DEVICE AND WATER SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING THE PROLIFERATION OF LIVING BEINGS IN WATER PIPES

Abstract

A device and water system for preventing the proliferation of living beings in the water pipes of buildings and that can be applied to taps with a supply of hot and cold water to improve the health standards of public and private constructions with hot water circulation systems, or without, by recirculation within the hot, warm or cold water system. The same permits the prevention of the freezing of the piping. The device has a bypass between the hot and cold water pipes that supply a tap, with a pump that causes recirculation of the water via the bypass, a mechanism for regulating the flow of water located in the bypass, a temperature probe in the water pipe above the bypass, a mechanism for activating and deactivating the pump, and a system for controlling the flow regulation mechanism, the activation and deactivation of the pump and functioning of the pump.

Claims

1-22. (canceled)

23. A device for preventing the proliferation of living beings in the water pipes of buildings, of the type the comprises at least a branch of hot water pipes, and cold water pipes, which end in at least one tap made up of a single module with two sections of the lines for hot water and cold water with connections to the hot water pipes and cold water pipes and with connections to the tap, characterized in that it comprises: a pump for water recirculation installed in a bypass line between the section of the lines for hot and cold water, at least first water flow regulation means, situated on the bypass line to one side of the pump, either allowing or not allowing the passage of water to the pump, at least second water flow regulation means situated on the bypass line, where the first water flow regulation means are situated, and a control system connected at least to said first water flow regulation means and the pump, at least first means for measuring the temperature, arranged between the connection to the pipes of the branch (21,31) and the bypass line above said bypass line connected to the control system, electronic means for activating the pump, connected to the control system, which activate or start up the pump, and electronic means for deactivating the pump, connected to the control system which deactivate or stop the pump.

24. The device, according to claim 23, characterized in that the means for deactivating and/or activating the pump are the means for measuring the temperature which stop the pump when said means for measuring the temperature reach a preset target temperature which is kept in the control system.

25. The device, according to claim 23, characterized in that the means for deactivating and/or activating the pump are a first timer, connected by means of the control system, which stops the pump after it has been active for a specific period of time without reaching the set target temperature.

26. The device, according to claim 23, characterized in that it comprises: at least third water flow regulation means situated between the bypass line and the connection with the tap downstream from the bypass line connected to the control system (18), and at least a first pressure or flow meter, arranged between the connection with the branch pipes and the bypass line, upstream from the latter, said first pressure or flow meter being connected to the control system, and to detect the pressure or flow of the water in the hot or cold water supply pipe and activating the second flow regulation means and third flow regulation means and the pump when water is requested from the tap.

27. The device according to claim 23, comprising second temperature regulation means, second water flow regulation means situated downstream from the bypass line, and a second pressure or flow meter situated above the bypass line on the opposite side of the pump where the means of claims 23 are situated.

28. A water system for preventing the proliferation of living beings in water pipes of buildings, of the type comprising at least: a general water service line, a hot water recirculation pipe which comes from the general service line, which begins and ends at a heat source to heat water coming from the general service line, and which has a recirculation pump downstream from the heat source and before the main hot water pipe connects again to the general service line, at least a cold water pipe coming from the general service line, at least one hot water branch (21, 21) coming from a bypass of the hot water pipe and at least a cold water branch (31, 31) coming from a bypass of the main cold water pipe, each pair formed by a hot water branch and another cold water branch (21-31, 21-31) ending at a tap (60, 60), and characterized in that it comprises a device according to claim 23, situated in at least one hot water branch (21, 21) upstream from the tap (60, 60) connecting at least one hot water branch (21, 21), first branch, with another branch (31, 31, 22, 22), second branch.

29. The system, according to claim 28, characterized in that the means for activating the pump of the device activate the pump of the water recirculation device for the recirculation of water between the first branch (21, 21) and the second branch (31, 31, 22, 22), or vice versa, until the control system activates the deactivation means of the pump of the device.

30. The system, according to claim 29, characterized in that the pump of the device is activated for at least the necessary time, based on the activation of the pump of said recirculation device in order to displace all of the water contained between the bypass in the hot water pipe of the first branch (21, 21) and the recirculation device.

31. The system, according to claim 29, characterized in that the pump of the device is activated for at least the necessary time, based on the activation of the pump of said recirculation device so that the first temperature meter reaches a previously set target temperature in the bypass in the hot water pipe of the first branch (21, 21).

