The process works like this: Ion exchange resins (little beads that are charged) are coated with the replacement ions. In the case of water softening the beads are coated with Na+ and Cl-. In the case of deionization, they are coated with H+ and OH-. Water flows over the resin. The ions in the water are attracted to the resin. The ions in the water attach themselves to the resin, and knock off the ions that are already attached. Methods of Water Purification Ion exchange systems - Water softening. The ion exchange water softener is one of the most common tools of water treatment. Its function is to remove scale-forming calcium and magnesium ions from hard water. In many cases soluble iron (ferrous) can also be removed with softeners. A standard water softener has four major components: a resin tank, resin, a brine tank, and a valve or controller. However, water softening is disadvantageous when high quality water is required since sodium ions will be present after the ion exchange process. - Demineralization/deionization. Ion exchange deionizers (Dl) use synthetic resins similar to those used in water softeners. Typically used on water that has already been prefiltered, DI uses a two-stage process to remove virtually all ionic material remaining in water. Two types of synthetic resins are used, one to remove positively charged ions (cations) and another to remove negatively charged ions (anions). Resins have limited capacities and must be regenerated upon exhaustion. - Two-bed and mixed-bed deionizers. The two basic configurations of deionizers are two-bed and mixed-bed. Two-bed deionizers have separate tanks of cation and anion resins. In mixed-bed deionizers, the anion and cation resins are blended into a single tank or vessel. Generally, mixed-bed systems will produce higher quality water with a lower total capacity than two-bed systems. Organic scavenging
In order to correctly size any water softener, a water analysis has to be completed. The water analysis will determine what minerals, if any are in the water supply and at what levels. Only then can a machine be sized correctly. The image below represents a typical water softener set up. Depending on your water quality, the machine installed could be larger or smaller or may even have two mineral tanks. Before purchasing any water treatment system, get your water tested. Neptune Water Systems Ltd. Utilizes the newest technology available. Each and every water softener we install is equipped with the Patented Turbulator for longer resin life. Click here to check out the Autotrol® Turbulator.
Autotrol® Turbulator Specs |
meowner is trying to reduce the hardness or improve the taste of the water that the municipal service provides. This also reduces deposits and scale that can be left from water with a high level of hardness. The second application is deionization. In deionization, the hardness and other ions that are initially in the water are removed and replaced with H+ and OH- ions, which can combine to form water. This is used in applications where extremely pure water is required.
