阅读说明：本技术 用于监测饮用水分配网络中的结垢问题的系统 (System for monitoring fouling problems in potable water distribution networks ) 是由 瓦尔特鲁斯·海斯贝尔·约瑟夫·范德美尔 刘刚 于 2019-07-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于监测饮用水分配网络中的结垢问题的系统,所述饮用水分配网络包括具有入水口和出水口在内的水质量流量计,所述水质量流量计位于客户处,其中,过滤设备放置在所述水质量流量计的上游,所述过滤设备设置有前置压力传感器和后置压力传感器。(The present invention relates to a system for monitoring scaling problems in a potable water distribution network comprising a water mass flow meter with a water inlet and a water outlet, said water mass flow meter being located at a customer, wherein a filter device is placed upstream of said water mass flow meter, said filter device being provided with a pre-pressure sensor and a post-pressure sensor.)

1. A system for monitoring scaling problems in a potable water distribution network comprising a water mass flow meter with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water mass flow meter being located at a customer, characterized in that a filter device is placed upstream of the water mass flow meter, the filter device being provided with a pre-pressure sensor and a post-pressure sensor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the filtering apparatus is provided with a replaceable filter bag adapted to analyze sediment present in the potable water distribution network.

3. The system of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein a temperature sensor is placed upstream and/or downstream of the water mass flow meter.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pre-pressure sensor and the post-pressure sensor generate signals that are sent to a monitoring box for collecting and analyzing the signals.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature sensor generates a signal that is sent to a monitoring box for collecting and analyzing the signal.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mass flow meter generates a signal that is sent to a monitoring box for collecting and analyzing the signal.

7. The system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the transmission of the signal is via the Internet.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is provided with one or more valves for taking samples of water.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is provided with one or more lines bypassing the filtering apparatus for continuing to distribute water to the customer.

10. A method for monitoring fouling problems in a potable water distribution network in a system according to any one or more of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:

i) the drinking water is provided for the customers,

ii) measuring the pressure at a location before the inlet of the filter device using a pre-pressure sensor,

iii) measuring the pressure at a location at the outlet of the filtration device using a post-pressure sensor,

iv) calculating a pressure difference over the filter device based on the data generated by ii) and iii),

v) comparing the data generated by iv) with reference data and if the result of step v) is higher than a threshold, performing the following steps:

vi) retrieving the filter bags from the filter apparatus, analyzing the deposits present on the filter bags and replacing the filter bags.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein steps ii) and iii) further comprise transmitting the measured pressure value to a monitoring cartridge.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitting occurs via the internet.

13. The method of any one or more of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: the temperature is measured and the measured temperature value is transmitted to a monitoring box, in particular via the internet.

14. The method of any one or more of claims 10 to 13, further comprising: the flow rate of water through the mass flow meter is measured and the measured flow rate value is transmitted to a monitoring box, in particular via the internet.

15. The method of any one or more of claims 10 to 14, further comprising: one or more signals selected from the group of pre-pressure sensor, post-pressure sensor, temperature sensor, mass flow meter are recorded for a specific time interval and the recorded data is updated to an online data pool.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: the online data pool is visualized through a website to enable 24/7 all-weather monitoring without disturbing the customer.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring scaling problems in a potable water distribution network, the system comprising a water mass flow meter having a water inlet and a water outlet, the water mass flow meter being located at a customer. Such systems are not only relevant to monitoring, but also focus on studying the cause of detected fouling problems. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring scaling problems and ascertaining the cause of problems leading to plugging of water meters.

Background

Monitoring systems in potable water distribution networks are well known. For example, an apparatus for online monitoring of fouling of a membrane during a filtration process is known from NL1028474, which comprises a membrane, the edge of which is clamped between a top plate and a bottom plate. Such an apparatus for on-line monitoring of membrane fouling during a filtration process comprises a membrane module having a feedstream inlet, a product outlet, and a feedstream outlet. The membrane module includes a membrane having edges sandwiched between a top plate and a bottom plate.

Another monitoring system in a potable water distribution network is known from US 2009/045144. This us publication discloses a monitoring system and method for monitoring a Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane in an RO unit, i.e. detecting the formation of inorganic salt crystals on the surface of the RO membrane. The monitoring system disclosed therein includes a reverse osmosis monitoring unit coupled to the RO unit to receive a sample stream taken from a feed stream to the RO unit or a concentrate stream from the RO unit. The cell (cell) has a visually observable RO membrane which is visible to an imaging system which creates and collects images of the visually observable RO membrane and transmits image data signals to a data processing system which is operable to convert the image data signals into a visual image for display and to correlate data in the image data signals with scaling conditions on the RO membrane in the RO cell.

