EP2058441A1 - System for storing and purifying water - Google Patents

Abstract

The system for storing and purifying water for the horticulture, recultivation of soils and reforestation, comprises a reservoir (2) partly filled with porous material (3), a barrier layer (5) for lengthening the seeping path of the water, and a water collection container, which extends itself from the base of the reservoir up to its surface. The barrier layer is arranged within the water-impermeable, artificial, and outwardly defined reservoir and is provided with a passage (6) for water. The porous material is present itself above and below the barrier layer. The system for storing and purifying water for the horticulture, recultivation of soils and reforestation, comprises a reservoir (2) partly filled with porous material (3), a barrier layer (5) for lengthening the seeping path of the water, and a water collection container, which extends itself from the base of the reservoir up to its surface. The barrier layer is arranged within the water-impermeable, artificial, and outwardly defined reservoir and is provided with a passage (6) for the water. The porous material is present itself above and below the barrier layer. The water collection container comprises an opening (8) above the top barrier layer and below the bottom barrier layer, where the water flows through the opening. The water collection container is connected with a water withdrawal station such as a pumping station over the opening. The barrier layer is horizontally arranged within the reservoir. The passage for water is arranged in the outer area of the barrier layer and is present in form of a slot or a hole. In the two barrier layers, the passages are movably arranged to each other. The reservoir has a tub-shaped or hemispherical shape. The porous material is crushed stone, gravel and/or sand. The water collection container is a well. A planting layer such as humus layer is applied on the porous material above the top barrier layer. The barrier layer and/or the reservoir comprise a geo textile, which comprises a first- and a second layer made of a fabric or a non-woven and polyurethane, which seals holes and spaces in the layer, where the non-woven has spinning fibers with a length of 3-15 cm and wires. The first and second layers are adhered together by the polyurethane and are coated with the polyurethane.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a water storage and water purification system.

Background of the invention

Water is a precious commodity and is becoming increasingly valuable due to the increase in world population and the resulting increased food needs. Supplying people with clean water is not just a big logistical problem for developing countries. Only 0.3% of the world's water resources are available as drinking water. Water scarcity can develop into a water crisis, especially in low-precipitation countries. The creation of new habitats is prevented in many places due to a prevailing lack of water. For example, the desertification of desert or steppe regions is extremely problematic due to the lack of water. From an economic point of view, even water conservation and water storage in areas rich in precipitation is stimulated. As the simplest hydrological systems for water storage are known water storage lakes and underground water collection tanks. To address water scarcity, there is a need for specially adapted technologies for water treatment and water storage.

In the US 6,120,210 B1 is a method for storing and transporting water, such as rainwater, described, with water under a hydrological Potential through porous material of a natural channel, such as a river valley, passed and then fed to the end user.

Furthermore, from the WO 2005/123597 A1 an aquitransistor is known comprising a plurality of perforated conduits embedded in a matrix of porous materials. For filtering and storage, water with a hydrodynamic potential is passed through the porous material of the aquitransistor before flowing into the perforated conduits and being withdrawn therefrom by a pumping device.

The known methods and devices for water purification and / or water storage have the disadvantage that they can not be used independently of the geographical conditions and / or soil conditions on site. For example, water losses or quality losses can occur. In order to improve the quality of the purified water, an additional water purification is often required, which in turn is very costly.

Object of the invention

It can be regarded as an object of the present invention to provide a system for water storage and water purification, which can be used anywhere.

Furthermore, can be regarded as an object to provide a system for water storage and water purification available, can be cleaned with the most cost-effective water with very good quality.

The objects are achieved with the features of claims 1 and 24.

Summary of the invention

The invention relates to a water storage and water purification system, comprising: a reservoir at least partially filled with porous material, characterized by: (i) at least one barrier layer for extending the seepage path of the water, the barrier layer being within the substantially water impermeable, artificial and water disposed outwardly delimited reservoir, the barrier layer is provided with at least one passage for water, and above and below the barrier layer is porous material; and (ii) a water catcher extending from the bottom of the reservoir at least to the surface thereof, the water catcher having an opening above the uppermost barrier layer and at least one opening below the lowermost barrier layer through which water can flow.

The substantially water-impermeable, artificial and outwardly delimited reservoir ensures that as far as possible no water to be cleaned and stored can seep into deeper porous layers with high capillarity and thus is no longer available to the system.

Furthermore, the effect of the reservoir is that as far as possible no water, which is contaminated, for example, and / or contaminated with pollutants, can diffuse into the system according to the invention. This ensures the high quality of the water within the system.

