると浄化するのに３時間以上必要となる。したがって入浴者が続けて（例えば３０分間隔）入浴した場合汚濁した状態の浴水に入浴しなければならず、心理的な抵抗感がある。
【０００４】
（２）濾過槽内の殺菌は、浄化に寄与する微生物を滅殺することになるので浄化能が得られなくなる。したがって病原菌などの温床となる濾過槽内を殺菌することができない。このため細菌汚染の可能性がある。
【０００５】
（３）入浴剤を使用した場合微生物が死滅するので、入浴剤を使用することができない。
【０００６】
これらの課題を解決するものとして図５および図６に示したように電気分解により金属水和物を生成し、この金属水和物の凝集作用により懸濁物質を大径化し物理的に濾過する水浄化装置が提案されている（例えば特開平８−１３２０５１号公報）。同図において１は浴槽、２は循環ポンプ、３は凝集槽、４は凝集槽の下流側に設けられた濾過槽、５は循環路である。ここで凝集槽３は図６に示したようにアルミニウムからなる陽極６とステンレスからなる陰極７（ここではケーシングを兼ねている）から構成されている。
【０００７】
上記構成において陽極６と陰極７に通電すると電気分解により陽極６からアルミニウムイオンが溶出する。このアルミニウムイオンは、水の水酸基と反応して水酸化アルミニウムのコロイドが形成される。ここで皮脂・垢及び細菌群などの懸濁物質は、側鎖にカルボキシル基を持っているので負に帯電している。一方水酸化アルミニウムは正電荷のため、水酸化アルミニウムが結着媒体となり、架橋作用によって微細な懸濁物質を吸着して大径化させていわゆる凝集フロックが生成される。この結果、下流に設けられた濾過槽４で凝集フロックが効果的に濾過され、短時間での浄化が可能となる。また微生物を用いないので細菌群の温床となる濾過槽４内を例えば高温殺菌などにより殺菌可能となるとともに、入浴剤を使用することが可能となる。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
以上述べたように凝集濾過方式では微生物方式では得られない特長を有しているが、電気分解により金属イオン（アルミニウムイオン）を溶出して金属水和物（水酸化アルミニウム）を生成する過程で徐々に陽極表面に水酸化アルミニウムが残存して陽極、陰極間に堆積し、凝集に寄与するアルミニウムの有効利用率が低下するという課題が見出された。
【０００９】
すなわち理論的にはファラデーの法則に基づいて供給した電気量に応じてイオン化傾向の高いアルミニウムイオンが溶出してその全量が水に溶解し、水酸基と反応して水酸化アルミニウムとなって凝集に寄与するはずであるが、実際には陽極表面でスケール成分と結合して残存し、凝集に寄与すべきアルミニウムが減少していることがわかった。
【００１０】
この結果必要以上のアルミニウム量が必要となり、陽極が大型化する。また十分な水酸化アルミが生成されないので凝集による架橋作用が低下し、浄化能力が低下する。さらに長期使用により陽極、陰極間が堆積物で埋まり、極間の電気抵抗が上昇し、所定の電解電流が確保できなくなるという課題があった。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記課題を解決するために、入浴水などの被浄化水を循環する循環手段と、陽極と陰極から構成される電極を有する凝集手段と、凝集フロックを物理的に濾過する濾過手段を有するとともに、前記電極への通電による凝集動作時は前記循環手段を制御して停止、もしくは通常濾過運転時よりも少ない循環量とする循環量制御手段を設けたものである。
【００１２】
すなわち本発明者らは陽極表面の堆積物を低減させるために種々研究を重ねた結果、電解凝集動作時に陽極表面を通過する入浴水などの被浄化水の通過流速を低減することにより、陽極表面に堆積するスケール成分を低減できることを見出した。このメカニズムとしては電解時の流速が低い場合に陽極側に発生する酸素および塩素ガスによりスケール膜が破壊されて堆積が防止されることおよび陽極表面のｐＨ（水素イオン濃度）が酸性側となり、陽極表面に付着残存しにくくなるものと考えられる。
【００１３】
この結果アルミニウムの有効利用率が向上するので陽極の容積あるいは重量の低減が図れるとともに、凝集効率が向上するので良好な浄化性能が得られる。また極間の電気抵抗が変化しないので長期にわたって安定した浄化性能を維持できる。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に係る水浄化装置は、入浴水などの被浄化水を循環する循環手段と、循環路と、陽極と陰極から構成される電極を有し、前記電極に通電することで電気分解により金属水和物を生成し、被浄化水に含まれる懸濁物質を電気的に凝集させる凝集手段と、前記凝集手段の下流に設けられ、凝集フロックを物理的に濾過する濾過手段を有するとともに、前記電極への通電による凝集動作時は前記循環手段を制御して停止、もしくは通常濾過運転時よりも少ない循環量とする循環制御手段を設けたものである。
【００１５】
そして、電解による凝集動作に連動する循環量制御手段を設けたので電極への通電による凝集動作時は循環手段が制御されて循環を停止する、もしくは循環流量を低下させて電極通過流速が低減されるので陽極表面のスケール付着が防止され、電解金属の有効利用率が向上する。これにより良好な浄化性能が得られるとともに陽極、陰極間の電気抵抗が変化しないので長期にわたって良好な浄化性能を持続できる。また陽極の小型化が図れる。
【００１６】
本発明の請求項２に係る水浄化装置は、凝集動作時の循環流量を１０l/min以下としたものである。
【００１７】
そして、凝集動作時の循環流量を１０l/min以下とすることで効果的に陽極表面のスケール付着を低減でき、陽極の耐久信頼性が向上する。
【００１８】
本発明の請求項３に係る水浄化装置は、循環流量を停止、弱、中、強の4モードに制御可能な循環量制御手段を設け、電極への通電による凝集動作時は停止もしくは弱モード循環とし、前記凝集動作終了後に強モードで所定時間循環濾過する構成としたものである。
【００１９】
そして小循環量での凝集動作により濾過手段内に緻密な凝集フロックの膜を形成し、その後循環流量を強モードに増大して急速浄化が行われることとなる。したがって陽極表面のスケールが防止できるとともに、凝集フロックの緻密なケーク層を形成した後に急速浄化されることとなるのでさらに効果的に浄化が行われ、短時間での浄化が可能となる。
【００２０】
本発明の請求項４に係る水浄化装置は、凝集動作終了後から強モード循環に至るまでに徐々に循環流量を増加する緩流量制御手段を設けたものである。
【００２１】
そして、小循環量での凝集動作により緻密な凝集フロックのケーク層を形成後、急激に循環流量を増加すると前記ケーク層での流速分布が不均一となり、良好な状態に形成されたケーク層が破壊され、浄化性能が低下する場合がある。緩流量制御手段を設けることで、凝集フロックのケーク層を形成後、徐々に循環流量が増加されるので前記ケーク層の破壊が防止されて良好な浄化性能が得られる。
【００２２】
本発明の請求項５に係る水浄化装置は、小循環量での凝集動作前に濾過手段の逆流洗浄を行う構成としたものである。
【００２３】
そして、凝集動作により濾過手段内に凝集フロックのケーク層を形成し浄化を行うと、懸濁物質がケーク層表面に捕捉され、この結果通過圧力損失が増加して循環流量が低下してくる。凝集動作前に濾過手段の逆流洗浄を行うことで、捕捉した懸濁物質を含む凝集フロックが外部に廃棄されて清浄化され、その後に凝集動作を行うことで新たな凝集フロックのケーク層が形成されて浄化が行われることとなり、濾過手段の圧力損失を所定値以上上昇させることなく長期にわたって安定した浄化性能を得ることができる。
