JP6514852B2 - Deionized water production equipment - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a deionized water production apparatus, and more particularly to a deionized water production apparatus having a plurality of frames stacked one on another to form chambers through which liquid flows.

  Deionized water production apparatuses that remove ions in water by passing water through an ion exchanger, that is, deionize, are known (Patent Documents 1 to 3). An electric deionization water production apparatus is an apparatus combining electrophoresis and electrodialysis. The deionized water production apparatus has a deionization chamber, a concentration chamber adjacent to the deionization chamber, an anode chamber, and a cathode chamber. The deionization chamber and the concentration chamber are disposed between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The deionization chamber and the concentration chamber are each formed of a frame having an opening for containing an ion exchanger, and a pair of ion exchange membranes sandwiching the frame. These frames are stacked on one another in the direction of current flow.

In order to produce deionized water (hereinafter also referred to as treated water) by the deionized water production apparatus having the above-described configuration, a DC voltage is applied between the electrodes provided in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. Pass water through the deionization chamber as it is. The ion exchanger in the deionization chamber captures the ionic components in the water. At the same time as the capture of the ionic component, the dissociation reaction of water occurs at the interface of the anion exchanger and the cation exchanger, and as a result, hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions are generated (H ₂ O → H ⁺ + OH ⁻ ). The ion component trapped in the ion exchanger is exchanged with this hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion and released from the ion exchanger. The liberated ionic component is again trapped on the ion exchanger. The ionic component moves toward the concentration chamber by the action of voltage while repeating the trapping on the ion exchanger and the liberation from the ion exchanger. The ion component transferred to the concentration chamber is discharged together with the concentrated water flowing through the concentration chamber.

  Patent Document 2 discloses adjusting the thickness of the deionization chamber from the viewpoint of controlling the hydrogen ion index (pH) of treated water. Patent Document 3 discloses a deionized water production apparatus having a second small demineralization chamber into which water to be treated flows and a first small deionization chamber into which water having passed through the second small deionization chamber flows. ing. The first small desalting chamber contains a mixture of cation and anion exchangers. The second small desalting chamber contains an anion exchanger. In Patent Document 3, in view of electrical resistance and current efficiency, it is preferable that the thickness of the first small deionization chamber is 0.8 to 8 mm, and the thickness of the second small deionization chamber is 5 to 15 mm. It suggests that there is.

JP, 2013-34920, A JP 2001-113281 A JP 2001-239270 A

  In deionized water production systems, it may be desirable to increase the thickness of each chamber, i.e., the thickness of the frame forming each chamber, for various reasons. For example, when the flow rate of liquid flowing into each chamber is increased, the differential pressure of water flow between the inlet and the outlet of each chamber increases. In order to reduce this differential pressure of water flow, it is advantageous to increase the thickness of each chamber through which the liquid passes. In the present specification, the thickness of the frame means the thickness in the stacking direction of the frame.

The inventor of the present application has found a problem that when the thickness of the frame is increased, the shape accuracy of the frame may be reduced. If the accuracy of the shape of the frame, in particular the flatness of the surface of the frame, is reduced, unexpected gaps may occur between the frames. This can cause a problem that liquid in the room leaks from the gap formed between the frames.
Therefore, there is a need for a deionized water production device that can increase the thickness of the chamber while suppressing fluid leakage from the chamber.

  The deionized water production apparatus in one form comprises a plurality of frames and an ion exchange membrane. Each frame has an opening. The plurality of frames are stacked on one another. The ion exchange membrane is provided in some of the regions between the frames. The ion exchange membranes separate the openings of adjacent frames from one another to form a chamber through which the liquid passes. At least two of the plurality of frames are adjacent to each other such that the openings of the at least two frames jointly form a first chamber. That is, the openings of the at least two frames are not separated by the ion exchange membrane.

  By forming one first chamber with at least two frames instead of increasing the thickness of each frame, the thickness of one first chamber is maintained while maintaining the shape accuracy of the frames. Can be increased. Since the shape accuracy of the frames is maintained, leakage of liquid from between the stacked frames is suppressed.

  According to the present invention, the thickness of the chamber can be increased while suppressing the fluid leakage from the chamber.

It is a typical sectional view of a deionized water manufacture device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a typical disassembled perspective view of the deionization process part which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the concentration chamber adjacent to a deionization process part. FIG. 3 (A) is a schematic plan view of a first deionization chamber frame, and FIG. 3 (B) is a schematic plan view of a second deionization chamber frame. It is a schematic plan view of a frame for concentration chambers. It is a typical sectional view of the deionization processing part concerning the 1st comparative example. It is a typical sectional view of a deionized water manufacture device concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a typical disassembled perspective view of the deionization process part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the concentration chamber adjacent to a deionization process part. It is a typical sectional view of the deionization processing part concerning the 2nd comparative example. It is a typical sectional view of the deionized water manufacture device concerning a 3rd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The deionized water production apparatus according to the following embodiment relates to an electric deionized water production apparatus including a pair of electrodes to which a voltage is particularly applied.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the deionized water production apparatus according to the first embodiment. The deionized water production apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes at least one deionization unit 108 and a plurality of concentration chambers 114. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the deionization processing unit 108 and the concentration chamber 114 adjacent to the deionization processing unit 108. At least one deionization unit 108 and a plurality of concentration chambers 114 are disposed between the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118.

  In the present embodiment, the deionized water production apparatus 100 has three deionized treatment sections 108. Alternatively, the deionized water production system 100 may have one or more deionizers 108. The concentration chambers 114 may be disposed on both sides of each deionization unit 108. When a plurality of deionization units 108 are present, the concentration chambers are disposed between the deionization units 108 and between the deionization units 108 and the electrode chambers 116 and 118. Instead of the example shown in FIG. 1, the deionization processing unit 108 and the cathode chamber 116 may be adjacent to each other, and the deionization processing unit 108 and the anode chamber 118 may be adjacent to each other. That is, the deionized water production apparatus may not have the concentration chamber 114 between the cathode chamber 116 and the deionization processing unit 108 and between the anode chamber 118 and the deionization processing unit 108.