EP 1791616 relates to a method of characterizing the fouling state of and changes in the fluid to be filtered and the filter medium. Filtering fluids to remove contaminants is generally known in the art. When filtering a fluid to remove contaminants, a filter will be used on which a portion of the contaminants are deposited in the form of a filter cake. The filter cake may vary widely depending on the nature of the material being filtered out, for example it may be a compressible, incompressible or compactable filter cake. Furthermore, the filtered-out material may more or less block the pores of the filter or, for example, adsorb onto the filter material.

The title of Gang Liu et al is "potential impact of supply quality changes on drinking water distribution: review "water research, 2017, 6/1, 116, 135-148, discloses a situation where water quality may be affected during its distribution through a network of pipes due to processes such as release of pipe material, formation and separation of biofilms, accumulation and resuspension of loose sediments. Irregular variations in the quality of the water supply can lead to physicochemical and microbial destabilization of pipe materials, biofilms and loose deposits in distribution systems that have been established for decades and can harbor ingredients (brown water) that cause health or aesthetic problems. This article reviews contaminants generated in water distribution systems and their characteristics, as well as possible transient effects and subsequent risks during treatment water quality switches due to instability and release of piping materials and contaminants into the water. For example, biofilm matrix problems, i.e., biochemical and microbial destabilization, can lead to cell release, particle generation, water surface plugging, and discoloration.

International application WO 2014/171400 relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the mucoadhesive state of a water system in real time. Water (raw water) sampled from a water system is passed through the hollow fiber membranes using a cross-flow method, and a slime adhesion state of the hollow fiber membrane module is monitored based on a change in a pressure difference between a raw water inflow side and a permeate outflow side. The change in the mucus adhesion state was continuously measured using a cross-flow (cross-flow) method based on the pressure change before and after the membrane caused by the adhesion of mucus on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane. In addition, the system can also measure changes in dissolved oxygen (DO concentration) of permeate water relative to raw water. Accordingly, it can be confirmed whether or not the change in the membrane pressure difference is a factor other than mucus.

Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms on surfaces/interfaces and are bound by extracellular polymeric matrices. In this context, WO 2016/153428 discloses a method of analyzing biofilm formation, the method comprising quantifying biofilm formation in a flow cytometer comprising a channel plate having a channel recessed in a surface of the channel plate and a groove recessed in the surface of the channel plate, the groove being configured to surround the channel and preferably along a boundary of the channel.

Drinking water distribution networks are sealed and pressurized systems that have attached a number of biofilms and microorganisms due to long term operation. In the foreseeable future, drinking water suppliers may employ Reverse Osmosis (RO) to treat drinking water, and therefore nutrients (biodegradable compounds) in drinking water will be rare. In this case, the biofilm for attachment to the pipeline may die and detach from the pipeline, and this portion of the biofilm may clog the water meter of the consumer.

The present applicant has focused on providing much safer water to the consumer and as a result has introduced one-step reverse osmosis (one-step RO) to replace conventional treatment. One-step RO is to pass groundwater directly through an RO membrane, and almost only water can pass through the RO membrane. Therefore, drinking water from treatment plants is almost pure water. On the one hand, the use of RO water can significantly improve the quality of drinking water and can also control microbial growth during the dispensing process, as biologically stable water can limit the growth of any kind of bacteria by controlling food sources. On the other hand, since RO water is so pure and the nutrient concentration is almost zero, many biofilms and microorganisms attached to pipelines may die and be detached from the pipelines in the past few decades due to lack of sufficient food. These detached biofilms and microorganisms are present in the water in pieces and may clog the water meter.

The drinking water distribution system is the last and indispensable step in delivering safe and high quality drinking water to the customer. One of the functions of such a system is to prevent bacterial invasion. However, biological processes such as biofilm formation and separation, microbial growth in large volumes of water, and formation of loose sediments may occur. These processes will lead to deterioration of the water quality during the distribution process. In some extreme cases, pathogens may re-grow and cause health risks to the consumer.

Therefore, there is a need to develop an effective method to monitor water quality during a dispensing process.

In addition, to avoid potential water meter plugging problems, a monitoring method is needed to monitor fouling problems during the dispensing process.

Another aspect of the invention relates to investigating the cause of problems (i.e., clogging of the water meter, changes in water quality) by measuring process parameters of the system.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention therefore relates to a system for monitoring scaling problems in a potable water distribution network comprising a water mass flow meter with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water mass flow meter being located at a customer, characterized in that a filter device is placed upstream of the water mass flow meter, the filter device being provided with a front pressure sensor and a rear pressure sensor.