32. The system, according to claim 28, characterized in that the activation of the pump of the water recirculation device causes the opening of at least a third water flow regulation means, arranged in the regulating device and therefore the tap to force the exit of at least the water contained in the first branch (21,21).

33. The system, according to claim 28, characterized in that the second branch is the cold water branch (31, 31) which comes from a bypass of the cold water pipe to the water recirculation device.

34. The system, according to claim 28, characterized in that it comprises a water accumulation element in the hot water pipe between the at least one hot water branch (21) and the pump of the system.

35. The system according to claim 32, characterized in that: the hot water pipe comprises sealing means for said hot water pipe situated between the bypass of the at least one branch (21) and the heat source and second sealing means (24) situated immediately before the hot water pipe returns to said heat source, the hot water pipe comprises a non-return valve between the first branch (21, 21) and the second branch (22, 22), and because the pump (50) is annulled.

36. The system, according to claim 28, characterized in that the second branch is a pipe (22, 22) arranged between a bypass of the hot water pipe and the water recirculation device, and the cold water ring (31, 31) is a pipe from a bypass of a main cold water pipe and the tap.

37. The system, according to claim 29, characterized in that the means for activating the pump of the device are the means for measuring the temperature which activate said pump of the device when the temperature of the water detected by the same is lower than a preset temperature close to freezing, such that the water of the device is displaced by means of the pump of the device heating said water and preventing the freezing of the same, until means for deactivating the pump of the device are actuated.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In order to complete the present description, with the aim of making the characteristics of the invention more readily understandable, the present application, by way of illustration and not limitation, is accompanied by the following figures:

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a device, object of the invention, for preventing the stagnation of water in Hot Sanitary Water systems (HSW), wherein the main components are shown.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an example of the device for thermally treating hot and cold water pipes and also for saving water and energy, wherein the main parts and elements of which it is comprised are shown, as well as the arrangement thereof.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a device, object of the invention, for countries wherein the heat makes it so the water arrives hot through the cold water pipes.

[0056] FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c show the operation of the device for hot countries, shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows a first water system for preventing water stagnation in the pipes by means of the recirculation of water in the branches, from the hot water branch which has a permanent recirculation of hot water, to the cold water branch.

[0058] FIG. 6 shows a second water system for eliminating the hot water recirculation loop and thereby avoid the stagnation of water in the hot water branches at temperatures in which there is a risk of proliferation of living beings. Likewise, the energy associated with permanent recirculation is reduced and water is not wasted from the time the tap is opened to the time the hot water arrives. To this end, part of the recirculation loop is closed off and, preferably, the water is emptied and pushed from the hot water branch to the cold water branch.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows a third water system in buildings for preventing water stagnation in the pipes thereof by means of timed draining of the hot water branches. This example requires the presence of a push button or switch in the device, object of the invention, to be able to leave the hot water tap open without hot water coming out of the same, since the solenoid valve cuts the water until it is necessary to drain the water.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows a fourth water system in buildings with hot water recirculation activated for preventing the stagnation of the water in the water pipes thereof by means of recirculation of water in the hot water blind branches, from the bypass branch of the hot water loop to a new return branch, also hot water, thereby displacing the water towards the recirculation loop. In this system, the water is forced to enter at the optimal temperature for a breeding ground so that it enters the hot recirculation pipe and therefore does not produce a stagnation or a proliferation of living beings in the hot water blind branches, and if there are already living beings in the hot water branch, this volume of water is sent to be thermally treated. In this system, the device may or may not comprise non-return valves to make the displacement of water towards the hot recirculation loop of the hot water branch in the direction of the boiler possible, where it will receive a heat shock, once again minimizing the organic load of the water. Likewise, water that was previously lost, when previously the hot water tap was left open until the hot water coming from the recirculation loop reached the tap, will be saved.

[0061] FIG. 9 shows a fifth water system in buildings with hot water recirculation turned off in order to convert the permanent hot water recirculation loop into a water recirculation loop which is not yet hot or stagnated so that it returns to the boiler or accumulator and prevents the stagnation of warm water in the blind branches thereof, also saving energy associated with the permanent recirculation of hot water, yet saving water until the hot water reaches the taps.

[0062] FIG. 10 shows a sixth water system in buildings for preventing the stagnation and proliferation of living beings in the hot water branch which diverts from the recirculation loop, by means of cold water injection from the cold water branch to the hot water branch. In this system the volume of water existing in the blind branches of hot sanitary water (HSW) is displaced towards the hot recirculation loop and in the direction of the boiler, where the content of microorganisms will be reduced.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0063] In light of the aforementioned figures, below is a description of several preferred embodiments of the device, object of the present application, wherein various alternatives of devices are described, as well as water systems and also operation methods of the device and the systems.

