AT505307B1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REGULATING OR CONTROLLING THE USE OF LIQUID SUPPLIES - Google Patents

Description

2 AT 505 307 B1

The invention relates to a method for controlling or controlling the use of equipment in liquids for influencing, in particular reduction of at least one constituent of the liquid, wherein the at least one constituent of the liquid or a parameter characterizing this constituent is measured via the extinction spectrum of the liquid, and due to Measurement results of the use of the equipment is regulated or controlled.

The invention further relates to a device for controlling or controlling the use of equipment in liquids for influencing, in particular reduction of at least one constituent of the liquid, with a device for determining the use of the equipment, a device for measuring the Absinspectrum of the liquid for measuring at least one component the liquid or a parameter characterizing that component, and a control or regulating device connected to the fixing device and the measuring device for controlling or controlling the use of the operating means as a function of the at least one measured constituent of the liquid or of a parameter characterizing this constituent.

In many fields of technology, it is necessary to monitor liquids and to take different steps depending on the measurement results. For example, in the drinking water supply, it is necessary or desirable to check the quality of the water and to observe the concentration of certain constituents and to take measures, for example, if predetermined concentration limit values are exceeded. These measures can include, for example, the addition of substances by which the concentration of undesirable constituents in the water can be reduced, or else the use of mechanical, electrical or electromagnetic energy, which leads to a reduction of the unwanted constituents of the liquid.

In addition to the monitoring of the composition of drinking water, it is often necessary to check the composition of wastewater and to initiate appropriate countermeasures or use resources when exceeding certain predetermined limits for the concentrations of hazardous components. A resource can be formed in this case, for example, by nutrients for microorganisms, which biodegrade the hazardous components of the wastewater.

Finally, many manufacturing processes from a wide range of technical fields use liquids whose composition must be monitored and influenced.

In addition to measuring classical parameters in liquids, e.g. pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, or the like, the spectrometric measurement of liquids has gained in importance lately. Spectrometry exploits the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with molecules to characterize them and subsequently determine the concentration of solutes and suspended solids in liquids. Each atom or molecule has certain discrete energy levels that can be occupied by the atom or molecule in different excited states. The differences between these levels correspond to excitation energies. If a photon hits the atom or molecule that provides such energy, the photon can be absorbed and the atom or molecule changes into an excited state. In this way substances absorb the photons with very specific energies. As a result of the interaction of the atoms or molecules with one another, the excitation energies are "smeared", as it were, and a broad spectrum of photon energies can lead to excitation and thus be absorbed. Which photon energy or wavelength is absorbed to what extent is characteristic of each molecule and thus provides a kind of fingerprint of the molecule over which it can be identified. Here, as a rule of thumb, it can be stated that large molecules tend to absorb strongly at longer wavelengths, smaller ones at smaller wavelengths. Since the 3 AT 505 307 B1

Extinction or absorption of many components of a liquid is characteristic, very specific information about the composition of the liquid can be obtained from a measured absorbance or absorption spectrum.

The Beer-Lambert law describes the relationship between the reduction of the original light intensity with the concentration of the absorbing substance. Thus, using Beer-Lambert's law, the concentration of the substance dissolved in the liquid can be determined from knowledge of the original light intensity and the intensity measured after passage of the light through the liquid. In the simplest case, such a spectrometer consists of a light source for emitting light or light pulses through a measuring volume and a sensor, which normally consists of a light-refracting element and a light-sensitive element. Extended spectrometers may include a second light beam, which is guided as a reference beam next to the measurement volume.

In the investigation of liquids in particular the spectrometry in the ultraviolet and / or visible wavelength range, preferably in the range between about 200 to 800 nm, has proved to be advantageous since in this region of the spectrum the concentrations of many substances in liquids can be determined.

A miniaturized spectrometric probe, which can be introduced directly into the liquid to be examined, is known, for example, from WO 01/46656 A1.

The term operating means, as already mentioned above, in the present case, both substances to understand that react with that component of the liquid that is measured and should usually be below a certain threshold, or substances that produce appropriate conditions, so that influencing the ingredient that is to be modified may be successful (eg adding nutrients so that microorganisms can degrade substances). Such substances, which comprise both solid, liquid and gaseous substances, are usually added to the liquid in order to reduce, inactivate, bind or the like a particular constituent of the liquid. However, the term "resources" also includes the use of different energies, For example, mechanical or electrical energy, due to which the at least one component of the liquid can be influenced. For example, the use of electrical energy may result in a reaction with a certain undesirable component of the fluid and in conversion of the undesired into a tolerated component. Furthermore, the term operating means may also be understood to mean changes in the flow rate through the control of a pump (for example, during the operation of a filter) or the change in temperature due to the supply of heat.

The term constituent of the liquid includes all dissolved and undissolved substances or groups of substances which can be measured in the liquid.

In conventional methods and devices for controlling or controlling the use of equipment in liquids to influence at least one component of the liquid, an analysis of the liquid in the laboratory is often made and determined based on the measurement results of the use of a resource, for example, the addition of a certain amount of a substance, which is kept constant until the next analysis of the liquid. There is no change in the use of the equipment between the times of the analysis of the liquid, which often leads to an over or underdosing of the equipment. In practice, the overdose of equipment is preferred to be able to safely comply with the specified limits for certain components of the liquid can. However, since the use of equipment is usually associated with sometimes very high costs, the amount of resources used should be kept as low as possible. In addition, overdosing may cause further undesirable effects, e.g. the formation of harmful substances, occur. 4 AT 505 307 B1

Finally, in many applications there are relatively large variations in the composition of constituents of the liquid, which necessitates frequent analysis of the liquid, which in turn requires a great deal of effort.

As a remedy, there already exist methods which provide certain parameters of the liquid, e.g. The pH value, the electrical conductivity, the temperature or the concentration of selected components that can be easily measured, in short time intervals or continuously detect and regulate the use of the resources based on the measurement results.

In the so-called "Feed Foward" strategy, the liquid is analyzed prior to the use of the equipment and then the use of the equipment is determined as a function of the measurement results.