By using at least one barrier layer is also achieved that extends the Sickerweg the water through the porous material and thus water can be kept (stored) much longer underground. The system according to the invention need not be particularly deep, which makes it cost-effective in its creation and maintenance. It is also conceivable, for example, to exploit closed-pit mines, mines or other, existing pits, or to arrange the system below a swimming pool.

The dependent claims 2 to 23 relate to preferred embodiments of the system according to the invention.

The invention further relates to a water-storing and water-purifying system comprising: a reservoir which is at least partially filled with porous material, characterized by: a water-collecting container extending from the bottom of the reservoir to at least its surface, the water-collecting container having an opening in the upper region and at least one opening in the lower area through which water can flow; and the reservoir, which is substantially impermeable to water, artificially and externally delimited.

It has surprisingly been found that this system for water treatment and water purification is location-independent, i. regardless of the geographical conditions and / or the ground conditions on site, can be used. The use of porous material in a substantially water-impervious, artificial, outwardly-isolated, isolated reservoir also allows the purification of high-quality water and water storage as possible without loss of water.

The dependent claims 25 to 35 relate to preferred embodiments of the system according to the invention.

Finally, the invention relates to the use of the water storage and water purification system according to at least one of claims 1 to 23 and the system according to at least one of claims 24 to 35 for agricultural and forestry applications, such as for intensive horticulture, the reclamation of soils or for reforestation.

characters

Fig. 1:

Erfindungsgemäßes wasserspeicherndes und wasserreinigendes System mit einer Barrierenschicht

Fig.2:

Erfindungsgemäßes wasserspeicherndes und wasserreinigendes System mit drei Barrierenschichten

Fig. 3:

Erfindungsgemäßes wasserspeicherndes und wasserreinigendes System mit drei Barrierenschichten für landwirtschaftliche Nutzflächen

Fig. 4:

Erfindungsgemäßes wasserspeicherndes und wasserreinigendes System mit verschiedenartigen porösen Schichten für den intensiven Gartenbau

The invention will be further described below with reference to some embodiments shown in the accompanying figures. Show it:

Fig. 1:

Inventive water-storing and water-purifying system with a barrier layer

Figure 2:

Inventive water-storing and water-purifying system with three barrier layers

3:

Inventive water-storing and water-purifying system with three barrier layers for agricultural land

4:

Inventive water-storing and water-purifying system with various porous layers for intensive horticulture

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to a water storage and water purification system.

The Fig. 1 shows a system 1 for water storage and water purification according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 1 has, as in Fig. 1 shown, a substantially water-impermeable, artificial and outwardly delimited reservoir 2.

The use of an artificial, substantially water-impermeable reservoir 2 ensures that as far as possible no water is lost from the system 1 according to the invention into deeper, porous, water-attracting layers.

The simple infiltration of water into deeper layers is a problem that occurs in many places on Earth. An example is the high plateau of Johannisburg. This plateau is known to cause water to disappear into deeper underground streams due to the porosity of the soil, thus rendering the topmost, humus-containing layer unavailable. In this area almost no vegetation is possible during the winter months and sometimes even longer.

In addition, the essentially water-impermeable, artificial reservoir 2 causes as little water as possible, which is contaminated and / or salty, for example, to leak into the system according to the invention from outside, thereby reducing the quality of the water to be stored and cleaned.

The reservoir 2 furthermore has the advantage that the system 1 according to the invention can be used for water purification or water storage regardless of location, ie independently of the geological condition, the climatic conditions and / or the soil conditions on site.

The reservoir 2 can, as in Fig. 1 represented, trough-shaped. But it can also have any other suitable form. For example, it may be hemispherical in shape.

The reservoir 2 may have any suitable size. However, it has proved to be advantageous to adapt the size of the reservoir 2 to the expected amount of precipitation and to the amount of water to be stored. If the reservoir is arranged under a swimming pool, for example, it preferably has at least half the volume of the swimming pool.

The size of the reservoir 2 may also depend on whether the inventive system 1 is used for water storage, water purification and / or irrigation. For example, a system 1 according to the invention, which is mainly used for irrigation, may be designed to be somewhat shallower.

The reservoir 2 is at least partially filled with porous material 3. In the context of the present invention, "at least partially" means that the reservoir 2 is to be filled with at least as much porous material 3 as is necessary in order to achieve sufficiently good storage and purification of the water.

Preferably, the porous material 3 is gravel, gravel, sand (eg quartz sand) or a mixture thereof. But clay, silt and / or clay can also be used. Other materials, such as plastics, can also be used if, due to their porosity, the ratio of the volume of all their voids to their outer volume, they are able to store and transport water.

