Water treatment abstract
The present invention is directed to a new water treatment device comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in, an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank, a water treating path for pouring water in a pool and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank, a residual chlorine sensor for measuring the residual chlorine concentration of water, and control means for controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor, and capable of simply and efficiently sterilizing water stored in pools of various sizes from a swimming pool to a home bathtub.
Water treatment claims
What is claimed is:
1. A water treatment device comprising: electrolyzing and sterilizing means, comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in and an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank in order to electrolyze the water, for pouring water into the electrolytic tank, energizing the electrode, and electrolyzing the water, to sterilize the water; a water treating path connected to a pool storing water for pouring the water in the pool into the electrolytic tank and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank; a residual chlorine sensor for measuring the residual chlorine concentration of water; and control means for controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor.
2. The water treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the residual chlorine concentration of the water, the control means controlling the energization of the electrode such that the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor is equal to the residual chlorine concentration set by the setting means.
3. The water treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising temperature sensing means for measuring the temperature of the water in the electrolytic tank, the control means controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of an output of the temperature sensing means.
4. The water treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the control means controls the pouring of the water into the electrolytic tank on the basis of the output of the temperature sensing means.
5. The water treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising gas/liquid separating means for separating from the water gas generated by the electrolysis in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, and gas separation sensing means for sensing circumstances where the gas is separated in the gas/liquid separating means, the control means controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of an output of the gas separation sensing means.
6. The water treatment device according to claim 5, wherein the gas separation sensing means senses the concentration of hydrogen contained in the separated gas.
7. The water treatment device according to claim 5, further comprising exhausting means for exhausting the gas separated from the water in the gas/liquid separating means, the gas separation sensing means being exhaust sensing means for sensing circumstances where the gas is exhausted by the exhausting means.
8. The water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein two or more pairs of electrodes are provided in the electrolytic tank such that the energization can be performed independently for each of the pairs of electrodes, and the control means controls the energization by changing the number of pairs of electrodes to be simultaneously energized.
9. The water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein a pair of electrodes is provided in the electrolytic tank, and the control means reverses the polarity of a voltage to be supplied to the pair of electrodes for each predetermined time period.
10. The water treatment device according to claim 9, further comprising setting means for setting the hardness of the water, the control means controlling the length of a time period during which the polarity of a voltage is reversed depending on the hardness of the water set by the setting means.
11. The water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein a first plate-shaped electrode and a second plate-shaped electrode are arranged parallel to each other in the electrolytic tank, one or more plate-shaped electrodes are arranged parallel to both the first and second electrodes between the electrodes, and wiring for energization is connected to the first and second electrodes.
12. The water treatment device according to claim 11, wherein three or more plate-shaped electrodes are arranged parallel to both the first and second electrodes between the electrodes, and wiring for energization is connected to the first and second electrodes and the electrodes located at intervals of a predetermined number of electrodes between the first and second electrodes.
13. The water treatment device according to claim 11, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged such that they respectively contact to an inner wall surface of the electrolytic tank.
14. The water treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising sterilizing solution producing means, comprising a second electrolytic tank to put in an electrolytic solution containing a chlorine ion and a second electrode provided in the second electrolytic tank in order to electrolyze the electrolytic solution, for pouring the electrolytic solution into the second electrolytic tank to energize the second electrode, and electrolyzing the electrolytic solution to produce a sterilizing solution, and a supplying path for supplying to a water treating path the sterilizing solution produced by the sterilizing solution producing means.
15. The water treatment device according to claim 14, wherein the control means energizes the second electrode in a time zone in which water is not sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, to produce the sterilizing solution, stores the produced sterilizing solution in the second electrolytic tank, and supplies the sterilizing solution stored in the second electrolytic tank to the water treating path on demand through the supplying path in a time zone in which water is sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
16. The water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the control means pours the electrolytic solution containing a chlorine ion into the electrolytic tank in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means to energize the electrode in a time zone in which water is not sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, and electrolyzes the electrolytic solution to produce the sterilizing solution.
17. The water treatment device according to claim 16, comprising a sterilizing solution tank to put in the sterilizing solution produced by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, a first supplying path for supplying the sterilizing solution to the sterilizing solution tank from the electrolytic tank, and a second supplying path for supplying the sterilizing solution to the water treating path from the sterilizing solution tank, the control means pouring the sterilizing solution produced in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means into the sterilizing solution tank through the first supplying path in a time zone in which water is not sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, and the sterilizing solution stored in the sterilizing solution tank being supplied to the water treating path on demand through the second supplying path in a time zone in which water is sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
18. The water treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a solution tank to put in an electrolytic solution containing a chlorine ion having a sterilizing function, and a supplying path for supplying the electrolytic solution poured into the solution tank to the electrolytic tank in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, the control means supplying the electrolytic solution stored in the solution tank to the electrolytic tank on demand through the supplying path while sterilizing the water by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
19. The water treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising pH sensing means for measuring the pH of water, an adjusting solution tank to put in a pH adjusting solution for adjusting the pH of water, and a supplying path for supplying to the water treating path the pH adjusting solution poured into the adjusting solution tank, the control means supplying the pH adjusting solution to the water treating path from the adjusting solution tank on demand through the supplying path to adjust the pH of the water on the basis of an output of the pH sensing means.
20. The water treatment device according to claim 19, comprising a first adjusting solution tank to put in an alkaline pH adjusting solution, a first supplying path for supplying to the water treating path the pH adjusting solution poured into the first adjusting solution tank, a second adjusting solution tank to put in an acid pH adjusting solution, and a second supplying path for supplying to the water treating path the pH adjusting solution poured into the second adjusting solution tank, the control means supplying the alkali and/or acid pH adjusting solution to the water treating path from the first or second adjusting solution tank on demand through the first or second supplying path on the basis of an output of the pH sensing means, to adjust the pH of the water.
21. The water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the electrolytic tank comprises an inlet for pouring an acid serving as a cleaning solution, and an outlet for discharging a solution in the electrolytic tank.
22. A water treatment device comprising: electrolyzing and sterilizing means, comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in and an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank in order to electrolyze the water, for pouring water into the electrolytic tank, energizing the electrode, and electrolyzing the water, to sterilize the water; water treating path connected to a pool storing water for pouring the water in the pool into the electrolytic tank and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank; current sensing means for measuring the value of current flowing through the electrode; conductivity measuring means for measuring the electrical conductivity of water; and scale adhesion judging means for judging how a scale adheres to the electrode on the basis of outputs of the current sensing means and the conductivity measuring means.
23. The water treatment device according to claim 22, further comprising life judging means for judging the life of the electrode on the basis of the outputs of the current sensing means and the conductivity measuring means.
Water treatment description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a new water treatment device capable of sterilizing water stored in various types of pools from large-sized pools such as a swimming pool and a bathtub of a public bath to small-sized pools such as a water supply tank disposed on the roof of a building or the like and a home bathtub.
[0002] The swimming pool which is installed indoors or outdoors, or the bathtub of the public bath, for example, must be subjected to sterilization by periodically introducing chlorinated lime, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), or the like into the water in order to maintain the quality of the water.
[0003] However, it has been conventionally necessary for employees in facilities, for example, to perform the work by hand outside the business hours (early in the morning, at midnight, etc.), and moreover, the operation had to be done with great caution since the chlorinated lime or sodium hypochlorite are irritant.
[0004] Chlorinated lime is generally in the shape of powder or a shape of a tablet obtained by solidifying the powder. Accordingly, it takes a long time until the chlorinated lime is dissolved to make the concentration thereof uniform after it is introduced into the pool. During the time, the pool cannot be used.
[0005] In the case of the water supply tank disposed on the roof of the building or the home bathtub, it depends on only a sterilizing force of chlorine contained in tap water. Particularly in the case of the water supply tank, algae reproduces inside thereof, resulting in degraded water quality.
[0006] In the case of the home bathtub, the water is generally exchanged every one or two days, so that it tends to be considered that there is no problem in terms of the water quality. However, the inside of a boiler connected to the bathtub cannot be frequently cleaned. Therefore, various types of germs, mold, and so forth are liable to reproduce. Accordingly, it is feared that the water quality is degraded.
[0007] When the water stored in each of the above-mentioned pools is sterilized, the residual chlorine concentration of the water must be in a predetermined range depending on the applications of the pool and the water.
[0008] The residual chlorine concentration can be measured using a residual chlorine sensor. In the case of the large-sized pool such as the swimming pool or the public bath, a time lag occurs between the average residual chlorine concentration in the pool and the concentration measured by the residual chlorine sensor.
[0009] Specifically, it takes a long time until the residual chlorine concentration in the pool is averaged after chlorinated lime or sodium hypochlorite is introduced into the pool. Even if the residual chlorine concentration is measured by the residual chlorine sensor in a particular place, therefore, a correct measured value cannot be obtained. Accordingly, it takes a long time until the correct measured value can be obtained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A first object of the present invention is to provide a new water treatment device capable of simply and efficiently sterilizing water stored in various types of pools, described above.
[0011] A second object of the present invention is to provide a water treatment device capable of satisfactorily measuring the residual chlorine concentration of water and automatically maintaining the concentration in a desired range with a good response.
[0012] The invention as set forth in the claim 1 is directed to a water treatment device comprising electrolyzing and sterilizing means, comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in and an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank in order to electrolyze the water, for pouring water into the electrolytic tank to energize the electrode, and electrolyzing the water, to sterilize the water; a water treating path connected to a pool storing water for pouring the water in the pool into the electrolytic tank and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank; a residual chlorine sensor for measuring the residual chlorine concentration of water; and control means for controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor.
[0013] In the construction as set forth in the claim 1, the electrode arranged in the electrolytic tank is energized in a state where an electrolyte containing chlorine such as sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride (CaCl.sub.2), or hydrochloric acid (HCl) is added to the water which has been poured into the electrolytic tank through the water treating path from the pool or a state where no electrolyte is added when the water previously contains an electrolyte for sterilization.
[0014] Consequently, the water is sterilized by a chlorine compound such as hypochlorous acid (HClO), its ion (CLO.sup.-), or chlorine gas (Cl.sub.2) which is generated by electrolytic reaction, described below, active oxygen (O.sub.2.sup.-) generated for a very short time in the reaction process, or the like, and is then returned to the pool through the water treating path.
[0015] (Anode)
4H.sub.2O-4e.sup.-.fwdarw.4H.sup.++O.sub.2.Arrow-up bold.+2H.sub.2O
2Cl.sup.-.fwdarw.Cl.sub.2+2e.sup.-
H.sub.2O+Cl.sub.2HClO+H.sup.++Cl.sup.-
[0016] (Cathode)
4H.sub.2O+4e.sup.-.fwdarw.2H.sub.2.Arrow-up bold.+4OH.sup.-
[0017] (Anode+ Cathode)
H.sup.++OH.sup.-.fwdarw.H.sub.2O
[0018] The above-mentioned series of operations is performed only by a worker operating a pump for circulating the water through the water treating path and energizing the electrode without almost passing through human hands or without the worker directly touching the water. If the operation of the pump, the energization of the electrode, or the like is automated utilizing a timer or a residual chlorine sensor, the water treatment can be completely automated.
[0019] Therefore, in the construction as set forth in the claim 1, the water stored in the pool can be simply and efficiently sterilized.