In the so-called "feedback" strategy, the liquid is analyzed after use of the operating medium, that is to say, for example, in the flow of a liquid behind a device for adding a substance, and the use of the operating medium is determined on the basis of the measurement results. This method is not ideal, since it can lead to not inconsiderable delays too often, especially in the case of rapid changes in the composition of the liquid, as a result of which the particular constituents of the liquid either insufficiently influenced, in particular reduced, or more resources must be used as necessary to safely reach the regulatory goal.

Through a combined "feed forward" and "feedback" strategy, the result can be further improved, in which the measurement result describing the treatment result measured after the metering of the equipment is used to automatically optimize the calibration of the parameter used for the resource usage.

If a parameter that is uncharacteristic for the use of equipment is used as a parameter for the regulation or control of the measurement resource input, then both with a "feed forward" and with a "feedback" strategy, no optimal use of resources can be achieved. There are special non-spectrometric sensors, which allow the measurement of the characteristic of the resource use, but in the process control or control are poorly used because they have too long response times (greater than 30 min) and / or require frequent maintenance and repair Therefore, they are expensive to operate and do not work reliably enough.

WO 2002/088860 A2 relates to a device for controlling chemical synthesis processes, wherein a sample is taken from the reaction mixture and from this, a standing for the concentration of a substance parameter is determined, and this parameter is evaluated by controlling the synthesis plant accordingly. The concentration of the substance can be determined by measuring its absorbance in the UV / VIS spectrum.

WO 97/001183 A1 relates to a method for controlling mixtures, wherein certain parameters are measured by means of mass spectrometry or gas chromatography. Mass spectrometry or gas chromatography differs significantly from the measurement of the extinction spectrum of a liquid with the aid of spectrometric probes. Also, according to WO 97/001183 A1 no liquids, but mixed products of mixed starting materials, which each have boiling points below 350 ° C described.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an abovementioned method and device for controlling or controlling the use of operating fluids in fluids for influencing, in particular reducing at least one constituent of the fluid, by means of which the use of the operating means is kept to a minimum AT 505 307 B1 can be reduced and thus costs can be saved. At the same time, the predetermined goals, i. For example, adherence to certain limits for the concentrations of certain components of the liquids, as closely as possible. The cost of the process and the device should be as low as possible. Disadvantages of known methods and devices should be avoided or at least reduced.

The object of the invention is achieved in terms of the method in that, for measuring the at least one component of the liquid or a parameter characterizing this component, the current extinction spectrum of the liquid is measured by a spectrometric probe arranged in the liquid, and from the measured current extinction spectrum using a stored Correlation of the extinction spectrum of the liquid with at least one of the required use of the equipment characterizing parameters, the currently required use of resources is derived. According to the invention, not or only classical parameters of the liquid or concentrations of certain constituents of the liquid are measured, but an extinction spectrum of the liquid in a certain wavelength range is determined, which describes the parameter characteristic for the use of resources better or more accurately than any classical parameter, what leads to a huge increase in information and consequently to a better or more precise regulation or control of the use of resources to fulfill a specific regulatory objective. From the measured actual extinction spectrum of the liquid, the use of the operating means can be derived on the basis of a stored correlation of the extinction spectrum of the liquid with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the operating means. In contrast, the classical parameters used in the prior art are nonspecific for resource use, whereas the function of correlations based on the parameters characterizing the resource use are very sensitive to changes in the composition of the liquid components, which in fact have no effect on the treatability of the fluid components Have liquid are. Since the equipment to be used does not necessarily have to be a substance to be added to the liquid, the notion of the parameter characterizing the required use of the equipment has been introduced. In the case of a substance to be added, this parameter would mean, for example, the concentration or dosing rate for this substance. In other applications, however, this characterizing parameter may also include a unit of time, speed or the like. The stored correlation of the extinction spectrum of the liquid with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the equipment is generated, for example, under laboratory conditions or on the basis of a sufficient number of measurements and is available for the respective application. The correlation reflects the response of the use of equipment to the extinction spectrum of the fluid and the objective to be achieved, for example the reduction of the concentration of a component in the fluid. Thus, conversely, by means of this correlation from the actual extinction spectrum of the liquid, the currently required use of the operating medium can be determined in a precise and reliable manner. In contrast to known methods, by measuring the extinction spectrum of the liquid, a more accurate control or regulation of the use of equipment in liquids can be achieved, as a result of which the resources used can be reduced and thus costs can be saved. A conventional state of the art conventional overdose of resources is no longer required. Since the extinction spectrum of the liquid reacts more selectively to changes in the composition of the liquid, misinterpretations, which can occur when measuring classical parameters of the liquid alone, are also avoided. By virtue of the fact that spectrometric probes for measuring the extinction spectrum of liquids are available in miniaturized design, they can be used optimally and with relatively little effort in a wide variety of methods. It should be noted that the absorbance spectrum can also be a pure absorption spectrum if all factors influencing the light through the liquid except the absorption could be eliminated or compensated.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that further parameters of the liquid, e.g. pH, temperature, electrical conductivity or the like., Measured and taken into account in the determination of the currently required use of resources. In addition to the extinction spectrum of the liquid, such further classical parameters can mean an additional information gain and thus a further improvement of the regulation or control.

The correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the operating means can be made on the basis of reference data. Such reference data can be made under laboratory conditions on as many examples as possible in order to obtain a good correlation. As a result of the correlation, a mathematical relationship can be generated by means of which the relationship between the current extinction spectrum and the currently required use of the resources, which is necessary to achieve the regulatory goal, is generated.

In this case, the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the equipment can be calculated from pairs of extinction spectra of the liquid, possibly further parameters of the liquid and at least the parameters characterizing the use of the operating means. In this variant of the so-called direct determination of the correlation, an extinction spectrum of the liquid and optionally further parameters of the liquid, such as pH value and temperature, are detected by measurement and an exact value of a known control parameter matching this data set is determined by another method. The determination of the control parameter usually takes place by means of chemical, physical and / or microbiological analysis methods in the laboratory. The required use of the resources or the optimal value of a control parameter is the one in which the predetermined regulatory goal can be achieved with minimal use of resources.

