DE102015203753B4 - Method for operating a water treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a water treatment device (1, 1') for installation in a horizontal pipeline (5), wherein the water treatment device comprises:
- a connector (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) for connection to the pipeline (5),
- a volume flow meter (10),
- a water treatment device (7) with a treatment port (23) that is directed upwards during operation and
- a shut-off device (11) for isolating the water treatment device (7) from the pipeline (5),
wherein a connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') is provided for connecting the water treatment device (7) to the connecting piece (2), wherein the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') has the following elements:
- a first connection (21) for connecting the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') to the connecting piece (2),
- a second connection (22) for connecting the water treatment device (7) to the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6'),
- an inlet channel (8) for supplying untreated water from the inlet (3) into the water treatment device (7),
- a drainage channel (9) for discharging treated water from the water treatment unit (7) to the drain (4),
- an electronic control device (12) and an actuator (26) for closing or opening the locking element (11),
wherein the volume flow meter (10) and the closure device (11) are arranged in the inlet channel (8) and/or in the outlet channel (9) of the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') and
wherein the connecting piece (2), the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') and the water treatment device (7) are attached to the horizontal pipeline (5) are arranged vertically one above the other in the assembled state,
wherein in the method an element (10, 14, 15) of the connecting intermediate piece (6, 6') generates electrical measurement signals and transmits them to the electronic control device (12) and the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closing or opening of the closure element (11) when an exhaustion limit stored in the control device (12) is exceeded or fallen below, wherein reaching the exhaustion limit indicates the exhaustion of a water treatment unit (20) of the water treatment device (7) or the complete filling of a water circuit,
characterized in that the closure element (11) is used as a flow restrictor.

Description

Background of the invention

The invention relates to a method for operating a water treatment device for installation in a horizontal pipeline, comprising a connector with an inlet and an outlet for connection to the pipeline, a volume flow meter, a water treatment device with a treatment connection directed upwards during operation, and a shut-off device for isolating the water treatment device from the pipeline.

A water treatment device for installation in a horizontal pipeline is, for example, sold as JUDO HEIFI-REPURE 5000 by the company Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH.

For the pretreatment of water that is to be filled into a heating circuit, it is known to install fittings in pipelines that, in addition to a shut-off valve and a water meter, also have a connection option for a water treatment device.

Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH offers such a fitting under the name GENO- ^therm® . To install the GENO- ^therm® fitting, a section of the pipe corresponding to the length of the fitting is cut out, and the fitting is inserted into the pipe at this point. When installed, the various components (shut-off valve, pressure gauge, water meter, conductivity meter, connection for water treatment unit) are arranged sequentially along the pipe.

The cutout in the pipeline required for installation of the JUDO HEIFI-REPURE 5000 filling water desalination unit must also be adapted to the length of the fitting.

DE 10 2010 005 459 A1 This describes a shut-off valve for connection to a water treatment unit, which is installed in a horizontal pipeline via a connecting piece. The shut-off valve includes a flow meter and a ball valve for isolating the water treatment unit from the pipeline, which is controlled by a motor. The connecting piece, the shut-off valve, and the water treatment unit are arranged horizontally next to each other when installed. A conductivity sensor and the motor for controlling the ball valve are arranged perpendicular to this horizontal arrangement.

DE 20 2009 001 946 U1 The figure shows an ion exchange cartridge that can be connected to a fitting. The ion exchange cartridge may have a threaded opening at one end.

DE 34 44 578 C1 describes a connection fitting for water treatment plants, which has a particularly compact design.

US 2011/0132818 A1 Disclosure reveals a control device for retrofitting an existing water treatment unit within an installation, wherein the exhaustion state of the water treatment unit can be monitored by means of a control unit. A signal from a conductivity sensor or a flow meter is sent to the control unit, which, upon exhaustion of the water treatment unit, controls a regeneration valve to introduce a regeneration solution, a blending valve to set a desired blended water hardness, and a shut-off valve to shut off the water supply in case of a leak. Corresponding limit values are stored in the control unit.