With regard to the pore size of a porous material 3, a distinction must be made between coarse, fine and microporous pores. Large pores (macropores) have a pore diameter of> 1 mm (they are visible to the naked eye). The fine pores are micropores with a pore diameter of 0.1 to 0.1 microns. These capillary pores transport the water. The ultrafine pores, also called ultramicropores or gel pores, have a pore diameter of <0.1 μm and are involved in slow, long-lasting water transport.

Preferably, porous material 3 with fine and / or ultrafine pores is used. As a result, a particularly slow water transport is achieved. This in turn causes the water to be kept within the reservoir 2 for a very long time and thus stored. Here is preferably a circulation time of 10 to 30 days provided. A circulation time of at least 21 days has proven to be particularly advantageous.

The system 1 according to the invention comprises a barrier layer 5 ( FIG. Fig. 1 ) or multiple barrier layers 5 ( Fig. 2 . 3 ), which is disposed within the reservoir 2 or are. The barrier layer 5 is also provided with at least one passage 6 for water ( Fig. 1 . 2 . 3 ).

Apart from the passage 6, which is permeable to water, the barrier layer 5 is made of a material which is substantially water-impermeable.

In the context of the present invention, "essentially water-impermeable" is understood to mean that the barrier layer 5 is designed in such a way that the majority of the water which seeps through the reservoir 2 is prevented from passing through the barrier layer 5 to pass into the area above or below the barrier layer 5.

The barrier layer 5 serves or the barrier layers 5 serve to extend the seepage path of the water through the porous material 3 of the reservoir 2. By extending the seepage path, the water stays longer below the surface. It can thus be stored longer within the reservoir 2. In addition, the water is filtered over a longer period of time, which improves the quality of the purified water.

Both the ability of the system 1 according to the invention to store water and the quality of the water purified with the system 1 according to the invention increase with the number of barrier layers 5 used.

The improved quality of the purified water can be explained in particular by the fact that the speed at which the water moves through the system 1 according to the invention is reduced or repeatedly reduced again by the barrier layer 5 or by the barrier layers 5. The lowest possible flow rate is particularly advantageous for achieving a high degree of purification.

When the water reaches the barrier layer 5, it begins to accumulate water seepage. Normally, water travels through porous material open-pored (through the interior of the material or through wall openings from one material to the next) and closed-cell (always around the individual materials). In this jammed condition, however, it penetrates particularly well and deeply into the capillaries of the porous material 3. It behaves rather open-pored. This results in 5 dirt and in the area immediately in front of the barrier layer Dirt particles in and on the pores can deposit or settle particularly well.
Preferably, the barrier layer 5 or the barrier layers 5 are arranged horizontally, as in FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown. With a horizontal arrangement of the barrier layer 5, the seepage path of the water is the longest by the system 1 according to the invention, which has a particularly positive effect on the quality of the purified water. However, any other inclination of the barrier layer 5 is possible if the property of the barrier layer 5 to extend the seepage path of the water is not lost as a result. The individual barrier layers 5 within a system can each have the same degree of inclination but can also differ with regard to their degree of inclination.

The passage 6 for water takes or the passages 6 for water take a total, relative to the entire barrier layer 5, only a small area. This is preferably an area of 5 to 20%. Particularly preferred is a surface area of 8 to 15%. Most preferred is a surface area of 10 to 12% based on the total area of the barrier layer 5.

Preferably, the passage 6 for water is located at a selected location. For example, the passage 6 for water may be arranged in the outer region of the barrier layer 5, as in the exemplary embodiment in FIG Fig. 1 shown. The passage 6 for water is preferably located immediately before the end of the barrier layer 5. Most preferred is a passage 6 for water which is located at the very end of the barrier layer 5. Thus, where the barrier layer 5 has direct contact with the reservoir 2. Seep water in this area only through the Barrier layer 5, the path that the water has traveled along the barrier layer 5 corresponds approximately to the maximum possible. Here the cleaning result is particularly good.

Owing to the possibility of being able to vary the flow rate of the water through the system 1 according to the invention by way of the number, size and / or geometry of the passage 6, a suitable separation speed can be found for each separation problem, and regardless of the degree of contamination of the water with the invention System 1 very good purification results can be achieved.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the passage 6 for water is present within the barrier layer 5 in the form of a slot or a hole.

In the case of at least two barrier layers 5, it is preferable to arrange the passages 6 of in each case two adjacent barrier layers 5 offset from one another (see FIG Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 ). Most preferred are passages 6 for water which are oppositely arranged.

