Softening Systems
Dissolved calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions present in water in causes the water to be hard. Reducing the hardness of water by removing calcium and magnesium ions in water through ion exchange method is called softening.
It employs the principle of exchanging calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions which cause hardness, with Sodium (Na) ions in the resin thanks to Cationic Resin. This way, water output from the system is softened utilizing the ion exchange method. Saturated resins are cleaned from calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions by entering regeneration with salt water with time or flow rate control. Water hardness is the most common problem experienced in domestic and industrial usages. Waters which fall under hardness degree of 10 Fr (100 mg/lt CaCO3) are classified hard water.
It causes calcification in any type of machine operating with water and narrowing of piping connected to the installation in a short time due to lime stone formation and also causes increased consumption of soap etc. cleaning agents. Lime layers occurring at places where hard waters are used also provide a suitable environment for bacteria. Negative effects on human health are illnesses such as atherosclerosis, formation of kidney calculi.
Problems caused by hard water;
Hard water forms a layer of lime in boilers, closed loop lines and machinery used in industry and causes heat losses. Also, results in serious failures, energy loss and major financial losses.
- In domestic use, it causes clogging and malfunctions in machinery and small household appliances using hot water. When heated, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate separate from water and accumulated in heaters. The appliance consumes more energy to reach to the same temperature and its life becomes more limited.
- Hard waters increase the consumption rates of soap, detergent etc. cleaning agents since it cannot foam up them well.
- It remains stains on surfaces such as bath tubs, sink and mirrors.
- Colors of the clothes being washed with hard water fade away in time and their texture becomes harder.
- In industrial processes it negatively affects product quality particularly in glass washing, textile painting and washing.
Raw water hardness, hourly and daily flow rates in systems are very important. Systems shall be checked for being economical while designing a system according to the needs.
Tanks with polyethylene (PE) housing or epoxy coated steel tanks are used in water softening systems like in other systems.
The single point that varies in systems are the operating principle of automation systems. These systems which can be time controlled, volume controlled, electronic panel controlled (microprocessor), pneumatic or manual can be used with both tank models.
Softening systems are calculated according to resin quantity, hardness level of water and flow rate of water. Upon these calculations, the system is selected with the suitable tank. Softening systems operate fully automatic without requiring human intervention.
Points to be taken into consideration while designing softening system:
1- Resin Bed Height: While designing softening systems, mineral height in mineral tanks and swelling rate of mineral during backwash shall be taken into consideration.
2- Determination of Time Between Two Regenerations: Factors which are effective in determining this period are hardness value, flow rate, resin, bed height, bed water passage speed, initial investment cost and cost of water.
3-Absorption coefficient of the mineral to be used and the required mineral quantity dependent to this.
4- Automation System: Single system, tandem system, triplex system, time controlled etc.
Technical Specifications of Water Softening Systems
Single Systems: Consisting of an automation valve and housing, this system also employs a salt tank. They are generally preferred for waters with a hardness value lower than 30 Fr or points where water consumption is low.
Tandem Systems: In this system which consists of an automation valve and two housings, also a salt tank is employed. For higher flow rate demands, the system consists of two automation valves, two housings and two salt tanks. One of the devices deliver soft water in service while the other device carries out backwash (regeneration). They are generally preferred for waters with a hardness value higher than 30 Fr or waters with high hourly consumption rates.
Triplex Systems: Consisting of an three automation valves and three housings, in these systems one of the devices can carry out backwash while the other two are in service. It is preferred for points where hardness and flow rate is very high or when employing two tandem systems is not economical to meet the hourly flow rate.
Products