DE 20 2010 008 759 U1 The disclosure reveals a multi-part valve assembly comprising a first valve part for connection to a pipeline, a second valve part, and a third valve part, which can be connected between the first and second valve parts and serves to connect an ion exchanger. A shut-off valve of the first valve part can, in particular, assume a flow-through position or a shut-off position according to a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor, in the shut-off position, remains subjected to the system pressure of a heating system fluidically downstream of the valve assembly. In a third valve position, all connections are interrupted. A control and evaluation unit determines the flow volume flowing into the ion exchanger. The control and evaluation unit serves to control a motor that actuates the shut-off valve. To prevent the heating system from being filled with unsoftened water, the control and evaluation unit generates a control signal when a threshold value is reached, which closes the shut-off valve.

A disadvantage of known operating methods for comparable water treatment devices is that with water treatment cartridges of different sizes or with different water treatment processes and associated different kinetics, there is a risk that they will either not be completely exhausted or that they will be "overrun" and therefore cannot be used optimally.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to propose a method for operating a water treatment device which enables the optimal use of the water treatment device.

Brief description of the invention

This problem is solved according to the invention by using the closure element as a flow restrictor.

• - einen ersten Anschluss zum Anschließen des Anschlusszwischenstückes an das Anschlussstück,
• - einen zweiten Anschluss zum Anschließen des Wasserbehandlungsgerätes an das Anschlusszwischenstück,
• - einen Zulaufkanal zum Zuführen von unbehandeltem Wasser vom Zulauf in das Wasserbehandlungsgerät,
• - einen Ablaufkanal zum Abführen von behandeltem Wasser aus dem Wasserbehandlungsgerät zum Ablauf,
• - eine elektronische Steuervorrichtung und einen Stellmotor zum Schließen bzw. Öffnen des Verschlussorgans,

wobei das Volumenstrommessgerät und das Verschlussorgan im Zulaufkanal und/oder im Ablaufkanal des Anschlusszwischenstücks angeordnet sind und wobei das Anschlussstück, das Anschlusszwischenstück und das Wasserbehandlungsgerät im an der waagrechten Rohrleitung montierten Zustand vertikal übereinander angeordnet sind.The water treatment device includes a connecting piece for connecting the water treatment device to the connecting piece, the connecting piece comprising the following elements:

• - a first connection for connecting the connecting piece to the connecting piece,
• - a second connection for connecting the water treatment device to the connecting piece,
• - an inlet channel for supplying untreated water from the inlet into the water treatment device,
• - a drainage channel for removing treated water from the water treatment unit to the drain,
• - an electronic control device and an actuator for closing or opening the locking mechanism,

wherein the volume flow meter and the closure device are arranged in the inlet channel and/or in the outlet channel of the connecting piece, and wherein the connecting piece, the connecting piece and the water treatment device are arranged vertically one above the other in the state mounted on the horizontal pipeline.

The water treatment unit, flow meter, and shut-off valve are arranged in series perpendicular to the pipeline, while the inlet and outlet, as tubular sections of the connector, run parallel to the pipe. This results in a vertical arrangement of the connector, its various components (flow meter, shut-off valve, electronic control unit), and the water treatment unit when installed. This allows for space-saving installation of the water treatment unit relative to the pipe direction. The connector can be configured in various ways, and additional components can be incorporated. This arrangement makes it possible to connect connectors of different sizes (and consequently, with varying numbers or sizes of components) to the connector without requiring any modifications to the pipeline. In particular, even in confined spaces, large connectors with numerous components can be used.

The connector and the connecting piece form a water fitting to which various water treatment devices can be connected. The first and second connections of the connecting piece are positioned opposite each other, with water flowing into and out of the water treatment device from above. To allow the water treatment device to be mounted directly onto the connecting piece without the need for pipes, the treatment connection of the water treatment device is adapted to the second connection of the connecting piece.

In a preferred embodiment, the inlet channel and the outlet channel run transversely, preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the inlet and outlet in the connecting intermediate piece. That is, when the water treatment device is mounted on the horizontal pipeline, the inlet channel and the outlet channel run at least approximately vertically.

Preferably, the connecting piece has a blending device for mixing treated and untreated water.

In another embodiment, the connector has at least one vent valve.

In a further development of this embodiment, a vent valve is arranged in the area of the treated water and another vent valve is arranged in the area of the untreated water.

Preferably, at least one vent valve is designed as a sampling tap for taking water samples.

One treatment recommended according to VDI 2035 for the fill water of a heating circuit is demineralization. Since the conductivity of the treated water increases when a demineralization cartridge is exhausted, it is particularly advantageous if the connecting piece has at least one conductivity sensor. The conductivity sensor can thus detect when the demineralization cartridge is exhausted. The conductivity sensor is therefore preferably located in the drain channel, in The treated water flows through the pipe so that the conductivity sensor can measure the quality of the water treatment. Alternatively or additionally, the conductivity sensor can be located in the inlet channel so that the raw water quality can be determined and, given the known capacity of the connected water treatment unit, the maximum treatable water volume can be calculated.

