Why is water softening so necessary?
Surely, living in an apartment or country house and using water from a city water supply, well, well, or other source of water intake, you have had to deal with the unpleasant consequences of using hard water. Dry skin after a shower, hardness of things and fabrics after washing, poor foaming of soaps and detergents, as well as white deposits on plumbing equipment and the appearance of scale during boiling - all these are the most visible signs of exceeding the concentration of hardness salts in water. It is impossible not to note the harmful effects of hard water on the human body: problems with the cardiovascular system, impaired gastric motility, joint disease and unwanted deposits in the kidneys or bile ducts. In addition to all of the above, the scale that forms during the operation of water heating equipment (boilers, boilers, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.) contributes to their premature failure.
Also, it is unacceptable to use water with high salt content in industry, causing disruptions in the technological and chemical processes of production of food products, drinks, general consumer goods, etc. The need to eliminate water hardness also plays an important role in the energy sector, where scale formation disrupts the performance of expensive heat exchange equipment and heating systems, sharply reducing their heat exchange characteristics (subsequently increasing fuel costs), and causing complete failure.
The concept of “hard water”. What causes water hardness?
Water hardness is characterized by the concentration (presence) of calcium (Ca 2+), magnesium (Mg 2+), strontium (Sr 2+), barium (Ba 2+), iron (Fe 2+) and manganese (Mn 2+) ions in it ). But the presence of calcium and magnesium ions directly in natural waters is significantly higher than the total presence of the other listed ions. For this reason, water hardness refers to the total amount of calcium and magnesium ions. Hardness is differentiated into temporary (carbonate), which forms scale, caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium bicarbonates, as well as permanent (non-carbonate), often caused by the presence of sulfates and chlorides and not released during boiling.
Today, regarding water hardness, there are a number of requirements and regulations drawn up by various departments and aimed at different types of consumers. The standards for total salt content, regardless of surface or groundwater, for domestic drinking and municipal systems are largely reduced to the requirements of SanPiN “Drinking Water”, where the MPC (maximum permissible concentration) of hardness salts should not exceed more than 7 mg/l . However, it is worth paying due attention to water quality standards for hot water supply systems, heat supply systems, steam and hot water boilers, where the operating rules for devices require maximum permissible concentrations of hardness significantly lower than SanPiN standards (less than 2 mg/l). It is impossible not to note the relatively lower level of concentration of calcium and magnesium ions established in the quality standards of the European Union, the World Health Organization and US national standards, which does not exceed 5 mg/l. The requirements for the salt content of water also differ significantly in industrial systems (sometimes to the point of complete absence), where the required concentrations regulate technical and chemical production processes. The attention to the maximum permissible concentration of water hardness salts in the energy sector is justified by the technological and economic efficiency of the equipment (being less than 1 mg/l), and is largely aimed at preventing the main problem - scale formation.
Water softening methods
1. Water softening using ion exchange method the most popular and widely used method of softening water from a well or a water supply system in domestic and drinking water systems. This method consists in the ability of ion-exchange materials (resins) to exchange ions of hardness salts (calcium, magnesium, etc.) for ions of other molecules that do not cause scale formation. Also, this method, depending on the type of resins used, allows you to extract iron compounds and, if necessary, reduce the mineralization of water. Thus, water softening using the ion exchange method, unlike other methods (except reverse osmosis), ensures the removal of water hardness, rather than converting it (without removing it) into a non-scale-causing form.
For household and drinking purposes, to soften water from a well, well or water supply, filters with food-grade cation-exchange resins in the Na form are often used. These resins are designed to eliminate water hardness by removing calcium and magnesium ions, exchanging them for sodium ions (without significantly increasing the mineralization of water). These filters include:
- Water softeners WS series (Lewatit S1567). Automatic and mechanical filters for eliminating water hardness with filter material made in Germany Lewatit S 1567.
- Cabinet water softeners: North Star, BWT, Atoll Excellece L, Atoll Excellece R. Compact automatic water hardness filters made in America and Europe.
- Continuous softening unit WS TWIN (Lewatit S1567) . Automatic water hardness removal filters ensuring continuous water softening without regeneration care. Filter media - Lewatit S 1567.