[0020] Moreover, the water returned to the pool upon being sterilized by the water treatment device contains only ions having a significantly low concentration. Accordingly, the above-mentioned treatment can be performed periodically even during the business hours of the swimming pool, the public bath, or the like or arbitrarily in accordance with the quality of the water which varies depending on the number of visitors, the weather, the temperature, or the like.
[0021] In the swimming pool, the public bath, or the like, therefore, work for introducing chlorinated lime, sodium hypochlorite, or the like to sterilize the water can be entirely omitted, or the number of times of the work can be significantly reduced. Accordingly, the water quality can be kept good while significantly easing the burden on the worker.
[0022] In the water supply tank disposed on the roof of the building, for example, the series of work is manually or automatically performed for each predetermined volume of used water, for example, or for each predetermined time period irrespective of the volume of used water, it is possible to prevent the water quality from being degraded by restraining the reproduction of algae.
[0023] Furthermore, in the home bathtub or the like, the series of work is manually or automatically performed at the time point where daily bathing is terminated, for example, and prior to draining bath water, it is possible to prevent the water quality from being degraded by restraining the reproduction of germs, mold, or the like in a boiler connected to the bathtub.
[0024] In the construction as set forth in the claim 1, the correlation of the amount of free residual chlorine generated by electrolysis with the amount of applied current (the amount of charge) is utilized, to find a difference between the residual chlorine concentration measured by the residual chlorine sensor and the required residual chlorine concentration previously determined, and find an insufficient amount of residual chlorine from the difference and the quantity of water stored in the pool. Current in an amount required to produce the insufficient amount of chlorine by the electrolysis is supplied to the electrode, thereby making it possible to control the residual chlorine concentration not uselessly.
[0025] Therefore, in the construction as set forth in the claim 1, the energization is automatically controlled on the basis of the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor, thereby making it possible to maintain the residual chlorine concentration of the water in a predetermined range with high precision.
[0026] The invention as set forth in the claim 2 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the residual chlorine concentration of the water, the control means controlling the energization of the electrode such that the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor is equal to the residual chlorine concentration set by the setting means.
[0027] In the construction as set forth in the claim 2, when a user sets the residual chlorine concentration by the setting means, the energization of the electrode is automatically controlled such that the residual chlorine concentration of the water is equal to the set concentration.
[0028] Therefore, in accordance with the water quality of the water which varies depending on the number of visitors of the pool such as the swimming pool or the public bath, the weather, the temperature, or the like, the residual chlorine concentration of the water in the pool can be arbitrarily controlled. The residual chlorine concentration of the water can be set to a desired concentration depending on the type, that is, the applications of the pool to which the water treatment device is applied, thereby making it possible to make the water treatment device applicable to various types of pools.
[0029] The invention as set forth in the claim 3 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, further comprising temperature sensing means for measuring the temperature of the water in the electrolytic tank, the control means controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of an output of the temperature sensing means.
[0030] In the construction as set forth in the claim 3, it is possible to safely and most suitably sterilize the water in the ranges of the heat-resistant temperatures of the electrolytic tank and the water treating path.
[0031] In supplying current to the electrode in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means to sterilize the water, when the supplied current is abnormally increased or the quantity of the water poured into the electrolytic tank is abnormally decreased, the temperature of the water in the electrolytic tank may be abnormally raised. Particularly when the electrolytic tank and the water treating path are formed of a resin material such as polyvinyl chloride, the heat-resistant temperatures are not high. Therefore, measures must be taken.
[0032] In the construction as set forth in the claim 3, the temperature is always sensed by the temperature sensing means. When the temperature is increased, the energization of the electrode is reduced or stopped, thereby making it possible to sterilize the water in the safe temperature range.
[0033] The invention as set forth in the claim 4 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 3, wherein the control means controls the pouring of the water into the electrolytic tank on the basis of the output of the temperature sensing means.
[0034] In the construction as set forth in the claim 4, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing means rises, the quantity of the water poured into the electrolytic tank is increased, to shorten a time period during which the water stays in the electrolytic tank, thereby making it possible to prevent the temperature of the water in the electrolytic tank from rising.
[0035] The invention as set forth in the claim 5 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, further comprising gas/liquid separating means for separating from the water gas generated by the electrolysis in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, and gas separation sensing means for sensing circumstances where the gas is separated in the gas/liquid separating means, the control means controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of an output of the gas separation sensing means.
[0036] In the construction as set forth in the claim 5, it is possible to safely remove gas containing combustible hydrogen which is generated by the above-mentioned electrolytic reaction and included into the water and is separated by the gas/liquid separating means.
[0037] As a specific example of the gas separation sensing means, the construction as set forth in the claim 6 or 7 is employed.
[0038] The invention as set forth in the claim 6 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 5, wherein the gas separation sensing means senses the concentration of hydrogen contained in the separated gas.
[0039] In the construction as set forth in the claim 6, gas is prevented from being further generated by restraining or stopping the energization of the electrode when the concentration of hydrogen in the gas separated by the gas/liquid separating means is increased by any abnormality, thereby making it possible to prevent hydrogen gas from being ignited.
[0040] The invention as set forth in the claim 7 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 5, further comprising exhausting means for exhausting the gas separated from the water in the gas/liquid separating means, the gas separation sensing means being exhaust sensing means for sensing circumstances where the gas is exhausted by the exhausting means.
[0041] In the construction as set forth in the claim 7, gas is prevented from being further generated by stopping the energization of the electrode in cases such as a case where the exhausting means develops a fault, thereby making it possible to prevent hydrogen gas from being ignited.
[0042] The invention as set forth in the claim 8 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, wherein two or more pairs of electrodes are provided in the electrolytic tank such that the energization can be performed independently for each of the pairs of electrodes, and the control means controls the energization by changing the number of pairs of electrodes to be simultaneously energized.
[0043] In the construction as set forth in the claim 8, the sterilizing capability of the water treatment device can be arbitrarily adjusted in accordance with the water quality of the water in the pool which varies depending on the number of visitors, the weather, the temperature, or the like.
[0044] When the number of visitors is rapidly increased during the business hours of the swimming pool or the public bath, the number of pairs of electrodes to be simultaneously energized is increased to enhance the sterilizing capability, thereby making it possible to keep the water quality approximately constant. On the other hand, when the number of visitors is small, the number of pairs of electrodes to be simultaneously energized is decreased, thereby making it possible to restrain power to be consumed.
[0045] Furthermore, the pairs of electrodes are alternately rested, thereby making it possible to prevent the electrodes from being deteriorated. That is, a scale mainly composed of calcium, magnesium, its oxide or hydroxide produced by electrolytic reaction from a calcium ion (Ca.sup.2+) or a magnesium ion (Mg.sup.2+) contained in water, is gradually deposited on a surface of the electrode that is a cathode. On the other hand, a surface of the electrode that is an anode is gradually eroded by sodium hypochlorite or active oxygen.
[0046] When a plurality of pairs of electrodes are alternately employed without continuously employing only one pair of electrodes, that is, one of the pairs of electrodes is employed, during which the other pairs of electrodes are rested, the electrode can be kept for a long time by preventing the deterioration thereof.
[0047] The invention as set forth in the claim 9 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, wherein a pair of electrodes is provided in the electrolytic tank, and the control means reverses the polarity of a voltage to be supplied to the pair of electrodes for each predetermined time period.
[0048] The scale is deposited, as described above, on the surface of the electrode that is the cathode in the pair of electrodes, so that the electrolyzing capability is gradually lowered. As a result, the sterilization efficiency tends to be gradually decreased.
[0049] Contrary to this, in the construction as set forth in the claim 9, the polarity of the voltage to be supplied to the pair of electrodes is periodically reversed, so that the deposited scale can be removed from the surface of the electrode by being ionized again and dissolved. Accordingly, the sterilization efficiency can be always kept approximately constant by making the most use of the electrolyzing capability of the pair of electrodes.
[0050] The invention as set forth in the claim 10 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 9, further comprising setting means for setting the hardness of the water, the control means controlling the length of a time period during which the polarity of a voltage is reversed depending on the hardness of the water set by the setting means.
[0051] In the invention as set forth in the claim 10, the length of the time period elapsed until the polarity is reversed can be controlled depending on the hardness of the water for defining the concentration of a calcium ion or a magnesium ion which causes the scale. That is, when the hardness of the water is high, the time period elapsed until the polarity is reversed can be set to a short time period. Accordingly, the scale is efficiently removed irrespective of the hardness of the water, the difference between areas, or the like, thereby making it possible to always stably perform the sterilization.
[0052] The invention as set forth in the claim 11 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, wherein a first plate-shaped electrode and a second plate-shaped electrode are arranged parallel to each other in the electrolytic tank, one or more plate-shaped electrodes are arranged parallel to both the first and second electrodes between the electrodes, and wiring for energization is connected to the first and second electrodes.
[0053] In the construction as set forth in the claim 11, the wiring for energization is connected to only the first and second electrodes at both ends out of the plurality of plate-shaped electrodes. Accordingly, the wiring structure can be simplified, and the number of portions, pulled out of the electrolytic tank, of the wiring can be reduced. Therefore, the water-tightness of the wiring is improved, thereby making it difficult for the water to leak.
[0054] In this case, a voltage is applied to the electrodes at both ends, so that both two surfaces of the middle electrode are polarized. Accordingly, a potential difference corresponding to the voltage applied between the two electrodes at both ends divided by the number of clearances among the electrodes occurs between the middle electrode and the adjacent electrode. Therefore, the middle electrode can sufficiently function as an electrode for sterilizing the water by the above-mentioned electrolytic reaction as a so-called bipolar type electrode.
[0055] The invention as set forth in the claim 12 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 11, wherein three or more plate-shaped electrodes are arranged parallel to both the first and second electrodes between the electrodes, and wiring for energization is connected to the first and second electrodes and the electrodes located at intervals of a predetermined number of electrodes between the first and second electrodes.
[0056] In the construction as set forth in the claim 12, the wiring for energization is also connected to the electrodes located at intervals of a predetermined number of electrodes between the first and second electrodes at both ends in addition to the function as set forth in the claim 11. Particularly when the number of electrodes is large, the voltage drop in the bipolar type electrode to which the wiring is not connected between the electrodes to which the wiring is connected is restrained, thereby making it possible to efficiently sterilize the water.
[0057] The invention as set forth in the claim 13 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 11, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged such that they respectively contact to an inner wall surface of the electrolytic tank.
[0058] In the construction as set forth in the claim 13, respective outer surfaces of the first and second electrodes at both ends on which the scale is most easily deposited are concealed with the surfaces contact to the inner wall surface of the electrolytic tank such that they are not brought into contact with the water in addition to the function as set forth in the claim 11, thereby making it possible to lengthen the life of the electrode.
[0059] Specifically, the respective inner surfaces of the first and second electrodes or both the two surfaces of the electrode between both the electrodes make it possible to ionize, dissolve, and remove the scale deposited on the surface again to some extent by reversing the polarity of an applied voltage. However, the respective outer surfaces of both the electrodes at both ends hardly relate to the electrolytic reaction. Moreover, even if the polarity is reversed, the scale cannot be effectively removed. Accordingly, it is most effective in preventing the scale from being deposited to conceal the outer surfaces of the first and second electrodes at both ends with the surfaces contacting to the inner wall surface of the electrolytic tank such that they are not brought into contact with the water.