[0064] Thus, as observed in FIG. 1, the device in question is formed by a single module (70) applicable to be installed between the water valves of the hot water supply pipes (21) and cold water supply pipes (31) and a tap (60) conveniently provided with the respective hot water valves (60a) and cold water valves (60b), essentially made up of the following elements:

[0065] two supply line segments for hot water (71) and cold water (72) which are connected by suitable means to the hot water supply pipes (21) and cold water supply pipes (31) of the tap (60);

[0066] a pump (74) for water recirculation installed in a bypass line (75) which communicates the hot (71) and cold (72) water pipes;

[0067] first water flow regulation means (76), preferably a solenoid valve, situated on the bypass line (75) and in this example on the hot water pump (74), either allowing or not allowing the passage of water (74) to the cold water pipe (72),

[0068] second water flow regulation means or non-return means (76b) situated on the bypass line (75), preferably on the opposite side of the pump (74), wherein the first water flow regulation means (76) are situated, although they may also be situated on the other side,

[0069] first means for measuring temperature, a thermal contact or temperature sensor (77), arranged in the hot water supply pipe (21) upstream from the bypass line (75);

[0070] a control system (18) connected to said first flow regulation means or solenoid valve (76) by means of temperature measurement means (77) and the pump (74), said control system (18) having electronic means for activating and deactivating the pump (74) of the device (70). For example, said activation means may be a second timer (not shown) which may periodically, for example once a day and for 2 minutes, and automatically activate the pump (74), forcing the recirculation of water from the hot water pipe (21) to the cold water pipe (31), thereby preventing the prolonged stagnation of water and, therefore, the proliferation of bacteria. Another activation means may be the temperature sensor (77) which when reaching a previously set temperature in the control system sends a signal to the control system which activates the pump (74) of the device, such that in this case the activation means would not be a second timer, but rather the temperature sensor (77). Other activation means would be, for example, an automatic push button or remote connector which through the control system, would activate the pump. The same occurs with the deactivation means, and the same may be a timer, a temperature sensor, or even an activator, either manual or remote, which would stop the pump (74) of the device (70) by means of the control system.

[0071] On the device, the second water flow regulation means (76b) may be either a non-return valve, which prevents the passage of water from the hot water pipe (21) to the cold water pipe (31) by means of the pump (74) or a solenoid valve, in the case that the device is used for the recirculation of water from the cold water pipe (31) to the hot water pipe (21), as well as in the opposite way. Likewise, it is possible that first means for regulating the flow (76) in the bypass line (75) are arranged on the side of the pump (74) corresponding to the cold water (31) and, therefore, second flow regulation means (76b) arranged on the bypass line (75) would be situated on the hot water side (21).

[0072] Additionally, according to FIG. 1, which shows a device for saving hot water, it is possible to include the following elements to the components of the device:

[0073] a first pressure or flow meter (79), for example a flow meter, flow switch or pressure switch, arranged in the hot water supply section (21) upstream from the bypass (75), before a solenoid valve (78) which is normally open; and

[0074] third water flow regulation means (78) situated between the bypass line (71) and the connection with the tap (60), preferably a solenoid valve (78) which, in combination with first flow regulation means (76) of the bypass line (75), allow for the passage through the bypass line (75), either through the hot water supply section (21) downstream from the bypass line (75) and the pressure or flow meter (79), or cut the water coming from the hot water branch (21).

[0075] The arrangement of the first pressure or flow meter (79) in the hot water supply section (21) upstream from the bypass (75), allows:

[0076] The saved water flow to be measured, and

[0077] The energy saved to be measured, by exchanging information with the first temperature measuring means (77).

Moreover, with respect to solutions in the state of the art, a pressure switch to measure the water pressure is no longer necessary, given that since pressure disappears, it is measured by the flow.

[0078] The set of components, together with the aforementioned control system (18), allows for the analysis of the values provided by the flow or pressure meter (79) and the thermal contact or temperature sensor (77), which, in turn, controls the pump (74), the flow regulation means (78, 76) being conveniently connected to an energy source, preferably electric.