To use cation exchange filters under conditions of high concentrations of iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide or organic compounds in water, their preliminary removal is required. For this reason, in complexes of water treatment systems, they are installed after preliminary rough cleaning, dosing systems, water aeration, water deferrization stations, etc., depending on the technologies used.
Otherwise, to simultaneously eliminate the hardness of water, iron, manganese or their organic compounds, without the use of preliminary “oxidizers” (dosing or aeration) and deferrizers, combined resins are used, consisting of a mixture of cation-exchange, anion-exchange and inert materials. These filters include:
- water softening and iron removal filters Geyser Aquachief (Ecotar B) or water deferrization and softening stations ECO A (Ecomix A). Automatic and mechanical filters for eliminating water hardness, dissolved iron and manganese with a separate salt tank. Filter materials Eocar B and Ecosoft Mix A.
- cabinet water softeners ATOLL series: EcoLife SM, Excellece LM. Automatic filters for eliminating water hardness, dissolved iron and manganese made in the USA in one composite filter housing along with a salt tank.
- ECO water softening installations (Ekomix S). Automatic and mechanical filters for eliminating water hardness, dissolved iron, manganese with a high concentration of organic compounds (exceeded permanganate oxidation) with a separate salt tank.
For both industrial, energy, municipal (especially steam and hot water boilers), and utility and drinking facilities (including hot and cold water supply to country houses), along with water hardness, general mineralization is no less important. With increased mineralization, water softening The ion exchange method also allows you to effectively reduce the content of mineral salts. However, demineralization of water is somewhat more complex than softening. This process is based on the use of anion-exchange properties after preliminary cationization of resins. For this purpose, in water treatment there are various single- and multi-stage cationization and anionization schemes.
The most popular brands of ion exchange resins are: Lewatit, Ecosoft Mix, Dowex, Purolite, Ecotar, PURESIN, etc. It is worth noting the existing variety of resins of the same brand, differing in properties, composition, characteristics and purposes of their use. For this reason, before choosing and purchasing the necessary softener or changing the media in an existing filter, we recommend consulting with a specialist.
2. Method of water softening using reverse osmosis involves the use of semi-permeable membranes made of cellulose acetate or aromatic polyamide. By retaining almost all ions, this softening method ensures the deepest demineralization and elimination of hardness salts. The degree of purification of reverse osmosis systems is up to 99%. Their design, compared to ion exchange filters, is smaller in size and consists of a metal frame with membranes (the number and size of which depends on the required capacity of the water treatment plant), a booster pressure pump, a system unit, a dosing pump, small components, etc. When purified water hits the membrane, part of it, filtered almost to the distillate, goes to the consumer, and the rest with all the impurities goes into the drainage system, or goes again for filtration.
In addition to the small size and simplicity of design (relatively water softening method of ion exchange) reverse osmosis systems, it is also worth noting such advantages as: low energy consumption, relatively low operating costs and the ability to discharge the concentrate into the sewer. However, with all this, it is worth taking into account the need for pre-treatment of the purified water for a long service life of the membranes. The permissible concentration of impurities in the purified water is regulated by the operational characteristics of the membranes. You should also take into account the high water consumption (receiving only 20-25% clean water, the rest for drainage), high costs at the time of purchase and the recommended continuous operation.
Today the method water softening using reverse osmosis is one of the most promising methods for eliminating water hardness and purifying it in general. Water softening using reverse osmosis is widely used in the bottling of drinking water, the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, in the food industry, in cottages, country houses, apartments, etc. Among our products you will find reverse osmosis systems from such manufacturers as: Atoll, Aquapro, Geyser, Osmosis RO, etc.
3. Reagent water softening method is the treatment (by dosing) of purified water with various reagents and coagulants that bind calcium and magnesium into poorly soluble compounds, which are subsequently retained along with other suspended impurities in various settling tanks or clarification filters. Lime, soda ash, sodium hydroxide, acids, phosphonates, etc. are used as reagents. Often, the reagent method of water softening is used to soften, or in other words “stabilize,” supplied to the heat and power systems of industrial facilities, housing and communal services buildings, and boiler houses. central heating structures, etc.
