Abstract
In order to reduce the number of redundant sensors for measuring a property of process liquids in liquid-carrying production systems, there is proposed a measuring apparatus (100) for the online measurement of at least one property of process liquids at at least two different flow rates and during the production of a medical liquid, which measuring apparatus has a tank (4) for receiving the process liquid, a hollow accumulation vessel (7), which is arranged within the tank (4), in a side wall of the tank (4) or on a side wall of the tank (4) and through which the process liquid can flow depending on the filling level in the tank (4), said accumulation vessel having at least one lower opening (20) and at least one upper opening (30) which are fluidically connected to the interior of the tank (4) such that process liquid can flow from the hollow accumulation vessel (7) into the tank, and a sensor (6) for measuring at least one property of the process liquid, which sensor is arranged in the hollow accumulation vessel (7).
Claims
1. Measuring apparatus (100) for the online measurement of at least one property of process liquids at at least two different flow rates and during the production of a medical liquid, comprising a. a tank (4) for receiving the process liquid, wherein the tank (4) has an outflow, b. a hollow accumulation vessel (7) which i. is arranged within the tank (4), in a side wall of the tank (4) or on a side wall of the tank (4), ii. depending on the fill level in the tank (4) can have process liquid pass therethrough, can be entirely filled by process liquid or can be partly filled by process liquid, iii. comprises at least one lower opening (20), which is arranged in the lower region (25) of the hollow accumulation vessel (7) and fluidically connected to the interior of the tank (4), and through which opening process liquid stored in the hollow accumulation vessel (7) is able to flow into the tank (4) in the case where a fill level of the tank (4) is lower than the fill level in the hollow accumulation vessel (7), iv. comprises at least one upper opening (30), which is arranged in the upper region (35) of the accumulation vessel (7) and fluidically connected to the interior of the tank (4) such that additionally process liquid can overflow out of the hollow accumulation vessel (7) through the upper opening (30) into the tank (4) when the fill level of the process liquid in the hollow accumulation vessel (7) reaches up to at least one upper opening (30), v. wherein the upper region (35) is located above the lower region (25), vi. wherein the sum of the cross sections of the upper openings (30) is at least ten times as large as the sum of the cross sections of the lower openings (20), c. a sensor (6) for measuring at least one property of the process liquid, which sensor is arranged in the hollow accumulation vessel (7) in such a way that it can be in contact with the process liquid when process liquid accumulates in the hollow accumulation vessel (7).
2. Measuring apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (6) is a conductivity sensor or temperature sensor.
3. Measuring apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein two or more sensors (6) are arranged together in the hollow accumulation vessel (7) for the purposes of measuring different properties of the process liquid.
4. Measuring apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein a conductivity sensor (6) and a temperature sensor (6) are arranged together in the hollow accumulation vessel (7).
5. Measuring apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the hollow accumulation vessel (7) has a shape that tapers from top to bottom, a funnel shape or a cylindrical shape.
6. Measurement system (300) comprising a measuring apparatus (100) according to claim 1, and a. at least two conduits (1) for feeding at least two different process liquids into the tank (4), b. at least two means for controlling the feed or discharge of process liquids into the tank (4), c. a controller (8) configured to capture the measurement values of the sensor (6) and control the valves.
7. Measurement system (300) according to claim 6, wherein the at least two conduits are arranged so that a freefall path is formed between their outlet openings at the end and the hollow accumulation vessel (7).
8. Measurement system (300) according to claim 6, comprising one or more of the following means for identifying which process liquid is in contact with the sensor (6) of the measuring apparatus (100): a. at least one means (4.3) for determining the fill level in the tank (4), which means is able to identify more than two differently high fill levels in the tank (4), b. or at least two fill level limit switches (4.1, 4.2) which are set up to determine a lower and an upper fill level in the tank (4), c. or the controller (8) is set up to control the flow of the different process liquids in a certain time sequence so that the current process liquid can be determined on the basis of the time profile, d. or, if the measurement region of the properties of the process liquid is non-overlapping for the different process liquids, the controller (8) is set up to carry out an assignment of measurement value to process liquids on the basis of the measurement value of the sensor (6) and known measurement regions for different process liquids.
9. Liquid-carrying production system (1000) for producing medical liquids, comprising a measuring apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or claim 6.
10. Liquid-carrying production system (1000) according to claim 9, which is embodied as a water treatment installation or a purified water preparation installation for providing dialysis water, wherein the measuring apparatus (100) is arranged in a reservoir tank (4) of the production system (1000).