[0079] The control system, associated with the different electrical/electronic components for specifically regulating the operation of the same and regulating the operation of the device for preventing the proliferation of living beings or the water recirculation device in general, such as the pump, the temperature regulation means, or temperature sensor, flow regulation means, the timer and the push button, among others, makes it possible to control and record the temperatures, cycles and flows. Said control system may be connected to a server (not shown), through a communications port, either through a network or wirelessly, with the aim of being able to track the data registered as well as remotely manage the device. Acting remotely on the control system of the device, object of the invention, the activation and deactivation thereof is made possible from a control center, a mobile device, a remote control, etc. Through the connection of the control system to a remote server, it is possible to manage, control and record data, mainly of the temperature, the pipes, loops and blind branches (as well as the periodic openings thereof) of a system in which the device is installed.

[0080] In the example of FIG. 1, the second flow regulating means (76b) situated on either side of the pump (74) always on the bypass line (75), although preferably on the cold water side (31), consist of a non-return safety valve arranged at the intersection of the bypass line (75) and the cold water supply section (72), which also protects against the entry of particles when the pump is stopped (74).

[0081] The previous elements are integrated, as shown, in a single module (70), which may be installed next to the tap (60) or in the vicinity thereof, or even in the false ceiling through which the pipes (21, 31, 21, 31) which lead down to the tap run, having a completely neutral function, except for when hot water is requested, which is when the different components controlled and managed by the control system (18) are activated.

[0082] The bypass (75) allows for the communication of the hot water supply sections (71) and cold water supply sections (72) with the pump (74), said bypass (75) being adapted to divert water which has not reached the set temperature, circulating from the hot water section (71) to the cold water section (72).

[0083] The pressure or flow meter (79), arranged on the hot water supply section (71) or (72), according to models upstream from the bypass (75), allow the pressure or flow in the hot water supply pipe (71) to be detected, thereby preventing the pump (74) from functioning with no load, for example at a pressure greater than zero, and furthermore, as a function thereof, the control system (18) activates the device when hot water is requested from the hot water valve (60a) of the tap (60).

[0084] If there is a pressure drop in the hot water service line (21), the function of the non-return valve (76b) is to prevent the cold water, with greater pressure, from entering the hot water pipe (21) by having greater pressure than the hot water together with the pressure produced by the pump (74).

[0085] The water flow regulation means (78, 76), are preferably made up of a solenoid valve (78) or third flow regulation means arranged between the bypass line (75) and the tap (60) connection, normally open, arranged on the hot water supply section (71) downstream from the bypass line (75) and another solenoid valve or first flow regulation means (76) arranged on the bypass line (75), and normally closed.

[0086] The thermal contact or temperature sensor (77) arranged on the hot water supply pipe (71) upstream from the bypass line (75) allows the temperature of the hot water which circulates through the modular device of the invention to be controlled, such that if the previously set temperature is not reached, the solenoid valve corresponding to the first flow regulation means (76), normally closed, opens, and the other solenoid valve corresponding to the third flow regulating means (78), which is normally open, closes, and actuates the pump (74) to guarantee the recirculation of this water to the cold water section (72) passing through the non-return valve corresponding to second flow regulation means (76b) such that the water which is not yet hot is not lost down the drain, but rather runs towards the heat source, boiler or hot water source (40), and when the water reaches the set temperature, the solenoid valve corresponding to the third flow regulation means (78), normally open, allows for the exit thereof through the tap (60).

[0087] The solenoid valve corresponding to first flow regulation means (76) is normally closed and the solenoid valve corresponding to the third flow regulation means (78) is normally open, such that, in the case of a power failure, coil failure or disconnection of the system, the module (70) allows for the tap (60) to be used as a conventional tap, preventing the use of the tap and the supply of hot and/or cold water from being blocked.

[0088] Optionally, the module (70) further incorporates an advisor element, associated with the control device (18), which indicates that the open tap (60) is not yet supplying hot water, but that it will soon arrive.

[0089] Likewise, and optionally, the module (70) incorporates a Failure in the heat source alert, also associated with the management and control device (18), when the water does not reach the set temperature in the established time.

[0090] FIG. 2 schematically shows the system from the general water service line (10) to the point where the tap (60) is located, next to which the module (70) is installed, the operation of which is the following:

[0091] By opening the hot water valve (60a), the valve associated with the same causes the water contained in the hot water pipe (21) as well as the water contained in the hot water section (71) of the module (70) to begin to circulate. When the pressure or flow meter (79) detects this movement, and if the thermal contact (77) detects that the water is not at the programmed temperature, the control system (18) activates the solenoid valve corresponding to the third flow regulation means (78), closing the hot water pipe (71) downstream from the bypass (75), opening the solenoid valve corresponding to the first flow regulation means (76) in the bypass (75) and activating the pump (74) to recirculate the water to the cold water section (72) and later to the cold water pipe (31) where it returns to the main water service line (10) and where the heat source, hot water source or boiler (40), is requesting water, in order to supply the branch (71) and therethrough the pump (74) until the device detects that the water is at the set temperature and that it may be sent to the tap (60) through the hot water valve (60a) which is open and waiting for hot water, all of which is done without losing water.