【００２４】
本発明の請求項６に係る水浄化装置は、入浴時間帯設定手段を設け、入浴時間帯の前後に逆流洗浄、凝集動作、強モード循環による浄化を順次行う構成としたものである。
【００２５】
そして、入浴時間帯は人が入浴するため特に浴水の清澄度が要求される。入浴時間帯前は、それ以前に長時間にわたり浄化が行われているので濾過手段には多量の懸濁物質が堆積しており、浄化能が低下している場合がある。したがって入浴時間帯前に逆流洗浄を実施することで濾過手段が再生され、その後小循環量での凝集動作を実施して濾過手段内に良質の凝集フロックの膜（ケーク層）を形成し、次いで強モード循環により急速浄化を行うことで入浴前には常に清澄度の高い浴水が得られる。一方、入浴時間帯中は入浴により人体由来の垢、皮脂、細菌群などが浴水に持ち込まれるので濾過手段に対する負荷が最も高くなり、濾過手段の目詰まりも発生する。したがって入浴時間帯後にも逆流洗浄、凝集動作、強モード循環による浄化を順次行うことで濾過手段が再生され、次回の入浴時間帯までの安定した浄化性能が得られる。すなわち入浴時間帯の前後に逆流洗浄、凝集動作、強モード循環による浄化を順次行うことで、濾過手段を浄化に好適な状態に維持することができ、長期にわたって良好な浄化性能が得られる。
【００２６】
本発明の請求項７に係る水浄化装置は、入浴時間帯の範囲内では中モード循環で循環濾過する構成としたものである。
【００２７】
そして、入浴時間帯における入浴時には人体由来の垢、皮脂、細菌群などが浴水に持ち込まれるので入浴人数に比例して浴水が汚濁する。したがって複数の人が順次汚濁のない清澄な浴水に入浴するためには、入浴時間帯での浄化を継続する必要がある。しかしながら循環流量の大きい強モード循環で浄化した場合、浄化は短時間に行われる一方で浴槽内に設けられた浄化水の吐出口からの水よって流に入浴者が不快感を覚える場合がある。また循環手段として例えば電動ポンプの場合、大流量を循環するために高出力運転することとなり、運転騒音が大きくなる。本発明では入浴時間帯では中モード循環とするので浄化と水流および運転騒音による入浴者の不快感解消の両方を満足することができる。
【００２８】
本発明の請求項８に係る水浄化装置は、循環水温検知手段を有し、水温が５０℃以上の時は凝集動作を行わない構成としたものである。
【００２９】
そして、凝集動作による陽極表面のスケール付着量は温度依存性を有し、凝集動作時の水温が５０℃以上となるとスケール付着量が急激に増加し、凝集作用への有効利用率が低下する。循環水温検知手段を設けて水温が５０℃以上の時は凝集動作すなわち電極への通電を行わず、水温が低下した状態で凝集動作を行うことで陽極表面へのスケール付着が防止され電解金属の凝集作用への有効利用率が向上するとともに長期にわたって良好な凝集作用が維持できる。
【００３０】
本発明の請求項９に係る水浄化装置は、濾過手段の上流側に凝集手段である凝集槽を別体として設けたものである。
【００３１】
そして、凝集槽を別体として構成することで陽極の消耗時の交換あるいは陽極の点検、清掃などのメンテナンス性が向上するとともに、濾過手段の上流側という条件のみを満足すれば設置形態は自由であり、設置および設計自由度が向上する。
【００３２】
本発明の請求項１０に係る水浄化装置は、濾過手段の上流に凝集槽を設け、さらにその上流に三方弁を介して循環路と逆流洗浄排出路を設けたものである。
【００３３】
そして、凝集槽と濾過手段を直列接続し、その上流に濾過手段の逆流洗浄排水路を設けることで濾過手段の洗浄と同時に凝集槽に設けられた電極表面も洗浄されることとなり、陽極へのスケール付着がさらに効果的に防止されることとなる。
【００３４】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について図面を用いて説明する。
【００３５】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明の実施例１における水浄化装置の構成図を示す。同図において、８は被浄化水である浴槽９の水を浄化する水浄化装置であり、１０は水浄化装置８を制御する制御手段、１１は入浴時間帯を設定する入浴時間帯設定手段である。
【００３６】
浴槽９には、水浄化装置８に接続された吐出口１２およひ吸い込み口１３を有する風呂アダプタ１４が設けられている。
【００３７】
水浄化装置８は、浴槽９の吸い込み口１３に連通する往き管１５およひ吐出口１２に連通する戻り管１６からなる循環路１７と、浴槽水を循環させるための循環手段１８と、浴槽水に含まれる懸濁物質を凝集させて大径化させる凝集手段である凝集槽１９およひその下流に設けられ、例えばアルミナなどの無機系材料からなる粒状の濾材２０を濾床２１を介して充填し、凝集槽１９で大径化した凝集フロックを濾過する濾過手段２２、浴槽水を保温するための加熱手段２３、凝集槽１９の上流側および濾過手段２２の下流側に設けられた三方弁２４ａ、２４ｂおよび濾過手段２２に堆積した懸濁物質を通常濾過時とは逆方向に通水して洗浄するためのバイパス路２５と排出路２６からなる逆洗手段２７、循環水の温度を検出する温度検出手段２８から構成されている。
【００３８】
凝集槽１９は、ステンレスから構成される筐体２９の内部にアルミニウムから構成される陽極３０を筐体２９に対向配置するとともに陽極３０と陰極（ここでは筐体２９を兼用する）間に電圧を印可する定電流電源３１を有している。
【００３９】
制御手段１０は、入浴時間帯設定手段１１で設定された入浴時間帯を基準として凝集槽１９を制御する凝集制御手段３２と三方弁２４ａ、２４ｂを制御し濾過手段２２の逆流洗浄を制御する逆洗制御手段３３および凝集制御手段３２と逆洗制御手段３３と関連して循環手段１８を制御する循環量制御手段３４を有している。なお凝集制御手段３２には温度検出手段２８の出力信号が入力されており、循環水の水温が５０℃以上の場合はたとえ凝集動作時期であっても凝集槽１９へ通電を行うことなく、水温が５０℃以下となってから凝集動作に移行する構成となっている。
【００４０】
ここで循環量制御手段３４には、循環流量を停止、弱、中、強の4モードに制御する循環モード制御手段３５が設けられており、凝集槽１９の陽極３０と陰極２９間への通電による凝集動作時は停止もしくは弱モード循環で循環し、凝集動作終了後に強モードで所定時間循環濾過する構成となっている。また緩流量制御手段３６により、凝集動作終了後から強モード循環に至るまでに徐々に循環流量が増加されるように構成されている。
【００４１】
以上の構成において、次に本実施例の動作、作用について図１および図２のタイムチャートを用いて説明する。
【００４２】
入浴時間帯設定手段１１によって設定された入浴時間帯以外では循環量は弱モード循環（例えば５l/min）されており、この間は加熱手段２３による入浴適温（例えば４０℃）の保温動作も停止し、消費電力が抑制される。一方、入浴時間帯の所定時間前にまず逆洗制御手段３３が動作して三方弁２４ａ、２４ｂを図１の破線矢印で示した方向に流れるように制御し、循環水はバイパス路２５を経て濾過手段２２の下流から濾過手段２２に流入し、濾材２０の表面に堆積した凝集フロックを含んだ懸濁物質が逆流洗浄され、排出路２６から外部に廃棄される。
【００４３】