11. Liquid-carrying production system (1000) according to claim 9, which is embodied as a mixing installation for providing dialysis fluid or dialysis fluid concentrate, wherein the measuring apparatus (100) is arranged in a reservoir tank (4) or mixing tank (4) of the production system (1000).
12. Liquid-carrying production system (1000) according to claim 10, which is embodied as a reverse osmosis installation.
13. Method (500) for separately measuring at least one property of a process liquid using a measuring apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or a measurement system (300) according to claim 6 or a liquid-carrying production system (1000) according to claim 9, comprising at least the following steps: a. separately feeding (531, 532) the process liquid to be measured to the sensor (6) in the hollow accumulation vessel (7), b. measuring (540) a property of the process liquid in contact with the sensor (6) until a predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached (545), c. storing (555) the measurement value of the property of the process liquid after the predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached (545).
14. Method (500) according to claim 13, wherein the separate feed (531, 532) is implemented with at least the following steps: a. lowering (510) the fill level in the tank (4) until the fill level is below the hollow accumulation vessel (7), b. releasing (531) the conduit for feeding the process liquid to be measured into the hollow accumulation vessel (7).
15. Method (500) according to claim 13, wherein the separate feed (531) is implemented with at least the following steps: a. raising (519) the fill level in the tank (4) up to a fill level that is level with the sensor (6) or higher.
16. Method (500) for separately measuring at least one property of at least two different process liquids with the same sensor (6), wherein successively in an interchangeable sequence at least one property of a first process liquid is measured using the method according to claim 14 and at least the same property of a second process liquid is measured using a method according to claim 15 or wherein a second process liquid is fed again following the second step (532) of the method according to claim 14, releasing (531) the conduit for the feed.
17. Method (500) according to claim 14, wherein lowering (510) the fill level in the tank (4) is followed by the separate feed (532) by virtue of the process liquid remaining in the tank (4) being guided to a reverse osmosis membrane (12) and either the liquid that passed through the reverse osmosis membrane (12) or the process liquid that did not pass through the reverse osmosis membrane (12) being fed (532) to the sensor (6).
18. Method (500) for separately measuring at least one property of a process liquid according to claim 13 and for a comparison (558) with a second sensor (16.1), additionally comprising at least the following steps: a. separately feeding the process liquid to be measured to the second sensor (16.1), b. measuring (542) the same property of the process liquid in contact with the second sensor (16.1) until a predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached (547), c. storing (557) the measurement value of the property of the process liquid after the predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached, d. comparing (558) the measurement values of the two sensors (6, 16.1).
19. Measurement system (300) or liquid-carrying production system (1000), comprising a controller (8) configured to carry out a method according to claim 13.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0092] The apparatuses and methods are described below with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:
[0093] FIG. 1 shows the measuring apparatus according to the invention for the online measurement of at least one property of process liquids at at least two different flow rates, having a hollow accumulation vessel in a tank in a first embodiment in a measurement system according to the invention of an exemplary embodiment,
[0094] FIG. 2 shows the same measuring apparatus according to the invention with a tank as part of the same measurement system according to the invention as in FIG. 1, wherein different fill levels of the tank are shown in three different partial views FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 2c,
[0095] FIG. 3 shows three different embodiments of the measuring apparatus according to the invention with differently designed shapes of the tank and hollow accumulation vessel, wherein each of the three embodiments is shown in turn in three different partial views in each case,
[0096] FIG. 4 shows three further different embodiments of the measuring apparatus according to the invention with differently designed shapes of the tank and hollow accumulation vessel, wherein each of the three embodiments is shown in turn in three different partial views in each case,
[0097] FIG. 5 shows a detailed view looking into the interior of a hollow accumulation vessel and of a tank of an embodiment of a measuring apparatus according to the invention, as also shown in FIGS. 3a-1, 3a-2 and 3a-3 b, with an exemplary design for a lower opening in the lower region and an upper opening in the upper region of the hollow accumulation vessel,
[0098] FIG. 6 shows the liquid-carrying production system according to the invention with a measuring apparatus for the online measurement of at least one property of process liquids at at least two different flow rates, having a hollow accumulation vessel in a tank in a first embodiment in a measurement system according to the invention of an exemplary embodiment,
[0099] FIG. 7 shows the method according to the invention for separately measuring at least one property of at least two different process liquids using the same sensor in an exemplary embodiment, in which the fill level in the tank is lowered and the process liquid to be measured is fed to the sensor by way of a feed conduit,
[0100] FIG. 8 shows the method according to the invention for separately measuring at least one property of at least two different process liquids using the same sensor in an exemplary embodiment, in which the fill level in the tank is lowered and the process liquid to be measured is fed to the sensor by way of a circulation,
[0101] FIG. 9 shows the method according to the invention for separately measuring at least one property of at least two different process liquids using the same sensor in an exemplary embodiment, in which the fill level in the tank is raised and hence the process liquid to be measured is fed to the sensor, and
[0102] FIG. 10 shows a method according to the invention for separately measuring at least one property of at least two different process liquids using the same sensor in an exemplary embodiment, in which a measurement of the same property of the same liquid is additionally implemented using a second sensor.