[0060] The invention as set forth in the claim 14 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, further comprising sterilizing solution producing means, comprising a second electrolytic tank to put in an electrolytic solution containing a chlorine ion and a second electrode provided in the second electrolytic tank in order to electrolyze the electrolytic solution, for pouring the electrolytic solution into the second electrolytic tank to energize the second electrode, and electrolyzing the electrolytic solution to produce a sterilizing solution, and a supplying path for supplying to a water treating path the sterilizing solution produced by the sterilizing solution producing means.
[0061] In the construction as set forth in the claim 14, the sterilizing solution having a sterilizing function containing a chlorine compound such as hypochlorous acid, its ion, or chlorine gas which is generated by energizing the second electrode to electrolyze the electrolytic solution containing the chlorine ion in a state where the electrolytic solution is poured into the second electrolytic tank in the sterilizing solution producing means can be supplied to the water treating path through the supplying path.
[0062] Therefore, the chlorine ion concentration of the water poured into the electrolytic tank in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means is increased, thereby making it possible to improve the efficiency of the electrolytic reaction by the electrode in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means. Moreover, the sterilizing solution which is previously produced by energizing the second electrode and stored in the electrolytic tank in the sterilizing solution producing means is supplied to the water treating path on demand, thereby making it possible to arbitrarily adjust the processing capability of the device in accordance with the water quality of water which varies depending on the number of visitors, the weather, the temperature, or the like.
[0063] For example, even if the number of visitors is rapidly increased during the business hours of the swimming pool, the public bath, or the like, the water quality can be kept approximately constant.
[0064] The electrode in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means is rested when the number of visitors is small, thereby making it possible to prevent the electrode from being deteriorated.
[0065] The invention as set forth in the claim 15 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 14, wherein the control means energizes the second electrode in a time zone in which water is not sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, to produce the sterilizing solution, stores the produced sterilizing solution in the second electrolytic tank, and supplies the sterilizing solution stored in the second electrolytic tank to the water treating path on demand through the supplying path in a time zone in which water is sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
[0066] In the construction as set forth in the claim 15, the sterilizing solution is produced by the sterilizing solution producing means by making use of a break time zone of the device, for example, nighttime hours, is stored in the second electrolytic tank, and is supplied to the water treating path on demand as the number of visitors increases, for example, during the business hours of the swimming pool, the public bath, or the like, thereby making it possible to assist in sterilizing the water by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
[0067] Therefore, the power consumption in a time zone such as daytime hours in the summer where power conditions are liable to be tight because there are the largest number of visitors particularly in the swimming pool, and the amount of electric power consumed by air conditioners or the like is increased is prevented from being increased, thereby making it possible to contribute to the stable utilization of power.
[0068] Moreover, cheap power at night is utilized, thereby making it possible to also reduce the running cost of the device.
[0069] The invention as set forth in the claim 16 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, wherein the control means pours the electrolytic solution containing a chlorine ion into the electrolytic tank in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means to energize the electrode in a time zone in which water is not sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, and electrolyzes the electrolytic solution to produce the sterilizing solution.
[0070] In the construction as set forth in the claim 16, it is possible to produce the sterilizing solution by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means by making use of a break time zone of the device, for example, nighttime hours.
[0071] The water poured into the electrolytic tank through the water treating path while supplying the produced sterilizing solution to the pool through the water treating path is sterilized by energizing the electrode, thereby making it possible to more reliably and quickly perform the sterilization particularly at the time of starting the business hours of the swimming pool, the public bath, or the like.
[0072] In this case, the chlorine ion concentration of the water poured into the electrolytic tank is increased, thereby making it possible to also improve the efficiency of the electrolytic reaction by the electrode in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
[0073] The invention as set forth in the claim 17 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 16, comprising a sterilizing solution tank to put in the sterilizing solution produced by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, a first supplying path for supplying the sterilizing solution to the sterilizing solution tank from the electrolytic tank, and a second supplying path for supplying the sterilizing solution to the water treating path from the sterilizing solution tank, the control means pouring the sterilizing solution produced in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means into the sterilizing solution tank through the first supplying path in a time zone in which water is not sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, and the sterilizing solution stored in the sterilizing solution tank being supplied to the water treating path on demand through the second supplying path in a time period during which water is sterilized by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
[0074] In the construction as set forth in the claim 17, the sterilizing solution produced at night, for example, is stored in the sterilizing solution tank, and is supplied to the water treating path on demand as the number of visitors increases, for example, during the business hours of the swimming pool, the public bath, or the like in addition to the function as set forth in the claim 16, thereby making it possible to assist in sterilizing the water by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
[0075] As in the claim 15, the power consumption in a time zone such as daytime hours in the summer where power conditions are liable to be tight because there are the largest number of visitors particularly in the swimming pool, and the amount of electric power consumed by air conditioners or the like is increased is prevented from being increased, thereby making it possible to contribute to the stable utilization of power. Further, cheap power at night is utilized, thereby making it possible to reduce the driving cost of the device.
[0076] As the electrolytic solution used in the construction as set forth in the claims 14 to 17, a solution of common salt (sodium chloride) which is easily obtained and handled and is cheap is suitable.
[0077] The invention as set forth in the claim 18 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, further comprising a solution tank to put in an electrolytic solution containing a chlorine ion having a sterilizing function, and a supplying path for supplying the electrolytic solution poured into the solution tank to the electrolytic tank in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means, the control means supplying the electrolytic solution stored in the solution tank to the electrolytic tank on demand through the supplying path while sterilizing the water by the electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
[0078] In the construction as set forth in the claim 18, the electrolytic solution itself also functioning as the sterilizing solution can be supplied to the electrolytic tank on demand through the supplying path during the business hours of the swimming pool, the public path, or the like. Also in this case, the chlorine ion concentration in the electrolytic tank is increased, thereby making it possible to increase the efficiency of the electrolytic reaction by the electrode or arbitrarily adjust the processing capability of the device in accordance with the water quality of the water which varies depending on the number of visitors, the weather, the temperature, or the like.
[0079] Even if the number of visitors is rapidly increased during the business hours of the pool, for example, therefore, the water quality can be kept approximately constant. Moreover, the pair of electrodes is rested, when the number of visitors is small, thereby making it possible to also prevent the electrodes constituting the pair of electrodes from being deteriorated.
[0080] Furthermore, the power consumption in a time zone in which power conditions are liable to be tight is prevented from being increased, thereby making it possible to also contribute to stable utilization of power.
[0081] An example of the electrolytic solution used in the construction as set forth in the claim 18 is a solution of hypochlorite such as sodium hypochlorite.
[0082] The invention as set forth in the claim 19 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, further comprising pH sensing means for measuring the pH of water, an adjusting solution tank to put in a pH adjusting solution for adjusting the pH of water, and a supplying path for supplying to the water treating path the pH adjusting solution poured into the adjusting solution tank, the control means supplying the pH adjusting solution to the water treating path from the adjusting solution tank on demand through the supplying path to adjust the pH of the water on the basis of an output of the pH sensing means.
[0083] In the construction as set forth in the claim 19, the pH of the water can be adjusted by the pH adjusting solution supplied from the adjusting solution tank in a predetermined range (generally around 4.5) which is suitable for the electrolytic reaction, that is, in which the electrolytic reaction easily progresses when the electrode is energized, thereby making it possible to always maintain the efficiency of the sterilization at a high level irrespective of the water quality of the water.
[0084] In the public bath, for example, the pH of the water can be also adjusted to the range of the pH which has characteristics, for example, an acid bath or an alkaline bath.
[0085] The invention as set forth in the claim 20 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 19, comprising a first adjusting solution tank to put in an alkaline pH adjusting solution, a first supplying path for supplying to the water treating path the pH adjusting solution poured into the first adjusting solution tank, a second adjusting solution tank to put in an acid pH adjusting solution, and a second supplying path for supplying to the water treating path the pH adjusting solution poured into the second adjusting solution tank, the control means supplying the alkali and/or acid pH adjusting solution to the water treating path from the first or second adjusting solution tank on demand through the first or second supplying path on the basis of an output of the pH sensing means, to adjust the pH of the water.
[0086] For example, when the water is acid water, and the target pH is neutral or alkaline, only the first adjusting solution tank and the first supplying path for the alkaline pH adjusting solution may be provided. When the water is alkaline water, and the target pH is neutral or acid, only the second adjusting solution tank and the second supplying path for the acid pH adjusting solution may be provided. In the construction as set forth in the claim 20 comprising both the tank and the supplying path, the pH of the water in the pool can be strictly maintained by the target value irrespective of the pH of raw material water and the target pH.
[0087] The invention as set forth in the claim 21 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 1, wherein the electrolytic tank comprises an inlet for pouring an acid serving as a cleaning solution, and an outlet for discharging a solution in the electrolytic tank.
[0088] In the construction as set forth in the claim 21, after an inorganic acid and/or an organic acid serving as a cleaning solution is poured from the inlet provided in the electrolytic tank as maintenance outside the business hours and on the closed days of the swimming pool, the public bath, or the like, to dissolve or strip the scale deposited mainly on the surface of the electrode in the electrolytic tank, the scale, together with the cleaning solution, can be discharged and removed from the outlet, thereby making it possible to lengthen the life of the whole system.
[0089] As described in the foregoing, the scale deposited on the surface of the electrode can be removed to some extent by reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode. However, the larger the number of times of the reverse of the polarity is, the shorter the life of the electrode tends to be made.
[0090] Contrary to this, the step of maintenance for removing the scale by the cleaning solution is interposed, thereby making it possible to reduce the number of times of the reverse of the polarity and lengthen the life of the electrode.
[0091] Particularly a hydroxide of calcium or magnesium is easily deposited as a scale in portions other than the electrode because the solubility in water is decreased by the rise in the temperature or the rise in the pH. The scale deposited in the portions cannot be removed even if the polarity of the electrode is reversed, and causes piping or the like to be clogged. If the cleaning solution is used, however, the scales can be simply removed.
[0092] The invention as set forth in the claim 22 is directed to a water treatment device comprising electrolyzing and sterilizing means, comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in and an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank in order to electrolyze the water, for pouring water into the electrolytic tank, energizing the electrode, and electrolyzing the water, to sterilize the water; a water treating path connected to a pool storing water for pouring the water in the pool into the electrolytic tank and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank; current sensing means for measuring the value of current flowing through the electrode; conductivity measuring means for measuring the electrical conductivity of water; and scale adhesion judging means for judging how a scale adheres to the electrode on the basis of outputs of the current sensing means and the conductivity measuring means.
[0093] The invention as set forth in the claim 23 is the water treatment device as set forth in the claim 22, further comprising life judging means for judging the life of the electrode on the basis of the outputs of the current sensing means and the conductivity measuring means.
[0094] In the construction as set forth in the claims 22 and 23, it is possible to accurately judge the amount of the scale adhering to the electrode and the life of the electrode. The reason for this is that when a predetermined DC voltage is generally applied between the electrodes, the value of current flowing between the electrodes is proportional to the conductivity .sigma. of the solution supplied to the electrolytic tank. Consequently, the relationship of I=K.sigma. holds between the conductivity .sigma. and current I flowing between the electrodes, where K is a proportional constant.
[0095] The proportional constant K always assumes the same value if the electrode does not vary. Actually when the current is caused to flow through the electrode to continue electrochemical reaction, however, the surface of the electrode is covered with the scale or the like, the electrode corrodes, or a surface catalyst of the electrode is exhausted. Accordingly, the value of K is gradually decreased. Therefore, the value of K is always found by an operation, thereby making it possible to judge how the scale adheres to the electrode and judge the life of the electrode.