Alternatively, the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the equipment also from pairs of Extinktionsspektren the liquid, possibly further parameters of the liquid and at least one of the required influence, in particular reduction of at least one component of the liquid , characterizing parameters are calculated. This variant of the creation of a correlation can also be carried out during ongoing operation of the method, in which an extinction spectrum and the property to be influenced (or a property correlated therewith) of the liquid are measured before use of a resource and then based on empirical values or after a predetermined grading resources are used and the result of the regulation on the property to be influenced (or a correlated property) of the liquid is measured. Depending on the result of the control, the use of the operating means is changed, which in turn creates pairs of extinction spectra and characterizing parameters for the control result or the required influencing of at least one constituent of the liquid. In turn, many such pairs allow the calculation of a correlation, which can be used to derive the currently required use of resources from the current extinction spectrum. In this alternative procedure can largely be dispensed with time-consuming and error-prone laboratory studies, which in any case usually detour when looking at the regulated or controlling process, often historically caused by the lack of suitable metrologically detectable parameters. Instead of using values determined in the laboratory, in this case the relationship between the measured quantities and the control parameter is examined directly in the process. Process engineering processes must be operated in a range in which a known functional relationship can be assumed between the control parameters and the treatment result, which can be used for process engineering using commercially available technologies and which allows interpolation or extrapolation of states. An example of this is a process that aims to reduce the concentration of organic matter in the water below a certain level by adding a certain concentration of flocculants (control parameter) (regulatory objective). The regulatory objective is to bring the concentration of organic matter in the water below a certain value (regulatory objective). The process is usually operated in a range in which the added concentration of flocculants and the degraded concentration of organic matter in a linear relationship. If, for example, 1 g / l of flocculant is metered in and a reduction in the concentration of organic substances by 2 g / l is achieved, it can be assumed that, when adding 2 g / l, as long as one moves within the intended range of application of the flocculant Flocculant the concentration of organic matter by 4 g / l decreases. This makes it possible to collect data for determining the optimal control parameter during ongoing operation of the process. As with the direct determination of the control parameter already described, spectra and additional measured variables (temperature, ...) are measured in real time in the system inflow. In the inlet and outlet of the system, the size which determines the control target is measured (spectrally or otherwise with a conventional measuring instrument or with laboratory analyzes). In the case of the process of metering flocculants for the purpose of reducing organic matter, this would be the concentration of organics after treatment. Since the process is in operation, the state of the liquid is continuously influenced by the control parameter (in the given example, this would be the binding of the organic matter by the flocculant). So now we know the value of the control parameter and its effect on the treatment outcome. In this example, e.g. for a measurement in the inlet, a concentration of 8 g / l and in the course of a concentration of 4 g / l of organic substances are measured. The change in concentration is therefore 4 g / l. If the regulatory target is a concentration of at most 2 g / l (regulatory target), then one would not have to bind 4 g / l but 6 g / l, ie 1.5 times more organic substances in order to reach the regulatory target. If 2 g / l flocculants were dosed at this time, it can be predicted that 1.5 g / l would have to be added to 3 g / l flocculants to reach the control target. In this way, in the current process, correct values are obtained for the control parameter, which can be correlated with the measurements in the feed (spectrum, temperature, pH value ...).

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid is carried out automatically with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the operating means. For example, in an automated process, a wide variety of liquids can be measured with a wide variety of operating resources used, and in this way a matrix of measurement data can be created, from which the correlation is calculated.

In this case, the performance of the correlation according to the so-called PLS (Partial Least Square) method has proven to be particularly advantageous. This multivariate statistical method is a good choice for constructing a predictive model underlying the control.

The current extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid can be measured before the use of the equipment. This variant of the method represents the so-called "feed forward" strategy already mentioned above.

Alternatively or additionally, the current extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid can also be measured after the use of the equipment. This represents the so-called "feedback" strategy or "feed forward" and "feedback" strategy already mentioned above, with which the treatment result is measured.

Advantageously, the actual extinction spectrum of the liquid is measured in the ultraviolet and / or visible wavelength range, preferably in the range between 200 and 800 nm.

In order to avoid temporal delays as far as possible, the current extinction spectrum of the liquid and possibly further parameters of the liquid are measured at predetermined time intervals. The choice of the time intervals is adapted to the respective applications accordingly. The time intervals can be in the range of seconds but also in the range of days or in between. Thus, fluctuations in the composition of the liquid are detected immediately and it can be adjusted due to the fluctuations immediately the use of resources accordingly and thus the use of resources with optimal treatment results can be minimized.

The measured actual extinction spectrum of the liquid can also be compensated so that influences such as e.g. the turbidity of the liquid can be eliminated. In this case, different compensation methods according to the prior art can be used. By compensating for the extinction spectrum, for example, the absorption spectrum of the liquid can result.

On the one hand to allow a documentation of the measurement and on the other hand to gather empirical values, the measured extinction spectra and possibly further measured parameters of the liquid and possibly at least one parameter characterizing the use of the operating means are preferably stored.

In order to be able to minimize the regulation or control even better and consequently the use of the resources even further, the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid with the use of resources depending on the measured influence, in particular reduction, at least one component of the Fluid to be adjusted. The goal of control or regulation, i. usually the reduction of a component of the liquid, recorded and used to adjust the calibration.

If, for example, the control target is regularly exceeded, the calibration can be corrected so that the use of the resources is reduced accordingly until the control target is just fulfilled.

The object according to the invention is also achieved by an abovementioned device, wherein at least one measuring device is formed by a spectrometric probe which can be arranged in the liquid for measuring the extinction spectrum of the liquid, and furthermore a memory connected to the regulating and control device for storing at least one correlation of the Extinction spectrum of the liquid is provided with at least one of the required use of the equipment characterizing parameters, so that the currently required use of resources from the current extinction spectrum of the liquid based on this stored correlation can be derived. Thus, by measuring the extinction spectrum along with the stored correlation, the use of the resources can be accurately controlled or controlled, thus minimizing the use of the resources.