[0103] In the figures, the same or similar elements can be referenced by the same reference sign.
[0104] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a measuring apparatus 100 according to the invention in the context of a measurement system 300. An exemplary hollow accumulation vessel 7 has a shape corresponding to a lateral cylinder wall in the lower region 25 and a skewed funnel in the upper region 35. The exemplary hollow accumulation vessel 7 is arranged in a tank 4, for example has a lower opening 20 in the lower region 25 and for example three to eight upper openings 30 in the upper region 35. A sensor 6 for measuring at least one property of a process liquid is arranged such that it can be in contact, i.e. in the measurement contact, with a liquid accumulating in the hollow accumulation vessel 7. In the exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus 100 shown, the hollow accumulation vessel 7 is arranged on a side wall in the interior of the tank 4. Since the highest point of the hollow accumulation vessel 7 is lower than the upper edge of the tank 4 in this embodiment, process liquid can also flow into the tank 4 over the edge of the funnel-shaped upper portion 35 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7.
[0105] In FIG. 1, electrical connections are shown as dotted lines and hydraulic conduits are shown as full lines. This also applies to FIGS. 2 and 6.
[0106] The measuring apparatus 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as part of an exemplary measurement system 300. The measurement system has a controller 8 which, in exemplary fashion, is not only connected in this case to the sensor 6 but also to an upper fill level limit switch 4.1 and a lower fill level limit switch 4.2 and to a plurality of check valves, e.g. the valve 5.1 in the conduit 5 at the outlet connector of the tank 4. Three conduits 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 for three process liquids are arranged in such a way that their end openings are situated above the hollow accumulation vessel 7. In this case, the conduits reach into the tank 4 and have a small distance from the hollow accumulation vessel 7 such that a freefall path is formed.
[0107] FIG. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment of a measuring apparatus 100 according to the invention in the context of a measurement system 300 of FIG. 1 with three different fill levels of the tank 4 on one page of the drawing for a better illustration. Thus, FIG. 2a shows an empty tank 4 and hence it shows the same as in FIG. 1, albeit in a smaller illustration. FIG. 2b shows a fill level that only reaches to the exemplary lower fill level limit switch 4.2. In this case, the hollow accumulation vessel 7 of the measuring apparatus 100 is not submerged in the liquid in the tank 4. The fill level in the tank 4 lies below the hollow accumulation vessel 7. However, other means for capturing the fill level could optionally also be provided in interchangeable fashion, for example a means for measuring a multiplicity of discrete fill levels using reed sensors or a continuous fill level measurement. FIG. 2c shows a high fill level that almost reaches to the upper edge of the tank 4 and the upper fill level limit switch 4.1. In this case, the hollow accumulation vessel 7 of the measuring apparatus 100 is below the fill level in the tank, i.e. completely submerged in the process liquid.
[0108] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b and 4c show exemplary embodiments of the measurement system disclosed here in different geometric designs. All six exemplary embodiments shown have at least one lower opening 20 in the lower region 25 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7. By way of example, the lower opening 20 can be embodied as a circular drill hole or as a slot. Optionally, the lower opening 20 is formed in a wall section 72 in the lower region 25 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7. Preferably, the lower opening 20 is embodied as a slot which extends to the base or the lowermost point of the interior of the hollow accumulation vessel 7. This particularly advantageously allows, firstly, process liquid to be able to emerge from the hollow accumulation vessel 7 through the lower opening 20 even in the case of the lowest fill levels in the hollow accumulation vessel 7. Secondly, this emergence of process liquid from the hollow accumulation vessel 7 ensures that, should process liquid enter the hollow accumulation vessel 7, the liquid contained therein is always in a flowing movement. The continuous flowing movement advantageously brings about forced mixing of the liquid in the hollow accumulation vessel 7. In turn, this causes the sensor 6 to always measure a mixture of the process liquid present in the hollow accumulation vessel 7 when it carries out a measurement, i.e. not only, for instance, measure a constituent part of a poorly mixed mixture of process liquids in the hollow accumulation vessel 7. Advantageously, this thus avoids separate layering of different liquids in the hollow accumulation vessel 7. Such layering would be inexpedient because this could falsify the measurement of the sensor 6 to the effect of a property of only a constituent part of the liquid present in the hollow accumulation vessel 7 measuring. An exemplary configuration for a lower opening is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5. The embodiment of the lower opening 20 as a slit or slot is only one design option in this case. The explanations provided in this paragraph also apply to differently shaped lower openings 20 provided at least one lower opening 20 extends to the lowermost point of the interior of the hollow accumulation vessel 7.