Based on this system, one or more of the objects of the invention will be achieved. The inventors discovered that pressure drop is a key factor in detecting fouling problems, and identified two devices, filtration plugging potential (FCP) and cross-flow plugging potential (CCP), to monitor fouling problems both short-term and long-term. According to the present invention, a system for monitoring fouling problems in a potable water distribution network can not only measure water flow, but also monitor the likelihood of plugging by detecting an increase in pressure drop, and can act as an early warning system that allows potable water suppliers to know and address plugging problems prior to customer complaints. Thus, a system for monitoring fouling problems in a potable water distribution network can detect fouling problems by monitoring pressure drop increases. In fact, the system can be used to monitor both regular running water quality changes and special situations (e.g. water meter plugging and water discoloration) where water quality deteriorates in the distribution system due to upgrading processes (RO or other water treatment, Nanofiltration (NF), activated carbon, etc.) or switching source waters. The present inventors have found that by the presence of such a filter device, it is now possible to investigate the cause of water meter blockage, water quality change occurrence by measuring the pressure drop and characterizing the cause of the pressure drop.

In an embodiment of the system, the filter device is provided with a replaceable filter bag suitable for analyzing the deposits present in the potable water distribution network.

The filter bag is contained within a filter housing. If two pressure sensors mounted separately before and after the filter bag detect an unusual pressure difference, the filter apparatus will be opened and the filter bag removed from the filter apparatus. The filter bags can be analyzed for sediment present in the filter bags. The drinking water can continue to be dispensed by replacing the old filter bag with a new one. Thus, the delivery of drinking water is not interrupted for a long time.

In an embodiment of the system, the temperature sensor is placed upstream of the water mass flow meter. For the monitoring system, the system is therefore assembled with a conventional water meter, a temperature sensor, two pressure sensors mounted separately before and after the filter bag, and a filter bag contained in the filter housing. Preferably, three valves are also included for sampling, filter bag replacement and maintenance.

In an embodiment of the present system, the front pressure sensor and the rear pressure sensor generate signals, wherein the signals thus generated are sent to the monitor box. In the monitor box, data is collected and processed. The monitor box includes a microprocessor for collecting, processing and displaying data. An example of a monitor box is a computer that can be instructed via computer programming to automatically perform a series of arithmetic or logical operations. Such computers have the ability to follow a generalized set of operations called a program. These programs enable computers to perform an extremely wide range of tasks. An example of a monitor box that includes the hardware required and used for full operation, the operating system (host software), and peripheral devices is referred to herein as a computer system. The term may also be used for a group of computers, in particular a computer network or a cluster of computers, connected together and working together.

In an embodiment of the present system, the temperature sensor generates a signal, wherein the signal thus generated is sent to the monitor box. In the monitor box, data is collected and processed.

In an embodiment of the present system, the mass flow meter generates a signal, wherein the signal thus generated is sent to the monitor box. In the monitor box, data is collected and processed.

The signal transmission as described above may be performed via an interconnected computer network (e.g., the internet). Thus, there is an online update system. According to the system, data can now be recorded accurately, for example once every 8 seconds, and once the customer's available internet (e.g., Wi-Fi) is accessed, it can continuously update the recorded data to an online data pool and visualize it through a website to enable 24/7 monitoring without disturbing the customer.

In an embodiment, the system is provided with one or more valves for taking samples of water. In an embodiment, a system for monitoring scaling problems in a potable water distribution network may further include one or more bypass lines, for example, lines that bypass a filtration apparatus to continue distributing water to customers. This is preferred when the distribution of water across the filter device is interrupted, for example when the filter bag is replaced.

The invention also relates to a method for monitoring fouling problems in a potable water distribution network in a system as described above, the method comprising the steps of:

i) the drinking water is provided for the customers,

ii) measuring the pressure using a pre-pressure sensor,

iii) measuring the pressure using a post-pressure sensor,

iv) calculating a pressure difference over the filter device based on the data generated by ii) and iii),

v) comparing the data generated by iv) with reference data and if the result of step v) is higher than a threshold, performing the following steps:

vi) recovering the filter bags from the filtration plant, analysing the deposits present on the filter bags and replacing the filter bags.