The main purpose of reagent treatment is to prevent scale formation, corrosion and microbiological fouling of heat exchange equipment, including pipelines, at low and high temperatures. It is widely used in the water treatment of surface waters, where there is a high probability of a high content of dangerous metabolic products of living organisms, algae, bacteria and other mineral or organic pollutants. For deeper water softening, it can be used in water treatment systems together with subsequent cation exchange filters.
Unlike closed heat supply (heating) systems, the reagent method of water softening is practically not used in open systems, since the requirements for the quality of network water in open systems must meet the requirements for “drinking water quality”.
4. Magnetic and electromagnetic method of water softening used to prevent scale formation in thermal systems, steam generators, cold and hot water supply systems in industry, country houses, cottages, apartments, etc., and is the process of passing a water flow in a pipeline through a magnetic field. Under the influence of a magnetic field, scale-forming impurities of carbonate hardness (calcium, magnesium and iron) crystallize into a loose form that is insoluble and does not form solid scale on the walls of pipes or water heaters, while remaining in the water column. Previously formed deposits are also destroyed over time and, together with the flow of water, are easily removed from the water supply system.
To create these magnetic fields in the pipeline in water treatment, special devices with permanent magnets or electromagnets are used. Unlike water softening using the method of ion exchange and reverse osmosis systems, magnetic softening units are the most compact, easy to install, operate and economical. Installations with electromagnetic influence consist of an electronic unit that sends signals to an insulated wire wound around a water pipe. Thanks to the signals arriving with a given purity, these wires emit an electromagnetic field, passing through which the purified water is softened.
In one filter, the following are simultaneously removed from water: mechanical impurities, dissolved, colloidal and organic iron, manganese, natural organic compounds (humic and fulvic acids and their salts), hardness salts and heavy metals.
Price: from 32,900 rub.
We will find a solution for you!
According to statistics, 90% of water heating and plumbing equipment breaks down due to hard water. Scale forms, pipelines become clogged, water heaters lose power, and household appliances break down. High hardness is also dangerous for people. Sand and stones form in the organs, blood vessels and the heart suffer, the skin becomes dry, and dermatitis occurs. So that there are no accidents at home and health does not deteriorate, they produce water softening using filters.
Hardness is a property of water that depends on the content of calcium salts (Ca) in dissolved form and, in lower concentrations, silicon (Si lat. Silicium), magnesium (Mg).
- Carbonate
- Non-carbonate
- General
Carbonate is temporary. Easily removed by boiling. Determined by the presence of calcium and magnesium bicarbonates in the liquid. Chemical formula - Ca(HCO3)2; Mg(HCO3)2. Forms scale in hot water supply pipelines, in a kettle, on water heating elements of boilers and boilers.
Non-carbonate constant. Cannot be removed by boiling. It is caused by the presence of salts, which differ in properties from carbonate ones. These are mainly chlorides (CaCl2, MgCl2), sulfates (CaSO4, MgSO4).
Total hardness is the sum of the 1st and 2nd hardness. The final indicator of the content of all magnesium and calcium ions and compounds present in the liquid. Since 2014, updated standards have appeared, according to which this parameter is measured in degrees of hardness - °F = 1 mEq per liter. According to the total hardness of water:
- Hard - more than 10°F
- Medium hardness - 2-10
- Soft - up to 2
In Europe, the concentration standard is 2.5; in the Russian Federation - 7.
“Hard” chemical compounds enter well water from soluble rocks, which consist of dolomite, lime, and gypsum. If the region is rich in these minerals, they will definitely be in the water. Needed water softener filter.
Why do you soften your home water? |
“Hard” salts gradually accumulate in the body. Vessels become clogged. The heart suffers. Stones appear in the kidneys and other organs and cavities of the body. Urolithiasis occurs. Drinking water with high hardness causes serious harm to health. Besides:
- Scale formed on heaters and inside heating radiators reduces heat transfer
- Detergents produce little foam. Consumption of household chemicals increases by 60%
- Dishes take longer to prepare. Meat remains tough after cooking
- 1 millimeter of scale increases power consumption by 10%
- Leads to overheating of heating elements. Causes 90% of water heater failures
Hard water worsens the appearance. The skin dries out and peels. Dermatitis, acne, and redness appear. The hair is not washed, looks untidy, and becomes unruly. Plaque forms on the teeth.