[0096] The invention as set forth in the claims 22 and 23 is for judging how the scale adheres to the electrode and/or the life of the electrode on the basis of such a principle.
[0097] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0098] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a structure in which a water treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated into a large-sized pool such as a swimming pool or a bathtub of a public bath;
[0099] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device according to the one embodiment of the present invention;
[0100] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the contents of control carried out by a control section;
[0101] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front view and a side view of a unit in which the water treatment device according to the one embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a cabinet, which illustrate a state where panels on a front surface and a side surface of the cabinet are removed such that the internal structure can be seen;
[0102] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0103] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing for preventing overshoot from occurring in a case where the measured residual chlorine concentration is compared with a threshold;
[0104] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0105] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane showing an example of the arrangement of electrodes in an electrolytic tank;
[0106] FIG. 9A is a vertical sectional view showing another example of the arrangement of electrodes in an electrolytic tank, and
[0107] FIG. 9B is a front view showing still another example of the arrangement of the electrodes;
[0108] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view, taken along a line IV-IV shown in
[0109] FIG. 10B, showing still another example of the arrangement of electrodes in an electrolytic tank, and FIG. 10B is a front view of the electrolytic tank containing the electrodes;
[0110] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a structure in which a water treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention is incorporated into a small-sized pool such as a water supply tank disposed on the roof of a building, or a home bathtub;
[0111] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0112] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 12;
[0113] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a main routine in the contents of control carried out by a control section;
[0114] FIGS. 15A and 15B are flow charts showing a sub-routine in the contents of control carried out by a control section;
[0115] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0116] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a sub-routine in the contents of control carried out by a control section in the water treatment device shown in FIG. 16;
[0117] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0118] FIG. 19A is a flow chart showing a main routine in the contents of control carried out by a control section in the water treatment device shown in FIG. 18, and
[0119] FIG. 19B is a flow chart showing a sub-routine;
[0120] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0121] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 20;
[0122] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the flow of water temperature control in the contents of control carried out by a control section;
[0123] FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the flow of a fault diagnose made using a hydrogen concentration sensor in the contents of control carried out by a control section;
[0124] FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a sub-routine of the flow chart shown in FIG. 23;
[0125] FIG. 25 is a graph showing an example of output characteristics of a hydrogen concentration sensor;
[0126] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0127] FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 26;
[0128] FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the flow of pH adjustment in the contents of control carried out by a control section;
[0129] FIGS. 29A and 29B are flow charts showing a sub-routine of the flow chart shown in FIG. 28;
[0130] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0131] FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 30;
[0132] FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the maintenance control of an electrolytic tank in the contents of control carried out by a control section;
[0133] FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing an example of electrolysis control in an electrolytic tank;
[0134] FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing the specific contents of a safe sub-routine using a closed-type electrolytic tank;
[0135] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device for a large-sized pool according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0136] FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing the specific contents of a safe sub-routine in a case where an electrolytic tank also used as gas/liquid separating means is used.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0137] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a structure in which a water treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated into a large-sized pool 2 such as a swimming pool or a bathtub of a public bath.
[0138] The pool 2 comprises a main circulating path 20 for circulating water W stored therein. A circulating pump 23, a filter 21 for filtration, and a heat exchanger 22 for heating the water W are arranged in the main circulating path 20. The water W in the pool 2 is circulated in the main circulating path 20, as indicated by an arrow with a one-dot and dash line.
[0139] The water treatment device 1 has a water treating path 10 which is branched from a branching point J1, on the downstream side of the filter 21, on the main circulating path 20 to take up water and is merged at a branching point J2, on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 22, on the main circulating path 20 to return the water.
[0140] An adjusting valve B1 for adjusting the flow rate, a pressure reducing valve B2 for reducing pressure, a circulating pump P1, a conductivity sensor S1 for measuring the total concentration of ions in the water, a residual chlorine sensor S2 for measuring the concentration of residual chlorine in the water, a filter 13 for filtration, an ion exchange resin 14, an electrolytic tank 12 in electrolyzing and sterilizing means, a valve B3, a circulating pump P2, and a check valve B4 for preventing back flow are arranged on the water treating path 10.
[0141] A part, between the ion exchange resin 14 and the electrolytic tank 12, of the water treating path 10 is provided with a path for adding an electrolytic solution.
[0142] Specifically, an introducing path 30c is branched from a branching point J4. A valve B5 is interposed halfway on the introducing path 30c. The water is supplied to a solution tank 30a through the introducing path 30c by opening the valve B5. An electrolyte E1 such as sodium chloride is contained in the solution tank 30a. The water is supplied to the solution tank 30a, so that an electrolytic solution E2 having a saturation concentration is produced and stored in the solution tank 30a. The electrolytic solution E2 is sucked up through a supplying path 30b by a fixed delivery pump P3, is merged into the water treating path 10 at a branching point J3, and is supplied to the electrolytic tank 12.
[0143] As the electrolytic solution E2 supplied from the solution tank 30a, a solution of sodium chloride, described above, may be replaced with a solution of calcium chloride, hydrochloric acid, or the like, provided that it contributes to electrolytic reaction of the water.
[0144] The electrolyte may be supplied to the solution tank 30a every time the valve B5 is opened to take up water from the water treating path 10. However, an electrolyte in a large amount corresponding to several times to dozens of times of supply can be previously supplied to the solution tank 30a as a solid electrolyte such as sodium chloride. Accordingly, it is possible to save time and labor in supplying the electrolyte. That is, when water corresponding to one time of supply is poured into the solution tank 30a, an electrolyte in an amount corresponding to the amount of the poured water, that is, enough to be saturated is dissolved in the water, but is not further dissolved after it is saturated to remain as a solid content. Accordingly, the electrolyte corresponding to several times to dozens of times of supply can be previously supplied to the solution tank 30a, as described above, thereby making it possible to reduce the number of times of supply. The electrolytic solution produced by dissolving the electrolyte does not require an operation for adjusting the amount of the electrolyte to make the concentration thereof constant because the concentration thereof becomes an approximately constant saturation concentration irrespective of a slight difference by the temperature, as described above. Accordingly, it is possible to save time and labor in supplying the electrolyte.
[0145] The electrolytic tank 12 comprises a plurality of pairs of electrodes 11. Each of the pairs of electrodes 11 has a plurality of plate-shaped electrodes 110. An example of the electrode 110 is preferably one obtained by coating the whole surface of a board made of titanium (Ti) with a thin film of a noble metal such as gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), or platinum-iridium (Pt--Ir) by plating or sintering.
[0146] A water path on the side of an outlet of the electrolytic tank 12 comprises a pressure gauge S3 for measuring the pressure of the water flowing out of the electrolytic tank 12.
[0147] The function of the water treatment device 1 is as follows.
[0148] The water in the pool 2 is drawn by the circulating pump 23, and sand is removed by the filter 21. The water is divided into water returned to the pool 2 through the heat exchanger 22 and water flowing into the water treating path 10 at the branching point J1. The water flowing into the water treating path 10 is circulated by the circulating pump P1 after the flow rate and the water pressure thereof are respectively adjusted by the adjusting valve B1 and the pressure reducing valve B2. The water to be circulated is supplied via the conductivity sensor S1 and the residual chlorine sensor S2 to the filter 13, where the organic matter is removed from the water. The water, from which the organic matter has been removed, is supplied to the electrolytic tank 12 after ions such as Ca.sup.2+ and Mg.sup.2+are removed by the ion exchange resin 14. An example of the filter 13 is a non woven fabric made of a polypropylene fiber.
[0149] The electrolytic solution E2 is fed into the electrolytic tank 12 by the fixed delivery pump P3 on demand from the solution tank 30a. Consequently, the solution in the electrolytic tank 12 enters a state where it can be electrolyzed.
[0150] In the electrolytic tank 12, DC current is caused to flow through the pairs of electrodes 11, so that electrolysis based on the above-mentioned reaction formula is performed. The water is sterilized by a chlorine compound such as hypochlorous acid (HClO), its ion (ClO.sup.-), or chlorine gas (Cl.sub.2) which is generated by the reaction, active oxygen (O.sub.2.sup.-) generated for a very short time in the reaction process, or the like.
[0151] The water which has passed through the electrolytic tank 12 is circulated by the circulating pump P2 via the valve B3 after the pressure thereof is measured by the pressure gauge S3. The water to be circulated is merged into the water in the main circulating path 20 at the branching point J2 via the check valve B4 and is returned to the pool 2. In this case, the amount of reduced pressure by the pressure reducing valve B2 is adjusted according to the water pressure measured by the pressure gauge S3 in order to prevent pressure inside the electrolytic tank 12 from being extraordinarily increased.
[0152] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device 1 shown in FIG. 1.
[0153] The water treatment device 1 comprises a control section 40 composed of a microcomputer or the like. Outputs of the conductivity sensor S1, the residual chlorine sensor S2, and the pressure gauge S3 are fed to the control section 40. The control section 40 comprises a memory 41. The volume of water stored in the pool 2 (for example, 400 [m.sup.3]) and the reference residual chlorine concentration in the pool 2 (for example, 1 [ppm]) are registered in the memory 41.
[0154] The control section 40 performs an operation, described later, on the basis of the outputs of the conductivity sensor S1, the residual chlorine sensor S2, and the pressure gauge S3, and feeds a control signal to a driver 42 on the basis of the operation. The driver 42 controls electric current flowing through the pair of electrodes 11 and a time period during which the pair of electrodes 11 is energized, and the adjusting valve B1, the pressure reducing valve B2, the circulating pump P1, the valves B3 and B5, the circulating pump P2, and the fixed delivery pump P3.
[0155] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the contents of control carried out by the control section 40. Description is made of a control operation performed by the control section 40 in accordance with the flow of the flow chart.
[0156] When a person in charge turns on the power of the water treatment device 1 first in the morning, for example, the control section 40 requests the residual chlorine sensor S2 to transmit the measured residual chlorine concentration. Correspondingly, the residual chlorine sensor S2 transmits the residual chlorine concentration X which is being currently measured. Consequently, the current residual chlorine concentration X is read in the control section 40 (step SP1).
[0157] The read residual chlorine concentration X is compared with a reference concentration: 1 [ppm] registered in the memory 41 (step SP2). If it is the read residual chlorine concentration X=1 [ppm], processing at this time point is terminated.
[0158] On the other hand, when the read residual chlorine concentration X is X=0.9 [ppm], for example, the control section 40 calculates an insufficient residual chlorine concentration (step SP3). The following equation (1) is used for the calculation:
(1-X).times.400=(1-0.9).times.400=40[g] (1)
[0159] The control section 40 converts the insufficient residual chlorine concentration to a required electrical quantity (step SP4).
[0160] A state where residual chlorine (HClO, ClO.sup.-, Cl.sub.2) normally exists is determined by the pH of water. For example, the hydrogen ion concentration as a sanitary basis of the swimming pool, for example, is pH=5.8 to 8.6. At pH=7.2 which is a middle value, the residual chlorine is HClO.apprxeq.65% and ClO.sup.-.apprxeq.35%. The required electrical quantity is as follows when it is calculated, assuming that the pH of water in the pool 2 is pH.apprxeq.7.2: 1 40 ( 52.5 .times. 0.65 + 51.5 .times. 0.35 ) .times. 6.022 .times. 1.602 .times. 10 4 = 40 / 52.15 .times. 6.022 .times. 1.602 .times. 10 4 74 .times. 10 3 [ C ] ( 2 )
[0161] In the above-mentioned equation (2), 52.5 is the molecular weight of HClO, 51.5 is the molecular weight of ClO.sup.-, 6.022.times.10.sup.23 is the Avogadro's number, 1.602.times.10.sup.-10 [C] is the amount of electric charge of an electron and a proton.