By the staggered arrangement of the passages 6 for water, the seepage path of the water is extended by the system 1 according to the invention or made as maximum as possible. This in turn means that the residence time of the water within the system 1 according to the invention increases. For example, the residence time of the water within a system 1 according to the invention with two barrier layers 5 and one each at the end of the barrier layer 5 opposite passage 6 for water, with a given volume and with a selected porous material 3, increases by about three times and at a inventive system 1 with three barrier layers 5, about four times the residence time of the water in a system that does not include barriers. The increase in the residence time of the water to be purified, however, has a particularly positive effect on the quality of the purified water. In addition, more water per unit time and volume element can be stored within the system 1 according to the invention.

The porous material 3, which is located above and below the barrier layer 5, may be one and the same. However, it has proved to be particularly advantageous if the porous material 3 differs above and below the barrier layer 5. This has the following reason: By varying the porosity of the porous material 3 within the system 1 according to the invention, the water is constantly exposed to new resistances or attractive forces. These cause the water in the interior of the system 1 according to the invention to travel at different flow rates. This further increases the quality of the filtered water.

With the system 1 according to the invention a water quality is achieved, which corresponds to drinking water quality. If water is kept underground with the system 1 according to the invention over a period of at least 19 days, it is even germ-free or sterile. The use of porous material 3, for example quartz sand, which is repeatedly exposed to different pressures as a result of the storage and then reacts with an electrical polarization (piezoelectric effect), leads to a destruction or inactivation of microorganisms. This process can be accelerated by the use of different porous materials 3 even more.

Preferably, the reservoir 2 and / or the barrier layer 5 comprises a geotextile. The geotextile, in turn, in its simplest embodiment, comprises a layer of woven or non-woven interspersed with polyurethane.

The use of a geotextile has the advantage that unwanted water, such as salt water in coastal areas, as far as possible can not penetrate into the system 1 according to the invention or infiltrate. In addition, water which is applied to the system 1 according to the invention for storage (artificially or naturally by rainfall) is kept within this system 1. It can not easily seep into deeper layers. Another advantage of the geotextile is that it participates in thermally and mechanically induced displacements in the structure of the soil (for example in an earthquake). Due to its stability and weather resistance, it is resistant to damage caused by roots or pointed stones even after prolonged use.

It is also advantageous that the outer shape of the geotextile can be adapted to the terrain on site. This is due to his special manufacturing process. A reservoir comprising a geotextile can therefore be used extremely flexibly. This saves time and additional costs, e.g. for earthworks.

The polyurethane used for the geotextile may be formed by polymerizing a two-component system consisting of a polyol component comprising a polyether polyol, a polyester polyol, a propylene oxide homopolymer and a ground molecular sieve, and an isocyanate component comprising diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate.

The mass ratio of polyol component to isocyanate component is preferably in the range of about 108:15 to about 102:21, more preferably in the range of about 106:17 to about 104:19, most preferably about 105:18.

If the geotextile comprises a fleece, then it has proved to be particularly advantageous if the fleece additionally comprises staple fibers of 3 to 15 cm in length. Preferably, the staple fibers are made of a plastic selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and polyester.

The nonwoven may further comprise wires. Optionally, sheet-like structures (leaflets) of elastomeric polymers, predominantly of natural raw materials, may be included.

The staple fibers and, if desired, wires and / or flakes can be joined together so that their strength is independent of the direction. As a result, a flexible surface training is achieved with good adaptation to uneven ground without risk of damage to the structure.

If the geotextile comprises a fabric, then this fabric of crossing threads and fiber systems (fibrous tissue) serves only as a test and for the absorption of the polyurethane.

The geotextile can be made as follows: First, a given ground area is excavated. The excavated amount of earth corresponds to the calculation according to the expected precipitation and the desired amount of water to be stored. Then serving as reinforcement layer is laid out on the ground to be sealed (eg pit) nationwide. Subsequently, the Polyol component and the isocyanate component by means of a spraying machine sprayed onto the prepared layer. Both components eventually cure within a short time (a few minutes) to form the polyurethane.

When spraying with the two components are in the position of fleece or fabric, the hollow and / or interstices, which are present between the previously mentioned fibers, wires and / or platelets, filled, so that these cavities and / or spaces after the Curing are substantially sealed. At the same time, the fibers, wires and / or laminar structures are mechanically bonded together by the polyurethane, whereby the special mesh keeps the enormous flexibility of the polyurethane in its entirety.

In this context, the term "substantially sealed" is understood to mean that the throughput of water through the layer (in liters of water per m ^{2 of} layer area and time) is preferably reduced by at least 99%, more preferably by at least 99.9%, by the infiltrated polyurethane is compared when compared with a same but non-polyurethane layer. Particularly preferably, the sealing by the polyurethane is such that the finished geotextile is impermeable to water, thus waterproof.