[0109] Here, FIGS. 3a-1, 3a-2 and 3a-3 show the same embodiment in different views. FIG. 3a-1 shows an exemplary measuring apparatus 100 in a sectional view from one side, with the inner structure of the measuring apparatus 100 becoming evident. FIG. 3a-2 shows the same exemplary measuring apparatus 100 in a side view. FIG. 3a-3 shows the same exemplary measuring apparatus in a plan view. Analogously, FIGS. 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b and 4c each show a different exemplary embodiment of a measuring apparatus 100, as disclosed here, with these three different views: sectional drawing: ?1, side view: ?2, plan view: ?3.
[0110] FIG. 3c shows an exemplary embodiment for a measuring apparatus 100 and a measurement system 300, in which the hollow accumulation vessel 7 is designed as part of the wall of the tank 4, but manufactured as a separate part. By manufacturing the hollow accumulation vessel 7 as a separate part, the production of the measurement system 300 is advantageously simplified and more cost-effective. Thus, for example, the hollow accumulation vessel 7 can initially be equipped with the sensor 6 and subsequently be assembled in liquid-tight fashion in conjunction with the tank 4.
[0111] Instead of two fill level limit switches 4.1, 4.2, FIGS. 3a and 4b show an arrangement with an elongate, perpendicularly arranged circuit board with reed sensors for capturing a multiplicity of discrete fill levels.
[0112] FIG. 4a shows an exemplary embodiment of a measuring apparatus 100 in which the hollow accumulation vessel 7 was lengthened downward such that it extends parallel to the tank 4 in sections below the lower region 25 and the lower opening 20. Consequently, the outlet connector of the tank 4 is connected to a section of the hollow accumulation vessel 7 and the tank outflow is implemented via the hollow accumulation vessel 7. By way of example, if this embodiment is arranged in the context of a liquid-carrying production system 1000 and a suction pump 10 is connected to the lower connector of the hollow accumulation vessel not connected to the tank 4, there particularly advantageously is greater mixing of process liquids in the hollow accumulation vessel 7 during the operation of the pump because the suction pump 10 partly sucks through the hollow accumulation vessel 7.
[0113] FIGS. 4a and 4b show an exemplary embodiment with the same advantages during the manufacture as in the case of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3c and described above.
[0114] FIG. 4c shows an exemplary embodiment in which the tank 4 has a substantially cylindrical design and the hollow accumulation vessel is arranged on a side wall of the tank 4 so that it is situated completely in the interior of the tank 4. It has a funnel-shaped section.