このように凝集動作前に濾過手段の逆流洗浄を行うことで、捕捉した懸濁物質を含む凝集フロックが外部に廃棄されて清浄化され、その後に凝集動作を行うことで新たな凝集フロックのケーク層が形成されて浄化が行われることとなり、濾過手段の圧力損失を所定値以上上昇させることなく長期にわたって安定した浄化性能を得ることができる。
【００４４】
所定時間Ｔｒの間逆流洗浄した後に凝集制御手段３２が動作し、温度検出手段２８の信号が５０℃以下の場合は凝集槽１９の定電流電源３１が動作して陽極３０と陰極２９間に電圧が印可される。この結果、電気分解により陽極３０からアルミニウムイオンが溶出する。このアルミニウムイオンは、水の水酸基と反応して水酸化アルミニウムのコロイドが形成される。ここで皮脂・垢及び細菌群などの懸濁物質は、側鎖にカルボキシル基を持っているので負に帯電している。一方水酸化アルミニウムは正電荷のため、水酸化アルミニウムが結着媒体となり、架橋作用によって微細な懸濁物質を吸着して大径化させていわゆる凝集フロックが生成される。この結果、濾材２０表層部に凝集フロックが堆積して緻密な細孔を有するケーク層が形成され、短時間での効果的な水浄化が可能となる。実験によれば、濁度２度の被浄化水を電極間に３００mA通電しながら濾過した場合、２０分経過後０．５度以下が得られた。微生物の酵素活性作用によるものでは同様の実験で２〜３時間必要であり、本実施例では使用者が続けて（例えば３０分間隔）入浴した場合でも清澄な浴槽水に入浴できることとなる。なおこの凝集動作時には循環量制御手段３４が動作して循環手段１８を制御し、循環量は通常濾過運転時よりも少ない弱モード循環（例えば５l/min）に保持される。これにより電気分解時の陽極３０表面に析出する水酸化アルミニウムを含むスケール付着を防止できる。すなわち本発明者らは陽極３０表面のスケール付着を低減させるために種々研究を重ねた結果、電解凝集動作時に陽極３０表面を通過する被浄化水の通過流速を低減することにより、陽極３０表面に堆積するスケール成分を低減できることを見出した。図３は電解凝集動作時の循環流量と陽極３０表面のスケール付着率の関係を示す特性図であり、循環流量が少ないほどスケール付着量が少ないことがわかる。ここでスケール付着率Ｒｅはファラデーの法則に基づくアルミニウムの理論溶出量をＶｅ、陽極３０表面への付着量をＶａとする時（数１）により算出した。
【００４５】
【数１】

【００４６】
図３によれば循環流量が１０l/minでスケール付着率は約５％であり、有効利用率９５％以上を得ようとした時、循環流量は１０l/min以下望ましくは５l/min以下にすることが必要である。なおスケール付着低減のメカニズムとしては電解時の流速が低い場合に陽極側に発生する酸素および塩素ガスによりスケール膜が破壊されて堆積が防止されることおよび陽極表面のｐＨ（水素イオン濃度）が酸性側となり、陽極表面に付着残存しにくくなるものと考えられる。この結果アルミニウムの有効利用率が向上するので陽極３０の容積あるいは重量の低減が図れるとともに、凝集効率が向上するので良好な浄化性能が得られる。また極間の電気抵抗が変化しないので長期にわたって安定した浄化性能を維持できることとなる。
【００４７】
所定時間Ｔｅだけ凝集動作を継続した後に凝集槽１９への通電を停止し、次いで循環量制御手段３４が動作して図２のＴｐに示した時間、循環手段１８は強モード循環（例えば２５l/min）で急速浄化され、入浴時間帯前に清澄な浴水が確保される。なお凝集動作終了から強モード循環に至るまでに、緩流量制御手段３６が動作して徐々に循環流量が増加される。小流量循環での凝集動作に緻密な凝集フロックのケーク層を形成後、急激に循環流量を増加するとケーク層での流速分布が不均一となり、良好な状態に形成されたケーク層が破壊され、浄化性能が低下する場合があるが、本実施例では緩流量制御手段３６により徐々に循環流量が増加されるのでケーク層の破壊が防止され、良好なケーク層が維持されることとなり良好な浄化性能が維持できる。
【００４８】
次に入浴時間帯の範囲内では入浴行為により、人体由来の皮脂・垢およひ細菌群などの懸濁物質が浴槽内に持ち込まれ、一時的に浴水が汚濁するが、凝集動作によって形成された凝集フロックの緻密なケーク層により効率的に濾過が行われ、複数の人が続けて（例えば３０分間隔）入浴した場合でも常に清澄な状態で入浴できる。なお入浴時間帯は循環モード制御手段３５により循環手段１８が制御されて中モード循環（例えば１５l/min）で運転される。循環流量の大きい強モード循環で浄化した場合、浄化は短時間に行われる一方で浴槽９内に設けられた吐出口１２からの水流が強いために入浴者が不快感を覚える場合がある。また循環手段１８として例えば電動ポンプを用いた場合、大流量を循環するために高出力運転することとなり運転騒音が大きくなる。本実施例では入浴時間帯内は中モード循環とするので浄化と水流および運転騒音による入浴者の不快感解消の両方を満足することができ、快適な入浴が可能となる。
【００４９】
次に入浴時間帯終了後には制御手段１０により再度入浴時間帯前と同様に逆流洗浄、凝集動作、強モード循環による急速浄化が順次行われ、入浴行為により濾過手段２２内の懸濁物質が逆洗動作により外部に廃棄された後、再度凝集フロックのケーク層が形成され、浴水を清澄化した後弱モード循環による浄化に移行する。このように入浴時間帯後にも逆流洗浄、凝集動作、強モード循環による浄化を順次行うことで入浴行為による濾過手段２２の性能低下が再生され、次回の入浴時間帯までの安定した浄化性能が得られる。すなわち入浴時間帯の前後に逆流洗浄、凝集動作、強モード循環による浄化を順次行うことで、濾過手段２２を浄化に好適な状態に維持することができ、長期にわたって良好な浄化性能を持続させることができる。
【００５０】
なお本実施例では、温度検出手段２８により水温が検出されており、凝集動作時に循環水の水温が５０℃以上の場合はたとえ凝集動作時期であっても凝集槽１９へ通電を行うことなく、水温が５０℃以下となってから凝集動作に移行する。この理由について図４を用いて説明する。図４は凝集動作時の水温と陽極３０表面のスケール付着率Ｒｅの関係を示したものである（この時の循環流量は１５l/minである）。スケール付着率Ｒｅは温度依存性を有し、水温が５０℃以上となると急激に付着率が増加する。したがって５０℃以上の場合には凝集動作を行わない構成とすることで陽極３０の表面へのスケール付着を極力防止することが可能となり、電解金属の凝集作用への有効利用率が向上するとともに長期にわたって良好な凝集作用が維持できる。
【００５１】
また本実施例では、濾過手段２２の上流側に凝集手段である凝集槽１９を別体として構成したので陽極３０の消耗時の交換あるいは陽極３０の点検、清掃などのメンテナンス性が向上するとともに、濾過手段２２の上流側という条件のみを満足すれば設置形態は自由であり、設置および設計自由度が向上する。
【００５２】
さらに凝集槽１９と濾過手段２２を直列接続し、その上流に三方弁２４ａを介して濾過手段２２の逆流洗浄排水路２６を設けることで濾過手段２２の洗浄と同時に凝集槽１９に設けられた陽極３０および陰極２９の表面も洗浄されることとなり、電極へのスケール付着がさらに効果的に防止されることとなる。
【００５３】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明の請求項１に係る水浄化装置によれば、電解による凝集動作に連動する循環量制御手段を設けたので凝集電極への通電による凝集動作時は循環手段が制御されて循環を停止する、もしくは循環流量を低下させて電極通過流速が低減されるので陽極表面のスケール付着が防止され、電解金属の有効利用率が向上する。これにより良好な浄化性能が得られるとともに陽極、陰極間の電気抵抗が変化しないので長期にわたって良好な浄化性能を持続できる。また陽極の小型化が図れる。