After applying a first layer of polyurethane, the spraying process can be repeated by applying a second layer. This again increases the stability of the situation.

If desired, it is also possible to apply a second layer of woven or nonwoven fabric to the geotextile formed. This second layer can serve as additional root penetration protection.

Even with a geotextile, which preferably comprises a second layer made of a woven or non-woven fabric, the hollow and / or intermediate spaces present in the second layer are filled by the polyurethane. In addition, the first and second layer is glued together by polyurethane.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous if the outer surfaces of the first and / or second layer are coated with the polyurethane.

Polyurethane has the advantage that it has a high resistance to tearing and breakage (well over 200%). It is resistant to all environmental influences, even against saline or contaminated soils. It is also subject to no aging and embrittlement processes. Even with constant free weathering it is stable over a period of 20 years. By using the polyurethane together with a fleece or fabric, the aging of the polyurethane is further delayed (by about one order of magnitude).

The inventive system 1 comprises, as in the embodiment in Fig. 1 . 2 and 3 in addition, a water collecting container 4. The water collecting container 4 extends from the bottom of the reservoir 2 at least to the surface thereof. The water collecting container 4 furthermore has an opening 7 above the uppermost barrier layer 5 and at least one opening 8 below the lowermost barrier layer 5 through which water can flow.

The water collecting container 4 can, as in Fig. 1 . 2 and 3 shown to be a fountain. However, any other suitable water collecting container 4 can also be used.

For example, the water collecting container 4 may also be a Spanish rider.

Preferably, the water collecting container 4 is connected via the opening 7 with a water removal station 9. With the water removal station 9, water, which has migrated due to its hydrodynamic potential into the porous layer below the lowermost barrier layer 5 and then further seeped through the opening 8 and through the openings 8 into the water collecting container 4, can be removed. The water removal station 9 is in the embodiment in Fig. 2 and 3 shown.

It has proven to be advantageous if the water removal station 9 is formed so that it completely closes the opening 7 of the water collecting container 4 (see Fig. 3 ). In this way, no water (eg rainwater) can flow via the opening 7 into the water collecting container 4. As a result, the water level within the water collecting container 4 is not changed unintentionally. In addition, the water within the water collecting container 4 is not contaminated by unfiltered water.

Preferably, the opening 8 is a hole or a slot. If the water collecting container 4 has more than one opening 8, these openings 8 may be in the form of holes and / or slots. But you can also have any other suitable form. In the embodiment in Fig. 1-3 The water collecting container 4 has openings 8 in the form of slots. By choosing the number, size and geometry of the openings 8, the rate at which the water seeps into the water collecting container 4 can be varied. When choosing the size and geometry of the openings 8 care should be taken that as far as possible no porous material 3 enters the water collecting container 4.

Preferably, the water removal station 9 is a pumping station.

By pumping out water from the water collecting container 4, the flow rate of the water can be varied by the system 1 according to the invention (change of the hydrodynamic potential).

For example, water moves faster through the reservoir 2, the higher the water level within the reservoir 2 compared to the water level within the water collecting container 4 after pumping and the lower the resistance that the porous material 3 offers the water leaking.

As a result of the pumping out, the residence time of the percolating water within the system 1 according to the invention can thus also be varied, which in turn has an effect on the quality of the water to be purified.

Preferably, the pumped out of the filtered water is carried out so that the residence time of the water within the reservoir 2 is as long as possible. For the longer the water seeps through the interior of the reservoir 2, the purer it is. It also has a particularly beneficial effect on the cleaning result when the water seeping through is repeatedly exposed to new pressure conditions during filtering. The water initially seeps through the system 1 until it reaches the bottom of the reservoir 2 below the lowermost barrier layer 5. Due to the water flowing in the level in the system 1 increases and the water is now pressed from below both through the water collecting container 4 as a riser and through the passages 6 of the barrier layers 5 back up. Thus, there is a recirculation of the water in the system 1. With the continue from above water flowing after, this recirculation leads to an even better cleaning of the water in the system 1.

On the layer of porous material 3 above the uppermost barrier layer 5 of the system 1 according to the invention can, as in the embodiment in Fig. 3 shown, a planting layer 10 may be applied. Preferably, this is a humus-carrying layer.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous if the porous material 3 above the uppermost barrier layer 5 has a high capillarity or a high water absorption coefficient.

The capillarity is a physical property, which is due to adhesion, cohesion and surface tension and which causes the transport of liquids and the substances contained therein within the finest hair tubes, crevices and pores, in all directions, and thus also opposite to gravity.