According to a further feature of the invention, at least one means for measuring further classical parameters of the liquid, such as e.g. pH, temperature, electrical conductivity or the like. Provided, which measuring device is connected to the control and regulating device. As already mentioned above, such additional parameters may mean a gain in information, whereby the control or regulation can be made even more accurate. 9 AT 505 307 B1

At least one spectrometric probe and possibly devices for measuring further parameters of the liquid can also be used after the device for determining the insert according to the "feed forward" strategy before the device for determining the use of the equipment or or according to the "feedback" strategy be arranged the resources.

At least one spectrometric probe is preferably designed for measuring the extinction spectrum in the ultraviolet and / or visible wavelength range, preferably in the range between 200 and 800 nm. As already mentioned above, very characteristic extinction spectra of liquid constituents can be observed in this wavelength range.

For documentation purposes or for collecting empirical values, a memory may be provided for storing the extinction spectra, possibly further measured parameters of the liquid and possibly at least one parameter characterizing the use of the operating means.

If, according to a further feature of the invention, means are provided for altering the stored correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid with at least one parameter characterizing the use of the operating means, the correlation can be influenced on the basis of measurement results and, as a consequence, an even better control or Control of the use of resources are made. These changing means can be realized, for example, by parameters with which the correlation or the mathematical relationship between the extinction spectrum and the use of the resources can be changed.

In this case, the changing means are preferably connected to a device for detecting the influence of at least one constituent of the liquid. Thus, the correlation can be directly influenced by the achieved goal of the regulation or control, for example the reduction of a specific constituent in the liquid, to determine the currently required use of the operating resources.

According to a further feature of the invention, a means is provided for selecting one of a plurality of stored correlations of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the operating means. According to this variant, a plurality of correlations can be stored, from which, depending on the application, a specific correlation is selected. For example, this may result in changed targets, i. For example, to changed limits, for the concentration of certain components in the liquid reacts and a correspondingly adapted correlation can be selected.

Depending on the application, the resources can be added by a substance to be added to the liquid by nutrients for microorganisms, by filters or by chemical and / or physical adsorbents or the like. And the device for determining the use of resources by dosing systems for the substrate, the nutrients, the chemical and / or physical adsorbents or by means for determining the flow rate of the liquid through a filter or cleaning measures of the filter or the like. Be formed.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:

Figure 1 shows two variants of a method and a device for controlling or controlling the use of equipment in liquids for influencing, in particular reduction of at least one component of the liquid according to the prior art;

2 shows the basic structure of a spectrometric probe; 1 0 AT 505 307 B1

3 shows an exemplary extinction spectrum of a liquid;

4 shows the basic structure of an embodiment of a device according to the invention; and

Fig. 5 shows the time course of the amount of an attached equipment in an application according to a conventional and the inventive method.

Fig. 1 shows two schemes of a method for controlling or controlling the use of equipment in liquids according to the prior art with a device 1 for controlling or controlling the use of a resource 2 in a liquid 3. The liquid 3 runs along the arrows S along a pipe or the like. In the example shown from left to right. The device 1 for regulating or controlling the use of the operating means 2 comprises a device 4 for measuring a specific parameter in the liquid 3, for example the pH, the temperature, the electrical conductivity or the like. Of course, several devices 4 for measurement be provided various parameters (not shown). The measuring device 4 is connected to a regulating or control device 5, which in turn is connected to a device 6 for determining the use of the operating means 2. For example, an operating medium 2 may be a substance which is stored in a storage container 7 and is connected to a device 6 designed as a metering device for determining the use of the operating means 2. Depending on the measured value detected by the measuring device 4, the control or regulating device 5 regulates or controls the device 6 for determining the use of the operating means 2 accordingly, so that a desired effect or a desired target of the regulation or control, for example the reduction of a component in the liquid 3, enters.

The upper part of FIG. 1 shows the principle of the so-called "feed forward" strategy, in which the liquid 3 is analyzed by the measuring device 4 before the use of the operating medium 2. In this principle, the use of the operating means 2 is given by appropriate rules in the control and regulating device 5, without the effect actually achieved, i. For example, the reduction of a component X in the liquid 3 after use of the equipment 2 is checked.

In the method in the lower part of FIG. 1, the so-called "feedback" strategy, the liquid 3 is analyzed after use of the operating medium 2 by a corresponding measuring device 4 and in dependence on the analyzed measured values, the control and control device 5 and in the Sequence the device 6 driven to determine the use of the resources 2. This method has the disadvantage that it is possible to react to fluctuations in the composition of the liquid 3 only with a delay in line. Combinations of both methods, i. The "feed forward" and "feedback" strategies are also conceivable, but do not completely solve the problems that arise in practice because the measured parameters are too unspecific.

Fig. 2 shows the basic structure of a spectrometric probe 8, comprising a light source 9, whose light beam is directed through appropriately arranged windows 10, 11, 12 through a measuring area 13, in which the liquid to be analyzed 3 is located. The received light beams are detected by a detector 14 and evaluated accordingly. On the left side of FIG. 2, a reference light beam outside the measuring range 13 is sent to the detector 14 for reference purposes. For directing the light beams corresponding optics 15, 16 are arranged, which will not be discussed in detail.

Fig. 3 shows a typical extinction spectrum of a liquid in the ultraviolet and visible wavelength range. The absorption is plotted as a function of the wavelength λ. As already mentioned above, the characteristic of the extinction spectrum is changed by changing various parameters or constituents or compositions of the liquid, whereby the composition of the liquid 3 can be deduced from the extinction spectrum. 1 1 AT 505 307 B1

4 shows an embodiment of the method or the device 1 according to the invention for controlling or controlling the use of equipment 2 in liquids 3, wherein the device 4 for measuring parameters of the liquid 3 is formed by at least one spectro-metric probe 8. The spectrometric probe 8 detects the Absinspectrum spectrum of the liquid 3 before or or after the means 6 for determining the required use of the resources 2. The spectrometric probes 8 and possibly further measuring means 4 'for measuring further parameters of the liquid 3, such. pH, temperature, electrical conductivity or the like., Are connected to the control or control device 5, in which the current extinction spectrum of the liquid 3 with a stored in a memory 17 correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly other parameters of the liquid 3 with at least one the required use of the resources 2 characterizing parameters is compared or derived using a corresponding mathematical rule, the use of the resources 2 and is forwarded to the device 6 for determining the use of the resources 2. The at least one spectrometric probe 8 located in the liquid 3 determines "online" the composition of the liquid 3 before and / or after the device 6 for determining the required use of the resources 2 and provides with the extinction spectrum a much higher information density than conventional methods, due to which a better regulation or control and thus a minimized use of resources 2 results in optimum control result. In the control or regulating device 5, for example, the necessary amount of a substance to be added is determined on the basis of stored prescriptions from the current extinction spectrum. Since the extinction spectrum reacts better to fluctuations in the composition of the liquid 3, it is also possible to respond more quickly and more accurately to changes in the liquid 3, thus avoiding an overdose of the operating medium 2.