[0115] FIG. 5 shows, in a perspective view, viewed from above, the interior of an exemplary measuring apparatus 100 that is identical to the measuring apparatus 100 already shown from three different views in FIGS. 3a-1, 3a-2 and 3a-3. As an example for many embodiments of the measuring apparatus 100, FIG. 5 shows possible designs of the hollow accumulation vessel 7, the tank 4, the lower opening 20 and the upper opening 30. In the embodiment shown, the hollow accumulation vessel 7 is shaped into a side wall of the tank 4. The hollow accumulation vessel 7 has a substantially funnel-shaped cross section and tapers from top to bottom. An opening 63 for receiving the sensor 6 of the measuring apparatus 100 is formed in the side wall in the lower region 25 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7. (The sensor 6 has not been shown for a better illustration herein. Likewise, possible covers and feeding conduits 1 are not shown for a better overview). A lower opening 20 is formed as a slit or slot with a perpendicular extent in the lower region 25 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7. The lower opening 20 merges seamlessly into the upper opening 30. The cross section of the upper opening 30 is more than ten times as large as the cross section of the lower opening 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper opening 30 substantially corresponds to the interface between the hollow accumulation vessel 7 with a substantially funnel-shaped design and the cylindrically shaped tank 4, as a result of which the upper opening 30 widens from bottom to top following the cylinder. It is clearly evident that the lower opening 20 is arranged in a wall section 72 in the lower region 25 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7 in this exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the wall section 72 facilitates damming of a liquid in the lower region 25 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7 even in the case of relatively low flow rates. The wall section 72 could also be referred to as a dam wall. In this embodiment, the lower region 25 has a substantially trough-shaped form, with two parallel, perpendicular side walls forming the trough in the longitudinal direction and consequently delimiting the lower region of the measuring apparatus. On the short sides, the lower region 25 is delimited, firstly, by the wall section 72 in which the lower opening 20, formed here as a slit, is situated. The other short side is delimited by a shape corresponding to half a cylinder lateral wall. The upper region 35 starts immediately above the upper edge of the wall section 72 or of the lower opening 25. Here, the upper opening 30 can be imagined as lying in the plane of the wall section 72 but above the wall section 72. If a process liquid fills the lower region 25 and if more liquid than can leave through the lower opening 20 continues to flow into the hollow accumulation vessel 7, the fill level will continue to rise and exceed the upper edge of the lower opening 20 and the wall section 72. Then, the process liquid will flow into the tank 4 of the measuring apparatus 100 through the upper opening 30. This embodiment represents an exemplary option for the geometric design. However, other designs of the hollow accumulation vessel 7 are also possible; these do not require a wall section 72 as the one shown but, for example, operate according to the same principle using, e.g. only openingsfor example drilled openingsas one or more lower openings 20 and as one or more upper openings 30. What is essential here is that the sum of the cross sections of all upper openings 30, which are arranged in the upper region 35 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7, have a much greater cross sectionfor example ten times or one hundred times the cross sectionthan the lower openings 20 which are arranged in the lower region 25 of the hollow accumulation vessel 7. Since the lower region 25 is located below the upper region 35 and the sensor 6 is arranged in the lower region in all embodiments of the measuring apparatus 100, this allows a property of a process liquid to be measured by the sensor over a large range of flow rates with which the process liquid flows.
[0116] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a liquid-carrying production system 1000 having a measurement system 300 with a measuring apparatus 100. In this example, the liquid-carrying production system 1000 is set up to produce purified water for dialysis by means of reverse osmosis, wherein a pump 10 presses water through a reverse osmosis membrane 12 and consequently certain constituent parts are filtered out of the water. In relation to known production systems, the number of sensors 6, 16.1 was reduced to two by using the measuring apparatus according to the invention: A measuring apparatus 100 with a hollow accumulation vessel 7 and a sensor 6 is set up in the tank 4 for measuring all process liquids upstream of the reverse osmosis membrane 12 and a second sensor 16.1 is set up to measure the produced purified water on the distribution path downstream of the reverse osmosis membrane 12. Here, the measuring apparatus 100 is arranged in the tank 4 in such a way that it is at a level below an upper fill level limit switch 4.1 and below a lower fill level limit switch 4.2. This arrangement makes it possible to detect whether the fill level of the tank 4 is below the measuring apparatus 100 such that the latter only has liquid flowing out of a first or a second conduit 1, 2 (or out of both conduits) flowing therethrough or above the measuring apparatus 100 such that the latter is filled by the mixture of liquids in the tank 4. In this example, soft water is supplied through a first conduit 1 and purified water in the return from the reverse osmosis membrane 12 is supplied through a second conduit 2, in each case into the tank 4 of the measuring apparatus 100 with the hollow accumulation vessel 7. The hollow accumulation vessel 7 has at least one lower opening 20 and at least one upper opening 30, wherein the sum of the cross sections of the upper openings 30 is at least ten times as large as the sum of the lower openings 20 and is adapted to the range of flow rates possible for the various process liquids during operation. A sensor 6 for measuring at least one property of a process liquid is arranged in the measuring apparatus 100. The measuring apparatus 100 is part of a measurement system 300 which comprises a controller 8. The controller 8 is configured to receive a measurement signal from the sensor 6 and control the inflow of various