If the porous material 3 in the upper layer now finest capillaries, so it absorbs water, and that until it is saturated and no more water can absorb. This water can then serve the humus-containing layer as an immediate water reservoir. As a result, vegetation is possible even in low-precipitation areas.

This high-capillary layer of porous material 3, which preferably consists of micro-pores, also has the effect of an insulating layer for the entire system 1 according to the invention. It can hold the water particularly well and also prevent it from evaporating on the soil surface.

The invention relates to a further water-storing and water-purifying system 1 '.

The Fig. 4 shows a system 1 'for water storage and water purification according to another embodiment of the invention. The system 1 'has, as in Fig. 4 shown, a substantially water-impervious, artificial and outwardly delimited reservoir 2 'on.

The reservoir 2 'may, as in Fig. 4 shown to be formed in a special trough shape. But it can also have any other suitable form. For example, it may be hemispherical in shape.

With regard to the further properties of the reservoir 2 ', reference is made to what has already been said above. It applies to this further embodiment of the invention accordingly.

Preferably, the reservoir 2 'comprises a geotextile. The geotextile, in turn, in its simplest embodiment, comprises a layer of woven or non-woven interspersed with polyurethane.

The polyurethane used for the geotextile may be formed by polymerizing a two-component system consisting of a polyol component comprising a polyether polyol, a polyester polyol, a propylene oxide homopolymer and a ground molecular sieve, and an isocyanate component comprising diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate.

With regard to the further constituents (fibers, wires, flakes) of the fleece and of the fabric, reference is made to the description of the geotextile in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention. The same applies to the production process of the geotextile.

The reservoir 2 'is at least partially filled with a porous material 3'. Under "at least partially" is in the Under the present invention to understand that the reservoir 2 'is to be filled with at least as much porous material 3', as is necessary in order to achieve a sufficiently good storage and purification of the water.

Preferably, the porous material 3 'is gravel, gravel, sand (e.g., quartz sand) or a mixture thereof. But clay, silt and / or clay can also be used. Other materials, such as plastics, may be used if they are able to store and transport water due to their porosity, the ratio of the volume of all their voids to their outer volume.

By choosing the porous material 3 ', the flow behavior of the water within the system 1' according to the invention can be changed.

Water always seeks the path of least resistance. The same applies to the flow behavior of water within the system 1 'according to the invention (also applies to system 1). Porous material 3 ', which is water-saturated, absorbs water, while porous material 3', which is water-saturated, releases water into less saturated areas. This then results in the flow flow. For example, the use of porous material 3 'whose capillarity increases toward the bottom of the reservoir 2' causes the water to be drawn into deeper layers (in addition to gravity). On the other hand, if one chooses porous material 3 'whose capillarity increases in the direction of the surface of the reservoir 2', water is drawn into higher layers (contrary to gravity).

It has therefore proven to be advantageous if within the reservoir 2 'different layers of porous Material 3 'are arranged with different capillarity.

It is particularly advantageous if the porous material 3 'in the lower layer is more porous than the porous material 3' in the upper layer. In this case, a particularly good water quality (drinking water quality) of the filtered water can be achieved.

The system 1 'according to the invention further comprises a water collecting container 4' which extends from the bottom of the reservoir 2 'to at least its surface, the water collecting container 4' having an opening 6 'in the upper region and at least one opening 5' in the lower region, through which water can flow.

Preferably, the water collecting container 4 'is a well or a Spanish rider. In the embodiment in Fig. 4 the water collecting container 4 'is a well.

The water collecting container 4 'can be connected via the upper opening 6' with a water removal station 7 ' (see Fig. 4 ). Water, which due to its hydrodynamic potential has leaked to the bottom of the reservoir 2 'and then has migrated further through the opening 5' or via the openings 5 'into the water tank 4', can be removed via the water removal station 7 '.

The water removal station 7 'can be, for example, a pumping station. By removing water from the water collecting container 4 'by means of a pump, the inherent hydrodynamic potential of the water flow can be increased by the system 1' according to the invention.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous to choose the hydrodynamic potential so that the residence time of the water within the reservoir 2 'is as long as possible. For the slower the water seeps through the reservoir 2 ', the purer it is when it reaches the water collecting container 4'.

Preferably, the opening 5 'is a hole or a slot. If the water collecting container 4 'has more than one opening 5', these openings 5 'can be in the form of holes and / or slots. The openings 5 'can also have any other suitable shape. The water collecting container 4 'in the embodiment in Fig. 4 has openings 5 'in the form of slots. By choosing the number, size and geometry of the openings 5 ', the rate at which the water seeps into the water collecting container 4 can be varied. When choosing the size and geometry of the openings 5 'care should be taken that as far as possible no porous material 3' enters the water collecting container 4 '.