[0092] And, upon reaching the set temperature measured by the thermal contact or temperature sensor (77), the control system (18) closes the solenoid valve corresponding to the first flow regulation means (76) of the bypass (75), stopping the pump (74) and opening the solenoid valve corresponding to the third flow regulation means (78) of the hot water section (71), thereby allowing the hot water at the set temperature to come out of the tap (60).

[0093] Optionally, a timer may be incorporated into the module (7) associated with the control unit (18), and it may be used to limit the time it takes the hot water to come out of the tap, installed in a way so that if the predetermined time for the opening of the tap is exceeded, the solenoid valve corresponding to the third flow regulation means (78), normally open, closes, in order to avoid the loss of water caused by possible lapsus when the hot water valve (60a) is left open without the solenoid valve opening, which corresponds to the first flow regulation means (76), which are normally closed.

[0094] Any application of this device avoids the costs of pumping to replace water, which now, coming from the hot water tap, does not go down the drain coming until it arrives hot, whereas previously water was lost while waiting for the water to heat up.

[0095] In order to prevent the proliferation of living beings, mainly bacteria and microorganisms in the system of FIG. 2, a system without a hot water recirculation loop, where said living beings sometimes proliferate in the stagnated water thereof over time due to a lack of use or due to a prior contamination, it is possible to include a push button (not shown) for the activation thereof, different from the ones described up to now, and connected to the control unit (18), which makes the manual activation of the device possible so that the pump of the device becomes activated and the water recirculates until reaching a previously set temperature, for example 58, which circulates through the entire hot and cold water system, passing through the heat source, boiler or hot water source, minimizing the number of living beings in the system. Once the push button or switch has been pressed, and when the temperature sensor (77) of the device (70) has reached the aforementioned 58 C., recirculation is maintained for 5 minutes, for example, which is variable based on the system's dimensions. Temperature and time may be regulated based on the specific needs of each system, as well as on the life forms that are to be exterminated. Preferably, said push button or switch must be pressed for a certain amount of time in order to carry out the thermal treatment of the piping, for safety reasons.

[0096] Although this last example of the device for saving water and for recirculation to prevent the stagnation of water relates to saving water when hot water is drawn from the tap, depending on the climate of the area where said device is located, it might be that it is the cold water valve (60b) which is necessary to actuate beforehand, due to very hot cold water pipes (31) from exposure to a very hot climate, and therefore a device (69) opposite to that which was until now described and previously shown in FIG. 1 would be necessary, which is described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0097] FIG. 3 shows a device (69), object of the present invention, to be installed in areas with high temperatures, normally desert areas, where the components of the device are arranged in an inverted way to that of the previously described device. FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c show an example of the operation of the aforementioned device in a simple water system. Specifically, water that is hot recirculates but arrives through the cold water pipe (31) to the hot water pipe (21). To compensate for the volume increase in the hot water circuit (21) it may be necessary to incorporate into said hot water circuit or first hot water pipe (21) an intermediate element for accumulating water, such as a reboiler (43), deposit or water bypass. Likewise, arranged immediately upstream from the reboiler (43) is a non-return valve (25), which prevents water coming from the cold water pipe (31) during recirculation from overflowing the reboiler (43) and returning to the hot water pipe (31).

[0098] Likewise, if it is desirable to have a device which is valid both for regulating cold water and hot water, a device with the same components on both sides of the pump (74) may be used, wherein second flow regulation means (76b) which in the preceding figures is a non-return valve (76b), in this case it would be a solenoid valve with the same functions as the second solenoid valve (76), arranged on the bypass line (75).

[0099] In other words, in this last example, the device would also have the components in FIGS. 1 to 4, second temperature regulation means, second water flow regulation means situated downstream from the bypass line, and a second pressure or flow meter situated upstream from the bypass line (75) on the same side as the pump (74), or even using the other pump independently for each independent circuit, where second water flow regulation means are situated, located on the bypass line (75).