  Each deionization unit 108 may have a first deionization chamber 110 and a second deionization chamber 112. The first deionization chamber 110 is adjacent to the second deionization chamber 112. A concentration chamber 114 is disposed on the side opposite to the second deionization chamber 112 of the first deionization chamber 110. Further, another concentration chamber 114 is disposed on the opposite side of the second deionization chamber 112 to the first deionization chamber 110.

  Each of the above-described chambers 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 is disposed between the plurality of frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 stacked on one another and the frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 The ion exchange membranes 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 are formed. Each frame 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 has an opening 160 for forming each chamber 110, 112, 114, 116, 118. Specifically, a space partitioned from the outside is formed by closing the opening formed in the frame with a pair of ion exchange membranes. This partitioned space forms each of the above-mentioned chambers. In the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118, each chamber may be formed by closing the opening formed in the frame with the ion exchange membrane and the end plates 136 and 138.

  End plates 104 and 106 are provided outside the frames 136 and 138 forming the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118. The end plates 104 and 106 press the laminated body which consists of several frame 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 laminated | stacked mutually from the both sides. The end plates 104, 106 may be fastened together, for example by bolts.

  The deionized water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a frame 136 for a cathode chamber, a frame 134 for a concentration chamber, a frame 130 for a first deionization chamber, and a second deionization chamber And a frame 138 for the anode chamber. A first ion exchange membrane 120 is provided between the concentration chamber frame 134 and the second deionization chamber frame 132. The first ion exchange membrane 120 separates the opening 160 of the concentration chamber frame 134 from the opening 160 of the second deionization chamber frame 132 from each other. The first ion exchange membrane 120 may be, for example, a cation exchange membrane.

  A second ion exchange membrane 122 is provided between the first deionization chamber frame 130 and the concentration chamber frame 134. The second ion exchange membrane 122 separates the opening 160 of the second concentration chamber frame 134 from the opening 160 of the first deionization chamber frame 130. The second ion exchange membrane 122 may be, for example, an anion exchange membrane. As described above, the first ion exchange membrane 120 disposed on the cathode side of the deionization unit 108 is a cation exchange membrane, and the second ion exchange membrane disposed on the anode side of the deionization unit 108 Preferably, 122 is an anion exchange membrane.

  A third ion exchange membrane 124 is provided between the first deionizing chamber frame 130 and the second deionizing chamber frame 132. The third ion exchange membrane 124 may be, for example, a bipolar membrane. The bipolar membrane is an ion exchange membrane in which an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane are joined together and integrated. The bipolar membrane is characterized in that the dissociation reaction of water is greatly promoted at the interface between the anion exchange membrane and the cation exchange membrane. It is preferable that the anion exchange membrane of the bipolar membrane faces the first deionization chamber 110 side. Thereby, a rise in the operating voltage of the deionized water production apparatus 100 can be suppressed. As a result, the durability to operation at high current is improved.

  The openings 160 of the concentration chamber frame 134 disposed between the deionization units 108 adjacent to each other are closed by the first ion exchange membrane 120 and the second ion exchange membrane 122. The opening 160 of the concentration chamber frame 134 disposed between the deionization processing unit 108 and the cathode chamber 116 is closed by the first ion exchange membrane 120 and another ion exchange membrane 126. Further, the opening 160 of the concentration chamber frame 134 disposed between the deionization processing unit 108 and the anode chamber 118 is closed by the second ion exchange membrane 122 and another ion exchange membrane 128. There is.

  An ion exchanger is filled in the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112. Preferably, an anion exchanger is filled in the first deionization chamber 110. The anion exchanger may be packed in a single bed form in the first deionization chamber 110. Anion exchangers capture the anion component in water. Preferably, the second ionizing chamber 112 is filled with a cation exchanger. The cation exchanger may be packed in a single bed form in the second deionization chamber 112. Cation exchangers capture the cationic component in water. A cation exchange resin and an anion exchange resin can be used as a cation exchanger and an anion exchanger, respectively.

  A first supply passage 142 which allows liquid to flow into the second deionization chamber 112 is in communication with the second deionization chamber 112. The liquid flowing out of the second deionization chamber 112 is preferably introduced into the first deionization chamber 110 through the first discharge path 152, the intermediate path 159 and the second supply path 140. The liquid flowing into the first deionization chamber 110 is discharged to the outside through the second discharge passage 150. The liquid discharged to the outside through the second discharge path 150 is the treated water deionized in the first and second deionized chambers 110 and 112.

  The water to be treated flowing into the second deionization chamber 112 may be water which has permeated the two-stage reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) 102, and may be decarbonated water or softened water. May be. Instead of this, the water to be treated flowing into the second deionization chamber 112 may be water which has permeated through the RO membrane of one stage, may be water which has not been decarbonated, or may be water which has not been softened. In this case, the liquid flowing into the second deionization chamber 112 may be permeated water that has permeated through the single-stage RO membrane.

  The liquid is applied to the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 in a state where a DC voltage is applied between the cathode plate 117 installed in the cathode chamber 116 and the anode plate 119 installed in the anode chamber 118. Passed through. The ion exchanger in the deionization chamber 110, 112 captures the ion component in the liquid. At the same time as the capture of the ion component, a water dissociation reaction occurs at the interface of the ion exchanger, and as a result, hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions are generated. The ion component trapped in the ion exchanger is exchanged with this hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion and released from the ion exchanger. The liberated ionic component is again trapped on the ion exchanger. The ionic component moves into the concentration chamber 114 by the action of voltage while repeating the trapping on the ion exchanger and the liberation from the ion exchanger.

  Concentrated water is supplied to each concentration chamber 114 through a supply passage 144 for the concentration chamber. The concentrated water having passed through the concentration chamber 114 is discharged through the concentration chamber discharge path 154. The ion component transferred from the deionization chamber 110, 112 to the concentration chamber 114 is discharged to the outside together with the concentrated water. An anion exchanger is preferably packed in a single bed form in each concentration chamber 114 in order to suppress the generation of scale.