It has proven to be advantageous if the water removal station 7 'is formed so that it completely closes the opening 6' of the water collecting container 4 '(see Fig. 4 ). In this way, no water (eg rainwater) over the opening 6 'in the water collecting container 4' flow. As a result, the water level within the water collecting container 4 'is not changed unintentionally. In addition, the water within the water collecting container 4 'is not contaminated by unfiltered water.

On the uppermost layer of porous material 3 'of the system 1' according to the invention, as in the exemplary embodiment in FIG Fig. 4 shown one Planting layer 8 'applied. Preferably, this is a humus-carrying layer.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous if the porous material 3 'in the uppermost layer has a high capillarity or a high water absorption coefficient. The water in the capillaries is then available to the humus-bearing layer as an immediate water reservoir. This also makes intensive horticulture possible in very dry regions of the earth.

The systems 1 and 1 'according to the invention are particularly suitable for agricultural and forestry applications, for example for the reclamation of soils or for reforestation. In addition, systems 1 and 1 'of the invention are suitable for water storage (e.g., rainwater) and water purification. The water to be filtered may be rainwater. The desalination of seawater (to provide drinking water) can also take place with the inventive systems 1 and 1 '.

The systems according to the invention can be used independently of location. For example, their use is also possible in coastal areas close to the sea or in regions with saline soils. The known systems for water purification and water storage show no solution.

By the systems 1 and 1 'according to the invention, the water supply can be ensured in dry regions. Often even another harvest is possible.

With the systems 1 and 1 'of the invention can also be purified water in a particularly high quality. By using a substantially water-impermeable reservoir 2, 2 ', it is achieved that already filtered water or water still to be filtered as possible not contaminated by in the system 1, 1 'infiltrating water, which is contaminated for example with pollutants.

Furthermore, the use of porous material 3 in combination with at least one barrier layer 5 prolongs the seepage of the water, making it possible to keep water very long within the reservoir (particularly good water storage). Through the additional use of different porous materials 3, the ability of the system 1 to store water can be increased even more. In addition, the quality of the purified water is further improved.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following example. These are for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of protection.

example

On a buried in the ground near the pit with a depth of 3.5 m, a width of 5 m and a length of 10 m, a layer of fleece was designed for the preparation of the reservoir. On this layer a first layer of polyurethane was applied, which had the following formulation: polyol: parts by weight Polyether polyol (obtainable by polymerization of ethylene oxide with ethylene glycol, MW 440) 25 Polyester diol (obtainable by polymerization of ethylene glycol and adipic acid, MW 390) 26 Polyester diol (obtainable by polymerization of 6 Ethylene glycol and adipic acid, MW 340) Homopolymer of propylene oxide 7 Polyether polyol (Voralux HN 370, hydroxyl number 26-30 mg KOH / g) 15 Polyether polyol (obtainable by polymerization of propylene glycol with ethylene glycol, MW 4000) 13 - 1,4-butanediol 7 - Molecular sieve 5 A ground 4 Total: 103 isocyanate: - Diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate 21 Total: 21

The spraying of the formulation was carried out by means of high-pressure cleaner. The spray pressure was about 200 bar for the polyol and isocyanate components. Both components were sprayed on separately. The spray temperature was 25 ° C for the isocyanate component and 35 ° C for the polyol component. The relative spraying power of the two nozzles corresponded to the mass ratio of the polyol component to the isocyanate component. So much formulation was applied that a continuous impregnation of the situation was achieved. After application of the components, polyurethane was formed by polymerization. This process was repeated to form another polyurethane layer. After curing within a few seconds, the reservoir-forming geotextile was filled with a 1 meter high layer of fine sand. Then a barrier layer was applied, followed by another 1 m high sand layer. This was followed by a further barrier layer and a gravel layer of 1 m height. The last layer was a 0.5 m high layer of soil. The two barrier layers of 10 m in length were produced by the same method as the reservoir. Both barrier layers each contained on one side, 0.5 m in front of the barrier layer end, 10 holes with a diameter of 10 cm at a distance of 10 cm. The two barrier layers were placed in the reservoir so that the holes were opposite. Finally, a well 0.3 m wide and 4 m long was fitted into the reservoir. He had in the lower part 5 openings in the form of 10 cm long and 2 cm wide slots. The upper end of the well was finally connected to a suction pump.

Subsequently, the reservoir was irrigated artificially with water.