This method therefore involves monitoring water quality and fouling problems during the dispensing process, wherein the cause of the increase in pressure drop/filter resistance can now be investigated. And now the nature of these problems can also be analysed. After the filter bag is replaced with a new one, the flow of water through the filter device is re-established. During such filter bag replacement, water may continue to be dispensed to the consumer by bypassing the filter apparatus. Once the filter bag is replaced, the bypass condition may be terminated. In an embodiment of the method, the pre-pressure sensor is located upstream of the filter device. In an embodiment of the method, the rear pressure sensor is located downstream of the filter device. The reference data refers to the case where no deposits are present in the filtering device. Thus, any deviation from the reference data is an indication of an anomaly. For example, an increase in pressure drop/filter resistance may indicate the presence of particles in the filtration device. The reference data and the data measured by any one or more of the sensors mentioned herein may be corrected for the effects of temperature.

According to another embodiment of the method, steps ii) and iii) further comprise transmitting the measured pressure value to a monitor box, wherein the transmission of the signal is via the internet.

According to another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: the temperature is measured and the measured temperature value is transmitted to the monitor box, in particular via the internet.

It is also possible to measure the flow of water through the mass flow meter and to transmit the measured flow value to the monitor box, in particular via the internet.

The present invention is therefore directed to a method for monitoring scaling problems and ascertaining the cause of the problem of plugging a water meter. Another aspect of the invention is to analyze the cause of the increase in pressure drop/filter resistance. This is to clarify the factors that lead to potential fouling problems, particularly the physical, chemical and biological parts. The physical part is focused on the explanation of the pressure drop and the filter resistance. The chemical moiety focuses on the chemical compounds that determine fouling, and the biological moiety focuses on the ATP concentration. Better and comprehensive results can be obtained from a combination of the analyses from these three aspects. In the physical part, a microscope and particle counter can be used to calculate the total clogging particle count. In the chemical moiety, ICP-MS can be used to detect the concentration of a chemical species.

Detailed Description

The invention will be discussed below.

The sole figure shows a system 1 for monitoring fouling problems in a potable water distribution network 3. The drinking water is sent to the filter device 5 via the pre-pressure sensor 2. The inlet flow 13 enters the filter device 5 and the outlet flow 12 passes the post pressure sensor 6. The outlet flow 11 from the post pressure sensor 6 is sent to the water mass flow meter 7. The outlet stream 10 from the water mass flow meter 7 passes through the temperature sensor 8 and the stream 9 is sent to the customer. The front pressure sensor 2 generates a signal 14, the rear pressure sensor 6 generates a signal 15, the water mass flow meter 7 generates a signal 16, and the temperature sensor 8 generates a signal 17. Additional temperature sensors (not shown) may also be located upstream of the water mass flow meter 7. The temperature sensor may also be present at the inlet of the filter device 5 or at the outlet of the filter device 5. All signals 14, 15, 16 and 17, e.g. shown as combined signal 18, are sent to the monitoring box 4, i.e. the computer system. The filter device 5 comprises a housing in which the filter bag is placed. The inlet flow 13 passes through the filter bag and leaves the filter apparatus as the outlet flow 12. The filter bags can be easily retrieved from the filter device 5. The deposits present on the filter bags can be analysed in the laboratory. The system for monitoring fouling problems in a potable water distribution network also includes one or more valves (not shown) for taking samples of water. Although the only figure shows that the stream 13 is only connected to the filter device 5, a part of the stream 13 may "bypass" the filter device 5. This is preferred when the filter device 5 is not suitable for passing large amounts of water. Thus, in such an embodiment (not shown), the inlet stream 13 is sent partly to the inlet of the device 5 and partly to the outlet stream 12.

The transmission of the signals 14, 15, 16 and 17 to the monitoring box 4 may be via an interconnected computer network, e.g. the internet. Thus, there is an online update system. According to the system, data can now be recorded accurately, for example once every 8 seconds, and once the customer's available internet (e.g., Wi-Fi) is accessed, it can continuously update the recorded data to an online data pool and visualize it through a website to enable 24/7 monitoring without disturbing the customer. The monitoring box is preferably located at an administrator or owner of the potable water distribution network and therefore informs the administrator or owner of the status of possible scaling problems in the potable water distribution network. If the data processed in the monitoring box indicates that a scale problem does exist in the potable water distribution network, the administrator or owner will be notified of the problem and appropriate measurements can be made.

The system for monitoring fouling problems in potable water distribution networks may also include one or more bypass lines, for example, lines that bypass the filtration apparatus to continue distributing water to customers. Although the only figure shows a situation where one water mass flow meter is connected to the filter device, it is also possible to connect several water mass flow meters to the same filter device. Thus, such a filtering device may be used by several customers, for example in a residential or regional area.