  Electrode water (anode water or cathode water) is supplied to the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118. These electrode waters generate hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions by electrolysis near the electrodes. In order to reduce the electrical resistance of the deionized water production apparatus 100, it is preferable that the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118 be filled with an ion exchanger, respectively. Specifically, the cathode chamber 116 is preferably filled with an anion exchanger in a single bed form, and the anode chamber 118 is preferably filled with a cation exchanger in a single bed form.

  In the present embodiment, the two frames 130 are adjacent to each other such that the openings 160 of the two frames 130 jointly form the first deionization chamber 110. In other words, no ion exchange membrane is provided between these two frames 130. Alternatively to this embodiment, the three frames may be adjacent to one another such that the openings of the at least three frames together form a first deionization chamber.

  The thickness of the first deionization chamber 110 is increased without increasing the thickness of each frame 130 by the openings 160 of at least two of the frames 130 jointly forming one chamber (first deionization chamber). Can be increased. Since it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the single frame 130, the shape accuracy of the frame 130 can be improved. In particular, by maintaining the flatness of the surface of the frame 130 at a high level, the frames 130 adjacent to each other are in close contact with each other. Thereby, the leakage of the liquid from between at least two frames 130 forming the first deionization chamber 110 is suppressed.

  The deionized water production apparatus 100 may have one or more reverse osmosis membranes 102 upstream of the deionization chambers 110 and 112. In addition, the deionized water production apparatus 100 may be provided with a separate carbon dioxide removal facility for removing the carbonic acid component in water upstream or downstream of the deionization chambers 110 and 112. Thereby, before the raw water flows into the deionization chamber 110, 112, it is possible to reduce the ion component and the carbonic acid component in the raw water.

  Each frame 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 is preferably formed from a plastic material, in particular an injection moldable plastic material. A frame made of an injection molded plastic material changes due to heat contraction after injection molding. The larger the size of the frame, in particular the thickness of the frame, the more the frame is deformed by this heat shrinkage. Therefore, the prevention of liquid leakage by suppressing the increase in thickness of each frame is particularly significant for a frame made of an injection moldable plastic material.

  The thickness of each frame 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 is in the range of 4 to 15 mm from the viewpoint of forming the frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 having high flatness by injection molding. Is preferred. Even in this case, the thickness of the first deionization chamber 110 can be made 15 mm or more by the openings 160 of at least two frames 130 jointly forming one first deionization chamber 110. it can. The thickness of the first deionization chamber 110 may be, for example, in the range of 15 to 30 mm. From the viewpoint of the manufacturing accuracy of the plurality of frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 stacked on one another, the thickness of the plurality of frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 is 1000 mm or less. preferable.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a frame for a deionization chamber. FIG. 3A shows a frame 130 for a first deionization chamber. FIG. 3B shows the frame 132 for the second deionization chamber. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a frame 134 for a concentration chamber.

  Each frame 130, 132, 134 may be comprised of a plate having a substantially rectangular opening 160 formed therein. First to sixth through holes 161 to 166 are formed around the opening 160 of each frame 130, 132, 134. In addition, the annular gasket which surrounds the opening 160 or through-hole 161-166 of each frame 130, 132, 134 may be provided. The gasket improves the function of preventing the liquid from leaking from the inside of the opening 160 or the through holes 161-166.

  The first through holes 161 of the frames 130, 132, 134 communicate with each other to form a second supply passage 140. The second through holes 162 of the frames 130, 132, 134 communicate with each other to form a first supply passage 142. The third through holes 163 of the frames 130, 132, 134 communicate with each other to form a second discharge path 150. The fourth through holes 164 of the frames 130, 132, 134 communicate with each other to form a first discharge passage 152. The fifth through holes 166 of the frames 130, 132, 134 communicate with each other to form a supply passage 144 for supplying a liquid into the concentration chamber. The sixth through holes 165 of the frames 130, 132, 134 communicate with each other to form a discharge passage 154 for discharging the liquid from the concentration chamber.

  The frame 130 for the first deionization chamber has a groove 180 for communicating the first through hole 161 with the opening 160 in order to introduce the liquid from the second supply passage 140 into the first deionization chamber 110. Have. In addition, the frame 130 for the first deionization chamber is a groove that causes the opening 160 to communicate with the third through hole 163 in order to discharge the liquid from the inside of the first deionization chamber 110 to the second discharge path 150. It has 181.

  The frame body 132 for the second deionization chamber has a groove 182 for communicating the second through hole 162 with the opening 160 in order to introduce the liquid from the first supply passage 142 into the second deionization chamber 112. Have. In addition, the second deionization chamber frame 132 is a groove connecting the opening 160 to the fourth through hole 164 in order to discharge the liquid from the second deionization chamber 112 to the first discharge path 152. It has 183.

  The concentration chamber frame 134 has a groove 185 communicating the fifth through hole 166 with the opening 160 in order to introduce the liquid from the concentrated water supply path 144 into the concentration chamber 114. Further, the concentration chamber frame 134 has a groove 184 for connecting the opening 160 to the sixth through hole 165 in order to discharge the liquid from the concentration chamber 114 to the concentrated water discharge path 154.

  As described above, the frames 130, 132, and 134 may have the same shape as each other except for the shapes of the grooves 180 to 185. Further, the frame 136 for the cathode chamber and the frame 138 for the anode chamber may have the same shape as the above-mentioned frame. However, the frame in the vicinity of the end plates 104 and 106 may not need the supply passages 140, 142 and 144 or the discharge passages 150, 152 and 154. In this case, those frames may not have through holes corresponding to the supply or discharge paths.