Hard water is dangerous for newborns. Increases the likelihood of eczema and atopic dermatitis with constant use and bathing. Symptoms appear as early as 3 months. Eczema causes autoimmune allergies and then food allergies and asthma.
The best protection is to buy and install water softening filter. Water treatment and purification devices soften well and make household water suitable for drinking and household use.
Strong magnets are also used in water treatment. The liquid is passed through a powerful magnetic field. As a result, the water changes its physical characteristics, dissolved impurities lose their ability to form salts, and, consequently, scale. In addition, magnetized water destroys and removes already deposited layers of scale. The technology is effective at low contents of calcium, silicon, and magnesium ions.
The liquid is exposed to a highly charged electric field using special membranes. Hardness ions and some other substances are removed. The technology is used for desalination of seawater on an industrial scale, in the production of table salt and for the preparation of water in thermal power plants.
Made using reagents. Use slaked lime Ca(OH)2, sodium orthophosphate Na3PO4 or soda ash Na2CO3. When interacting with the reagent, hardness salts become insoluble, settle to the bottom and are easily filtered out. This technology is justified when purifying large volumes of liquid. During application, a number of specific technological problems arise. An accurate dosage of the chemical reagent is needed.
The technology refers to reagent softening methods. For water purification, granular filter beds are used, mainly ion exchange resins, which are loaded into water softening filters. When interacting with resin granules, ions of “hard” compounds, as well as iron and manganese, are captured from the liquid. Depending on the type of filter material, the ion exchange process produces sodium, potassium or hydrogen ions. With a properly selected load, it is possible to reduce hardness to 0.1-0.01°F even with ultra-high mineralization.
Advantages of ion exchange filters:
- Price is 20-50% lower
- Universal. Suitable for cottages, country houses, city apartments. They are placed on wells, wells, and cut into city water supply pipelines
- Productive. Removes hardness, iron, excess minerals, manganese, organic compounds and other contaminants with one can
- Eliminates ultra-high concentrations of iron - up to 30 mg
Over time, the resins become clogged with contaminants held by chemical bonds and no longer soften the water. However, the ion exchange reaction is reversible. If you pass a solution of table salt through the resin, the impurities will separate, and the sodium contained in the salt will occupy the resulting voids. The separated pollutants are washed into the drain. The updated resin again efficiently cleans and softens water.
Hardness of water is a characteristic of water that reflects the content of hardness salts in it, that is, calcium and magnesium salts. Exceeding the permissible value of this indicator indicates that it is necessary to take care of water purification.
Hard water is extremely dangerous for household appliances in private homes and cottages. The increased content of calcium and magnesium salts significantly affects the condition of heating and water supply systems. Scale appears on the inner walls of the pipeline and batteries, reducing the throughput of the system and reducing thermal conductivity and water pressure. The boiler also suffers no less from hardness of water, the boiler of which gradually becomes covered with small cracks and becomes unusable. Plumbing equipment is not pleasing to the eye, covered on the outside with whitish streaks and stains, and on the inside with the same scale, which, it seems, is simply impossible to resist.
Modern filters and water softeners will come to the aid of homeowners, in particular, highly efficient water softeners for the cottage.
Softening water in a private home: our answer to hardness!
Water softening - This is a filtration process using the ion exchange method, during which the content of hardness salts is reduced to an acceptable level. The optimal method of softening is considered to be filtration based on Na -cationization, or, as it is also called, ion exchange.
Ion exchange softening is carried out when water in need of purification passes through a filter material - ion exchange resin. Calcium and magnesium salts remain in the filter medium, being replaced by sodium salts. Clean water enters your home, and hardness salts are retained in the filter.
After a certain period of time, the properties of the filter media that allow the replacement reaction to occur are depleted. To regenerate the load, that is, restore its properties, backwashing of the ion exchange resin with a solution of table salt is required.
Regeneration frequencydetermined depending on the level of water consumption and the degree of its pollution. The automated control unit found in each water softener independently determines this period and starts regeneration cycles regardless of the user. Continuous water softeners can also soften water at the time of regeneration; they usually consist of 2 branches of water softening equipment.
Water softeners directly reduce hardness in water.
All water softeners must be automatic, since the regeneration process is quite long, about 1.5 hours.