【００５４】
本発明の請求項２に係る水浄化装置によれば、凝集動作時の循環流量を１０l/min以下とすることで効果的に陽極表面のスケール付着を低減でき、陽極の耐久信頼性が向上する。
【００５５】
本発明の請求項３に係る水浄化装置によれば、循環流量を停止、弱、中、強の4モードに制御可能な循環量制御手段を設け、電極への通電による凝集動作時は停止もしくは弱モード循環とし、凝集動作終了後に強モードで所定時間循環濾過する構成としたので、小循環量での凝集動作により濾過手段内に緻密な凝集フロックの膜を形成し、その後循環流量を強モードに増大して急速浄化が行われることとなり、陽極表面のスケールが防止できるとともに、凝集フロックの緻密なケーク層を形成した後に急速浄化されることとなるのでさらに効果的に浄化が行われ、短時間での浄化が可能となる。
【００５６】
本発明の請求項４に係る水浄化装置によれば、凝集動作終了後から強モード循環に至るまでに徐々に循環流量を増加する緩流量制御手段を設けたので、凝集フロックのケーク層を形成後、徐々に循環流量が増加される。このため循環流量の急激な増大によるケーク層の破壊が防止されて良好な浄化性能を維持できる。
【００５７】
本発明の請求項５に係る水浄化装置によれば、凝集動作前に濾過手段の逆流洗浄を行うことで、捕捉した懸濁物質を含む凝集フロックが外部に廃棄されて清浄化され、その後に凝集動作を行うことで新たな凝集フロックのケーク層が形成されて浄化が行われることとなり、濾過手段の圧力損失を所定値以上上昇させることなく長期にわたって安定した浄化性能を得ることができる。
【００５８】
本発明の請求項６に係る水浄化装置によれば、入浴時間帯の前後に逆流洗浄、凝集動作、強モード循環による浄化が順次行われるので濾過手段を常に浄化に好適な状態に維持することができ、長期にわたって良好な浄化性能が得られる。
【００５９】
本発明の請求項７に係る水浄化装置によれば、入浴時間帯では中モード循環で浄化するので、入浴中に良好な浄化性能が得られるとともに浴槽の吐出口からの水流および循環手段の運転騒音による入浴者の不快感を解消することができる。
【００６０】
本発明の請求項８に係る水浄化装置によれば、循環水温検知手段を設けて水温が５０℃以上の時は凝集動作すなわち電極への通電を行わず、水温が低下した状態で凝集動作を行うことで陽極表面へのスケール付着がより効果的に防止され電解金属の凝集作用への有効利用率が向上するとともに長期にわたって良好な凝集作用が維持できる。
【００６１】
本発明の請求項９に係る水浄化装置によれば、凝集槽を濾過手段と別体として構成することで陽極の消耗時の交換あるいは陽極の点検、清掃などのメンテナンス性が向上するとともに、濾過手段の上流側という条件のみを満足すれば設置形態は自由であり、設置および設計自由度が向上する。
【００６２】
本発明の請求項１０に係る水浄化装置によれば、凝集槽と濾過手段を直列接続し、その上流に三方弁を介して濾過手段の逆流洗浄排水路を設けることで濾過手段の洗浄と同時に凝集槽に設けられた電極表面も洗浄されることとなり、陽極へのスケール付着がさらに効果的に防止されることとなる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例１における水浄化装置の構成図
【図２】同水浄化装置の動作のタイムチャート
【図３】同水浄化装置の循環流量とスケール付着率の関係を示す特性図
【図４】同水浄化装置の循環水温とスケール付着率の関係を示す特性図
【図５】従来例の水浄化装置の構成図
【図６】従来の水浄化装置の同凝集槽の断面図
【符号の説明】
８水浄化装置
１１入浴時間帯設定手段
１７循環路
１８循環手段
１９凝集槽（凝集手段）
２２濾過手段
２４ａ、２４ｂ三方弁
２６排出路
２８温度検出手段
２９陰極
３０陽極
３４循環量制御手段
３６緩流量制御手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water purification apparatus that removes and purifies suspended substances contained in water to be purified such as bath water, and in particular, generates metal hydrates by electrolysis and suspends by the coagulation action of the metal hydrates. The present invention relates to a water purification device for forming and purifying a substance flocs floc.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional water purification apparatus, there is an apparatus for propagating microorganisms on a microorganism carrier and decomposing and purifying organic substances by the enzyme activity action of the microorganisms (for example, JP-A-5-293485).
[0003]
However, the above-described microbial water purification apparatus has the following problems.
(1) The purification rate is slow because it is purified by the enzyme activity of microorganisms. For this reason, it takes 3 hours or more to purify the bath water once it becomes contaminated by bathing. Therefore, if a bather continues bathing (for example, every 30 minutes), he / she has to bathe in a contaminated bath water, and there is a psychological resistance.
[0004]
(2) Sterilization in the filtration tank will kill microorganisms that contribute to purification, so that purification ability cannot be obtained. Therefore, it is impossible to sterilize the inside of the filtration tank serving as a hotbed for pathogenic bacteria. For this reason, there is a possibility of bacterial contamination.