  Preferably, at least two of the frames 130 forming the first deionization chamber 110 have the same shape as one another. Specifically, the shapes of the openings 160, the through holes 161 to 166, and the grooves 180 and 181 formed in the at least two frames 130 for the first deionization chamber are identical to each other, and the first deionization is performed. The thickness of the at least two frames 130 for the ion chamber may be identical to one another. Thereby, the at least two frames 130 for the first deionization chamber can be molded with the same mold.

  In each frame 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, a central member 170, 172, 174 in which an opening 160 is formed, a peripheral member in which grooves 180 to 185 and through holes 161 to 166 are formed (central member 170, Parts other than 172 and 174) may be composed of separate parts. In this case, the frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 are formed by attaching the peripheral members to the central member.

  At least two of the plurality of frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 may have the same shape as each other except for the peripheral members. Specifically, the thickness of each frame and the shape of the opening of each frame are preferably identical to each other. Thereby, at least the central member of the frame can be formed into the same shape. As a result, in particular the central part of at least two frames can be molded with the same mold. If a plurality of frames can be manufactured with a common mold, the manufacturing cost of the deionized water manufacturing apparatus can be reduced. In one example, the frame 130 for the first deionization chamber may have the same shape as the frame 132 for the second deionization chamber, except for the peripheral members. In another example, the frame 130, 132 for the first or second deionization chamber has the same shape as the frame 134, 136, 138 for the concentration chamber, the cathode chamber or the anode chamber except for the peripheral members. It may be.

  If the number of frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 stacked on one another is too large, even if the frames are pressed by the end plates 104, 106, the pressing force does not act evenly on each frame, and from within the room Liquid may leak. Therefore, it is preferable to set an upper limit on the number of frame bodies stacked one on another from the viewpoint of preventing the liquid from leaking from the room. Hereinafter, experimental results on liquid leakage will be described for the deionized water production apparatus according to the first embodiment and the deionized water production apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The first and second embodiments have the same configuration as the deionized water production apparatus shown in FIG. However, in both embodiments, the number of deionization units 108 is different from each other. Table 1 shows the number of deionization units 108, the number of first deionization chambers 110, the number of second deionization chambers 112, the number of concentration chambers 114, and the number of cathode chambers for the first and second embodiments. The number 116, the number of anode chambers 118 and the total number of frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 are shown. It should be noted that in both embodiments, the first deionization chamber 110 is composed of two frames 130.

  In both embodiments, the shapes of the frames 130, 132, 134, 136 and 138 are identical to each other. The length in the vertical direction of each frame is 450 mm, the length in the horizontal direction of each frame is 280 mm, and the thickness of each frame is 10 mm. The longitudinal length of the opening 160 of each frame is 300 mm, and the lateral length of the opening 160 is 150 mm.

  A laminated body in which a plurality of frames 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138 are stacked on one another is pressed together by the end plates 104 and 106. In addition, the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112, the concentration chamber 114, the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118 were filled with water, and the second discharge passage 150 and the discharge passage 154 for concentrated water were closed. Then, a water pressure of 0.6 MPa was applied to the respective chambers from the first supply passage 142 and the supply passage 144 for concentrated water. In this state, the deionized water production apparatus was maintained for 30 minutes.

  When the total number of frames was 75 (first example), no water leak from each room was detected. On the other hand, when the total number of frames was 83 (second example), a leak of 23 mL of water per hour was detected. Therefore, the total number of frames constituting the deionized water production apparatus may be preferably 80 or less, more preferably 75 or less. However, the upper limit of the number of frames may vary depending on the size of the frames, the experimental conditions, and the like. Therefore, it should be noted that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above upper limit value.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the first deionization chamber 110 is formed by the openings 160 of the at least two frames 130, so it becomes one large space. As a result, even if the flow rate of the liquid in the first deionization chamber 110 is increased, the differential pressure of water flow between the inlet and the outlet of the first deionization chamber 110 is reduced. Since the differential pressure of water flow is reduced, the advantage is obtained that the pressure resistance of a plurality of frames stacked on one another may be relatively low. In addition, if the differential pressure of water flow is reduced, the volume of the pump for feeding the liquid can be reduced. As a result, the deionized water production apparatus can be operated with energy saving, and the cost of the entire deionized water production apparatus can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, the throughput (throughput per unit time) of the deionized water production apparatus in the first embodiment and the first comparative example will be considered. The deionized water production apparatus according to the first embodiment is as described above.

  The deionized water production apparatus according to the first comparative example has the same configuration as that of the deionized water production apparatus according to the first embodiment except for the configuration of the deionized water treatment unit. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a deionization treatment unit provided in the deionized water production apparatus according to the first comparative example. The deionization processing unit 808 of the first comparative example has a first deionization chamber 810 and a second deionization chamber 812. In the deionization processing unit 808 of the first comparative example, the first deionization chamber 810 and the second deionization chamber 812 are each formed of one frame body 830, 832.

  In both the first embodiment and the first comparative example, the third ion exchange membranes 124, 824 disposed between the first deionization chamber 110, 810 and the second deionization chamber 112, 812 are bipolar. It is a membrane. In both the first embodiment and the first comparative example, the ion exchange membranes 122 and 822 of the first deionization chamber 110 and 810 opposite to the third ion exchange membranes 124 and 824 are anion exchange membranes. In both the first embodiment and the first comparative example, the ion exchange membranes 120 and 820 of the second deionization chamber 112 and 812 opposite to the third ion exchange membranes 124 and 824 are cation exchange membranes. In both the first embodiment and the first comparative example, the first deionization chamber 110, 810 accommodates the anion exchanger in a single bed form, and the second deionization chamber 112, 812 comprises a single bed of cation exchanger. Contain in form.

  As described above, in consideration of the existence of the upper limit value in the number of frame bodies, the total number of frame bodies in the first embodiment and the first comparative example is made to coincide with each other. As described above, in the first embodiment, the thickness of each frame 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 is 10 mm. On the other hand, in the first comparative example, the thickness of the frame 830 forming the first deionizing chamber 810 was 10 mm, and the thickness of the frame 832 forming the second deionizing chamber 812 was 5 mm. The thickness of the other frames was 10 mm. In the first embodiment and the first comparative example, the flow rate of the electrode water flowing into the cathode chamber and the anode chamber was 20 L / h. The current value applied between the cathode plate installed in the cathode chamber and the anode plate installed in the anode chamber was 2.5A.