[0100] FIG. 5 shows a water system, in particular a hot sanitary water (HSW) system with permanent hot water recirculation, wherein the risks of proliferation of living beings, such as Legionella, are minimized, in risk areas (ZR, ZR), thanks to the use of the device (70), object of the invention, and in particular due to the arrangement of a timer or programmer in the system for flushing the so-called blind branches with water. In these branches, there are optimal temperatures for the development of a breeding ground for living beings (ZR, ZR) when there is stagnated water for specific periods of time, due to a lack of use. With this device, periodically and in an automated fashion, a recirculation of these stagnated volumes is established, thereby avoiding the aforementioned risk before the same is produced, and always if the water has not been used for a specific time period.

[0101] Moreover, in addition to the main advantage of avoiding the proliferation of living beings, this device allows all of the water that was lost from the recirculation loop exiting the tap when hot water was requested to be saved, since the intermediate pipes also have to be heated before they provide hot water to the tap from which water is drawn, as well as to the contiguous taps.

[0102] The water system in FIG. 5 comprises at least a general water service line (10), a hot water recirculation pipe (20) which comes from the general service line (10), which begins and ends at a heat source or boiler (40) to heat water coming from the general service line (10), defining a hot water recirculation loop, including a recirculation pump (50) downstream, which also may be situated upstream from the heat source or boiler (40) and before, although it may also be situated after, the main hot water pipe or loop (20) connects again to the heater (40). The system also has at least one cold water pipe (30) which comes from the general service line (10). Coming from said hot water pipe (20) is at least a hot water branch (21, 21) and also at least one cold water branch (31, 31) which comes from a bypass of the cold water pipe (30), each pair formed by a hot water branch and another cold water branch (21-31, 21-31) ending in a tap (60, 60). Shown in this system are a first pair of branches (21, 31) and a second pair of branches (21, 31), this second pair (21, 31) having a water circulation device (70) situated upstream from the tap (60), between the bypasses of the pipe or hot water recirculation loop (20) and the cold water pipe (30) and said tap (60), said recirculation device (70) connecting said pair of branches (21, 31) and further comprising a timer or programmer which activates the water recirculation device (70) during at least the necessary time from the activation of said recirculation device (70) to displace all of the water contained between the bypass between the hot water recirculation loop (20) and the hot water branch (21) of the second pair of branches (31) and the recirculation device (70). Specifically, said timer activates the water recirculation device (70) to guarantee the recirculation of the volume of water contained in the hot water branch (21) to the cold water branch (31) in the second pair of branches (21-31) in the direction of the cold water pipe (30).

[0103] By means of this system, wherein the first pipe or recirculation loop (20) is active, such that hot water circulates through the first pipe or loop (20) in a constant manner, and after a period of disuse in which no one has used the hot water branch (21) during a time in which the proliferation of living beings is facilitated in said branch (21), such as Legionella or any other bacteria or microorganism, the timer or programmer of the system, in combination with the water recirculation device (70), will displace the volume of water, before the breeding ground for living beings has been developed, toward the cold water branch (31) before it may become a health risk. Said recirculation from the hot water branch (21) to the cold water branch (31) may last until: [0104] A temperature sensor in the recirculation device (70) detects a safe temperature, previously set or programmed, which guarantees that the system meets health standards, and/or [0105] It is guaranteed by a periodic or timed recirculation that all of the volume of the hot water branch (21) has been emptied and displaced to the cold water pipe (30) such that the risk of the proliferation of living beings is reduced by the volume of water displaced from the hot water branch (21) going to a lower thermal level. This periodic recirculation is done whenever the recirculation device (70) has not detected the use of hot water in the branch (21) during an established period.

[0106] By means of this system, the water from the hot water branch (21) that is warm is injected into the second cold water pipe (30).

[0107] The advantages of this system consist of preventing the proliferation of Legionella, bacteria and microorganisms, and saving water from the time the tap (60) is open to when the hot water reaches the hot water branch (21).

[0108] Likewise, FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a hot sanitary water system, identical to the system in FIG. 5, wherein the permanent recirculation of the first pipe or loop (20b) is eliminated by means of the arrangement of first sealing means (24) of said first pipe (20b) between the bypass of at least one hot water branch (21), being the last bypass the system requires for hot water, and the heat source (40) and the arrangement of second sealing means (24) immediately before the hot water pipe (20b) returns to said heat source (40). The section between the sealing means (24, 24) therefore remains closed by cut-off valves and, likewise, it is purged or emptied by means of a purging element (D) to prevent stagnant water from existing in the system.