[0162] When the efficiency of chlorine generated according to the quality of supplied electricity is taken as .eta. [%], an electrical quantity actually required is as follows by calculation:
74.times.10.sup.3.times.(100/.eta.) (3)
[0163] The efficiency .eta. is a constant determined by the material of the electrode and the NaCl concentration of the electrolytic solution, which is generally approximately 15 [%]. When 15 is substituted in .eta., therefore, the following equation is given:
74.times.10.sup.3.times.(100/15).apprxeq.493.times.10.sup.3[C] (4)
[0164] If current at which electricity is delivered in this quantity is caused to flow, the average of the residual chlorine concentration in the pool 2 is 1 [ppm].
[0165] In the electrolytic tank 12, the concentration of the residual chlorine generated by electrolysis is determined by the concentration of an electrolyte contained in water in the electrolytic tank 12, the flow rate of the water, and the quantity of electricity supplied to the pair of electrodes 11. Accordingly, the control section 40 feeds a required control signal to the driver 42, and the driver 42 controls the amount of energization of the pair of electrodes 11. Further, the adjusting valve B1, the pressure reducing valve B2, the circulating pumps P1 and P2, and the valve B3 are suitably adjusted, to adjust the flow rate of the water flowing through the electrolytic tank 12. Further, the control section 40 controls the valve B5 and the fixed delivery pump P3 through the driver 42, to adjust the concentration of the electrolyte contained in the water in the electrolytic tank 12. By taking each of the valves as an electromagnetic valve, the degree of opening or closing thereof can be easily controlled by the driver 42.
[0166] If it is assumed that a suitable amount of energization of the pair of electrodes 11 is 252 [A], the following equation is required in order to cause current at which electricity is delivered in the quantity found in the foregoing equation (4) to flow:
493.times.10.sup.3/252.apprxeq.1956[s] (5)
[0167] Specifically, the current is caused to flow for approximately 32 minutes, so that the residual chlorine concentration is raised by the electrolysis, thereby making it possible to take the residual chlorine concentration in the pool 2 as 1 [ppm] which is the reference concentration (step SP5).
[0168] FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the appearance of the water treatment device 1 which is formed as a unit in a cabinet 1a. The unit is located in facilities such as the swimming pool.
[0169] A filter unit 1b containing the filter 13 and the ion exchange resin 14, the electrolytic tank 12, and the circulating pump P2, a power source 1c for supplying power for operating the respective members of the device, as described above, and a microcomputer (a sequencer) 1d constituting the control section 40 for operating the members in accordance with a predetermined procedure are arranged in the cabinet 1a. Further, the solution tank 30a and the fixed delivery pump P3 are arranged adjacent to the cabinet 1a and outside thereof. The members are connected to one another by the water treating path 10, the supplying path 30b, and the introducing path 30c.
[0170] A pan 1f receiving water drained from the water treatment device 1 is provided under the electrolytic tank 12, and the drained water received by the pan if is discharged from a total discharge port 1g.
[0171] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device 1 for a large-sized pool 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The construction shown in FIG. 5 differs from the construction shown in FIG. 1 in piping in the water treatment device 1. The same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference characters. B6, B8, B9, and B10 are valves individually opened or closed by an electric signal from a control section, B7 is an adjusting valve for adjusting the flow rate, and J5 to J10 are branching points in the piping.
[0172] In the construction shown in FIG. 5, a state where water which has not been treated by an electrolytic tank 12 flows and a state where water which has been treated by the electrolytic tank 12 flows are switched by opening or closing each of the valves with respect to a residual chlorine sensor S2. The residual chlorine concentration of the water which has not been treated yet and the residual chlorine concentration of the water which has been treated can be measured by the one residual chlorine sensor S2.
[0173] The valves B6 and B8 are opened, and the valves B9 and B10 are closed. Consequently, the water flows through a branching point J1, the branching point J8, the electrolytic tank 12, the branching point J9, the branching point J10, and a branching point J2 in this order, and also flows through the branching point J5, the branching point J6, the branching point J7, and the branching point J8, and the electrolytic tank 12 which constitute a path provided with the sensor S2 in this order. Accordingly, the water which has not been treated by the electrolytic tank 12 flows through the residual chlorine sensor S2.
[0174] On the other hand, the valves B9 and B10 are opened, and the valves B6 and B8 are closed. Consequently, the water flows through the branching point J1, the branching point J8, the electrolytic tank 12, the branching point J9, the branching point J10, and the branching point J2 in this order, and also flows through the branching point J9, the branching point J7, the branching point J6, and the branching point J10 which constitute a path provided with the sensor S2 in this order. Accordingly, the water which has been treated by the electrolytic tank 12 flows through the residual chlorine sensor S2.
[0175] Hypochlorous acid in residual chlorine generated by the electrolytic tank 12 has high corrosion property. When the concentration of the generated hypochlorous acid is too high, therefore, the possibility that a stainless pipe or a steel pipe on the water treating path 10 are corroded is increased. Consequently, the residual chlorine concentration of the water, which has been treated, discharged from the electrolytic tank 12 must, in some cases, be measured to carry out control such that the concentration is not more than a certain value.
[0176] Therefore, the piping is constructed, as shown in FIG. 5, to switch the path of water flowing through the residual chlorine sensor S2 using the valves. As a result, when the residual chlorine concentration of water W in the pool 2 is measured, the valves are opened or closed in the above-mentioned former combination, as described above. On the other hand, when the residual chlorine concentration of the water which has been treated by the electrolytic tank 12 is measured, the valves are opened or closed in the above-mentioned latter combination.
[0177] The amount of energization, through the pair of electrodes 11 is controlled on the basis of the residual chlorine concentration of the water which has not been treated and the residual chlorine concentration of the water which has been treated, which are measured by the residual chlorine sensor S2.
[0178] Specifically, through the pair of electrodes 11, control is carried out such that current in an electrical quantity in coulombs expressed by the foregoing equation (4) is caused to flow and the residual chlorine concentration of the water which has been treated falls within a predetermined value.
[0179] The control can be also carried out by controlling not only the amount of energization but also the amount of an electrolytic solution E2 to be added, or adjusting the flow rate of water to be introduced into the electrolytic tank 12.
[0180] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing for preventing such that such overshoot that the residual chlorine concentration is too high by introducing chlorine from occurring in a case where the control section compares a measured value read from the residual chlorine sensor S2 with a threshold.
[0181] "The introduction of chlorine" includes processing for directly introducing chlorinated lime, sodium hypochlorite, or the like, into the pool 2, the water treating path 10, or the like in addition to processing for generating free residual chlorine by electrolytic reaction in the electrolytic tank 12, previously described.
[0182] In the control section, a threshold=0.5 [ppm] and a threshold MAX= 0.5 [ppm] are first set (step SP11). The current residual chlorine concentration P measured by the residual chlorine sensor S2 is obtained. The time t when the concentration P is obtained is obtained (step SP12).
[0183] It is judged whether or not the concentration P is more than the threshold= 0.5 (step SP13). If the concentration P is more than the threshold, it is further judged whether or not the concentration P is more than the threshold MAX=0.5 (step SP14). If the concentration P is more than the threshold MAX, the threshold is set to the threshold MAX (step SP15). It is judged at the step SP16 whether or not the power is turned off. If power is not turned off, the program is returned to the step SP12.
[0184] On the other hand, if the concentration P is not more than the threshold at the step SP13, the program proceeds to the step SP17. At the step SP17, chlorine is introduced. A value obtained by adding 0.05 [ppm] to the concentration P is compared with the threshold (step SP18).
[0185] If the measured concentration P is only made slightly lower than the threshold, the answer is in the affirmative at the step SP18. Therefore, the program proceeds to the step S16.
[0186] On the other hand, if the measured concentration P is made extremely lower than the threshold, the answer is in the negative at the step SP18. In this case, the threshold is changed to a value relating to the measured concentration P. That is, the threshold is changed to P+ 0.05 (step PS19). The current time t is set to tmin (step SP20).
[0187] The program is then returned from the step SP16 to the step SP12. At the step SP12, the measured concentration P by the residual chlorine sensor S2 and the current time t are read again (step SP12). The read concentration P is compared with the threshold (step SP13). Even when chlorine is introduced at the step SP17 last time, the results of the introduction of chlorine are not immediately reflected on the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor S2. There is some time lag. Generally, the program proceeds to the step SP17 several times from the step SP13. At the step SP17, the introduction of chlorine is repeated several times.
[0188] Before long, the measured concentration P exceeds the threshold at the step SP13. Consequently, the measured concentration P is compared with the threshold MAX at the step SP14. If the measured concentration P is not more than the threshold MAX, the program proceeds to the step SP21.
[0189] At the step SP21, it is judged whether or not ten minutes have elapsed from the present time t set at the step SP20. Every time ten minutes have elapsed, the threshold is increased by 0.02 [ppm], for example (step SP22). That is, at the step SP22, when the measured concentration P is made extremely lower than the threshold, the threshold is changed to a value relating to the measured concentration P. Since the threshold cannot be kept at a low value, the threshold is gradually increased, as described above, every 10 minutes at the step SP22.
[0190] At the step SP23, the threshold and the threshold MAX are then compared, and the smaller threshold is set again as a threshold. It is possible to illustrate, as a case where the threshold is more than the threshold MAX, a case where the threshold is 0.49, for example, when it is further increased every ten minutes, and the threshold is further increased by 0.02. The processing at the step SP23 is provided such that the threshold is not made higher than the threshold MAX.
[0191] The time when the threshold is set is set as tmin (step SP24).
[0192] Thereafter, the processing at the step SP12 and the subsequent steps is repeated.
[0193] In the flow chart shown in FIG. 6, description was made of an example in which the threshold which is a comparative value of the residual chlorine concentration P is lowered when the measured residual chlorine concentration P is extremely low. Even if such control is replaced with control carried out by determining the upper limit amount of chlorine introduced by the chlorine introducing means such that chlorine in an amount which is not less than the upper limit amount is not introduced within a predetermined time period, it is also possible to prevent such overshoot that the residual chlorine concentration is too high.
[0194] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device 1 for a large-sized pool 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The construction shown in FIG. 7 differs from the construction shown in FIG. 1 in that the solution tank 30a for supplying an electrolytic solution, is omitted and in piping in a residual chlorine sensor S2. The same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference characters. Reference character B11 denotes a valve for cutting off a water treating path 10 from a main circulating path 20, together with a check valve B4. An electrolyte is supplied by hand on the basis of the total concentration of ions measured by a conductivity sensor S1 or the residual chlorine concentration measured by the residual chlorine sensor S2.
[0195] The residual chlorine sensor S2 is arranged on a branching path 10b branched at a branching point J11 between the conductivity sensor S1 and an adjusting valve B1 on the water treating path 10 and leading to a drain port 10a through an adjusting valve B12 for flow rate adjustment. The residual chlorine sensor S2 is preferably arranged as described above because a very small quantity of water which is smaller than the quantity of water flowing through the water treating path 10 must be always caused to continuously flow in terms of its construction.