[0005]
(3) When a bath agent is used, microorganisms are killed, so the bath agent cannot be used.
[0006]
In order to solve these problems, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a metal hydrate is generated by electrolysis, and the suspended substance is enlarged by the aggregating action of the metal hydrate and physically filtered. A water purification apparatus has been proposed (for example, JP-A-8-132051). In the figure, 1 is a bathtub, 2 is a circulation pump, 3 is a flocculation tank, 4 is a filtration tank provided on the downstream side of the flocculation tank, and 5 is a circulation path. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the agglomeration tank 3 is composed of an anode 6 made of aluminum and a cathode 7 (here also serving as a casing) made of stainless steel.
[0007]
In the above configuration, when the anode 6 and the cathode 7 are energized, aluminum ions are eluted from the anode 6 by electrolysis. This aluminum ion reacts with the hydroxyl group of water to form an aluminum hydroxide colloid. Here, suspended substances such as sebum, dirt, and bacteria are negatively charged because they have carboxyl groups in their side chains. On the other hand, since aluminum hydroxide has a positive charge, aluminum hydroxide serves as a binding medium, and fine suspended substances are adsorbed by the crosslinking action to increase the diameter, so-called agglomerated flocs are generated. As a result, the aggregated floc is effectively filtered in the filtration tank 4 provided downstream, and purification in a short time is possible. Further, since no microorganisms are used, the inside of the filtration tank 4 serving as a hot bed of bacteria can be sterilized by, for example, high-temperature sterilization, and a bath agent can be used.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the coagulation filtration method has characteristics that cannot be obtained by the microorganism method, but in the process of producing metal hydrate (aluminum hydroxide) by eluting metal ions (aluminum ions) by electrolysis. The problem was found that aluminum hydroxide gradually remained on the anode surface and deposited between the anode and cathode, and the effective utilization rate of aluminum contributing to agglomeration decreased.
[0009]
That is, theoretically, aluminum ions with a high ionization tendency elute according to the amount of electricity supplied based on Faraday's law, and all of them dissolve in water, react with hydroxyl groups to form aluminum hydroxide and contribute to aggregation. However, in practice, it was found that the amount of aluminum that remains in combination with the scale component on the anode surface and contributes to aggregation is reduced.
[0010]
As a result, an amount of aluminum more than necessary is required, and the anode is enlarged. Moreover, since sufficient aluminum hydroxide is not produced | generated, the bridge | crosslinking effect | action by aggregation will fall and purification capacity will fall. Furthermore, there has been a problem that the anode and cathode are filled with deposits due to long-term use, the electrical resistance between the electrodes increases, and a predetermined electrolytic current cannot be secured.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention Such as bathing water The circulation means for circulating the water to be purified, the agglomeration means having an electrode composed of an anode and a cathode, and the filtration means for physically filtering the agglomeration floc, and the circulation during the agglomeration operation by energizing the electrode A circulation amount control means is provided for controlling the means to stop or to make the circulation amount smaller than that during normal filtration operation.
[0012]
That is, the present inventors have made various studies to reduce the deposit on the anode surface, and as a result, pass through the anode surface during the electrolytic agglomeration operation. Such as bathing water It has been found that the scale component deposited on the anode surface can be reduced by reducing the flow velocity of the water to be purified. As the mechanism, when the flow rate during electrolysis is low, the scale film is destroyed by oxygen and chlorine gas generated on the anode side to prevent deposition, and the pH (hydrogen ion concentration) on the anode surface is on the acidic side. It is thought that it is difficult to remain attached to the surface.
[0013]
As a result, since the effective utilization rate of aluminum is improved, the volume or weight of the anode can be reduced, and the agglomeration efficiency is improved, so that good purification performance can be obtained. In addition, since the electrical resistance between the electrodes does not change, stable purification performance can be maintained over a long period of time.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The water purification apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is Such as bathing water It has a circulation means for circulating the water to be purified, a circulation path, and an electrode composed of an anode and a cathode, and a metal hydrate is generated by electrolysis by energizing the electrode, and is contained in the water to be purified. Aggregating means for electrically aggregating the suspended substance; and a filtering means provided downstream of the aggregating means for physically filtering the agglomerated floc. A circulation control means is provided to control and stop, or to make the circulation amount smaller than that during normal filtration operation.
[0015]
Since the circulation amount control means linked to the aggregation operation by electrolysis is provided, the circulation means is controlled during the aggregation operation by energizing the electrode to stop the circulation, or the circulation flow rate is reduced to reduce the electrode passage flow velocity. Therefore, scale adhesion on the anode surface is prevented, and the effective utilization rate of the electrolytic metal is improved. As a result, good purification performance can be obtained, and since the electrical resistance between the anode and the cathode does not change, good purification performance can be maintained for a long time. Also, the anode can be miniaturized.
[0016]
In the water purifier according to claim 2 of the present invention, the circulating flow rate during the coagulation operation is set to 10 l / min or less.
[0017]
Further, by setting the circulation flow rate during the agglomeration operation to 10 l / min or less, scale adhesion on the anode surface can be effectively reduced, and the durability reliability of the anode is improved.
[0018]
The water purifying apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is provided with a circulation amount control means capable of controlling the circulation flow rate into four modes of stop, weak, medium and strong, and is stopped or weak mode at the time of agglomeration operation by energizing the electrodes. Circulation is carried out, and circulation filtration is performed for a predetermined time in the strong mode after completion of the aggregation operation.
[0019]
Then, a dense coagulation floc film is formed in the filtering means by the coagulation operation with a small amount of circulation, and thereafter the circulation flow rate is increased to a strong mode and rapid purification is performed. Accordingly, the anode surface can be prevented from being scaled, and after the dense cake layer of the coagulated flocs is formed, it is rapidly purified, so that the purification is performed more effectively and the purification can be performed in a short time.
[0020]
The water purification apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention is provided with a slow flow rate control means for gradually increasing the circulation flow rate from the end of the aggregation operation until the strong mode circulation is reached.
[0021]
Then, after forming a dense coagulated floc cake layer by agglomeration operation with a small amount of circulation, if the circulation flow rate is increased rapidly, the flow velocity distribution in the cake layer becomes non-uniform, and the cake layer formed in a good state It may be destroyed and the purification performance may deteriorate. By providing the slow flow rate control means, the circulation flow rate is gradually increased after the formation of the cohesive floc cake layer, so that the destruction of the cake layer is prevented and good purification performance is obtained.
[0022]
The water purifier according to claim 5 of the present invention is configured to perform the backwashing of the filtering means before the coagulation operation with a small circulation amount.
[0023]
When a cake layer of agglomerated flocs is formed in the filtering means by the agglomeration operation and purification is performed, suspended substances are trapped on the surface of the cake layer. As a result, the passing pressure loss increases and the circulation flow rate decreases. By performing back-flow washing of the filtration means before the agglomeration operation, the aggregated floc containing the trapped suspended matter is discarded and cleaned outside, and then a new agglomerated floc cake layer is formed by performing the agglomeration operation. Thus, purification is performed, and stable purification performance can be obtained over a long period of time without increasing the pressure loss of the filtering means by a predetermined value or more.