  Under the above conditions, the water passage space velocity of the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 in the first embodiment is the same as that of the first and second deionization chambers 810 and 112 in the first comparative example, respectively. The flow rate of the liquid to be supplied from the supply channels 140 and 142 to the deionization chambers 110, 112, 810 and 812 was set to coincide with the water flow space velocity of 812. The flow rate of the concentrated water in the concentration chamber was set to be approximately 1/10 of the flow rate of deionized water.

Table 2, a water flow space velocity of the first liquid in the deionization chamber and 200h ^-1, when the second water passage space velocity of the liquid in the deionization chamber was 400h ^-1, the liquid in each chamber Flow rate and water flow differential pressure. Here, the water flow space velocity is defined by the flow rate of the liquid divided by the volume of the chamber. The reciprocal of the space water flow rate in a certain chamber means the contact time to the ion exchanger filled in the certain chamber. The contact time means the time for which the ion component in the liquid is in contact with the ion exchanger in the deionization chamber.

  As described above, the water passage space velocity of the deionization chamber was made to coincide between the first embodiment and the first comparative example. As a result, the water flow differential pressure of the liquid in the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 in the first embodiment is the first and second deionization chambers 810 and 812 in the first comparative example, respectively. It almost agrees with the water flow differential pressure of the liquid inside. The first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 in the first embodiment, although the pressure difference between the first embodiment and the first comparative example has substantially the same value. The flow rate of H.sub.2 is larger than the flow rate of the first and second deionization chambers 810 and 812 in the first comparative example. Specifically, in the first comparative example, the flow rate of the 24 first deionization chambers or the entire 24 second deionization chambers is 2160 L / h. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the flow rate of the 18 first deionization chambers or the 18 second deionization chambers is 3240 L / h. Therefore, the deionized water production apparatus of the first embodiment can process a larger amount of liquid per unit time.

Table 3, the water flow space velocity of the first liquid in the deionization chamber and 300h ^-1, when the second water passage space velocity of the liquid in the deionization chamber was 600h ^-1, the liquid in each chamber Flow rate and water flow differential pressure.

  As described above, the water passage space velocity of the deionization chamber was made to coincide between the first embodiment and the first comparative example. As a result, the water flow differential pressure of the liquid in the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 in the first embodiment is the first and second deionization chambers 810 and 812 in the first comparative example, respectively. It almost agrees with the water flow differential pressure of the liquid inside. The first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 in the first embodiment, although the pressure difference between the first embodiment and the first comparative example has substantially the same value. The flow rate of H.sub.2 is larger than the flow rate of the first and second deionization chambers 810 and 812 in the first comparative example. Specifically, in the first comparative example, the flow rate of the 24 first deionization chambers or the 24 second deionization chambers is 3240 L / h. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the flow rate of the 18 first deionization chambers or the 18 second deionization chambers is 4860 L / h. Therefore, the deionized water production apparatus of the first embodiment can process a larger amount of liquid per unit time.

In general, the flow rate of treated water can be uniformly increased with the increase of the water flow space velocity. Therefore, even if the liquid flow space velocity of the liquid in the first deionization chamber is 200 to 300 h ⁻¹ and the liquid flow space velocity of the liquid in the second deionization chamber is 400 to 600 h ⁻¹ , It is believed that the deionized water production system of one embodiment can process more flow of liquid than the deionized water production system of the first comparative example.

  Generally, in order to transfer treated water to the outside through the discharge path 150 of the deionization production apparatus 100, it is preferable to secure a water pressure of about 0.1 MPa. For that purpose, the water pressure of the liquid supplied to the supply path 142 of the deionization production apparatus 100 is not less than a value obtained by adding the sum of the differential pressure of water passing through the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 to 0.1 MPa. It needs to be. Here, the water pressure of the liquid having permeated through the RO membrane 102 is generally about 0.3 MPa or less. Therefore, if the total value of the differential pressure of water passing through the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 is approximately 0.2 MPa or less, the first and second pressure can be increased without pumping the liquid that has permeated the RO membrane 102. It can be supplied to the second deionization chamber 110,112. Further, from the viewpoint of the mechanical strength (burst strength) of the ion exchange membrane, the water flow differential pressure is preferably approximately 0.2 MPa or less.

In general, the water flow differential pressure increases with the increase in water flow space velocity. Therefore, from Tables 2 and 3, the liquid flow space velocity of the liquid in the first deionization chamber is 200 to 300 h ⁻¹ , and the liquid flow space velocity of the liquid in the second deionization chamber is 400 to 600 h ⁻ If it is ¹ , it is understood that the total value of the water flow differential pressure of the first and second deionization chambers 110 and 112 can be 0.2 MPa or less.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the deionized water production apparatus according to the second embodiment. The same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The deionized water production apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment includes at least one deionization unit 208 and a plurality of concentration chambers 114. FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the deionization processing unit 208 and the concentration chamber 114 adjacent to the deionization processing unit 208. As shown in FIG. At least one deionization unit 208 and a plurality of concentration chambers 114 are disposed between the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118.

  The concentration chambers 114 may be disposed on both sides of each deionization unit 208. When a plurality of deionization units 208 are present, the concentration chambers 114 are disposed between the deionization units 208 and between the deionization units 208 and the electrode chambers 116 and 118. In the present embodiment, each deionization processing unit 208 may have one deionization chamber 210. In this case, the deionization chamber 210 is sandwiched between the two concentration chambers 114. Instead of the example shown in FIG. 6, the deionization unit 208 and the cathode chamber 116 or the anode chamber 118 may be adjacent to each other. That is, the deionized water production apparatus may not have the concentration chamber 114 between the cathode chamber 116 or the anode chamber 118 and the deionization processing unit 208.