[0196] An inlet 12c for pouring a cleaning solution or the like is provided on an upper portion of the electrolytic tank 12. An outlet 12d for discharging a solution in an electrolytic tank, for example, the cleaning solution after cleaning is provided on a lower portion of the electrolytic tank 12. In the case of maintenance, valves B13 and B3 arranged ahead of and behind the electrolytic tank 12 are closed, to pour the cleaning solution from the inlet 12c in a state where the electrolytic tank 12 is cut off from the water treating path 10, thereby removing scales adhering to an inner surface of the electrolytic tank 12, surfaces of electrodes 110, and the like.
[0197] It is preferable that the above-mentioned work is automatically performed periodically or as required while observing circumstances where the scale adheres to the surface. For this purpose, valves may be respectively connected to the inlet 12c and the outlet 12d, as shown in an embodiment shown in FIG. 30, described later, and a supply tank (a hopper) of a cleaning solution is connected to the inlet 12c through the above-mentioned valves, to operate the above-mentioned members using control carried out by a timer or the like. Suitably used as the cleaning solution are an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid and an organic acid such as acetic acid.
[0198] A branching point J2 at which water discharged from the electrolytic tank 12 and circulated by a circulating pump P2 is merged into the main circulating path 20 is preferably at a position as shown in order to prevent the water from being muddy by inclusion of gas generated by electrolytic reaction. On the other hand, in order to miniaturize a circulating pump P1 and the circulating pump P2, the branching point J2 is preferably provided at a position which is as close to a final end 20a of the main circulating path 20 as possible, as indicated by an arrow with a two-dot and dash line.
[0199] Description is now made of the specific arrangement of the pairs of electrodes 11 provided inside the electrolytic tank 12.
[0200] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane of the electrolytic tank 12, which illustrates an example of the specific arrangement of the pairs of electrodes 11. In the example as shown, all the plurality of pairs of electrodes 11 are arranged on a main flow path where the flow of water does not stay in the electrolytic tank 12, that is, on a flow path (indicated by an arrow with a one-dot and dash line) leading to a water outlet 12b from a water inlet 12a of the electrolytic tank 12. Consequently, the water is more efficiently sterilized.
[0201] It is preferable that the control section 40 shown in FIG. 2 has the function of changing the number of pairs of electrodes 11 which are simultaneously energized on the basis of the results of the measurement of the residual chlorine concentration of water by the residual chlorine sensor S2, as previously described.
[0202] A swimming pool, for example, is taken as an example. When the number of visitors is large or is rapidly increased, the weather is clear or conversely rainy, or the temperature is high, the residual chlorine concentration of water tends to be rapidly decreased. Therefore, two or more pairs of electrodes 11 are energized depending on the value of the concentration, to rapidly restore the residual chlorine concentration to a threshold previously determined. In this case, intervals at which the pairs of electrodes are energized may be shortened, or a time period during which the pairs of electrodes are energized once may be lengthened.
[0203] On the other hand, when the number of visitors is small, the weather is cloudy, or the temperature is low, the degree of the decrease in the residual chlorine concentration is slow. Therefore, the number of pairs of electrodes 11 to be energized may be decreased to the utmost. Further, intervals at which the pairs of electrodes are energized may be lengthened, or a time period during which the pairs of electrodes are energized once may be shortened.
[0204] When the control section 40 registers in the memory 41 the number of times of energization of each of the pairs of electrodes 11, and assigns the highest priority to the pair of electrodes 11 which is the smallest in the registered number of times of energization, it can make the deterioration of the electrodes 110 uniform between the plurality of pairs of electrodes 11. In this case, it is preferable in terms of accurately grasping the deterioration that the number of times of energization from the time when the water treatment device 1 starts to run is continuously stored.
[0205] The control section 40 may switch the priorities of the pairs of electrodes 11 to be energized for each predetermined time period. For example, four sets of pairs of electrodes 11 shown in FIG. 8 are taken as A, B, C, and D, and the basis for switching is taken as one business day. The deterioration of the electrodes 110 can be made uniform among the plurality of pairs of electrodes 11 by switching the priorities of the pairs of electrodes 11 so as to be A, B, C and D on the first business day, B, C, D, and A on the second business day, and C, D, A, and B on the third day.
[0206] The pairs of electrodes 11 are constructed by arranging a plurality of (three or more) plate-shaped electrodes 110 parallel to one another, as also shown in FIG. 8.
[0207] In the case, when wiring for energization is connected to only first and second electrodes 110a at both ends of the pair of electrodes 11, as shown in FIG. 9A, the wiring structure can be simplified. Further, the number of portions pulled out of the electrolytic tank 12 in order to do wiring can be reduced, thereby making it possible to improve the water tightness of the electrolytic tank 12 to make water leakage difficult. In FIG. 9A, two electrodes 110b of a bipolar type, that is, not wired are equally spaced between the two electrodes 110a at both ends. When a DC voltage of 36 volts is applied between the two electrodes 110a, the two electrodes 110b therebetween are polarized on both their surfaces, so that a potential difference of 12 volts occurs between the adjacent electrodes, thereby sterilizing water.
[0208] However, the actual pair of electrodes 11 is constituted by more electrodes 110 in order to increase the efficiency of the sterilization. In the case, if only the two electrodes at both ends are wired, an applied voltage between both the ends must be set to a significantly high voltage in order to cause a potential difference enough to sterilize water by electrolytic reaction between the adjacent electrodes. However, it is preferable that the maximum value of the voltage applied between the electrodes constituting the pair of electrodes is not more than 45 volts. Therefore, it is preferable that the electrodes 110a to be wired are arranged regularly (every three electrodes in the figure) not only at both ends but also halfway therebetween, as shown in FIG. 9B, to apply a predetermined voltage of not more than 45 volts between the closest electrodes 110a. The arrangement corresponds, when the arrangement shown in FIG. 9A is taken as one unit, to a combination of a plurality of units while reversing the polarity thereof.
[0209] When as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the two electrodes 110a at both ends are arranged with the electrodes contact to an inner wall surface of the electrolytic tank 12, the scales are more reliably prevented from being deposited, thereby making it possible to lengthen the life of the system.
[0210] All the electrodes 110 are arranged parallel to one another in an approximately vertical direction in the electrolytic tank 12. The water inlet 12a arranged in the lower part of the electrolytic tank 12. And the water outlet 12b arranged in the upper part of the electrolytic tank 12. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIGS. 10A and 10B. Consequently, bubbles of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas which are generated on surfaces of the electrodes 110 by electrolytic reaction are allowed to escape toward the downstream side of the water treating path 10 without staying in the electrolytic tank 12, thereby improving safety.
[0211] The construction shown in the figures is also applicable to a case where a plurality of pairs of electrodes 11 are provided, as previously described, in addition to a case where only one pair of electrodes 11 is arranged in the electrolytic tank 12.
[0212] It is preferable that spacing between the adjacent electrodes 110 is not less than 1 mm, and not more than 5 mm. According to the construction, the spacing between the adjacent electrodes is set to not less than 1 mm. It is possible to prevent each of the spaces from being clogged with the deposited scale, to prevent the efficiency of the sterilization from being reduced in a short time. Further, the bubbles of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas which are generated by the electrolytic reaction are quickly allowed to escape without staying between the electrodes. Since the spacing is set to not more than 5 mm to prevent an amount of current flowing between the electrodes from being reduced. Accordingly, it is also possible to maintain the efficiency of the sterilization by the electrolytic reaction at a high level.
[0213] It is preferable that the control section 40 reverses the polarity of the voltage applied to each of the electrodes 110 for each predetermined time period, and a time period elapsed until the polarity is reversed is changed depending on the hardness of water. That is, the time period elapsed until the polarity is reversed may be set to a short time period because the speed of adhesion of the scale is high when the hardness of water is high, while being set to a long time period when the hardness is low.
[0214] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a structure in which a water treatment device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is incorporated into a small-sized pool 2'such as a water supply tank arranged on the roof of a building or a home bathtub. In this example, the above-mentioned main circulating path 20 is not inherently provided. Accordingly, a water treating path 10 in the water treatment device 1 is directly connected to the pool 2', to simplify the entire construction thereof.
[0215] Respective members arranged on the water treating path 10 are basically the same as those in the previous embodiments and particularly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. Since high pressure as in a case where the water treating path 10 is connected to the large-sized pool 2 is not applied to the water treating path 10. Because, the pressure reducing valve B2 is omitted. Further, the valves B3 and B13 are also omitted. The same reference characters are assigned the same members as those shown in FIG. 7.
[0216] The construction and the arrangement of a pair of electrodes 11 in an electrolytic tank 12 can be the same as those in the previous embodiments. Although in the embodiment as shown, two pairs of electrodes 11 are described, the number of pairs of electrodes 11 may be one or not less than three. It is preferable that each of electrodes 110 constituting each of the pairs of electrodes 11 is in a bipolar type arrangement. It is preferable that the two electrodes 110a at both ends to be wired in the case are made to contact an inner wall surface of the electrolytic tank 12.
[0217] A check valve B4 is provided at this position shown in FIG. 11 because a final end of the water treating path 10 is connected to a portion, below a normal water surface of water W, of the pool 2', and the water W must be prevented from flowing back into the water treating path 10. When the final end of the water treating path 10 is connected to a portion, above the normal water surface of the water W, of the pool 2' and is opened to the air, the check valve B4 can be omitted.
[0218] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device 1 for a large-sized pool 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The construction shown in FIG. 12 differs from the construction shown in FIG. 7 in that it comprises sterilizing solution producing means for producing a sterilizing solution E3 having a sterilizing function containing a chlorine compound such as a hypochlorous acid (HClO), its ion (ClO.sup.-), or chlorine gas (Cl.sub.2) by electrolyzing an electrolytic solution containing a chlorine ion. The sterilizing solution producing means comprises a second electrolytic tank 31a to put in an electrolytic solution and a second pair of electrodes 32 provided in the second electrolytic tank 31a for electrolyzing the electrolytic solution.
[0219] More specifically, an introducing path 31c is branched from a branching point J12 between an ion exchange resin 14 and an electrolytic tank 12 on a water treating path 10. A valve B14 is interposed halfway on the introducing path 31c. Water is poured into the second electrolytic tank 31a through the introducing path 31c by opening the valve B14. An electrolyte such as sodium chloride is contained in the electrolytic tank 31a. When the water is poured, an electrolytic solution having a saturation concentration is produced in the electrolytic tank 31a. The principle of producing an electrolytic solution having a saturation concentration when water is poured is as previously above. The second pair of electrodes 32 is then energized to perform electrolytic processing for a predetermined time period in a state where the electrolytic tank 31a is filled with the electrolytic solution, thereby producing the sterilizing solution E3. The sterilizing solution E3 is sucked up through a supplying path 31b by a fixed delivery pump P4, is merged at a branching point J13, and is supplied to the water treating path 10.
[0220] As the electrolytic solution poured into the second electrolytic tank 31a, a solution of sodium chloride is suitable, as in the previous embodiments. In addition thereto, it may be a solution of calcium chloride or hydrochloric acid, provided that it can produce a sterilizing solution by electrolytic reaction.
[0221] The second pair of electrodes 32 has a plurality of plate-shaped electrodes 32a. It is preferable that each of the electrodes 32a is the same as the electrode 110 in electrolyzing and sterilizing means.
[0222] The same members as those shown in FIG. 7 are assigned the same reference characters. A pair of electrodes 11 in the electrolyzing and sterilizing means is called a first pair of electrodes 11 in order to be distinguished from the second pair of electrodes 32, and the electrolytic tank 12 is called a first electrolytic tank 12 in order to be distinguished from the second electrolytic tank 31a.