The most common manufacturers of automatic water softeners are Clack (USA) and Runxin (PRC).
Ion Exchange Water Softener Filters: The Best Possible
Water softeners - these are automatic devices that remove excess calcium and magnesium salts from your water, that is, soften the water. Almost 95% of all softeners are ion exchange water softeners. The price of a water softening filter depends on the configuration of the cylinder, the functions of the control unit and the amount of ion exchange resin.
The operating principle of such water softeners is based on a chemical substitution reaction, as a result of which hardness salts are removed from the water and replaced with sodium salts.
Each of the company's GoodVoda water softeners for cottagesconsists of a pressure cylinder where water is purified, a tank for table salt necessary for regeneration, an automated control unit responsible for the operation of the device, and a drainage and distribution system. The presence of an ion exchange resin is also constant, thanks to which the water softener successfully copes with its responsibilities. A water softener is an excellent solution for automatically softening water in a cottage.
In those sold by the company GoodVoda home water softeners use control units Clack having an excellent reputation in the market. In particular, the supplied water softener filters receive only positive reviews - as well as the control system as a whole and the cleaning efficiency.
GoodVoda companyoffers exceptionally high-quality water softening systems. Our filters will rid your water of hardness salts!
We will help you select and buy a water softener at the lowest price, and provide warranty service for the equipment. We go out for scheduled maintenance work.
The problem of hard water is much more serious than it might seem at first glance.
An increased concentration of calcium and magnesium salts in water significantly reduces its organoleptic and taste qualities, poses a certain danger to human health, leads to rapid failure of plumbing, household appliances, heating systems and a number of other unpleasant consequences.
And to remove hydrogen sulfide, there are several ways; you can find out more and evaluate their effectiveness at the following link:
Technologies used for water softening
Thermal water treatment method
Simply put, this is normal boiling.
A good example is the deposition of salts on the inner surface of a constantly used kettle - dissolved salts pass into the hard fraction, and the water itself softens.
It should be remembered that this method is effective only for the so-called temporary hardness, caused by the concentration of calcium or magnesium bicarbonates - the thermal effect causes their splitting, and it does not affect sulfides and chlorides (permanent hardness).
This method is usually used on an industrial scale, purifying process water for, for example, boiler houses or thermal power plants.
Reagent softening
The name speaks for itself - to soften water, it is added to it or passed through special substances that cause a chemical reaction with the precipitation of salts into a solid sediment.
Typically, slaked lime or soda is used for these purposes. This technology is most often used on a large scale, for example, in urban water treatment plants. Water softened in this way undergoes mandatory settling, filtration, and only then is supplied to consumers.
By the way, housewives have been using this technology for a long time, adding soda or even stove ash to water.
Today, a classic example is the addition of special powder or liquid preparations to the washing machine, or the installation of cartridge filters with a special crystalline filling at the entrance to household appliances.
Dialysis technology
Purification is carried out by separating substances with different molecular weights dissolved in water under the influence of an electromagnetic field. The separation of salt ions from water occurs during its diffusion through special nano-membranes (nitro- or cellulose acetate).
Of all technologies, dialysis provides the highest quality desalting; water is close to distilled, since not only hardness salts are removed, but almost everything dissolved in it.
The method is not used for domestic purposes, partly due to the high cost and complexity of installations and consumables (membranes), and because excessively demineralized water is unsuitable for everyday use.
Magnetic processing method
This modern technology significantly reduces the formation of scale when heating treated water.
There are several scientific hypotheses that explain this phenomenon, but the fact is that after the liquid passes through a magnetic field, salt crystallization occurs not on the heating elements, but in the water column, and the resulting solid substrate is easily removed by simple washing.
This method has become widespread in industry and public utilities - devices attached to pipes are fairly inexpensive, energy-intensive, and require virtually no operating costs. The production of electromagnetic softeners and household grade softeners has been mastered.
Ion exchange technology
The most common method currently used. The principle of replacing calcium or magnesium atoms with atoms of a more active metal (sodium), the salts of which do not cause water hardness, is used. For this purpose, most often, special artificial cation exchangers are used - ion exchange resins with a high sodium content.