  Each of the above-mentioned chambers 210, 114, 116 and 118 includes a plurality of frames 230, 134, 136 and 138 stacked on one another and an ion exchange membrane 220 disposed between the frames 230, 134, 136 and 138. , 222, 126, 128, and so on. Each frame 230, 134, 136, 138 has an opening 160 for forming each chamber 210, 114, 116, 118. Specifically, a space partitioned from the outside is formed by closing the opening formed in the frame with a pair of ion exchange membranes. This partitioned space forms each of the above-mentioned chambers. In the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118, each chamber may be formed by closing the opening formed in the frame with the ion exchange membrane and the end plates 136 and 138.

  The deionized water production apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment includes a frame 136 for the cathode chamber, a frame 134 for the concentration chamber, a frame 230 for the deionization chamber, and a frame 138 for the anode chamber. And. The ion exchange membrane 220 on the side closer to the cathode chamber 116 of the deionization chamber frame 230 may be, for example, a cation exchange membrane. The ion exchange membrane 222 on the side closer to the anode chamber 118 of the deionization chamber frame 230 may be, for example, an anion exchange membrane. An ion exchanger is filled in the deionization chamber 210. Preferably, the anion exchanger and the cation exchanger are packed in the mixed bed form as well as in the double bed form in the deionization chamber 210.

  A supply path 140 which allows liquid to flow into the deionization chamber 210 is in communication with the deionization chamber 210. The liquid flowing out of the deionization chamber 210 is discharged to the outside through the discharge passage 150. The liquid discharged to the outside through the discharge path 150 is the treated water deionized in the deionized chamber 210.

  The liquid is passed through the deionization chamber 210 with a DC voltage applied between the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118. The ion exchanger in the deionization chamber 210 captures ion components in the water to be treated. The ionic component moves into the concentration chamber 114 by the action of voltage while repeating the trapping on the ion exchanger and the liberation from the ion exchanger.

  Concentrated water is supplied to each concentration chamber 114 through a supply passage 144 for the concentration chamber. The concentrated water having passed through the concentration chamber 114 is discharged through the concentration chamber discharge path 154. The ionic components transferred from the deionization chamber 210 to the concentration chamber 114 are discharged to the outside together with the concentrated water. An anion exchanger is preferably packed in a single bed form in each concentration chamber 114 in order to suppress the generation of scale.

  In this embodiment, the two frames 230 are adjacent to each other such that the openings 160 of the two frames 230 jointly form one deionization chamber 210. In other words, no ion exchange membrane is provided between these two frames 230. Alternatively to this embodiment, the three frames may be adjacent to one another such that the openings of the at least three frames together form one deionization chamber.

  When the openings 160 of at least two frames 230 jointly form one chamber (deionization chamber), the thickness of the deionization chamber 210 can be increased without increasing the thickness of each frame 230. . Since it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the single frame 230, the shape accuracy of the frame 230 can be improved. Thereby, the leakage of the liquid from between at least two frames 230 forming the deionization chamber 210 is suppressed.

  The shapes and materials of the frames 230, 134, 136, and 138, and the upper limit of the total number of frames are the same as in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. However, the shape of the grooves 280 and 281 of the frame 230 forming the deionization chamber 210 may be different from the shape of the grooves of the frame 130 and 132 for the deionization chamber in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the deionization chamber 210 is formed by the openings 160 of the at least two frames 230, so it becomes one large space. As a result, even if the flow rate of the liquid in the deionization chamber 210 is increased, the differential pressure of liquid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the deionization chamber 210 is reduced.

  Hereinafter, the flow rate of treated water of the deionized water production apparatus in the third embodiment and the second comparative example will be considered. The deionized water production apparatus in the third embodiment has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. However, the deionized water production apparatus in the third embodiment has 24 deionization units 208.

  The deionized water production apparatus according to the second comparative example has the same configuration as the deionized water production apparatus in the third embodiment except for the configuration of the deionized water treatment unit. The deionized water production apparatus of the second comparative example has 36 deionized water treatment units. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a deionization treatment unit provided in the deionized water production apparatus according to the second comparative example. Each deionization unit 908 has one deionization chamber 910. The deionization chamber 910 is formed of one frame 930.

  In both the third embodiment and the second comparative example, the ion exchange membrane 220 disposed on the cathode chamber side of the deionization chamber 210, 910 is a cation exchange membrane. In both the third embodiment and the second comparative example, the ion exchange membrane 222 disposed on the anode chamber side of the deionization chamber 210, 910 is an anion exchange membrane. In both the third embodiment and the second comparative example, the deionization chambers 210 and 910 accommodate the cation exchanger and the anion exchanger in a mixed bed form.

  As described above, the total number of frame bodies in the third embodiment and the second comparative example is made equal to 75 in consideration of the existence of the upper limit value in the number of frame bodies. In the third embodiment and the second comparative example, the thickness of each frame 230, 930, 134, 136, 138 is 10 mm. The longitudinal length of each frame is 450 mm, and the lateral length of each frame is 280 mm. The longitudinal length of the opening 160 of each frame is 300 mm, and the lateral length of the opening 160 is 150 mm.

  In the third embodiment and the second comparative example, the flow rate of the electrode water flowing into the cathode chamber and the anode chamber was 20 L / h, respectively. The current value applied between the cathode plate installed in the cathode chamber and the anode plate installed in the anode chamber was 2.5A.

Under the above conditions, the water passage velocity of the deionization chamber 210 in the third embodiment is equal to the water passage velocity of the deionization chamber 910 in the second comparative example. The flow rate of the liquid flowing into the ion chamber 210, 910 was set. The flow rate of the concentrated water in the concentration chamber was set to be approximately 1/10 of the flow rate of deionized water.
Table 4 shows the flow rate of the liquid in each chamber and the differential pressure of water flow when the flow rate of the liquid in the deionization chamber is 200 h ⁻¹ .