process liquids into the hollow accumulation vessel 7 and/or the tank 4 of the measuring apparatus 100 by virtue of controlling the valve on the first conduit 1 and the valve 14 on the drainage conduit 15 branching from the third conduit 3 and the optional valve 5.1 on the conduit at the drain 5 of the tank 4. Optionally, the controller 8 also controls a pump 10 that is arranged on the conduit at the drain 5 of the tank 4. The distribution path downstream of the purified water side of the reverse osmosis membrane 12 comprises a ring conduit 16.2, to which consumers 16.8, e.g. dialysis machines, can be connected. The unconsumed purified water or dialysis water (or else permeate) arrives back in the tank 4 at the end of the distribution system via a reducer 16.3 and the second conduit 2, in such a way that, when flowing in, it can flow into the hollow accumulation vessel 7 of the measuring apparatus 100. A third conduit 3 guides the so-called concentrate or else retentate, i.e. the water retained at the reverse osmosis membrane 12, back into the tank 4 via a first reducer 3.2 and a second reducer 3.1. Thus, this exemplary embodiment has a connector 13 at the reverse osmosis membrane 12, via which process liquid which reached the reverse osmosis membrane 12 but did not pass through the reverse osmosis membrane 12 is pumped. This process liquid is referred to as retentate since it was retained by the membrane despite flowing over the reverse osmosis membrane. This connector is therefore also referred to as retentate connector. From this connector 13, the third conduit 3 with a first reducer 3.2 and a second reducer 3.1 leads back to the tank and branching therefrom there is a drainage conduit 15, which leads to the drain 15.7 to the sewer system via a valve 14 and a third reducer 15.1. The third conduit 3 guides liquid that has not passed through the membrane, i.e. retentate, back into the tank 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the third conduit 3 is a specific conduit for returning the retentate into the tank 4 and is arranged such that the retentate does not directly reach the measuring apparatus 100 but only reaches the latter indirectly via an accumulation procedure in the tank 4, either individually or mixed with the other process liquids present in the tank 4. This arrangement is optional. Alternatively, the third conduit 3 can also be arranged in such a way that the retentate can directly reach the hollow accumulation vessel 7 of the measuring apparatus 100, wherein a freefall path, for example, can be provided between the end of the third conduit 3. In this embodiment, a freefall path is shown for the first conduct 1 and the second conduct 2, between their output at the end and the hollow accumulation vessel 7 of the measuring apparatus 100, and between the third conduct 3 and the tank 4. The controller 8 can be set up with hardware components and software components for electronic data capture and data processing for the measurement data and for controlling the production system 1000.
[0117] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary method procedure for a method 500 according to the invention for separately measuring at least one property of a process liquid. In practice, different process liquids of, e.g. liquid-carrying production systems 1000 will almost always have different flow rates. However, the method is also applicable if, perchance, in an operational situation the two liquids have almost identical flow rates, flow rates that are identical down to decimal places or flow rates that are identical within the scope of measurement accuracy. The method can be carried out using a measuring apparatus 100, a measurement system 300 or a liquid-carrying production system 1000 according to the invention and includes at least the following steps: [0118] a. separately feeding 531, 532 the process liquid to be measured to the sensor 6 in the hollow accumulation vessel 7, [0119] b. measuring 540 a property of the process liquid in contact with the sensor 6 until a predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached 545, [0120] c. storing 555 the measurement value of the property of the process liquid after the predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached.
[0121] Below, the method, as can be carried out using a measurement system 300 with fill level limit switches 4.2 and 4.1, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, is described in exemplary fashion. However, the method is also possible using a measuring apparatus 100 according to the invention installed in another apparatus.
[0122] In this exemplary embodiment, the fill level in the tank 4 is initially lowered 510 in a plurality of steps 511, 520, 525, 528 until the fill level lies below the hollow accumulation vessel in order to allow the liquid to be measured to be fed 531 separately to the sensor 6. A controlled separate feed of a process liquid to be measured is essential to the invention. However, lowering 510 the fill level is only one of a plurality of options. It should also be noted that the so-called feedwater or mixed water is also considered a separate process liquid in the context of the invention, even though this is a mixture of a plurality of process liquids. To this end, the feed 1.1 is blocked in a first step 511 following the start 501 of the method 500. Then, the fill level in the tank 4 is lowered by virtue of removing 520 liquid from the tank 4. How the liquid is removed 520 from the tank 4 is irrelevant to the method 500. By way of example, removing 520 the liquid from the tank 4 in the case of an apparatus 100 such as the measurement system 100 of FIG. 1 would mean that liquid flows out of the tank 4 at the bottom through the so-called tank outflow 5 and the outflow valve 5.1 is open. By way of example, the removal 520 in the case of a liquid-carrying production system 1000 as shown in FIG. 6 can be implemented by a drainage conduit 15 from the outflow valve 5.1 to a drain 15.7e.g. to the sewer system. Removing the liquid from the tank 520 is continued until the fill level of the lower fill level limit switch 4.2 is reached 528. As soon as this is the case, the pump 10 is deactivated 528 and the feed 1.1 is opened in the next step 531. Now, measuring 540 a property of the liquid using the sensor 6 is commenced. By way of example, temperature and conductivity are measured here. The measurement 540 is continued until the minimum capture time has been reached 545. Then, the measurement data are stored 555. As soon as this is the case, the feed 1.1 is blocked 511 and the measuring method 500 is complete 599.