[0024]
The water purifying apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention is provided with a bathing time zone setting means and sequentially performs purification by backwashing, agglomeration operation, and strong mode circulation before and after the bathing time zone.
[0025]
And since a person bathes in a bathing time zone, the clarity of bath water is especially required. Before the bathing time period, purification is performed for a long time before that, so that a large amount of suspended matter is deposited on the filtering means, and the purification ability may be lowered. Therefore, the backflow cleaning is performed before the bathing time period to regenerate the filtration means, and then the agglomeration operation with a small circulation amount is performed to form a good quality floc film (cake layer) in the filtration means. By performing rapid purification by strong mode circulation, bath water with high clarity is always obtained before bathing. On the other hand, during bathing time, bathing brings in dirt, sebum, bacteria, etc. derived from the human body into the bath water, so that the load on the filtering means is the highest and the filtering means is clogged. Therefore, the filtration means is regenerated by sequentially performing back-flow cleaning, coagulation operation, and purification by strong mode circulation even after the bathing time period, and stable purification performance until the next bathing time period is obtained. That is, by sequentially performing back-flushing, agglomeration operation, and purification by strong mode circulation before and after the bathing time period, the filtering means can be maintained in a state suitable for purification, and good purification performance can be obtained over a long period of time.
[0026]
The water purification apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is configured to circulate and filter by the medium mode circulation within the range of the bathing time zone.
[0027]
And, when bathing in the bathing time zone, dirt, sebum, bacteria, etc. derived from the human body are brought into the bathing water, so the bathing water becomes polluted in proportion to the number of bathers. Therefore, in order for a plurality of people to sequentially bathe in clear bath water without pollution, it is necessary to continue purification in the bathing time zone. However, when the purification is performed by strong mode circulation with a large circulation flow rate, the purification is performed in a short time, while the bather may feel uncomfortable due to the water from the outlet of the purified water provided in the bathtub. Further, for example, in the case of an electric pump as the circulation means, a high output operation is performed in order to circulate a large flow rate, resulting in a large operation noise. In the present invention, since the medium mode circulation is performed in the bathing time zone, it is possible to satisfy both purification and elimination of the discomfort of the bather due to water flow and driving noise.
[0028]
The water purification apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention has a circulating water temperature detecting means, and does not perform the aggregating operation when the water temperature is 50 ° C. or higher.
[0029]
The scale adhesion amount on the anode surface due to the agglomeration operation has temperature dependence, and when the water temperature during the agglomeration operation is 50 ° C. or more, the scale adhesion amount rapidly increases and the effective utilization rate for the agglomeration action decreases. When the circulating water temperature detecting means is provided and the water temperature is 50 ° C. or higher, the agglomeration operation, that is, the electrode is not energized, and the agglomeration operation is performed in a state where the water temperature is lowered to prevent the scale from adhering to the anode surface. The effective utilization rate for the aggregating action is improved and a good aggregating action can be maintained for a long time.
[0030]
The water purification apparatus according to claim 9 of the present invention is provided with a coagulation tank as a coagulation means as a separate body upstream of the filtration means.
[0031]
By configuring the agglomeration tank as a separate body, it is possible to improve the maintainability such as replacement when the anode is consumed or inspection and cleaning of the anode, and the installation form is free as long as only the conditions upstream of the filtering means are satisfied. Yes, the degree of freedom of installation and design is improved.
[0032]
The water purification apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention is provided with a coagulation tank upstream of the filtering means and further provided with a circulation path and a backwashing discharge path via a three-way valve upstream thereof.
[0033]
And the coagulation tank and the filtration means are connected in series, and by providing a backwash drainage for the filtration means upstream thereof, the electrode surface provided in the coagulation tank is also washed simultaneously with the washing of the filtration means. Scale adhesion is further effectively prevented.
[0034]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0035]
Example 1
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a water purification apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, 8 is a water purification device for purifying water in a bathtub 9 which is water to be purified, 10 is a control means for controlling the water purification device 8, and 11 is a bathing time zone setting means for setting a bathing time zone. is there.
[0036]
The bathtub 9 is provided with a bath adapter 14 having a discharge port 12 and a suction port 13 connected to the water purification device 8.
[0037]
The water purification device 8 includes a circulation path 17 including an outward pipe 15 communicating with the suction port 13 of the bathtub 9 and a return pipe 16 communicating with the discharge port 12, circulation means 18 for circulating bathtub water, A flocculating tank 19 which is a flocculating means for flocculating suspended substances contained in water to increase the diameter and a downstream of the flocculating tank 19 are formed, and a granular filter medium 20 made of an inorganic material such as alumina is passed through a filter bed 21. Filtration means 22 for filtering the flocs flocs that have been packed and enlarged in the coagulation tank 19, heating means 23 for keeping the bath water warm, upstream of the coagulation tank 19 and downstream of the filtration means 22 The backwashing means 27 comprising a bypass 25 and a discharge 26 for passing and washing the suspended matter accumulated in the valves 24a, 24b and the filtering means 22 in the direction opposite to that during normal filtration, and the temperature of the circulating water Temperature detection means to detect And an 8.
[0038]
The agglomeration tank 19 has an anode 30 made of aluminum facing a housing 29 inside a housing 29 made of stainless steel, and a voltage is applied between the anode 30 and a cathode (here, the housing 29 is also used). It has a constant current power supply 31 to be applied.
[0039]
The control means 10 controls the coagulation control means 32 and the three-way valves 24a and 24b for controlling the coagulation tank 19 on the basis of the bathing time zone set by the bathing time zone setting means 11 and controls the backwashing of the filtering means 22 in reverse. In association with the washing control means 33, the aggregation control means 32, and the backwash control means 33, there is a circulation amount control means 34 for controlling the circulation means 18. The output signal of the temperature detection means 28 is input to the aggregation control means 32. When the water temperature of the circulating water is 50 ° C. or higher, the water temperature is not supplied to the aggregation tank 19 even during the aggregation operation time. It becomes the structure which transfers to aggregation operation | movement after becoming below 50 degreeC.
[0040]
Here, the circulation amount control means 34 is provided with a circulation mode control means 35 for controlling the circulation flow rate into four modes of stop, weak, medium and strong, and energization between the anode 30 and the cathode 29 of the coagulation tank 19 is performed. When the agglomeration operation is performed, circulation is performed by stopping or weak mode circulation, and circulation filtration is performed for a predetermined time in the strong mode after completion of the aggregation operation. Further, the slow flow rate control means 36 is configured so that the circulation flow rate is gradually increased from the end of the agglomeration operation until the strong mode circulation is reached.
[0041]
Next, the operation and action of the present embodiment in the above configuration will be described with reference to the time charts of FIGS.