Preferably, the connecting piece has a pressure sensor located downstream of the shut-off device in the direction of water flow. The pressure sensor can therefore be located either in the inlet channel between the shut-off device and the second connection or in the outlet channel between the shut-off device and the first connection. The shut-off device can be opened or closed depending on the pressure drop and its duration: Upon detection of a sustained high pressure drop (e.g., due to a leak), the shut-off device closes. Conversely, in the case of a low pressure drop (e.g., due to minor water losses in a heating circuit), water is added. In this case, the shut-off device remains open until a predetermined pressure is reached, after which it closes again.

For easy installation of the water treatment device onto the connecting piece, it is advantageous that the second connection of the connecting piece is designed as a threaded flange for attaching the water treatment device. The water treatment device is then preferably designed as a cartridge filled with a water treatment agent and featuring a matching threaded connection. The cartridge can thus be easily screwed onto the connecting piece.

Preferably, the water treatment device is a cartridge filled with ion exchange resin. This can be a demineralization cartridge with a mixed bed (anion and cation exchanger) or a softening cartridge with a cation exchanger.

It is particularly advantageous if the connecting piece includes a sensor for detecting a connected water treatment device, especially for identifying the type and capacity of the device. The sensor can automatically detect that a water treatment device is connected and preferably also determine its type and size (for example, a demineralization or softening cartridge). The sensor could, for example, be an RFID reader. The water treatment device would then be equipped with an RFID chip.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the water treatment device, the connecting piece comprises several modules that are arranged vertically one above the other when mounted on the horizontal pipeline. A module can, for example, include a blending device or a pressure sensor, which are installed only when needed. Due to its modular design, the connecting piece can be easily expanded and adapted to specific local requirements. In particular, subsequent retrofitting is straightforward and simple.

Preferably, the connector has two union nuts for connecting the inlet and outlet to the pipeline. This allows for easy installation, which is particularly advantageous for mobile use of the water treatment device, e.g., for water treatments that only need to be carried out once or infrequently (e.g., filling a heating system, etc.).

In a preferred embodiment, the inlet channel or the outlet channel is designed as a central channel, and the other channel is configured as an annular channel surrounding the central channel. Designing the channels as a central channel and annular channel allows for a space-saving, narrow design of the connecting piece. Preferably, the central channel runs at least approximately in a straight line.

For mobile use of the water treatment device, it is advantageous if a carrying handle is provided on the connection piece.

The water treatment device is preferably used in a supply line for a water circuit, in particular for the treatment of filling and make-up water in the flow line of a heating circuit.

In the inventive method for operating a water treatment device described above, an element of the connecting piece generates electrical measurement signals and transmits them to the electronic control device. Depending on the received measurement signals, the electronic control device transmits control signals to the actuator, which cause the closure element to close or open when an exhaustion limit stored in the control device is exceeded or fallen below, whereby reaching the exhaustion limit indicates the exhaustion of a water treatment process. The unit of the water treatment device or the complete filling of a water circuit indicates the exhaustion limit. Limits for various control parameters (e.g., pressure, water volume, conductivity) can be used as exhaustion limits, for example, a pressure limit, a water volume limit, or a conductivity limit. In the case of a water circuit being filled, the volume of the water circuit can also be used as a limit to close the shut-off valve once the water circuit is completely full.

In one variant, the flow meter generates electrical measurement signals depending on the flow rate and transmits these to the electronic control device. Based on the received measurement signals, the electronic control device transmits control signals to the actuator, which closes the shut-off valve when a first flow limit stored in the control device is exceeded. This first flow limit is the capacity of the water treatment unit. The water flow is thus stopped when the water treatment unit is exhausted. Preferably, the flow limit is selected based on the water quality of the water being treated or is set automatically by the control device.

In another variant, the water treatment device is installed upstream of a water circuit. For filling the circuit, a second flow rate limit is used as the exhaustion limit, and for refilling the circuit, a third flow rate limit is used as the exhaustion limit in the electronic control device. The second flow rate limit is higher than the third. For example, if a heating circuit is completely refilled, a considerable amount of water is required. The corresponding second flow rate limit allows for a larger volume of water to be treated continuously. Conversely, if water is added to an already filled heating circuit to compensate for minor water losses, a lower (third) flow rate limit is used for continuous water treatment. In this case, larger fill volumes would indicate a leak.