To effect the correlation of the extinction spectrum with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the equipment, different compositions of liquids 3, for example, are mixed with different quantities of equipment 2 and the reaction, for example the reduction of a certain component X in the liquid 3, is measured. This is done, for example, under laboratory conditions in a manual or automated manner. From the resulting data, a correlation between the extinction spectrum of the liquid and possibly other parameters of the liquid, e.g. pH, temperature or electrical conductivity, and at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the resources, and thus a mathematical relationship between the Extinktionss spectrum and the required use of the resources 2 are prepared. For example, given a certain component X in the liquid 3, certain wavelengths in the extinction spectrum will change particularly so that, due to changes in these wavelengths or wavelength ranges in the extinction spectrum, the concentration of the particular constituent X in the liquid 3 is deduced and thus the use of the operating medium 2 , which leads to the reduction of this ingredient X, be specified exactly.

Fig. 5 shows the time course of the amount of a used equipment according to a conventional and the inventive method, wherein the curve A shows the course according to the conventional method and the curve B shows the course according to the inventive method. It can be clearly seen that the amount of equipment used, for example, the liquid added substance can be significantly reduced.

In the following, some application examples of the present invention will be explained in more detail. It is always assumed that an extinction spectrum of the liquid in the ultraviolet and / or visible wavelength range and possibly additionally classical parameters of the liquid is taken up by other measuring instruments. 1. Water / Contamination-Dependent Dosing of Nutrients 1 2 AT 505 307 B1

In sewage treatment plants and water treatment microorganisms are used to reduce pollutants and pollutants. These micro-organisms need enough nutrients that must be in the right proportion to each other. In certain degradation processes, some of these nutrients are just those pollutants that are primarily degraded in the sewage and water treatment plants. If the ratio of the various nutrients or pollutants to one another is not correct, then the amount of microorganisms which can live in the water to be purified is limited by the nutrient present in the deficiency (Liebig's law of the minimum), while the abundant nutrient does not can be completely used up and therefore remains as a contaminant in the water. If you want to achieve as complete as possible degradation of contaminants and pollutants, therefore, you must supplement those nutrients of which there is too little in the water. In this case, it is particularly important to know as much as possible about the nutrient supply and the nutrient requirement, because too high a dosed nutrient would not only waste and thus cause unnecessary costs but would also remain after the process and thus become a pollutant.

In certain applications, there is typically a shortage of always the same nutrient. Wastewater from paper mills, for example, contains organic carbon in high concentration, but very little nitrogen and phosphorus, so both nutrients have to be added to ensure effective biological wastewater treatment. However, in other applications it is also possible that one or more other nutrients must be added in order to produce a balanced nutrient ratio for the pollution-reducing organisms. Usually, the concentration of contaminants, pollutants and nutrients is determined by sampling and surveying in the laboratory. From the information obtained next in the course of time next dosage unit of nutrients or other resources is determined. Naturally, this method always lags behind the process dynamics, which means that, while ensuring compliance with the permitted limit values, there is a systematic overdosage of equipment.

To determine the need for a single nutrient, water samples are taken in the process at different times (which should be as representative of the different operating conditions in the process) and at the same time an absorbance spectrum of the water and possibly additional parameters that influence the activity of the microorganisms and thus have the effectiveness of pollutant degradation (pH and temperature) recorded. The laboratory then determines how large the nutrient deficiency is by, e.g. simulates the degradation of the process in samples taken. The sample is divided into several containers to which microorganisms, in concentration and type according to the process, and various doses of nutrient are added. Under otherwise constant conditions, it is checked after a period of time defined by the simulated process whether the control target has been reached, i. whether the pollution has been reduced below the previously set limit. The relative nutrient requirement is then the lowest relative dosage (nutrient per liter of water) of nutrient that could be used to reduce pollution to the point where the regulatory goal was just reached. The absolute nutrient requirement to be dosed in the process can be extrapolated from the relative nutrient requirement by measuring the flow in the process. In the case of adding several nutrients, this concept can be extended by adding different combinations of nutrient amounts to the samples. After the process-defined reaction time of those sub-samples, in which the control target was achieved, selected those that has the cheapest combination of additions. In most cases, the cheapest combination will probably be the one that costs the least, but there are also other options that set other criteria for assessment. The nutrient concentrations added in the most favorable sub-sample correspond to the values for the relative nutrient requirements of the individual nutrients. From the spectral range which correlates best with this relative nutrient requirement, the spectral parameter "" for the use of resources " calculated, whereby pH value and occasionally other measured variables can be considered if necessary. By measuring the flow, the absolute nutrient requirement can be extrapolated from this.

The value (s) for the dosage of the nutrient present in the deficiency is / are in this case the control parameter, while the "characteristic for the resource use spectral parameter", pH value and occasionally other measures, and in the process additionally the flow are recorded measured variables. 2. Dosing of flocculants in water treatment plants

An important step in water treatment is the removal of organic matter and particles in the water. The spectrum of organic substances present in the water is very large - from small molecule organic compounds such as e.g. Pesticides up to large molecular weight such as humic acid. Accordingly, there is not one single method that is optimal for the removal of all types of organic matter. Bulk organic compounds can be readily precipitated by addition of flocculants and then removed by settling or filtering. In this process, it is necessary to determine the flocculant requirement. The flocculant requirement is the smallest amount of flocculant sufficient to bring the concentration of organic matter in the water below a specified level. The flocculant requirement depends on the flow through the plant, the proportion and type of flocculent organic compounds in the water, the pH value and occasionally on other parameters of the water. The flow through the system and conventional physical measurements can be measured with traditional measuring instruments; The proportion and type of flocculent organic compounds in the water can be recognized in the extinction spectrum of the water.

