Water softeners are primarily used to remove calcium and magnesium ions from boiler makeup water. If not removed, these ions can be the basis for forming insoluble compounds that will precipitate in boiler systems. A water softener eliminates this problem by replacing precipitate-forming ions with sodium ions.

Since sodium-based compounds are very soluble, precipitates formed by hard water can be eliminated. In a water softener, ion exchange occurs as the water runs through a bed of small plastic resin beads which are saturated with sodium ions. As the water containing calcium and magnesium ions flows past the resin beads, calcium and magnesium ions “stick” to the ion exchange resin, liberating the sodium ions, which then go into the solution. Eventually, the resin beads contain nothing but calcium and magnesium ions and no sodium. At this point, softening no longer occurs, and hardness ions (Ca and Mg) begin to leak through the bed. When leakage occurs, or prior to the resin being exhausted, it is time to regenerate the media.

Filtrex Solutions field engineers are experts at treating and operating these and other types of softening systems. Chemicals required may include burnt lime, hydrated lime, dolomitic lime, caustic soda, calcium chloride, gypsum, alum, ferric sulfate, sodium aluminate, polymers, and ferrous sulfate (copperas). We will work with your team to determine the optimal water softening program to conserve energy, reduce treatment costs, and improve water softening.