In another variant, the conductivity sensor generates electrical measurement signals depending on the conductivity of the treated water and transmits these to the electronic control unit. Based on the received measurement signals, the electronic control unit then transmits control signals to the actuator, which closes the shut-off valve when a conductivity limit stored in the control unit is exceeded. Closing the shut-off valve when the conductivity limit is exceeded prevents inadequate water treatment due to the water treatment unit becoming exhausted.

Another variant involves the pressure sensor detecting electrical signals based on the pressure in a water circuit downstream of the water treatment device and transmitting these signals to the electronic control unit. Based on these signals, the electronic control unit then sends control signals to the actuator. These signals close the valve when an upper pressure limit stored in the control unit is exceeded, or open the valve when a lower pressure limit stored in the control unit is undershot. This ensures that if the pressure drops due to minor water losses in a circuit, water is replenished until the pressure reaches the setpoint again. Conversely, in the event of a leak (repeated pressure drops despite replenishment), the valve closes.

Preferably, different exhaustion limits for various control parameters are assigned to different water treatment devices and stored in the control unit. The sensor detects a connected water treatment device by transmitting information about it to the control unit, and the exhaustion limits assigned to the connected water treatment device are then used to trigger the control signals for closing or opening the shut-off valve. The sensor detects the type and size of the water treatment device. For example, if it detects that a demineralization cartridge is connected to the adapter, conductivity and/or water volume can serve as control parameters. In this case, the conductivity sensor is activated. As soon as a conductivity limit or water volume limit stored in the control unit is reached, the water treatment is terminated by closing the shut-off valve. This prevents insufficiently treated water from flowing into the downstream installation, e.g., the heating circuit.

Furthermore, limit values regarding the maximum current flow rate and the maximum duration of continuous water withdrawal may also be stored in the control device. and are used to control the closure mechanism.

According to the invention, the closure element of the water treatment device is used as a flow restrictor; that is, in addition to fully opening and closing the closure element, it can also merely reduce the flow rate without completely stopping it. For this purpose, the closure element can, for example, be designed as a ball valve. This is particularly advantageous when water treatment cartridges of different sizes or with different water treatment processes and associated different kinetics are to be used with the water treatment device, since different maximum flow rates are permitted depending on the cartridge size of a descaling or demineralization cartridge (the smaller the water treatment device, the smaller the permissible maximum flow rate). In this way, it can be avoided that a water treatment device is "overloaded".

It is particularly advantageous if the flow rate is reduced by means of the shut-off device as soon as a first throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the first throttling limit indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit has fallen below preferably 10% to 30% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit, and more specifically below 20% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit. This allows for better utilization of the water treatment unit's capacity. Preferably, the flow rate is reduced by 50% to 70% compared to the flow rate during normal operation.

Furthermore, it can also be advantageous for the shut-off device to close briefly as soon as a second throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the second throttling limit, in particular, indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit has fallen below preferably 10% to 30% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit, and more specifically, below 20% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit. The brief closure of the shut-off device results in a longer contact time between the water to be treated and the water treatment unit, which leads to the release of residual capacity. Preferably, the shut-off device is closed for 1 minute to several minutes.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawing. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those described in more detail below can each be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather serve as examples for illustrating the invention.

Detailed description of the invention and drawing

• 1 shows a water treatment device with pressure and conductivity sensor and open blending device.
• 2 shows a water treatment device with pressure and conductivity sensor and closed blending device.
• 3 shows a representation of the water treatment device rotated by 90° 1 and 2 .
• 4 shows a water treatment device with a carrying handle.

1-4 Figure 1 shows a water treatment device 1 with a connector 2, which is connected to a horizontal pipe 5 via an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. In this example, the connection of the connector 2 to the pipe 5 is achieved using union nuts 18a, 18b. The connecting piece 6 is connected to the connector 2 via a first connection 21 and to a water treatment device 7 with a water treatment unit 20 via a second connection 22. The water treatment device 7 is typically a cartridge containing ion exchange resin (e.g., water softener cartridges or demineralization cartridges). Venting valves 19a, 19b in the form of sampling taps are arranged on the connector 2 for venting and taking water samples.