[0109] This way, the recirculation of hot water though the hot water pipe (20b) is inactive, converting a system with a hot water recirculation loop (20b) into a conventional water circuit for instantaneously producing hot water, similar to FIG. 2. By permanently eliminating the heat source of the hot loop, the risk of proliferation of living beings is reduced, since once hot water is no longer demanded, the pipes (20b) and branches (21, 21) once again lower their temperature through a natural and simple heat loss until reaching the same temperature as the cold water pipes and branches. In this way, the values of the risk of the proliferation or existence of living beings in the hot water pipes are reduced to values similar to those of cold water pipes. Moreover, as is obvious, we avoid losing large volumes of water before it arrives hot through the hot water pipe (20b) thanks to the perfected device (70) of the present invention, installed in FIG. 6 between the second pair of branches (21, 31), the device (70) incorporating the other aforementioned components intended to save water and energy.

[0110] Therefore, the advantages of this system are: [0111] Preventing living beings and reducing the risk of the same by converting the system into an instantaneous hot water producing system, with low risk, in comparison to circulation systems which are considered high risk, [0112] Saving thermal energy which is no longer consumed by annulling the permanently hot loop (20) of FIG. 5 and converting it into the hot water pipe (20b) which will only be hot when hot water is requested, [0113] Saving refrigeration energy which is commonly used in hot geographic locations to combat both the ambient heat and the heat generated by the hot water recirculation loop (20) in FIG. 5, [0114] Saving electric energy by not having a pump (50) running 24 hours a day for recirculating hot water, and [0115] Saving water.

[0116] Additionally, not having to replace water lost down the drain with new water from the supply network in many cases leads to a decrease in the pumping expenses, which exists in many systems.

[0117] FIG. 7 shows an installation similar to the one in FIG. 5, meaning with a hot water recirculation loop (20), the difference being that the activation of the water recirculation device (70) causes the tap (60) to open to force out at least water contained in the hot water branch or first branch (21). By means of this system, if no one has used the hot water pipe for a specific period of time, to flush out the volume of water in the hot water branch (21) where the living beings may comfortably exist, for example Legionella or other microorganisms, in the areas of proliferation (ZR), said volume of water is released through the hot water tap (60). Therefore, it is necessary to leave said hot water tap (60a) open, such that the water recirculation device (70) may control the closing and opening of the same by means of opening and closing the third flow regulation means (78) arranged in said recirculation device (70) and activated by the timer or programmer of the installation. Said third flow regulation means (78) arranged in the recirculation device may remain open, once activated, until the temperature of the water coming out of the tap reaches the necessary temperature, and for the necessary time, for reducing the content of living beings. Once the aforementioned temperature has been reached, a temperature which has been previously set, or once a specific period of time has gone by, third flow regulation means (78) will close and the system will be remain ready to be used.

[0118] This system is particularly useful when the tap (60) will not be used for extended periods of time, such as during the off-season for hotels, when the hotel is closed, in hospitals or in houses with rooms not in use, in which the tap is, therefore, not used. The system may be activated by manual activation using a timer or programmer, or by programming said timer or programmer.

[0119] FIG. 8 shows a fourth water system in buildings for preventing the stagnation of water and the proliferation of living beings in the water pipes thereof (ZR, ZR) by means of recirculation of water in the branches, from the hot water branch (21, 21) to a new, second intermediate recirculation branch (22, 22), also of hot water, thereby displacing the water towards the hot water pipe or the recirculation loop (20). With respect to previous systems, the second branch is a pipe (22, 22) arranged between a bypass of the hot water pipe or recirculation loop (20) and the water recirculation device (70), and the cold water loop (31, 31) is a pipe from a bypass of a main cold water pipe (30) and the tap (60).

[0120] Specifically, this system incorporates a second branch (22, 22) which extends from a bypass in the hot water pipe or recirculation loop (20) to the recirculation device (70) such that it creates a small circuit between the hot water branch (21, 21), the recirculation device (70) and the second branch (22, 22) arranged between said recirculation device (70) and the recirculation loop (20). By means of this system, and if users have not made use of the hot water, to prevent the proliferation of living beings in the risk area (ZR), the recirculation device (70) pumps the volume of water contained in the hot water branch (21, 21) to said recirculation device (70) and this entire volume of water will return through the new added second branch until said volume of water and the content of the second branch (22, 22) are incorporated from the hot water recirculation loop (20) and also in the direction of the boiler (40) or boiler (40) plus accumulator (45), where, due to the temperature thereof, the population of the aforementioned living beings will be reduced.