The flocculant requirement can be determined after taking samples in the laboratory by a common method. The water sample is divided into different containers and a different dose of flocculant is added to each container. After a reaction time, the concentration of organic compounds in the individual containers is measured. The part sample, where the concentration with the least amount of flocculant could be brought just below the required value, determines the relative flocculant demand (flocculant per liter of water).

From the spectral range best correlated with this relative flocculant demand, the " resource input " spectral parameter " calculated, whereby pH value and occasionally other measured variables can be considered if necessary.

By measuring the flow, the absolute flocculation requirement can be extrapolated from this.

The flocculant requirement in this case is therefore the control parameter, while the "characteristic spectral parameter", "pH value" and "case-by-case" other measured variables, as well as in the process the flow rate are the measured variables. 3. Demand-optimized addition of disinfectants

In water treatment and treatment plants are often disinfectants (such as ozone, chlorine, irradiation with UV light (UV light is hereinafter referred to as disinfectant and amount of disinfectant in this case, the energy of light is meant), and added other gases and liquids The number and type of microorganisms can not be monitored continuously, which is why a combination of sporadic laboratory measurements and systematic overdosage ensures sufficient hygienic safety: If the exact disinfectant requirements (ie the disinfectant) are met The disinfectant must not be overdosed with the lowest dose of disinfectant, which ensures the safe and sustainable destruction of the microorganisms.) This is disadvantageous for two reasons: First, the overdose leads to an unnecessarily high consumption of disinfectant and thus z u unnecessarily high costs; secondly, overdosing promotes the formation of disinfection by-products. These are harmful (carcinogenic) chemical compounds that are formed during the decomposition of organic substances by reaction with the disinfectant.

The raw water to be disinfected is mostly of natural origin and contains a wide range of organic and mineral substances of various chemical properties, some of which are light and sometimes more difficult to oxidize. When disinfecting, it is not the goal to oxidize or degrade these substances, but it should be possible only the microorganisms are destroyed so that it does not lead to the formation of disinfection by-products as described above. Since the composition of the organic substances and microorganisms in the water constantly varies, the treatability by disinfectant also changes, and also the potential for the formation of disinfection by-products constantly and usually changes to a great extent. A change in this potential over time in the ratio 1: 5 would not be unusual, which is why in non-regulated systems, a temporary overdose in the ratio 5: 1 may occur.

Sometimes the amount of disinfectant added is controlled by classical parameters such as turbidity or Total Organic Carbon (TOC), which are considered to be nonspecific environmental conditions for microorganisms and should therefore correlate with their concentration. Turbidity can be caused by undissolved mineral or organic substances or by microorganisms. Mineral turbidity can occur in high concentration without the assistance of microorganisms and thus pose no danger, the measurement of nephelometric turbidity as prior art is no indication of the cause and type of turbidity. The evaluation of the light spectrum in the visible wavelength range, primarily by mathematical adaptation of the measured turbidity spectrum by means of established methods, e.g. Method of least-square deviation, to the known as assumed spectra of turbidity cause described simplified by a third-order polynomial, and determining the characteristics of this polynomial, the state and type of concentration of the turbidity can be calculated, which is why by using a corresponding spectral algorithm a higher correlation with the microorganism density is possible than by means of simple nephelometric turbidity measurement, whereby disinfectants can be optimally optimally added in the sense of this invention.

Furthermore, only a small part of the dissolved TOC is to be regarded as a nutrient basis for microorganisms. This fraction can in turn be isolated by fractionation in the UV spectrum, which can not be achieved by any other continuous process. Although the corresponding spectral range does not correlate analytically-quantitatively, but is considerably more stringent with the concentration of microorganisms than other continuous methods, it can therefore also be used as a relatively precise control parameter for the exact metering of the disinfectant.

If data and reference data are available for a sufficiently long period of time, then a combination parameter can be determined which takes into account both the turbidity and the organic carbon composition and thus gives a good control parameter for each occurring composition of the raw water.

The disinfection process depends not only on the original composition of the water, but also on the pH, temperature and occasionally other parameters of the water, which can be determined with conventional measuring instruments. 1 5 AT 505 307 B1

A correlation between extinction spectrum, pH, temperature and disinfectant requirement can be determined in the following ways. At various times, which should be as representative as possible of the various operating conditions of the disinfection system, a raw water sample is taken and pH, temperature and an extinction spectrum are measured. For each water sample, the disinfectant requirement is determined by dividing the sample and treating each part with different doses of disinfectant. After a reaction time, the disinfection success of each part is checked. The disinfection was successful when the number of microorganisms is below the required value. The lowest relative disinfectant dose that has just led to success is the relative need for disinfectants (disinfectant per liter of water).

From the spectral range which best correlates with this relative disinfectant requirement, the spectral parameter " characteristic spectral parameter " calculated, whereby pH value and occasionally other measured variables can be considered if necessary.

By measuring the flow, the absolute disinfectant requirement can be extrapolated from this.

The disinfectant requirement in this case is therefore the control parameter, while the "characteristic spectral parameter" for the use of the resource, pH value and occasionally other measured variables, and in the process the flow rate are the measured variables.

One can extend this method by a prognosis for the amount of resulting disinfection by-products. To do this, it is necessary to measure the concentration of disinfection by-products generated in that part of the disinfected water sample used for the correlation of the disinfectant requirement (ie the part which was successfully disinfected with the lowest disinfectant dose). By correlation with the known parameters extinction spectrum, temperature and pH value, one obtains a prognosis for the expected concentration of disinfection by-products after disinfection, and subsequently the concentration of "precursors of disinfection by-products". This makes it possible to check whether the concentration of disinfection by-products after disinfection will be within the permitted range and use this control value to determine the dose. Since the disinfection process (and thus the amount of disinfection by-products produced) depends on the pH value, it may be possible to counteract this by changing the pH value.