An annular channel 8 and a central channel 9 pass through the connecting piece 6, with the annular channel 8 surrounding the central channel 9 (here: concentrically). In this case, the annular channel 8 serves as an inlet channel through which untreated water is conveyed from the inlet 3 to the water treatment unit 7, and the central channel 9 serves as an outlet channel through which treated water is conveyed from the water treatment unit 7 to the outlet 4.

The connecting piece 6 has a closing device 11 with an actuator 26, which can be used to shut off the central channel 9 and thus the inflow from the pipeline 5. Furthermore, various measuring and control devices are arranged in the connecting piece 6, which are used to monitor and control the water flow. serve the purpose. In the 1-3 In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting intermediate piece 6 includes, for example, a volume flow meter 10 with which the current volume flow and the amount of water flowing through the volume flow meter 10 within a specified time period can be determined, and an electronic control device 12 (see figure). 3 ) for opening and closing the closure device 11, a blending device 13 for blending treated with untreated water, a conductivity sensor 14 and a pressure sensor 15.

The electronic control device 12 contains limit values for various control parameters (pressure, conductivity, water quantity, current flow rate), the exceeding or falling below of which causes the closure element to close or open, respectively. According to the invention, these limit values are exhaustion limits. Exhaustion limits within the meaning of this invention are limit values of control parameters that indicate exhaustion of the water treatment device 7 or the water treatment unit 20 of the water treatment device 7, or a complete filling of a water circuit. Different exhaustion limits can be used for different water treatment units 20 to control the closure element 11, whereby the exhaustion limits can differ both with respect to the control parameter and with respect to the value of the limit value. The type and size of the water treatment device 7 mounted on the connection piece 6 can be detected by means of a sensor 25 (here: on the connecting piece 6). Sensor 25 transmits this information to control unit 12, which then selects the previously stored control parameters and exhaustion limits for the corresponding water treatment unit 7 for the subsequent control operation and, if necessary, activates the measuring devices required to determine the corresponding control parameters. If the values of the selected control parameters (pressure, current flow rate, water quantity, conductivity) are below the selected exhaustion limits, the shut-off device is opened or held open, while if one of the exhaustion limits is exceeded, the shut-off device is closed or held closed.

All measuring units necessary for controlling the shut-off device 11 are arranged perpendicular to the direction of the pipeline (i.e., vertically) within the connecting piece 6, which in this case has a modular design. A first module 6a comprises the blending device 13 with a bypass 16 and a threaded connection 17 for connecting the water treatment unit 7, which has a corresponding upward-facing treatment connection 23. A second module 6b comprises the flow meter 10, the shut-off device 11, and the electronic control unit 12. A third module 6c comprises the conductivity sensor 14 and the pressure sensor 15. The modules 6a-c are connected to each other such that the annular channel 8 and the central channel 9 run perpendicular to the pipeline 5 through all modules 6a-c. Depending on the application, various modules can be added or omitted. 4 For example, an embodiment of the water treatment device 1' is shown in which the connecting piece 6' comprises only two modules 6a, 6b. For ease of handling, the following features are included in the 4 In the embodiment shown, a carrying handle 24 is attached to the connecting piece 2, with which the water treatment device 1' can be conveniently transported.

Due to the vertical arrangement of the elements necessary for monitoring the water treatment and controlling the closure device within the connecting piece 6, the same connecting piece 2 can be used for connecting to the pipeline 5, regardless of the type and number of elements installed. This is particularly evident when comparing the two in 1 and 4 The illustrated embodiments of the water treatment device 1, 1' clearly demonstrate this. In particular, the length of the connecting piece 2 (in the direction of the pipe) can be kept short, thus ensuring space-saving installation in the direction of the pipe. Retrofitting or replacing individual modules 6a, 6b, 6c or even the entire connecting intermediate piece 6 can be carried out without disassembling the connecting piece 2 from the pipe 5.

