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A person sitting at a desk holding a pen, with the other hand pressing a calculator

Technology

Home Support TechnologyDetailed Explanation of Home Water Softener

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How Does a Water Softener Work? Unveiling the Technology Behind Water Softening

Water Softener is a device specifically designed to reduce water hardness. It converts hard water into soft water by removing calcium and magnesium ions, thereby preventing the formation of scale and improving the water consumption experience. Water softeners are widely used in homes, hotels, factories, and other places, especially popular in areas with hard water.

Why Use a Water Softener?

In daily life, the tap water we use usually contains a certain amount of minerals, such as calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions. When the content of these minerals is high, the water is referred to as hard water. Although hard water poses no direct harm to human health, it can cause many inconveniences and problems in daily life.

A person holding several pipes with scale

Scale clogs pipelines

Scale deposits from hard water can clog water supply pipelines, increasing maintenance costs.

Affects equipment usage

Hard water tends to form scale during heating, affecting the efficiency of water heaters and other equipment.

Deterioration in washing performance

Hard water reduces the cleansing of soap and detergents, increasing their consumption.

A person's face that is sensitive and rough

Sensitive and dry skin

Mineral residues in hard water may cause skin dryness and roughness.

The use of a water softener can reduce water hardness, prevent scale formation, thereby protecting household appliances and pipelines, extending their lifespan, enhancing bathing comfort, and improving skin and hair conditions.

Common Structure & Function

Head valve: It controls the operating mode of the water softener.
Venturi valve / brine injector: It draws brine from the salt tank into the resin tank.
Resin tank: It accommodates the ion exchange resin.
Resin beads: They are used to adsorb calcium and magnesium ions from hard water.
Riser tube & basket: The central guide tube directs water flow out from the bottom of the resin tank.
Fill tube: It transports brine.
Brine tank: It stores water softener salt and regeneration brine.
Water softener salt: Commonly used in block form, it generate brine and requires regular replenishment.
Float assembly: It controls the water level in the salt tank to prevent excessive brine overflow.
Grid plate: It supports the softener salt at the bottom of the salt tank to prevent clumping.

An internal structure diagram of a resin tank and salt tank.

Salt in the Salt Tank

Water softener salt, also known as ion exchange resin regenerant, is primarily composed of sodium chloride (NaCl) with a purity of over 99.5%. During the operation of the water softener, water softener salt is required during the brine regeneration stage, and its quantity needs to be calculated based on the feed water hardness and the desired quality of the produced water. Since water softener salt is a continuously consumed water treatment material, it is necessary to ensure timely replenishment before the salt in the salt tank is completely depleted. It is recommended to add up to one-quarter of the salt tank's capacity to ensure normal operation of the equipment and maintain stable softening effects.

Many white softener salt blocks piled together

Basic Working Principle

Softening Process

Hard water inflow: Hard water enters the water softener and flows through a resin tank filled with cation exchange resin.
Ion exchange: When the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water pass through the resin, they exchange with the sodium ions on the resin. The calcium and magnesium ions are absorbed by the resin, while the sodium ions are released into the water.
Softened water outflow: The softened water flows out of the water softener for daily use.

Diagram of the water softening principle of the water softener

Regeneration Process

Backwash: Use water flow to rinse the resin, removing impurities and suspended particles.
Regeneration: Draw brine from the salt tank, where the high concentration of sodium ions in the brine displaces the calcium and magnesium ions on the resin, restoring the resin's softening capacity.
Rinse: Slowly rinse the resin to ensure complete displacement, then quickly rinse the resin to remove residual salt and calcium and magnesium ions.
Salt tank refill: Prepare brine for the next regeneration.

Diagram of Water Softener Regeneration Principle

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Softener

Water hardness. Use a hardness tester like a TDS meter, to select an appropriate water softener capacity based on the measurement results.
Water consumption. Choose a water softener with an appropriate specification the based on the household's daily water consumption. The higher the water consumption, the greater the required resin capacity.
Regeneration method. Time-controlled type, it regenerates automatically at fixed intervals, suitable for households with relatively stable water consumption; flow-controlled type, it regenerates based on actual water consumption, saving more water and softener salt.
Energy consumption and operating costs. Pay attention to the water, salt, and electricity consumption of the water softener, and choose energy-efficient equipment.
Compatibility with other devices. If there are devices such as a pre-filter or central water purifier at home, ensure that the water softener can integrate seamlessly.

- Enjoy Worry-free Water with the Confidence of Expert Protection -

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