Results:

Flow rate of water: lowest possible flow rate for particularly good cleaning results
Pumping power: very low pumping power as the water is pushed from the bottom upwards
Quality of the water: drinking water

Claims (38)

A water storage and water purifying system (1), comprising: a reservoir (2) at least partially filled with porous material (3) characterized by (i) at least one barrier layer (5) for extending the seepage path of the water,
wherein the barrier layer (5) is disposed within the substantially water impermeable, artificial and outwardly delimited reservoir (2), the barrier layer (5) is provided with at least one water passage (6), and extends above and below the barrier layer (5 ) porous material (3) is located; and (ii) a water catcher (4) extending from the bottom of the reservoir (2) at least to the surface thereof, wherein the water collecting container (4) above the uppermost barrier layer (5) has an opening (7) and below the lowermost barrier layer (5) at least one opening (8) through which water can flow. A system according to claim 1, wherein the water collecting container (4) is connected to a water extraction station (9) via the opening (7). A system according to claim 2, wherein the water extraction station (9) is a pumping station. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrier layer (5) within the reservoir (2) is arranged substantially horizontally. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the passage (6) for water in the outer region of the barrier layer (5) is arranged. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the passage (6) for water is in the form of a slot or a hole. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein in at least two barrier layers (5), the passages (6) for water from each two adjacent barrier layers (5) are arranged offset from one another. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the reservoir (2) has a trough-shaped or hemispherical shape. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the porous material (3) is selected from gravel, gravel and sand or mixtures thereof. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the porous material (3) does not differ above and below the barrier layer (5). System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the porous material (3) differs above and below the barrier layer (5). System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein the water collecting container (4) is a well or a Spanish rider. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein a planting layer (10) is applied to the porous material (3) above the uppermost barrier layer (5). The system of claim 13, wherein the planting layer is a humus-bearing layer. System according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein the barrier layer (5) and / or the reservoir (2) comprise a geotextile. The system of claim 15, wherein the geotextile comprises: (i) a fabric or nonwoven layer, and (ii) a polyurethane, wherein the polyurethane in the position substantially seals existing cavities and / or gaps. The system of claim 16, wherein the polyurethane is formed by polymerizing a two-component system a) a polyol component comprising a polyether polyol, a polyester polyol, a propylene oxide homopolymer and a ground molecular sieve, and b) an isocyanate component comprising diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate, is formed. The system of claim 16, wherein the ply is a nonwoven comprising staple fiber of 3 to 15 cm in length. The system of claim 18, wherein the staple fibers are made of a plastic selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and polyester. The system of claim 18, wherein the nonwoven comprises wires. System according to at least one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the polyurethane water-tightly fills the hollow and / or interstices present in the fabric or in the fleece. System according to at least one of claims 17 to 21, wherein it comprises a second layer of a woven or nonwoven, wherein in the second layer existing hollow and / or interstices are filled by the polyurethane, and the first and second layer by means of the polyurethane with each other are glued. System according to at least one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the outer surface of the first and / or the second layer is coated with the polyurethane. Water-storing and water-purifying system (1 ') comprising: a reservoir (2') at least partially filled with porous material (3 '), characterized by : a water collecting container (4 ') which extends from the bottom of the reservoir (2') to at least the surface thereof, wherein the water collecting container (4 ') in the upper region a Opening (6 ') and in the lower region at least one opening (5') through which water can flow; and the reservoir (2 '), which is substantially impermeable to water, artificially and externally delimited. A system according to claim 24, wherein the water collecting container (4 ') is connected to a water extraction station (7') via the opening (6 '). A system according to claim 25, wherein the water removal station (7 ') is a pumping station. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the water collecting container (4 ') is a well or a Spanish rider. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the porous material (3 ') is selected from gravel, gravel, sand or mixtures thereof. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein within the reservoir (2 ') different layers of porous material (3') are arranged. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the porous material (3 ') in the lower layer is more porous than the porous material (3') in the upper layer. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein on the uppermost layer of porous material (3 ') a planting layer (8') is applied. The system of claim 31, wherein the planting layer (8 ') is a humus-bearing layer. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir (2 ') comprises a geotextile. The system of claim 33, wherein the geotextile comprises: (i) a fabric or nonwoven layer, and (ii) a polyurethane, wherein the polyurethane in the position substantially seals existing cavities and / or gaps. The system of claim 34, wherein the polyurethane is formed by polymerizing a two-component system a) a polyol component comprising a polyether polyol, a polyester polyol, a propylene oxide homopolymer and a ground molecular sieve, and b) an isocyanate component comprising diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate, is formed. Use of the water-storing and water-purifying system (1, 1 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 23 and the system according to at least one of the preceding claims 24 to 35 for agricultural and forestry applications. Use of the system according to claim 36 for horticulture and for the reclamation of soils. Use of the system according to claim 36 for reforestation.

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