[0223] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 12.
[0224] The water treatment device 1 comprises a control section 40 composed of a microcomputer or the like. Outputs of a conductivity sensor S1, a residual chlorine sensor S2 and a pressure gauge S3 are fed to the control section 40. The control section 40 comprises a memory 41 and a timer 43. The initial values of the quantity of water stored in the pool 2, the reference chlorine concentration, and so forth are registered in the memory 41. The timer 43 is for defining a time zone in which the device is running and a time zone in which the running is stopped.
[0225] The control section 40 performs an operation, described below, on the basis of the outputs of the conductivity sensor S1, the residual chlorine sensor S2, and the pressure gauge S3, the initial values registered in the memory 41, and the time zones defined by the timer 43, and feeds a control signal to a driver 42 on the basis of the operation. The driver 42 controls electric current flowing through the first and second pairs of electrodes 11 and 32 and a time period during which the pairs of electrodes are energized, and adjusting valves B1 and B12, a pressure reducing valve B2, a circulating pump P1, a valve B3, a valve B11, and a valve B14, a circulating pump P2, and the fixed delivery pump P4 on the basis of the fed control signal.
[0226] The energization of the first pair of electrodes 11 and the second pair of electrodes 32 is controlled through a switching section 44 for controlling the energization by switching both the pairs of electrodes 11 and 32 in order to energize, when the energization of one of the pairs of electrodes is stopped, the other pair of electrodes using the same power source (not shown). Consequently, the construction of the entire device can be simplified, thereby making it possible to save a space for the device as well as to reduce the cost thereof.
[0227] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the contents of control carried out by the control section 40. Description is made of a control operation performed by the control section 40 in accordance with the flow of the flow chart.
[0228] When a person in charge turns on the power of the water treatment device 1, the control section 40 operates the circulating pumps P1 and P2, opens the valves B3 and B11, closes the valve B14, and adjusts the other valves, to start the circulation of water W in the pool 2. Specifically, circulation for pouring the water W in the pool 2 into the water treating path 10 from a main circulating path 20, passing the water W through the first electrolytic tank 12, and returning the water W to the pool 2 through the main circulating path 20 is started. Correspondingly, the initial values registered in the memory 41 are read (step SP1). It is then judged in the timer 43 whether the present time is in the time zone in which the device is running or the time zone in which the running is stopped (step SP2).
[0229] If the present time is in the time zone in which the device is running, it is confirmed whether or not a operation switch is not turned off (step SP3), and a residual chlorine concentration x (ppm) measured by the residual chlorine sensor S2 is then incorporated (step SP4)
[0230] The incorporated residual chlorine concentration x is then compared with a reference concentration (0.5 ppm in this case) in supplying a sterilizing solution which is registered in the memory 41 (step SP5). When the residual chlorine concentration x satisfies x<0.5 ppm, to supply a predetermined amount of the sterilizing solution E3 stored in the second electrolytic tank 31a to the water treating path 10 through the supplying path 31b upon operating the fixed delivery pump P4 (step SP6).
[0231] On the other hand, when the residual chlorine concentration x satisfies x .gtoreq.0.5 ppm, the step SP6 is skipped. Thereafter, the residual chlorine concentration x is compared with the other reference concentration for output adjustment (0.45 ppm, 0.5 ppm, 0.55 ppm, and 0.6 ppm in this case) also registered in the memory 41 at the steps SP7 to SP10. At the steps S11 to SP15, the water W supplied to the first electrolytic tank 12 through the water treating path 10 is sterilized by the electrolytic reaction while switching an output to the first pair of electrodes 11 to 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and OFF (0%) in accordance with the results of the comparison. Thereafter, the water W is supplied to the main circulating path 20 through the water treating path 10, and is returned to the pool 2 through the main circulating path 20.
[0232] The above-mentioned operations are repeated in the set time zone in which the device is running, for example, the business hours of a swimming pool or a public bath.
[0233] When the control section 40 judges at the step SP2 that the current time is in the time zone in which the running is stopped, processing for stopping the normal operation of each of the sections is performed (step SP16). Thereafter, the program proceeds to a sub-routine A shown in FIG. 15A.
[0234] In the sub-routine A, the control section 40 judges whether or not the second electrolytic tank 31a is full of water, that is, an electrolytic solution (step SP17). When it is not full of water, the valve B14 is opened at the step SP18, to supply a predetermined quantity of water W to the second electrolytic tank 31a. In this case, when a solid electrolyte in an amount corresponding to several times to dozens of times of supply is supplied to the second electrolytic tank 31a, an electrolytic solution having a saturation concentration is almost automatically produced only by supplying the water W. If it is full of water, the step SP18 is skipped.
[0235] After the time period T during which the second pair of electrodes 32 is energized is then reset to zero (step SP19), the energization of the second pair of electrodes 32 is started (step SP20). The electrolyte continues to be electrolyzed until the above-mentioned time period T reaches a predetermined time period (30 minutes in this case) (step SP21), and the energization is then stopped (step SP22). Consequently, a sterilizing solution E3 of which the second electrolytic tank 31a is full is produced.
[0236] Thereafter, the control section 40 judges at the step SP23 whether or not the present time is in the time zone in which the device is running or the time zone in which the running is stopped. When the present time is in the time zone in which the running is stopped, the control section 40 continues to wait in this state. When the present time is in the time zone in which the device is running, the program is returned to the step SP1 shown in FIG. 14. At the step SP1, the normal driving control is carried out again.
[0237] When it is confirmed at the step SP3 shown in FIG. 14 that the operation switch is turned off, the program proceeds to a sub-routine B shown in FIG. 15B. In the sub-routine B, the control section 40 performs termination processing for stopping the driving of all the members (step SP24), thereby terminating a series of water treatment operations.
[0238] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device 1 for a large-sized pool 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The construction shown in FIG. 16 differs from the construction shown in FIG. 12 in that a sterilizing solution tank 33a to put in and store a sterilizing solution E3 is connected to a portion on the downstream side of the ectrolytic tank 12 in place of the second electrolytic tank 31a and the second pair of electrodes 32.
[0239] The sterilizing solution E3 is produced by filling an electrolytic tank 12 with an electrolytic solution containing a chlorine ion in a time zone in which the running of the device is stopped, for example, and energize a pair of electrodes 11 to electrolyze the electrolytic solution. The same members as those shown in FIG. 12 are assigned the same reference characters.
[0240] Specifically, an introducing path 33c is branched from a branching point J14 between an electrolytic tank 12 and a valve B3 on a water treating path 10. A fixed delivery pump P5 and a valve B15 are interposed halfway in an introducing path 33c. A sterilizing solution E3 produced in the electrolytic tank 12 is sucked up by the fixed delivery pump P5 in a state where the valve B15 is opened and the valve B3 is closed, so that it is poured into the sterilizing solution tank 33a through the introducing path 33c, and is stored therein. The sterilizing solution E3 is sucked up through a supplying path 33b by a fixed delivery pump P6 in a time zone in which the device is running, for example, is merged at a branching point J15, and is supplied to the water treating path 10.
[0241] The electrical configuration of the water treatment device 1 shown in FIG. 16 is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 13. Out of the contents of control by a control section 40, the main routine shown in FIG. 14 and the sub-routine B for termination shown in FIG. 15B are the same. Only a sub-routine A for producing the sterilizing solution E3 and storing the sterilizing solution E3 in the sterilizing solution tank 33a is set as shown in FIG. 17.
[0242] Specifically, when the control section 40 judges at the step SP2 in the main routine shown in FIG. 14 that the present time is in the time zone in which the running is stopped, the processing for stopping the normal operation of each of the sections is performed (step SP16). Thereafter, the program proceeds to a sub-routine A shown in FIG. 17.
[0243] In the sub-routine A, the control section 40 then judges whether or not the electrolytic tank 12 is full of water (step SP25). When it is not full of water, circulating pumps P1 and P2 are operated to supply a predetermined quantity of water W to the electrolytic tank 12 at the step SP26. Correspondingly, a person in charge introduces an electrolyte in an amount corresponding to one time of supply into the electrolytic tank 12, to produce an electrolytic solution having a predetermined concentration (a saturation concentration, if possible). When it is full of water, the step SP26 is skipped. The person in charge supplies the electrolyte.
[0244] After a time period T during which the pair of electrodes 11 is energized is reset to zero (step SP27), the energization of the pair of electrodes 11 is started (step SP28), the electrolyte continues to be electrolyzed until the time period T reaches a predetermined time period (30 minutes in this case) (step SP29), and the energization of the pair of electrodes 11 is then stopped (step SP30). Consequently, a sterilizing solution E3 of which the electrolytic tank 12 is full is produced.
[0245] Thereafter, the control section 40 closes the valve B3 and opens the valve B15, and operates the fixed delivery pump P5, to pour the produced sterilizing solution E3 to the sterilizing solution tank 33a from the electrolytic tank 12 (step SP31), and judge at the step SP32 whether the present time is in the time zone in which the device is running or the time zone in which the running is stopped. When the present time is in the time zone in which the running is stopped, the control section 40 continues to wait in this state. When the present time is in the time zone in which the device is running, the program is returned to the step SP1 shown in FIG. 14. At the step SP1, the control section 40 controls the normal running again.
[0246] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device 1 for a large-sized pool 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The construction shown in FIG. 18 differs from the construction shown in FIG. 12 in that a solution tank 34a to put in and store an electrolytic solution E4 containing a chlorine ion having a sterilization function, for example, a solution of sodium hypochlorite, is connected on the upstream side of an electrolytic tank 12 in place of the second electrolytic tank 31a and the second pair of electrodes 32. Specifically, a supplying path 34b is branched from a branching point J16 between an ion exchange resin 14 and the electrolytic tank 12 on a water treating path 10, to reach the solution tank 34a. A fixed delivery pump P7 is interposed halfway on the supplying path 34b. The electrolytic solution E4 stored in the solution tank 34a is sucked up through the supplying path 34b by the fixed delivery pump P7, and is merged at the branching point J16, and is supplied to the water treating path 10. In addition thereto, the same members as those shown in FIG. 12 are assigned the same reference characters. The electrical configuration of the water treatment device 1 shown in FIG. 18 is basically the same as those shown in FIG. 13.
[0247] FIGS. 19A and 19B are flow charts showing the contents of control carried out by a control section 40. Description is made of a control operation performed by the control section 40 in accordance with the flow of the flow chart.
[0248] When a person in charge turns on the power of the water treatment device 1, the control section 40 operates circulating pumps P1 and P2, opens a valve B3 and a valve B11, and adjusts the other valves, to start the circulation of water W in the pool 2. Specifically, circulation for pouring the water W in the pool 2 into the water treating path 10 from a main circulating path 20, passing the water W through the first electrolytic tank 12, and returning the water W to the pool 2 through the main circulating path 20 is started. Correspondingly, initial values registered in a memory 41 are read (step SP33), it is then confirmed whether or not a operation switch is not turned off (step SP34), and a residual chlorine concentration x (ppm) measured by a residual chlorine sensor S2 is then incorporated (step SP35)
[0249] The incorporated residual chlorine concentration x is then compared with a reference concentration in supplying a sterilizing solution which is registered in the memory 41 (step SP36). When the residual chlorine concentration x satisfies x<0.5 ppm, a predetermined amount of an electrolytic solution E4 having a sterilization function is supplied to the water treating path 10 through the supplying path 34b upon operating the fixed delivery pump P7 (step SP37). On the other hand, when the residual chlorine concentration x satisfies x>0.5 ppm, the step SP37 is skipped. At the steps SP38 to SP41, the residual chlorine concentration x is also compared with the other reference concentration for output adjustment which is also registered in the memory 41 (0.45 ppm, 0.5 ppm, 0.55 ppm, and 0.6 ppm in this case). At the steps SP42 to SP46, the water W supplied to the electrolytic tank 12 through the water treating path 10 is sterilized by electrolytic reaction while switching an output to a pair of electrodes 11 to 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and OFF (0%) in accordance with the results of the comparison. Thereafter, the water W is supplied to the main circulating path 20 through the water treating path 10, and is returned to the pool 2 through the main circulating path 20.