List of reference symbols

1, 1'

Water treatment device

2

connector

3

Inflow

4

Sequence

5

Pipeline

6.6'

Connecting piece

6a-c

Modules of the connecting piece

7

Water treatment device

8

Ring channel (here: inlet channel for untreated water)

9

central channel (here: drainage channel for treated water)

10

Volume flow meter

11

Closure device

12

electronic control device

13

Cutting device

14

Conductivity sensor

15

pressure sensor

16

Bypass of the cutting device

17

Threaded connection for water treatment device

18a, b

Union nut

19a, b

Vent valves, sampling taps

20

Water treatment unit of the water treatment device

21

first connection of the connecting piece

22

second connection of the connecting piece

23

Treatment connection of the water treatment unit

24

carrying handle

25

Sensor for detecting the water treatment device

26

actuator

Claims (9)

Method for operating a water treatment device (1, 1') for installation in a horizontal pipeline (5), wherein the water treatment device comprises: - a connector (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) for connection to the pipeline (5), - a flow meter (10), - a water treatment unit (7) with a treatment port (23) facing upwards during operation, and - a shut-off device (11) for isolating the water treatment unit (7) from the pipeline (5), wherein a connecting piece (6, 6') is provided for connecting the water treatment unit (7) to the connector (2), the connecting piece (6, 6') comprising the following elements: - a first port (21) for connecting the connecting piece (6, 6') to the connector (2), - a second port (22) for connecting the water treatment unit (7) to the connecting piece (6, 6'), - an inlet channel (8) for supplying untreated water from the inlet (3) into the water treatment unit (7), - a drain channel (9) for discharging treated water from the water treatment unit (7) to the outlet (4), - an electronic control device (12) and an actuator (26) for closing or opening the shut-off device (11), wherein the flow meter (10) and the shut-off device (11) are arranged in the inlet channel (8) and/or in the drain channel (9) of the connecting piece (6, 6') and wherein the connecting piece (2), the connecting piece (6, 6') and the water treatment unit (7) are arranged vertically one above the other in the state mounted on the horizontal pipeline (5), wherein in the method an element (10, 14, 15) of the connecting piece (6, 6') generates electrical measurement signals and transmits them to the electronic control device (12) and the electronic control device (12) depending on the received measurement signals transmits control signals to the actuator (26) which cause the closure element (11) to close or open when an exhaustion limit value stored in the control device (12) is exceeded or fallen below, wherein reaching the exhaustion limit value indicates the exhaustion of a water treatment unit (20) of the water treatment device (7) or the complete filling of a water circuit, characterized in that the closure element (11) is used as a flow limiter. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the volume flow meter (10) generates electrical measurement signals depending on the volume flow and transmits them to the electronic control device (12) and that the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closure element (11) to close when a first flow limit value stored in the control device (12) is exceeded as the exhaustion limit value, wherein the capacity of the water treatment device (7) is used as the first flow limit value. Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the water treatment device (1, 1') is connected upstream of a water circuit and that a second flow limit value is used in the electronic control device (12) as an exhaustion limit value for filling the water circuit and a third flow limit value is used as an exhaustion limit value for refilling the water circuit, wherein the second The flow limit is greater than the third flow limit. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that a conductivity sensor (14) generates electrical measurement signals depending on the conductivity of the treated water and transmits them to the electronic control device (12) and that the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) depending on the received measurement signals, which cause the closing element (11) to close when a conductivity limit value stored in the control device (12) is exceeded as an exhaustion limit value. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that a pressure sensor (15) detects electrical measurement signals as a function of the pressure in a water circuit downstream of the water treatment device (1, 1') and transmits electrical measurement signals to the electronic control device (12) and that the electronic control device (12) transmits control signals to the actuator (26) as a function of the received measurement signals, which cause the closure element (11) to close when an upper pressure limit stored in the control device (12) is exceeded as an exhaustion limit, or cause the closure element (11) to open when a lower pressure limit stored in the control device (12) is undershot. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that different exhaustion limits for different control parameters are assigned to different water treatment devices (7) and stored in the control device (12), that a sensor (25) for detecting a connected water treatment device (7) transmits information regarding the connected water treatment device (7) to the control device (12) and the exhaustion limits assigned to the connected water treatment device (7) are released for the output of the control signals to close or open the closure device (11). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the flow rate is reduced by means of the closure device (11) as soon as a first throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the first throttling limit indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit (20) falls below preferably 10% - 30% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit (20), in particular 20% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit (20). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the closing element (11) is briefly closed as soon as a second throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the second throttling limit indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit (20) falls below preferably 10% - 30% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit (20), in particular 20% of the total capacity of the water treatment unit (20). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the closing device (11) is briefly closed as soon as a second throttling limit is reached, wherein reaching the second throttling limit indicates that the residual capacity of the water treatment unit (20) has fallen below the limit.