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Product Code: RXSOL-32-3101-025
The presence of certain metal ions in water causes a variety of problems. These ions interfere with the action of soaps. They also lead to build up of limescale, which can foul plumbing, and galvanic corrosion.
Conventional water-softening appliances intended for household use depend on an ion-exchange resin in which “hardness ions” – mainly Ca2+ and Mg2+- are exchanged for sodium ions. Ion exchange devices reduce the hardness by replacing magnesium and calcium (Mg2+ and Ca2+) with sodium or potassium ions (Na+ and K+).”
Ion-exchange softeners are used extensively in small water systems and individual homes apart from Industry. Ion-exchange resin, exchanges one ion from the water being treated for another ion that is in the resin (sodium is one component of softening salt, with chlorine being the other). Ion Exchange resin exchanges sodium for calcium and magnesium. The following chemical reactions show the exchange process, where R represents Resin, the exchange material.
Removal of carbonate hardness:
Ca(HCO3)2 + Na2R ——> CaR + 2NaHCO3
Mg(HCO3)2 + Na2R ——> MgR + 2NaHCO3
Removal of non-carbonate hardness:
CaSO4 + Na2R —– > CaR + Na2SO4
CaCl2 + Na2R ——> CaR + CaCl2
MgSO4 + Na2R ——> MgR + Na2SO4
MgCl2 + Na2R ——> MgR + 2NaC1
Ion exchange resins are organic polymers containing anionic functional groups to which the divalent cations (Ca++) bind more strongly than monovalent cations (Na+).
Ion-exchange does not alter the water’s pH or alkalinity. However, the stability of the water is altered due to the removal of calcium and magnesium and slight increase in dissolved solids. For each ppm of calcium removed and replaced by sodium, total dissolved solids increase by 0.15 ppm. For each ppm of magnesium removed and replaced by sodium, total dissolved solids increase by 0.88 ppm.
When all the available Na+ ions have been replaced with calcium or magnesium ions, the resin must be re-charged by eluting the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions using a solution of sodium chloride. The waste waters eluted from the ion exchange column containing the unwanted calcium and magnesium salts are typically discharged to the sewage system in case of household units.
Ion-Exchange Units:
These units resemble pressure filters. The interior is generally treated to protect the tank against corrosion from the salt. The units are normally of the downflow type, and the size and volume of the units are dictated by the hardness of the water and the volume of treated water needed to be produced between each regeneration cycle. Resin is supported by an underdrain system that removes the treated water and distributes brine evenly during regeneration. Minimum depth of resin should be no less than 24 inches above the underdrain.
Softening Cycle:
The length of the softening cycle ends when >5 mg/l of hardness is detected in the effluent Almost all softening units have an alarm on the water meter to indicate when a certain amount of water has passed through the exchange unit. This is done to ensure the required outlet quality.
Backwash Cycle:
Once hardness breaks through, or design output between regeneration (OBR) is achieved, the softener must be regenerated. In down-flow units, the resin must first be backwashed to loosen the resin (it becomes compacted by the weight of the water), and to remove any other material that has been filtered out of the water by the resin. The operator needs to apply enough backwash water to expand the resin bed by about 50 percent. Distributors at the top of the unit provide for uniform water distribution and uniform wash-water collection. Under drains provide uniform distribution of the backwash water on the bottom of the resin.
Regeneration:
Concentrated brine is pumped to the unit from the storage basin. Brine is diluted through the injector to a solution containing about 10 percent salt before it is passed through the resin. The time required for regeneration is about 20 to 35 minutes. The brine needs to be in contact with the resin long enough to allow for complete exchange of hardness ions on the resin with sodium ions in the brine. It is better to allow more time than to not allow enough. If the resin is not totally recharged, the next softening run will be short.
Oman, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ruwais, Mina Zayed, Khalifa Port, Kizad, Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Khor Fakkan, Sharjah Creek, Port of Hamriyah, Mussafah Port, Saqr Port, Dibba Port, Jebel Dhanna, Mina Al Hamriya, and all major UAE ports.