[0250] The above-mentioned operations are repeated in the time zone in which the device is running, for example, the business hours of a swimming pool or a public bath. When it is confirmed at the step SP34 that the operation switch is turned off, the program proceeds to a sub-routine C shown in FIG. 19B. In the sub-routine C, the control section 40 performs termination processing for stopping the driving of all the members (step SP47), thereby terminating a series of operations.
[0251] As indicated by a two-dot and dash line in FIG. 18, a set of the solution tank 34a, the supplying path 34b, and the fixed delivery pump P7 may be also connected to a portion, on the downstream side of an electrolytic tank 12, of the water treating path 10, to directly supply the electrolytic solution stored in the solution tank 34a to the water treating path 10 as a sterilizing solution.
[0252] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the construction of a water treatment device 1 for a large-sized pool 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0253] The water treatment device 1 in this example comprises a water treating path 10 connected to a main circulating path 20. A valve B11, an adjusting valve B1, a flow meter S4, a filter 13 for filtration, a valve B16, and a cooler Rf for cooling water are arranged halfway from a branching point J1 to an electrolytic tank 12 also used as gas/liquid separating means. A pair of electrodes 11 comprising a plurality of plate-shaped electrodes 110 is arranged in the electrolytic tank 12.
[0254] A branching path 10c branched at a branching point J17 and leading to the electrolytic tank 12 is connected between the flow meter S4 and the filter 13 on the water treating path 10. A pressure reducing valve B17 for reducing pressure, an adjusting valve B18 for flow rate adjustment, a residual chlorine sensor S2, and a three way valve B19 are arranged on a branching path 10c. A branching path 10d further branched from the branching path 10c and leading to a drain port for draining water (not shown) is connected to the three way valve B19. The residual chlorine sensor S2 must always continue to cause a very small quantity of water to flow, as described above, so that it is arranged as described above. That is, when the water treatment device 1 is running, a small quantity of water is caused to flow through the branching path 10c. When the water treatment device 1 is stopped, the valve B16 and a valve B20, described later, are closed, and the three way valve B19 is switched, to cause the small quantity of water to flow into the drain port through the branching path 10d. Consequently, the residual chlorine sensor S2 is maintained in a normal state.
[0255] A pressure gauge S5 for measuring the water pressure is connected between a branching point J17 and the filter 13 on the water treating path 10. A bypass path 10e branched at a branching point J18 to pass through the valve B20, and then merged into the water treating path 10 at a branching point J19. A temperature sensor S6 for measuring the water temperature of water flowing through the water treating path 10 is connected between the filter 13 and the branching point J18 on the water treating path 10. The valves B16 and B20 are opened or closed on the basis of the water temperature measured by the temperature sensor S6, to circulate the water through either one or both of the cooler Rf and the bypass path 10e, thereby adjusting the water temperature of the water supplied to the electrolytic tank 12.
[0256] A circulating pump P8, a flow meter S7, a check valve B21 for preventing back flow, and adjusting valves B22, B23, and B24 for flow rate adjustment are arranged halfway from the electrolytic tank 12 to a branching point J2 on the water treating path 10, and a pressure gauge S8 for measuring the water pressure is connected between the flow meter S7 and the check valve B21.
[0257] A solution tank 50 to put in and store a sterilizing solution E4 such as a solution of sodium hypochlorite is connected between the pressure gauge S8 and the check valve B21 on the water supplying path 10. Specifically, a supplying path 10f is branched from a branching point J20 between the pressure gauge S8 and the check valve B21 on the water treating path 10, to reach the solution tank 50. A fixed delivery pump P9 is interposed halfway on the supplying path 10f. The electrolytic solution E4 stored in the solution tank 50 is sucked up through the supplying path 10f by the fixed delivery pump P9, is merged at the branching point J20, and is supplied to the water treating path 10. When the sterilizing solution E4 supplied from the solution tank 50 is used simultaneously for electrolytic reaction by the pair of electrodes 11 and sterilization of water, a time period during which the electrode 110 are energized is reduced, thereby making it possible to prevent rapid deterioration and degradation of the electrode 110. Further, it is possible to sufficiently cope with a case where the sterilization must be performed rapidly and in large amounts due to a rapid drop in the residual chlorine concentration of water, for example, when the business hours of a swimming pool or a public bath are started.
[0258] The electrolytic tank 12 is constituted by a box-shaped body 120 and a cover 121 for closing an upper opening of the body 120. The body 120 is divided into three gas/liquid separation areas 120a to 120c by two gas separating filters 15. The pair of electrodes 11 comprising the plurality of electrode plates 110 is arranged in the gas/liquid separation area 120a on the uppermost stream side out of the three gas/liquid separation areas 120a to 120c. A water outlet 120d is formed at the bottom of the gas/liquid separation area 120c on the downstream side, and a latter half part of the water treating path 10, described above, is connected to the outlet 120d.
[0259] The gas separating filter 15 has the function of passing water but capturing included fine bubbles without passing them. By the function, many of the fine bubbles stored in the gas/liquid separation areas 120a to 120c, each of which cannot be so far separated from the water because the diameter thereof is too small, are coupled to one another by storage to increase the diameter of the coupled fine bubbles, thereby producing a buoyant force. Accordingly, the coupled fine bubbles rise to the surface of the water W. They are moved toward a gas phase on the water surface, and are separated and removed from the water W. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water from being muddy by the fine bubbles and to always return to the pool 2 water which is clear and is clean to look at.
[0260] Above the upper side of a water surface in each of the gas/liquid separation area 120a to 120c and above the upper side of each of the filters 15 in the electrolytic tank 12, a clearance is formed between the upper side and the cover 121, so that a gas circulating path 12a leading to each of the gas/liquid separation areas 120a to 120c is formed in the electrolytic tank 12.
[0261] An exhaust pipe F2 having a blower F1 of a suction type for forcedly exhausting gas originated from the fine bubbles outward from the tank and a hydrogen concentration sensor S9 for sensing the concentration of hydrogen in the gas arranged halfway thereon is connected to a position, just above the gas/liquid separation area 120c on the lowermost stream side, of the cover 121. The water level of water is the highest in the gas/liquid separation area 120a on the uppermost stream side, while being the lowest in the gas/liquid separation area 120c on the lowermost stream side because of the effect of the resistances of the filters 15 on the flow of water. The exhaust pipe F2 is connected to the position, just above the gas/liquid separation area 120c where there is a sufficient space on the water surface, of the cover 121.
[0262] At a position, just above the gas/liquid separation area 120a on the uppermost stream side, of the cover 121, an air introducing port 121a for introducing air into the tank along the air circulating path 12a in place of gas exhausted outward from the tank by the blower F1 is formed. Further, a first half part of the water treating path 10 is connected to the position. Further, a float switch SW for measuring the water level in the gas/liquid separation area 120a is arranged such that a water level sensing portion SW1 is inserted into the gas/liquid separation area 120a.
[0263] The branching path 10c, described above, is connected to a position, just above the gas/liquid separation area 120b, of the cover 121.
[0264] A photocatalyst member Lc composed of titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) or the like having the function of sterilizing water by photocatalytic reaction is arranged on an inner wall surface of the gas/liquid separation area 120a, and a ultraviolet lamp Uv is provided thereon in order to irradiate the photocatalyst member Lc with ultraviolet rays. In cases such as a case where the residual chlorine concentration of water is rapidly lowered, the ultraviolet lamp Uv is turned on in addition to the energization of the pair of electrodes 11, thereby making it possible to perform auxiliary sterilization by the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst member Lc. Alternatively, in cases such as a case where the pair of electrodes 11 develops a fault or a case where the pair of electrodes 11 is maintained, the ultraviolet lamp Uv is turned on, thereby making it possible to perform alternative sterilization by the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst member Lc.
[0265] A pan 1f for water which has leaked is arranged below the electrolytic tank 12. Even if water leaks in the electrolytic tank 12, it is possible to minimize the danger of short, leakage, or the like due to the water which has leaked. Reference character 10g denotes a draining path for feeding water received by the pan 1f to a total discharge port (not shown), and reference character B25 denotes an adjusting valve for adjusting the flow rate of water passing through the draining path 10g.
[0266] An example of the gas separating filter 15 is a non woven fabric made of a natural fiber or a chemical fiber. Particularly, the filter 15 is arranged immediately after electrolytic reaction by the pair of electrodes 11. Accordingly, suitably used as the filter 12 is a non woven fabric composed of a fiber such as a polypropylene fiber having sufficient resistance to a chlorine compound, active oxygen, or the like, and being fine in order not to easily pass fine bubbles. Although the size of a through hole is not particularly limited, the average diameter of the through hole is preferably approximately 1 to 100 .mu.m, and more preferably approximately 10 to 50 .mu.m. When the average diameter of the through hole is less than the range, the resistance of the filter 15 to the flow of water is too high. Accordingly, the efficiency of sterilizing water may be decreased. Conversely, when the average diameter exceeds the range, the effect of storing the fine bubbles without passing the fine bubbles is insufficient. Accordingly, the efficiency of separating gas and a liquid may be reduced.
[0267] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device 1 shown in FIG. 20. The water treatment device 1 comprises a control section 40 for operating each of sections constituting the water treating path 10, the bypass path 10e, the supplying path 10f, and so forth while controlling the energization of the pair of electrodes 11. Outputs of the residual chlorine sensor S2, the pressure gauges S5 and S8, the temperature sensor S6, the float switch SW, and the hydrogen concentration sensor S9 are fed to the control section 40. The control section 40 comprises a memory 41 for registering initial values and a timer 43 for defining the timing of each type of operation.
[0268] The control section 40 performs various types of operations on the basis of the outputs of the sensors S2, S5, S6, S8, and S9 and the float switch SW, the timing defined by the timer 43, and the initial values registered in the memory 41, and feeds a control signal to a driver 42 on the basis of the operations. The driver 42 controls energization, for example, electrical current flowing through the pair of electrodes 11 and a time period during which the pair of electrodes 11 is energized on the basis of the fed signal, and controls the opening or closing of the valves B16 and B20 and the driving of the cooler Rf, the ultraviolet lamp Uv, the blower F1, and the pumps P8 and P9.
[0269] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the flow of water temperature control of water supplied to the electrolytic tank 12 using the temperature sensor S6, the cooler Rf, and the bypass path 10e in the control carried out by the control section 40.
[0270] When the running of the water treatment device 1 is started, to operate each of the sections constituting the water treating path 10, the control section 40 closes the valve B16 on the side of the cooler Rf, while opening the valve B20 on the side of the bypass path 10e, to supply the water to the electrolytic tank 12 through the bypass path 10e, thereby starting to sterilize the water (step SP1).
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