Softening resins are quickly saturated with magnesium and calcium ions, but the uniqueness of the method is that they can easily be regenerated under the influence of sodium chloride - the familiar table salt. In this case, the released magnesium and calcium ions are washed into the drainage, and the ion exchange medium restores its functionality.
In industrial and domestic water softening installations, a regeneration device must be provided for one or another operating principle of ion exchange.
This significantly reduces operating costs - salt filling is incomparably cheaper than ion exchange components.
Technical implementation of water softening in domestic water supply systems
What methods of softening, in addition to banal boiling or manually adding special chemicals to water, are used at the household level.
Magnetic water softeners
Relatively inexpensive and do not require preventive intervention during their operation. A good solution as a water softener filter for a home, cottage or apartment.
The principle is the creation of a powerful magnetic field at the water inlet into household devices. They can be equipped with permanent magnets or run on AC power.
Structurally, they can be a cylinder with threaded connections at both ends. It simply cuts into the pipe as close as possible to the point of water consumption. A simpler option is two half-cylinders fastened to the pipe body in the right place.
Electromagnetic softeners have a power and control unit and a working part, which is also attached to the body of the water pipe like a clamp or by coiling. Their electricity consumption is minimal, in the range of 5–15 W, and the working life declared by the manufacturer is 10 years or more.
On the Internet you can find advertisements for the Magnolia softener-decarbonizer, which is a plastic ribbed ball with powerful magnets inside. According to the instructions, it is simply placed in the washing drum or on the dishwasher rack for the duration of operation.
Cartridge-type filter softeners
Such filters are most often produced in a standard size and have a transparent flask into which a replaceable cartridge is installed.
Typically, cartridges with resin with increased ion exchange capacity are used.
The resulting purified water is applicable both for technical needs (laundry, washing dishes, water procedures) and for food purposes.
The disadvantage of such a system is that the cartridge resource is quite small without the possibility of its restoration.
Thus, a water softening cartridge for a standard 10″ filter is designed for either 4000 liters or six months of operation (whichever comes first), and then must be unconditionally replaced.
The second option is compact filters with a large crystalline bed of partially soluble reagent.
Typically, sodium polyphosphate is used for these purposes. It should be noted that the action of the reagent is aimed, rather, not at softening the water itself, but at preventing the appearance of scale build-up. Polyphosphate crystals, dissolving in water, create a thin protective film on the heating elements and tank walls, preventing scale from settling on them.
As the backfill is used up, it is simply added to the filter.
The main disadvantage is that water that has undergone such treatment is unsuitable for food consumption.
Such devices are installed immediately before the cold water enters washing machines, boilers, showers, etc.
Ion exchange units
They are also called ion exchange columns because of their characteristic vertical layout. Structurally, they are a polymer, fiberglass-reinforced tank with an ion-exchange resin, through which the water to be purified is passed.
To carry out regeneration, there is a special container into which consumables are poured - tableted salt for water softening. This is ordinary highly purified table salt with a characteristic shape given to it to prevent caking and increase the area of active dissolution.
Periodically, the filtration mode switches to the regeneration mode, during which the brine solution is passed through the main filter tank with a reverse current. The released magnesium and calcium ions are removed into the drainage drain.
Most modern installations have multiprocessor control of operating modes. Regeneration can be turned on both by time, for example, at night hours set by the user, and by water consumption.
The electronic system records and analyzes water consumption, and independently decides whether to turn on the recovery mode. Human intervention is limited to timely replenishment of the salt backfill.
Some expensive installations may have two filtration circuits - when one is being regenerated, it is possible to use the other.
Ion exchange columns can vary significantly both in design and in size, productivity, degree of process automation and other parameters.
Even the largest model is capable of providing the average family with purified water for any needs - productivity is about 1-1.5 m³/hour. The active service life of the resin filler, subject to operating rules, can range from 3 to 10 years.