[0123] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary method procedure for a method 500 according to the invention for separately measuring at least one property of a process liquid. Like in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the fill level in the tank 4 is initially lowered 510 in a plurality of steps 511, 520, 525, 528 until the fill level lies below the hollow accumulation vessel in order to allow the liquid to be measured to be fed 531 separately to the sensor 6. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the process liquid to be measured is fed 532 here to the sensor 6 by circulating the process liquid. For illustrative purposes, the method steps are explained in such a way here that they are carried out in exemplary fashion using a measurement system 300 with a measuring apparatus 100 like in a liquid-carrying production system 1000 shown in FIG. 6; however, the method 500 is not restricted to the implementation with these apparatuses 100, 300, 1000 but can also be carried out using other apparatuses. Since the exemplary liquid-carrying production system 1000 shown in FIG. 6 exhibits an embodiment of how a reverse osmosis installationhaving the measuring apparatus 100 disclosed here and the measurement system 300 disclosed hereoperates, some terms in the explanation relating to FIG. 8 are specific to reverse osmosis installations. When carrying out the method 500 disclosed here with a different liquid-carrying production system 1000, for example a mixing installation for producing dialysis concentrate, the terms for the apparatus constituent parts must in part be adapted accordingly.
[0124] Initially, the fill level in the tank 4 is lowered 510 in a plurality of steps 511, 520, 525, 528 until the fill level is below the hollow accumulation vessel. To this end, the valve 1.1 in the first conduit 1 is blocked in a first step 511 following the start 501 of the method 500, and so no process liquid flows into the tank 4 through this conduit 1. Then, liquid is removed from the tank 4 in a second step 520 until a check in a third step 525 yields that the fill level in the tank 4 is lower than the measuring apparatus 100. This ensures for the subsequent course of the method 500 that it is not dammed liquid possibly present in the tank 4 that is measured. An example for a high fill level is shown in FIG. 2c for a measurement system 300 with a measuring apparatus 100. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the valve 5.1 at the drain 5 of the tank 4 is opened and the pump 10 arranged downstream thereof is switched on for the purposes of lowering 510 the fill level in the removal step as per method step 520, as a result of which process liquid possibly present in the tank 4 reaches the upstream side of the reverse osmosis membrane 12. However, the exact design of the apparatus is irrelevant to the method. Therefore, there also is no more in-depth discussion here in respect of which further actions are carried out in the case of the exemplary apparatus 1000 of FIG. 6 so that the liquid reaches a drain 15.7 via the drainage conduit 15, or how reducers 3.2, 3.1 have to be designed so that the liquid reaches the drain 15.7. In this exemplary embodiment and in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, there is a connector 13 at the reverse osmosis membrane 12, via which process liquid which reached the reverse osmosis membrane 12 but did not pass through the reverse osmosis membrane 12 is pumped. This process liquid is referred to as retentate since it was retained by the membrane 12 despite flowing over the reverse osmosis membrane 12. This connector 13 is therefore also referred to as retentate connector 13. From this connector 13, a third conduit 3 with a first reducer 3.2 and a second reducer 3.1 leads back to the tank 4 and branching therefrom there is a drainage conduit 15, which leads to the drain 15.7 to the sewer system via a valve 14 and a third reducer 15.1. The third conduit 3 guides liquid that has not passed through the membrane, i.e. retentate, back into the tank 4.
[0125] The valve 14 in the course of the branching conduit 15 to the drain 15.7 into the sewage system is opened and so liquid transported by the pump 10, which has not passed through the reverse osmosis membrane 12, reaches the sewer system via the branching conduit 15 to the drain 15.7. Moreover, an optional further reducer 15.1 of the branching conduit 15 to the drain 15.7 into the sewer system is shown along the conduit. As a result of this configuration and the operation of the pump 10, the fill level of the tank 4 falls, provided it was previously above the lower fill level limit switch 4.2, and the lower fill level limit switch 4.2 will recognize when the fill level has fallen to below the fill level limit switch 4.2. FIG. 2b shows this state for one exemplary embodiment. The pump 10 is operated until the lower fill level limit switch 4.2 recognizes a fill level situated therebelow. As soon as this is the case, the valve 14 at the conduit 15 to the drain 15.7 to the sewer system, which conduit branches from the third conduit 3, is closed and the pump 10 continues operation. As a consequence, the pump 10 circulates process liquid in the second conduit 2, which has passed through the reverse osmosis membrane and which leads to the distribution conduit 16, 16.2 on the downstream side of the membrane 12, which then finally becomes the second conduit 2 during the return to the tank 4. As a result of this circulation, the process liquid to be measured, i.e. purified water that has passed through the membrane 12 in this case, is fed separately to the sensor 6. At the same time, the pump 10 circulates process liquid in the third conduit 3, which discharges process liquid that has not passed through the reverse osmosis membrane at the upstream side 13 of the reverse osmosis membrane.