As described above, the water passage space velocity of the deionization chamber was made to coincide in the third embodiment and the second comparative example. Thereby, the water flow differential pressure of the liquid in the deionization chamber 210 in the third embodiment substantially matches the water flow differential pressure of the liquid in the deionization chamber 910 in the second comparative example. The flow rate of the deionization chamber 210 in the third embodiment is the same as that in the second comparison, despite the fact that the pressure difference between the third embodiment and the second comparison is substantially the same. It is larger than the flow rate of the deionization chamber 910 in the example. Specifically, in the second comparative example, the flow rate of the entire 36 deionization chambers is 3240 L / h. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the flow rate of the entire 24 deionization chambers is 4320 L / h. Therefore, the deionized water production apparatus of the third embodiment can process a larger amount of water per unit time.
Table 5 shows the flow rate of the liquid and the differential pressure of water in each chamber when the flow rate of the liquid in the deionization chamber is 600 h ⁻¹ .

  As described above, the water passage space velocity of the deionization chamber was made to coincide in the third embodiment and the second comparative example. Thereby, the water flow differential pressure of the liquid in the deionization chamber 210 in the third embodiment substantially matches the water flow differential pressure of the liquid in the deionization chamber 910 in the second comparative example. The flow rate of the deionization chamber 210 in the third embodiment is the same as that in the second comparison, despite the fact that the pressure difference between the third embodiment and the second comparison is substantially the same. It is larger than the flow rate of the deionization chamber 910 in the example. Specifically, in the second comparative example, the flow rate of the entire 36 deionization chambers is 9720 L / h. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the flow rate over the 24 deionization chambers is 12960 L / h. Therefore, the deionized water production apparatus of the third embodiment can process a larger amount of water per unit time.

From Tables 4 and 5, when the liquid flow space velocity of the liquid in the deionization chamber is 200 h ⁻¹ and 600 h ⁻¹ , the deionized water producing apparatus of the third embodiment is the deionized water of the second comparative example. It is possible to process more flow of liquid than the manufacturing device. The flow rate of the treated water can be uniformly increased with the increase of the water flow space velocity. Therefore, even if the water passage space velocity is in the range of 200 h ^{−1 to} 600 h ⁻¹ , the deionized water production apparatus of the third embodiment has a flow rate higher than that of the deionized water production apparatus of the second comparative example. It is believed that it can handle the

From Tables 4 and 5, it can be seen that if the liquid flow space velocity of the liquid in the deionization chamber is 200 to 600 h ⁻¹ , the water flow differential pressure of the deionization chamber 210 can be 0.15 MPa or less. As a result, the liquid that has permeated the RO membrane 102 can be supplied to the deionization chamber 210 without being pressurized by a pump. Moreover, the deionized water production apparatus of the third embodiment has a sufficiently low differential pressure of water flow also from the viewpoint of the mechanical strength (burst strength) of the ion exchange membrane.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the deionized water production apparatus according to the third embodiment. The same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The deionized water production apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment includes at least one deionization unit 308 and a plurality of concentration chambers 114. Although FIG. 9 shows only one deionization processing unit 308, the deionization water production apparatus 300 may have a plurality of deionization processing units 308. At least one deionization unit 308 and a plurality of concentration chambers 114 are disposed between the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118.

  Each deionization unit 308 may have a first deionization chamber 310 and a second deionization chamber 312. The first deionization chamber 310 is adjacent to the second deionization chamber 312. A concentration chamber 114 is disposed on the opposite side of the first deionization chamber 310 to the second deionization chamber 312. In addition, another concentration chamber 114 is disposed on the opposite side of the second deionization chamber 312 to the first deionization chamber 310. Instead of the example shown in FIG. 9, the deionization processing unit 308 and the cathode chamber 116 or the anode chamber 118 may be adjacent to each other. That is, the deionized water production apparatus may not have the concentration chamber 114 between the cathode chamber 116 or the anode chamber 118 and the deionization processing unit 308.

  Each of the above-mentioned chambers 310, 312, 114, 116, 118 is disposed between a plurality of frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 stacked on one another and the frames 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 The ion exchange membranes 320, 322, 324, 126, 128 are formed. Each frame has an opening for forming each chamber 310, 312, 114, 116, 118. Specifically, a space partitioned from the outside is formed by closing the opening formed in the frame with a pair of ion exchange membranes. This partitioned space forms each of the above-mentioned chambers. In the cathode chamber 116 and the anode chamber 118, each chamber may be formed by closing the opening formed in the frame with the ion exchange membrane and the end plates 136 and 138.

  A first ion exchange membrane 320 is provided between the concentration chamber frame 134 and the first deionization chamber frame 130. The first ion exchange membrane 320 may be, for example, a cation exchange membrane. A second ion exchange membrane 322 is provided between the second deionization chamber frame 132 and the concentration chamber frame 134. The second ion exchange membrane 322 may be, for example, an anion exchange membrane. As described above, the first ion exchange membrane 320 disposed on the cathode side of the deionization unit 308 is a cation exchange membrane, and the second ion exchange membrane disposed on the anode side of the deionization unit 308 Preferably, 322 is an anion exchange membrane.

  A third ion exchange membrane 324 is provided between the first deionization chamber frame 130 and the second deionization chamber frame 132. The third ion exchange membrane 324 may be, for example, a bipolar membrane. Preferably, the anion exchange membrane of the bipolar membrane faces the second deionization chamber 312 side. Thereby, a rise in the operating voltage of the deionized water production apparatus 300 can be suppressed. As a result, the durability to operation at high current is improved.

  An ion exchanger is filled in the first and second deionization chambers 310 and 312. Preferably, a cation exchanger is filled in the first deionization chamber 310. The cation exchanger may be packed in a single bed form in the first deionization chamber 310. Alternatively, a cation exchanger and an anion exchanger may be packed in the first deionization chamber 310 in a mixed bed form. Preferably, an anion exchanger is filled in the second deionization chamber 312. The anion exchanger may be packed in a single bed form in the second deionization chamber 312.