Cost of installations and filters for water softening
| model | principle of operation | short description | performance | dimensions | price, rub. |
| Akvasoft ECO ONE | magnetic softener | Permanent magnets. Installed on the inlet hose of a washing machine or dishwasher. | 600 l/hour | 75×55 mm, for pipe Ø up to 16 mm | 1560 |
| AquaShield DU60 | electromagnetic softener | Power supply + emitter wires wound onto pipes. (15-20 turns). Power consumption – 5 W | – | 150×100×70, maximum pipe Ø – 60 mm. | 8000 |
| "Magnolia" | magnetic softener | spherical magnetic decarbizer for placing in a washing machine or dishwasher during the operating cycle. | – | – | 1100 |
| "New Water" B120 | Load-type filter, filler – sodium polyphosphate. | Transparent flask, ½″ threaded connection, installation in front of non-food water taps. | 800 l/hour. | weight of complete filling with crystals – 235 g. | 900 |
| "Slim Line" 10″ | ion exchange cartridge | cartridge for standard 10″ flask | up to 2 l/min working life – 4000 l or 6 months. |
height – 10″ | 490 |
| ATOLL EcoLife S-20 | ion exchange column | regeneration - based on water consumption, continuous water consumption, indication of operating modes and the degree of filling of the salt backfill, a fully automated process. | up to 1800 l/hour | 870×350×510 mm resin volume – 20 l, |
24100 |
| EcoWaterESM 11 | ion exchange column | fully automated installation with regeneration based on flow, a unit for analyzing consumption and assigning modes, and a remote indicator for monitoring the state of the system. | up to 900 l/hour | resin volume – 11 l, salt tank – 25 kg | 40000 |
The prices for water softeners cannot be called low, but for ion exchange columns they can seem intimidating.
However, if you take into account all the risks of using hard water, the financial losses from its everyday use and from the failure of household appliances, then purchasing a high-quality installation becomes understandable.
Softening is one of the most common types of water purification from foreign impurities. Water softening is widely used in industrial production and agriculture; household water softening filters are used in water supply systems for country houses.
Dissolved calcium and magnesium salts give water hardness. The task of the softener filter is to reduce the concentration of these salts to acceptable values. There are a large number of softening methods, different water softening systems and water softeners - from simple boiling to magnetic softening and nanofiltration. Many of these methods are expensive, complex, and therefore are used mainly in industry.
water softening in the cottage water supply system
Ion exchange filters for softening water in a cottage are one of the most effective and affordable methods of water softening for private homeowners. In this case, the water softening device is a column-shaped charging filter.
Cleaning method
The softener filter is filled with backfill material - ion exchange resin granules. When the granules come into contact with salts dissolved in water, a chemical reaction occurs - calcium and magnesium ions are replaced by sodium ions. The resulting sodium salts are not a source of water hardness, therefore, while maintaining the salt balance, the overall hardness of the water decreases.
Principle of operation
water softening installation
The water softening station is a plastic column (cylinder), the dimensions (volume) of which are selected in accordance with the required filter performance for the cottage. Water enters the filter and passes through the ion exchange resin granules, freeing itself from hardness salts.
During the water softening process, the ion exchange resin gradually reduces its effectiveness. To restore the quality of the filter backfill, the granules are washed with a solution of table salt. One regeneration requires about 500 liters of water. The duration of regeneration is about one and a half hours. It is not advisable to use water during regeneration.
If a continuous supply of softened water is needed, then an automatic installation of two filters is used, the regeneration of which occurs in turn and purified water is supplied without interruption. At the same time, the productivity of the water supply system decreases slightly.
Filter softener models
Softener filter brands: BI-FS/1354/255 FA Ready Soft and BI-FS/1354/L764 Autotrol. The filters are equipped with automatic valves Autotrol 760 XS Logix or WS 1 Clack. Automation monitors the condition of the filter and periodically turns on the regeneration mode.
To ensure continuous water supply, two cylinders are used, which can work in turn, as well as simultaneously. ReadySoft or L764 Autotrol automatic valves are designed to operate in a continuous softening system, which means that the clean water supply will not be interrupted during the regeneration period.
In addition to solving the regeneration situation, a dual filter-softener is convenient for separate maintenance. Thanks to the ReadySoft system, one control valve continues to operate, ensuring the flow of softened water into the water supply.
Automatic valves require a power supply of 2hV/50Hz, power consumption no more than 5 W.
Advantages and advantages
High efficiency and long operating time of the backfill filter softener. Restoring the properties of the ion exchange resin using a solution of ordinary table salt. In continuous systems (two cylinders), regeneration occurs without interruption in the supply of softened water.