[0126] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary method procedure for a method 500 according to the invention for separately measuring at least one property of a process liquid. In contrast to the methods 500 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fill level in the tank 4 is raised 519 in a plurality of steps 560, 515, 527 in this exemplary embodiment until the fill level is at least above the sensor 6 or above the hollow accumulation vessel, and hence the liquid to be measured is fed 532 separately to the sensor 6.
[0127] The method can be carried out using a measuring apparatus 100, a measurement system 300 or a liquid-carrying production system 1000 according to the invention and includes at least the following steps: [0128] activating the production operation of reverse osmosis 560, i.e. implementing an operation that conveys water through the reverse osmosis membrane 12, [0129] opening 15 the feed conduit for soft water 1.1, [0130] continuing this procedure until an upper fill level has been reached 527, i.e. for example until an upper fill level limit switch 4.1 triggers.
[0131] Hence, the liquid accumulated in the tank 4 has been fed to the sensor 6. Optionally, this is followed by a further step 529, in which the apparatus is controlled such that the fill level in the tank 4 remains substantially unchanged, i.e. continues to trigger the upper fill level limit switch 4.1. This can be continued until a measurement 540 has reached 545 a predetermined minimum time for the measurement. Then, the measurement value is stored 555 and the production operation of reverse osmosis, i.e. the conveying operation, can be terminated 565.
[0132] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary method procedure for a method 500 according to the invention for separately measuring at least one property of a process liquid and for comparison with a second sensor 16.1.
[0133] Here, in addition to the steps of separately feeding 531, 532 the process liquid to be measured to the sensor 6 in the hollow accumulation vessel 7, measuring 540 a property of the process liquid in contact with the sensor 6 until a predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached 545 and storing 555 the measurement value of the property of the process liquid after reaching the predetermined minimum measurement time, this embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises at least the following steps: [0134] a. separately feeding the process liquid to be measured to the second sensor 16.1, [0135] b. measuring 542 the same property of the process liquid in contact with the second sensor 16.1 until a predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached 547, [0136] c. storing 557 the measurement value of the property of the process liquid after the predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached, [0137] d. comparing 558 the measurement values of the two sensors 6, 16.1.
[0138] Optionally, this can be followed by an assessment of the result of the comparison 558.
[0139] Optionally, the result of the comparison 558 is stored 559.
[0140] It is possible to combine this embodiment of the method 500 with a method 500 as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.
[0141] In one embodiment of the method, described in exemplary fashion with reference to the liquid-carrying production system of FIG. 6, a process liquid can be fed 560 to the second sensor 16.1 by virtue of the production operation of a reverse osmosis installation being activated and hence a process liquid being fed to a reverse osmosis membrane 12. The liquid that has passed through the reverse osmosis membrane 12 is fed to a second sensor 16.1 downstream of the reverse osmosis membrane 12. Then, a property of the process liquid in contact with the second sensor 16.1 is measured 542 until a predetermined minimum measurement time 547 has been reached. The measurement value is stored 557 after the predetermined minimum measurement time 547 has been reached. Then, this is followed by lowering 510 of the fill level in the tank 4 in a plurality of partial steps until said fill level is below the hollow accumulation vessel 7. This is adjoined by steps like in the method shown in FIG. 8: The process liquid remaining in the tank is fed to a reverse osmosis membrane 12 and the liquid that has passed through the reverse osmosis membrane 12 is fed 532 to the sensor 6, this is followed by measuring 540 a property of the process liquid in contact with the sensor 6 until a predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached 545, storing 555 the measurement value of the second sensor 6 after the predetermined minimum measurement time has been reached, and comparing 558 the measurement values of the two sensors 6, 16.1.
[0142] Optionally: storing 559 the comparison of the two measurement values.