[0042]
Except for the bathing time zone set by the bathing time zone setting means 11, the circulation rate is weak mode circulation (for example, 5 l / min), and during this time, the warming operation at a suitable bathing temperature (for example, 40 ° C.) by the heating means 23 is also stopped. , Power consumption is suppressed. On the other hand, first the backwash control means before the predetermined time of the bathing time zone 33 Is operated to control the three-way valves 24a and 24b to flow in the direction indicated by the broken-line arrows in FIG. 1, and the circulating water flows into the filtering means 22 from the downstream of the filtering means 22 via the bypass 25, and Suspended substances containing aggregated floc deposited on the surface are backwashed and discarded to the outside through the discharge passage 26.
[0043]
As described above, the backflow cleaning of the filtering means is performed before the agglomeration operation, so that the agglomeration floc containing the trapped suspended solids is discarded and cleaned outside, and then the agglomeration operation is performed to obtain a new aggregation floc cake. A layer is formed and purification is performed, and stable purification performance can be obtained over a long period of time without increasing the pressure loss of the filtering means by a predetermined value or more.
[0044]
After the backwashing for a predetermined time Tr, the aggregation control means 32 operates, and when the signal of the temperature detection means 28 is 50 ° C. or less, the constant current power supply 31 of the aggregation tank 19 operates and the voltage between the anode 30 and the cathode 29 is Is applied. As a result, aluminum ions are eluted from the anode 30 by electrolysis. The aluminum ions react with the hydroxyl groups of water to form aluminum hydroxide colloids. Here, suspended substances such as sebum, dirt, and bacteria are negatively charged because they have carboxyl groups in their side chains. On the other hand, since aluminum hydroxide has a positive charge, aluminum hydroxide serves as a binding medium, and fine suspended substances are adsorbed by the crosslinking action to increase the diameter, so-called agglomerated flocs are generated. As a result, a coagulated floc is deposited on the surface layer portion of the filter medium 20 to form a cake layer having dense pores, enabling effective water purification in a short time. According to the experiment, when water to be purified having a turbidity of 2 degrees was filtered while passing 300 mA between the electrodes, 0.5 degree or less was obtained after 20 minutes. If it is based on the enzyme activity of microorganisms, it takes 2 to 3 hours in the same experiment. In this example, even if the user continues bathing (for example, at intervals of 30 minutes), the bath can be bathed in clear bath water. In this agglomeration operation, the circulation amount control means 34 is operated to control the circulation means 18, and the circulation amount is maintained in a weak mode circulation (for example, 5 l / min) which is smaller than that in the normal filtration operation. Thereby, scale adhesion including aluminum hydroxide precipitated on the surface of the anode 30 during electrolysis can be prevented. That is, the present inventors have made various studies in order to reduce the adhesion of the scale on the surface of the anode 30 and, as a result, by reducing the flow velocity of the water to be purified that passes through the surface of the anode 30 during the electrolytic agglomeration operation, It has been found that the scale components deposited can be reduced. FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the circulation flow rate during the electrolytic agglomeration operation and the scale adhesion rate on the surface of the anode 30, and it can be seen that the smaller the circulation flow rate, the smaller the scale adhesion amount. Here, the scale adhesion rate Re was calculated based on the equation (Equation 1) where Ve is the theoretical dissolution amount of aluminum based on Faraday's law, and Va is the adhesion amount to the anode 30 surface.
[0045]
[Expression 1]

[0046]
According to FIG. 3, when the circulation flow rate is 10 l / min, the scale adhesion rate is about 5%, and when trying to obtain an effective utilization rate of 95% or more, the circulation flow rate is 10 l / min or less, preferably 5 l / min or less. It is necessary. As a mechanism for reducing scale adhesion, when the flow rate during electrolysis is low, the scale film is destroyed by oxygen and chlorine gas generated on the anode side to prevent deposition, and the pH (hydrogen ion concentration) on the anode surface is acidic. It is considered that it becomes difficult to adhere and remain on the anode surface. As a result, since the effective utilization rate of aluminum is improved, the volume or weight of the anode 30 can be reduced, and the agglomeration efficiency is improved, so that good purification performance can be obtained. In addition, since the electrical resistance between the electrodes does not change, stable purification performance can be maintained over a long period of time.
[0047]
After the flocculation operation is continued for a predetermined time Te, the energization to the flocculation tank 19 is stopped, and then the circulation amount control means 34 is operated. FIG. During the time indicated by Tp, the circulation means 18 is rapidly purified by strong mode circulation (for example, 25 l / min), and clear bath water is secured before the bathing time period. The slow flow rate control means 36 operates to gradually increase the circulation flow rate from the end of the agglomeration operation to the strong mode circulation. After forming a dense coagulation floc cake layer for cohesion operation with small flow rate circulation, if the circulation flow rate is increased rapidly, the flow velocity distribution in the cake layer becomes non-uniform, and the cake layer formed in a good state is destroyed, Although the purification performance may deteriorate, in this embodiment, the circulation flow rate is gradually increased by the slow flow rate control means 36, so that the destruction of the cake layer is prevented and the good cake layer is maintained, and the good purification rate is obtained. Performance can be maintained.
[0048]
Next, within the range of bathing hours, due to the bathing action, suspended substances such as sebum, dirt and bacteria from the human body are brought into the bathtub, and the bathing water is temporarily polluted. Filtration is efficiently performed by the dense cake layer of the agglomerated floc thus formed, and even when a plurality of people take a bath continuously (for example, at intervals of 30 minutes), the bath can always be kept in a clear state. In the bathing time zone, the circulation means 18 is controlled by the circulation mode control means 35 and the operation is performed in the medium mode circulation (for example, 15 l / min). In the case of purification by strong mode circulation with a large circulation flow rate, purification is performed in a short time, but the bather may feel uncomfortable because the water flow from the discharge port 12 provided in the bathtub 9 is strong. Further, when an electric pump, for example, is used as the circulation means 18, a high output operation is performed to circulate a large flow rate, resulting in an increase in operation noise. In the present embodiment, the middle mode circulation is performed during the bathing time period, so that both the purification and the elimination of the discomfort of the bather due to the water flow and driving noise can be satisfied, and a comfortable bathing becomes possible.
[0049]
Next, after completion of the bathing time period, the control means 10 again performs back-flow cleaning, agglomeration operation, and rapid purification by strong mode circulation in the same manner as before the bathing time period, and the suspended substance in the filtering means 22 is reversed by the bathing action. After being discarded to the outside by the washing operation, a cake layer of agglomerated flocs is formed again, and the bath water is clarified and then the process proceeds to purification by weak mode circulation. In this way, the performance degradation of the filtering means 22 due to the bathing action is regenerated by sequentially performing backwashing, agglomeration operation, and purification by strong mode circulation even after the bathing time period, and stable purification performance until the next bathing time period is obtained. It is done. In other words, by sequentially performing back-flushing, agglomeration, and strong mode circulation purification before and after the bathing time period, the filtration means 22 can be maintained in a state suitable for purification, and good purification performance can be maintained over a long period of time. Can do.