When disinfecting by electromagnetic radiation, the attenuation of the light by distraction of suspended or colloidal particles leads to a decrease in the disinfecting effect with the distance from the radiation source, which is why in addition to the disinfectant need of raw water, the concentration of these particles and thus the attenuation of the light can be monitored. 4. Prediction of Filter Pollution Degree

The use of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration in water treatment for the removal of dissolved substances is increasingly used, both in wastewater treatment, and in drinking water treatment. Mainly small plants and industrial plants where very high demands on water quality are common, use this new technology. In this type of filtration, water is forced through a membrane under pressure. During this process, two different types of pollution occur on the raw water side of the membrane: "scaling" and "fouling". "Scaling" is the precipitation of minerals, "fouling" is the growth of microorganisms on the membrane. "Fouling" is mainly determined by the organic substances in the water, because they serve as nutrients for the microorganisms. This contamination of the membrane is an important process parameter because it causes the resistance of the membrane to increase and ultimately to increase the resistance of the membrane

Membrane modules can no longer be operated economically and must be cleaned or completely replaced. Backwash and / or rinsing with detergents, such as hydrochloric acid, can (partially) remove the contamination again. The right time to clean is currently not determined without disassembly of the membrane. Too late cleaning means that more energy is consumed than necessary to force the water through the membrane. With conventional pressure measurements, "fouling" is only noticed when pressure drops occur, which already corresponds to a high level of contamination.

The biological "fouling" is mainly dependent on certain organic fractions in the water, on the temperature, pH and duration of operation of the membrane unit since the last purification. The proportion of organic substances that is responsible for the growth of microorganisms can be calculated out of the extinction spectrum.

From the spectral range which best correlates with this proportion of organic substances, the " resource parameter " spectral parameter " calculated, whereby pH value and occasionally other measured variables can be considered if necessary.

This makes it possible to calculate the filter contamination and thus to clean it at the optimum time.

The control parameter is determined in much the same way as in the other examples described here in the following way: Small membrane units (pilot plants) or membrane samples are flowed through with water of different composition. After a period of time sufficient to cause soiling, the membranes are analyzed and the degree of soiling determined. Since in this case the water composition is constant throughout the experiment and also the duration of operation of the membrane is known, one can determine the soiling increase per time for the water used. This contamination increase per time is then correlated with the spectral data of the raw water used. This correlation then allows in operation to predict the current increase in contamination at the membrane. By integrating this parameter over time, the current level of contamination of the membrane and thus the optimum time for cleaning can be determined.

The degree of soiling, which determines the time of filter cleaning, is thus the control parameter in this case, while the "spectral parameter characteristic for the use of resources", the pH value and occasionally other measured variables and in the process the flow are the measured variables. 5. Control of the operation of activated carbon filters or the dosage of powdered activated carbon

Activated carbon filters are used in the field of water treatment and wastewater treatment mainly to remove dissolved substances that are difficult or impossible to biodegrade by adsorption from the water to remove.

The filters consist of granular activated carbon through which the water to be purified flows. The maximum amount of water per unit of time is limited, since too much flow, the filter effect is no longer sufficient and too many pollutants pass through the filter (the capacity is exhausted). The ideal flow rate through the filter is not constant, but depends inter alia. on the state of the filter (how long it is already in operation) and not least on the pollutant content of the incoming water and the adsorption properties of competing organic adsorbent adsorption sites. It is in the economic interest of the operator to operate the filter with the greatest possible flow while still just meeting the prescribed cleaning target. If you can operate the filter with a larger flow, so you can also filter a larger amount of water or conversely in the design of the filter to a certain maximum flow filter smaller and thus cheaper to build 1 7 AT 505 307 B1.

It may be a) a general reduction of the sum of the organic ingredients, or b) the removal of a particular single target substance, typically an organic micropollutant such as a chlorohydrocarbon.

Typically, both in case a), but especially in case b), the cleaning success can not be continuously monitored because of a technology for monitoring organic ingredients, but especially micropollutants, e.g. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, not known or too expensive.

Nevertheless, strategies are needed to monitor the filters and in particular to regulate the flow rate, or to determine the optimal time to replace the expensive activated carbon after exhaustion of the adsorption capacity.

In the case a), the control target is defined by the just tolerated sum of the concentrations of organic substances in the filter sequence on the basis of classical analysis parameters, which in turn can be mapped by the best correlated spectral range whereby the monitoring of classical analysis parameters can be omitted.

The difference between the sum of the concentration of the organic substances in the inlet of the filter and the sum of the concentration of the organic substances in the outlet of the filter, measured over time, is referred to as contamination of the filter, and the spectral range which best correlates with this difference becomes classic isotherms - batch experiments and thus as the " resource usage " spectral parameter " designated.

The maximum flow rate at which the control target is just reached, and the degree of contamination that determines the time of the activated carbon exchange are in this case therefore the control parameters, while the "characteristic for the resource use spectral parameter", in some cases in combination with other variables, the measured variables are.

In special case b), the spectral range which correlates best with the adsorption property of this micropollutant can be obtained from classical isothermal batch experiments and as the "spectral parameter characteristic of the use of resources". be designated. Thus, it is the monitoring of the filter flow and thus the filter contamination, and the regulation of the filter based on this measure possible.

The method described above for the prediction of the degree of contamination of membrane filters is also applicable to activated carbon filters.

A correlation between the extinction spectrum in the inlet of the filter, the degree of soiling of the filter and the maximum flow through the filter can be found in the following way. With a certain water quality, the extinction spectrum of the water in the feed to the filter is determined. The degree of soiling of the filter is determined by the difference between feed and discharge over time, as described above. Then, the flow is varied so that one can observe a transition between correct functioning of the filter (the pollutant concentrations behind the filter are below the required values) and a filter malfunction, ie from the achieved control target to unattained control target. The maximum flow is then the largest flow, which has led to no filter malfunction or to achieve the control target.