  A first supply path 342 which allows liquid to flow into the first deionization chamber 310 is in communication with the first deionization chamber 310. The liquid flowing out of the first deionization chamber 310 is preferably introduced into the second deionization chamber 312 through the first discharge path 352, the intermediate path 359 and the second supply path 340. The liquid flowing into the second deionization chamber 312 is discharged to the outside through the second discharge passage 350. The liquid discharged to the outside through the second discharge path 350 is the treated water deionized in the first and second deionized chambers 310 and 312.

  In this embodiment, the two frames 130 are adjacent to each other so that the openings of the two frames 130 jointly form the first deionization chamber 310. In other words, no ion exchange membrane is provided between these two frames 130. Alternatively to this embodiment, the three frames may be adjacent to one another such that the openings of the at least three frames together form a first deionization chamber.

  Since the openings of at least two frames 130 jointly form one chamber (first deionization chamber), the thickness of the first deionization chamber 310 can be increased without increasing the thickness of each frame 130. It can be enlarged. Since it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the single frame 130, the shape accuracy of the frame 130 can be improved. Thereby, the leakage of the liquid from between at least two frames 130 forming the first deionization chamber 310 is suppressed.

The shapes and materials of the frames 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138, and the upper limit of the total number of frames are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Also, as in the first embodiment, the liquid passing space velocity of the liquid in the first deionization chamber 310 formed of at least two frames is 200 to 300 h ⁻¹ , and the second deionization is performed. It is preferable that the liquid flow space velocity of the liquid in the chamber 312 is 400 to 600 h ⁻¹ .

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been presented and described in detail, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. I want to be

  For example, in the above embodiments and examples, the first chamber jointly formed by the openings of at least two frames was the deionization chamber. However, the first chamber jointly formed by the openings of at least two frames is not limited to the deionization chamber, and may be a concentration chamber, a cathode chamber or an anode chamber. That is, the at least two frames may be adjacent to each other so that the openings of the at least two frames jointly form any one first chamber. Thereby, the thickness of each chamber can be increased while suppressing the leakage of the liquid from between the stacked frames. However, in view of increasing the flow rate per unit time of the treated water, it is preferable that the first chamber jointly formed by the openings of at least two frames is a deionization chamber.

100, 200, 300 Deionized water production unit 108, 208, 308 Deionization unit 110, 112, 220, 310, 320 Deionization chamber 114 Concentration chamber 116 Cathode chamber 118 Anode chamber 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 220, 222, 320, 322 Ion exchange membrane 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 230 Frame

Claims (8)

A plurality of frames, each having an opening, formed from an injection moldable plastic material and laminated to each other;
An anode disposed at one end of the plurality of frames along the stacking direction of the plurality of frames;
A cathode disposed at the other end of the plurality of frames along the stacking direction;
An ion exchange membrane provided in some of the regions between the frames and separating the openings of adjacent frames from one another to form a chamber through which the liquid passes;
The chamber includes a chamber constituting a deionization processing unit, and a concentration chamber disposed on both sides in the stacking direction across the deionization processing unit,
At least two frames of the plurality of frames are adjacent to each other so that the openings of the at least two frames jointly form one first chamber constituting the deionization treatment unit,
The first chamber is a deionization chamber containing an ion exchanger for capturing ion components in water,
The thickness of the frame is in the range of 4 to 15 mm,
The deionized water producing apparatus, wherein a thickness of the first chamber along the stacking direction is 15 mm or more and is larger than a thickness of the concentration chamber along the stacking direction.   The apparatus for producing deionized water according to claim 1, wherein the at least two frames forming the first chamber have the same shape.   The deionized water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of at least two of the plurality of frames and a shape of the opening are identical to each other. One of the ion exchange membranes disposed on both sides of the deionization chamber is a cation exchange membrane,
The deionized water production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the other of the ion exchange membranes disposed on both sides of the deionization chamber is an anion exchange membrane. The deionized water production apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein a liquid flow space velocity of the liquid in the deionized chamber is 200 to 600 h- ¹ . The deionization chamber, which is the first chamber, is a first deionization chamber,
The deionization unit includes, as one of the chambers, a second deionization chamber adjacent to the first deionization chamber;
The first deionization chamber is filled with a cation exchanger,
The second deionization chamber is filled with an anion exchanger,
In the deionization processing unit, the ion exchange membrane located on the opposite side to the second deionization chamber of the first deionization chamber is a cation exchange membrane,
The said ion exchange membrane located in the said deionization process part on the opposite side to the said 1st deionization chamber of the said 2nd deionization chamber is an anion exchange membrane in any one of Claim 1 to 3 The deionized water production apparatus as described in a term. The water passing space velocity of the first deionization chamber liquid is 200~300h ^-1, water passing space velocity of liquid in the second deionization compartment is 400~600h ^-1, in claim 6 Deionized water production apparatus as described. A plurality of frames, each having an opening, formed of an injection moldable plastic material and stacked on each other, and an anode disposed at one end of the plurality of frames along the stacking direction of the plurality of frames And a cathode disposed at the other end of the plurality of frames along the stacking direction, provided in some of the regions between the frames adjacent to form a chamber through which the liquid passes And an ion exchange membrane for separating the openings of the frame from each other, wherein the chamber is a chamber disposed in the deionization processing section, and a concentration disposed on both sides in the stacking direction across the deionization processing section. A method of producing a deionized water production apparatus, comprising:
At least two frames of the plurality of frames are adjacent to each other such that the openings of the at least two frames jointly form a first chamber constituting the deionization part;
In the first chamber, an ion exchanger for capturing ion components in water is accommodated to form a deionization chamber;
A deionization method in which the thickness of the frame is in the range of 4 to 15 mm, the thickness of the first chamber along the stacking direction is 15 mm or more, and the thickness of the concentration chamber along the stacking direction is larger Method for producing water production equipment.

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