[0050]
In this embodiment, the water temperature is detected by the temperature detecting means 28, and if the water temperature of the circulating water is 50 ° C. or higher during the agglomeration operation, the energization tank 19 is not energized even during the agglomeration operation time. After the water temperature becomes 50 ° C. or less, the operation shifts to the aggregation operation. The reason for this will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the water temperature during the aggregation operation and the scale adhesion rate Re on the surface of the anode 30 (the circulation flow rate at this time is 15 l / min). The scale adhesion rate Re has temperature dependence, and when the water temperature is 50 ° C. or higher, the adhesion rate rapidly increases. Therefore, when the temperature is 50 ° C. or higher, it is possible to prevent the scale from adhering to the surface of the anode 30 by preventing the aggregation operation from being performed. A good cohesive action can be maintained over the entire range.
[0051]
Further, in this embodiment, the aggregating tank 19 that is an aggregating means is configured separately from the upstream side of the filtering means 22, so that the maintenance performance such as replacement when the anode 30 is consumed or inspection and cleaning of the anode 30 is improved. If only the condition on the upstream side of the filtering means 22 is satisfied, the installation form is free, and the installation and design flexibility is improved.
[0052]
Further, the agglomeration tank 19 and the filtration means 22 are connected in series, and an upstream provided in the agglomeration tank 19 at the same time as the washing of the filtration means 22 by providing a backwash drainage 26 of the filtration means 22 via a three-way valve 24a upstream. The surfaces of 30 and the cathode 29 are also cleaned, and scale adhesion to the electrode is further effectively prevented.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the water purification apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, since the circulation amount control means interlocking with the aggregation operation by electrolysis is provided, the circulation means is controlled during the aggregation operation by energizing the aggregation electrode. Thus, the circulation is stopped, or the circulation flow rate is lowered to reduce the flow velocity through the electrode, thereby preventing the scale from adhering to the anode surface and improving the effective utilization rate of the electrolytic metal. As a result, good purification performance can be obtained, and since the electrical resistance between the anode and the cathode does not change, good purification performance can be maintained for a long time. Also, the anode can be miniaturized.
[0054]
According to the water purification apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the adhesion of scale on the anode surface can be effectively reduced by setting the circulating flow rate during the coagulation operation to 10 l / min or less, and the durability reliability of the anode is improved. .
[0055]
According to the water purification apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the circulation amount control means capable of controlling the circulation flow rate to the four modes of stop, weak, medium and strong is provided, Since it is configured to circulate in a weak mode and circulate and filter for a predetermined time in the strong mode after completion of the flocculation operation, a dense flocculation film is formed in the filtration means by the flocculation operation with a small circulation amount, and then the circulation flow rate is set to the strong mode. In addition to being able to prevent the scale of the anode surface from being increased and to form a dense cake layer of agglomerated flocs, it can be rapidly purified, resulting in more effective purification. Purification in time becomes possible.
[0056]
According to the water purification apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the slow flow rate control means for gradually increasing the circulation flow rate from the end of the aggregation operation until the strong mode circulation is provided, the cake layer of the aggregation floc is formed. Thereafter, the circulation flow rate is gradually increased. For this reason, destruction of the cake layer due to a rapid increase in the circulation flow rate is prevented, and good purification performance can be maintained.
[0057]
According to the water purification apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention, by performing the backwashing of the filtering means before the flocculation operation, the flocculated floc containing the trapped suspended matter is discarded to the outside and cleaned, and thereafter By performing the coagulation operation, a new coagulation floc cake layer is formed and purification is performed, and stable purification performance can be obtained over a long period of time without increasing the pressure loss of the filtering means by a predetermined value or more.
[0058]
According to the water purification apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the filtration means is always maintained in a state suitable for purification because the backwashing, the coagulation operation, and the purification by the strong mode circulation are sequentially performed before and after the bathing time period. And good purification performance can be obtained over a long period of time.
[0059]
According to the water purification apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the purification is performed by the medium mode circulation during the bathing time period, so that good purification performance can be obtained during bathing and the water flow from the outlet of the bathtub and the operation of the circulation means Uncomfortable feelings of bathers due to noise can be eliminated.
[0060]
According to the water purification apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the circulating water temperature detecting means is provided, and when the water temperature is 50 ° C. or higher, the agglomeration operation, that is, the current is not energized, and the agglomeration operation is performed with the water temperature lowered. By doing so, scale adhesion to the anode surface is more effectively prevented, the effective utilization rate for the aggregating action of the electrolytic metal is improved, and a good aggregating action can be maintained over a long period of time.
[0061]
According to the water purification device of claim 9 of the present invention, the coagulation tank is configured separately from the filtering means, so that the maintenance performance such as replacement when the anode is consumed or inspection and cleaning of the anode is improved. If only the condition of the upstream side of the means is satisfied, the installation form is free and the installation and design freedom is improved.
[0062]
According to the water purification apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention, the coagulation tank and the filtration means are connected in series, and the backflow washing drainage path of the filtration means is provided upstream of the coagulation tank and the filtration means simultaneously with the washing of the filtration means. The surface of the electrode provided in the coagulation tank is also cleaned, and scale adhesion to the anode is further effectively prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a water purification apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Time chart of operation of the water purification device
FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the circulation flow rate and the scale adhesion rate of the water purification device.
FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the circulating water temperature and the scale adhesion rate of the water purification device.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a conventional water purification apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the same coagulation tank of a conventional water purification device
[Explanation of symbols]
8 Water purification equipment
11 Bathing time zone setting means
17 Circuit
18 Circulation means
19 Coagulation tank (coagulation means)
22 Filtration means
24a, 24b three-way valve
26 Discharge channel
28 Temperature detection means
29 Cathode
30 Anode
34 Circulation amount control means
36 Slow flow control means

Claims

There is a circulation means for circulating the water to be purified such as bathing water , a circulation path, and an electrode composed of an anode and a cathode provided in the circulation path. A flocculating means for electrically flocculating suspended substances contained in the water to be purified, and a filtering means provided downstream of the flocculating means for physically filtering the flocculated floc produced by the flocculating means And a circulation amount control means for controlling the circulation means to stop during the agglomeration operation by energizing the electrodes, or to make the circulation amount smaller than that during normal filtration operation.

The water purification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulating flow rate during the coagulation operation is 10 l / min or less.

Circulation flow rate control means that can control the circulation flow rate to 4 modes of stop, weak, medium, and strong is provided. water purifying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 was configured to circulate filtration 2.

The water purifier according to claim 3, further comprising a slow flow rate control means for gradually increasing the circulation flow rate from the end of the coagulation operation to the strong mode circulation.

The water purification apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the filtration means is back-washed before the coagulation operation.

The water purification apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a bathing time zone setting means is provided to sequentially perform purification by backwashing, agglomeration operation, and strong mode circulation before and after the bathing time zone.

The water purifier according to claim 6, wherein the water filtration device is configured to circulate and filter by a medium mode circulation within a bathing time zone.

The water purification apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a circulating water temperature detecting means, wherein the aggregating operation is not performed when the water temperature is 50 ° C or higher.

The water purification apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a coagulation tank as a coagulation unit is provided separately on the upstream side of the filtration unit.

The water purification apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a coagulation tank is provided upstream of the filtering means, and further, a circulation path and a backwash discharge path are provided upstream of the coagulation tank via a three-way valve.