When dosing pulverized coal, the advantages of the invention are even better

Claims (27)

1 8 AT 505 307 B1 Scope: After extracting a parameter from the UV-Vis spectrum which takes into account the adsorption behavior of the spectrally distinguishable fractions of the contained organically bound carbon, which is usually to be removed up to an allowable limit value Reference parameters "activated carbon demand" eg the usual "isothermal batch experiments" were used, the expensive equipment must not be dosed in relation to the maximum amount of organically bound carbon contained over longer periods of time, which leads to a constant overdose, but it can, for. B. dosed during a phase of better adsorbability less coal, and vice versa. Thus, the resource use can be controlled exactly along the economic optimum, and it can achieve great savings. 1. A method for controlling or controlling the use of resources (2) in liquids (3) for influencing, in particular reduction of at least one component (X) of the liquid (3), wherein the at least one component (X) of the liquid (3 ) or a parameter characterizing this component (X) is measured via the extinction spectrum of the liquid (3), and the use of the operating means (2) is regulated or controlled on the basis of the measurement results, characterized in that the current extinction spectrum of the liquid (3) a spectrometric probe (8) arranged in the liquid (3) is measured, and from the measured actual extinction spectrum on the basis of a stored correlation of the extinction spectrum of the liquid (3) with at least one parameter characterizing the required use of the operating means (2) required use of resources (2) is derived. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that further parameters of the liquid (3), such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, or the like. Measured and taken into account in the determination of the currently required use of the resources (2) , 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) is carried out with at least one of the required use of the resources (2) characterizing parameters based on reference data. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the correlation 'of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) with at least one of the required use of the resources (2) characterizing parameters from pairs of extinction spectra of the liquid (3), possibly further Parameters of the liquid (3) and at least one of the use of the resources (2) characterizing parameters are calculated. 5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) with at least one of the required use of the resources (2) characterizing parameters from pairs of extinction spectra of the liquid (3), possibly further parameters the liquid (3) and at least one of the required influencing, in particular reduction of at least one component (X) of the liquid (3), characterizing parameters are calculated. 6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) with at least one of the required use of the resources (2) characterizing parameters is performed automatically. 1 9 AT 505 307 B1 7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) with at least one of the required use of the resources (2) characterizing parameters after the PLS (Partial Least Square) - Procedure is made. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the current Extinktionsspektrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) before the use of the resources (2) are measured. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the current Extinktionsspektrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) after the use of the operating means (2) are measured. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the current extinction spectrum of the liquid (3) in the ultraviolet and / or visible wavelength range, preferably in the range between 200 nm and 800 nm, is measured. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the current extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) are measured at predetermined time intervals. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the measured actual extinction spectrum of the liquid (3) is compensated. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the measured extinction spectra and possibly further measured parameters of the liquid (3) and possibly at least one the use of the operating means (2) characterizing parameters are stored. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) with the use of the operating means (2) as a function of the measured influence, in particular reduction of at least one component (X) the liquid (3) is adjusted. 15. Device (1) for controlling or controlling the use of resources (2) in liquids (3) for influencing, in particular reduction of at least one component (X) of the liquid (3), with a device (6) for determining the use of Operating means (2), a device (4) for measuring the extinction spectrum of the liquid (3) for measuring at least one constituent (X) of the liquid (3) or of a parameter characterizing this constituent (X), and having a parameter (6 ) and the measuring device (4) connected control or regulating device (5) for controlling or controlling the use of the operating means (2) as a function of at least one measured component (X) of the liquid (3) or of this component (X) characterizing parameter , characterized in that at least one measuring device (4) can be arranged by a spectrometric probe (8), which can be arranged in the liquid, for measuring the extinction spec and a memory (17) connected to the regulating and control device (5) for storing at least one correlation of the extinction spectrum of the liquid (3) with at least one of the required use of the operating means (2). characterizing parameter is provided, so that the currently required use of the resources (2) from the current extinction spectrum of the liquid (3) based on this stored correlation can be derived. Device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one means (4 ') for measuring further parameters of the liquid, e.g. pH value, temperature, electrical conductivity, or the like. Is provided, which measuring device (4 ') with the 20 AT 505 307 B1 control and regulating device (5) is connected. 17. Device (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that at least one spectrometric probe (8) and possibly devices (4 ') for measuring further parameters of the liquid (3) in front of the device (6) for determining the use of Operating means (2) are arranged. 18. Device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that at least one spectrometric probe (8) and possibly devices (4 *) for measuring further parameters of the liquid (3) after the means (6) for determining the Use of the resources (2) are arranged. 19. Device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that at least one spectrometric probe (8) for measuring the extinction spectrum of the liquid (3) in the ultraviolet and / or visible wavelength range, preferably in the range between 200 nm and 800 nm is formed. 20. Device (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that a memory (18) for storing the Absinspectktren, possibly further measured parameters of the liquid (3) and possibly at least one of the use of the operating means (2) characterizing parameter is provided. 21. Device (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that means are provided for changing the stored correlation of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) with at least one of the use of the operating means (2) characterizing parameters. 22. Device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the changing means is connected to a device for detecting the influence of at least one component (X) of the liquid (3). 23. Device (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that means for selecting one of several stored correlations of the extinction spectrum and possibly further parameters of the liquid (3) is provided with at least one of the required use of the operating means (2) characterizing parameters. 24. Device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the operating means (2) by at least one of the liquid (3) to be added substance and the means (6) for determining the use of the operating means (2) by a Plant for the dosage of at least one substance is formed. 25. Device (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the resources (2) formed by nutrients for microorganisms and the means (6) for determining the use of the resources (2) by a system for dosing the nutrients is. 26. Device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the operating means (2) by a filter, in particular membrane filter and the means (6) for determining the use of the operating means (2) by a device for fixing the Flow rate of the liquid (3) is formed by the filter or by means for cleaning the filter. 27. Device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the operating means (2) by chemical and / or physical adsorbents and the means (6) for determining the use of the operating means (2) by a system for 21 AT 505 307 B1 dosage of the chemical and / or physical adsorbent is formed. For this purpose 3 sheets of drawings