[0121] The actuation of the recirculation device (70) may be done by opening the hot water valve (60a).

[0122] To prevent the volume of water flushed out through the new second branch (22, 22) from entering again through the recirculation loop (20) in the hot water branches (21, 21), it is possible to place non-return valves (80) between both bypasses (21, 22 and between 21, 22) in the hot water recirculation loop (20).

[0123] The main advantages of this system consist of preventing the development of living beings, such as microorganisms and bacteria, and saving water.

[0124] FIG. 9 shows a fifth water system in buildings for preventing the stagnation of water and the proliferation of living beings in the water pipes thereof (ZR) by means of recirculation of water in the branches, from the hot water branches (21, 21) to second or intermediate recirculation branches (22, 22), also hot water, thereby displacing the water towards the hot water pipe or the recirculation loop (20f), in this case turned off, which comprises non-return valves (80) to make the displacement of water of the hot water branches (21, 21) to the boiler (40) possible. Specifically, situated in the recirculation loop (20f) are non-return valves (80) after the bypasses to the hot water branches (21, 21) and before the return bypasses (22, 22). The recirculation pump (50) in this case may be stopped or bypassed, and the pumps (74) of the devices (70) guarantee the movement of these volumes thanks to the anti-return valves (80) in the direction of the boiler (40) or the boiler (40) and accumulator (45), where they will receive the heat shock which reduces the microbial population.

[0125] The advantages of this system are the reduction of energy costs (electric, gas and refrigeration), and a safer system with respect to the proliferation of living beings, by going from a system with a permanent hot recirculation loop to a system for instantly heating water, saving water and, additionally, forcing all of the water of the branches to occasionally pass through the boiler.

[0126] In the systems described in FIGS. 5 to 9 the device for the recirculation of water (70) is preferably one in accordance with FIG. 1, while that of FIG. 10 described below shows a sixth water system in buildings for preventing water stagnation and the proliferation of living beings in the pipes thereof (ZR) by means of the recirculation of water in the branches, from the cold water branch (31) to the hot water branch (21) by means of a recirculation device (68) as shown in FIG. 3. In this system, which is similar to the system in FIG. 5, but different therefrom and from the previously described systems, water is recirculated from the second branch or cold water branch (31) to the first branch or hot water branch (21) such that the volume of water of said first branch (21) is pushed towards the hot water loop (20).

[0127] In this system it is possible that a water accumulating element (43) is necessary, arranged in the recirculation loop (20) to absorb the variations in the volume of water in said loop (20) due to the introduction of additional water, for which there temporarily might not be room for in said loop (20).

[0128] By using conventional pipes in a construction with recirculation, this system ensures that the volumes of water contained in the branch (21) where there may be a development of living beings are cauterized in the loop (20), or enter the boiler (40) or accumulator (45) with a simple injection of cold water to displace these potentially dangerous volumes.

[0129] In addition to the functions described, the recirculation device (70) prevents the water inside many of the described figures, with or without recirculation, the pipes and branches of a hot or cold sanitary water system, from freezing during winter periods when the system is not in use. Therefore, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is such that there is a risk of the pipes freezing (by a previous determination of said temperature), the device is activated, the boiler starts up, if it is connected, hot water circulates through the system until exceeding the temperature constituting a risk of freezing which may cause cracks in the pipes. If, on the other hand, the boiler or heat source cannot be activated, due to a lack of fuel or if it is turned off, for example, the pump of the device will start up regardless, and initiate the recirculation of water through the system, such that this recirculation, together with the heating of the water caused by passing through the pump, regardless of which system it is and the exposure thereof to the cold, will be sufficient to prevent the water in the pipes from freezing. In accordance with the previously mentioned points, a water system is formed which may be any of the previously explained systems, wherein the water recirculation device (70), which comprises the pump of the device (74) and means for measuring the temperature, or sensor, which activate the pump (74) of the water recirculation device (70) when the temperature of the water detected by the temperature regulation means is lower than a preset temperature close to freezing, such that the water of the device is displaced by means of the pump of the device (74), heating said water and preventing the freezing of the same, in combination or not with the activation of the heat source, until means for deactivating or stopping the pump (74) of the device (70) are actuated. These deactivation means may either be the same temperature means which reach a preset temperature, or a second timer which is actuated if a specific time has been exceeded and said deactivation temperature has not been reached.