The scarcity of fresh potable water for drinking, high salinity values in existing groundwater reserves, high cost associated with desalination plants to produce fresh water, and the limited re-use of water has led to the increasing demand of home filtration systems in Dubai. Groundwater is one of the major sources of water in Dubai. However, groundwater is predominantly hard with high alkalinity.
One of the major issues with hard water is that it interferes with all types of cleaning tasks. Cleaning problems arise when the cleaning agents do not fully remove dirt and grime. Through time, clothes washed in hard water may look dingy and feel harsh and scratchy. Soap scum is difficult to remove from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and other appliances. Scale deposits also accumulate to plug plumbing fixtures and build up in other appliances such as coffee pots and dishwashers, thus affecting their performance. Dishes and glassware washed in dishwashers using hard water may be spotted when dry. Hard water causes films on glass shower doors, walls and bathtubs. Hair washed in hard water may feel sticky and look dull. After showering in hard water, skin will feel rough and scratchy. This feeling is especially noticeable in the winter when the air’s relative humidity is low. Water softeners are great treatment solutions to resolve these issues.
Here’s how the process of ion exchange softening occurs and the types of softeners available in the market.
How does water softening take place?
Water Softeners typically use Ion Exchange treatment to reduce the hardness causing chemicals such as calcium and magnesium. It can also be used to remove iron contaminants to some extent. Hard water results in clogging of water pipes, staining of dishes and laundry, and difficulty in using soaps and detergents due to its inability to form lather. Water Softener removes the hardness inducing calcium and magnesium chemicals in its conditioning tank and flushes those periodically to the drain. A brief summary of the reverse osmosis process is described below:
- A typical water softener consists of a tall, narrow water-softener tank, and a short, wide brine tank.
- The softener tank is connected to the main water-supply line.
- A fill tube connects the brine tank to the softener tank and a discharge hose runs from the softener tank to a nearby drainpipe or drywell.
- Softener tank is filled with specially formulated resin beds that are permanently attached to the tank
- The brine tank has removable covers so that it can be filled with salt or potassium chloride
- Water enters the top of the softener tank and percolated through the negatively charged resin beds that attract the positively charged minerals from the water
- The mineral deposit adheres to the resins and softened water flows through the brine tank and then through the house.
Which are the different types of water softeners?
The primary difference among water softener models is the way they schedule the backflush cycles. This is important because recharging the beds with salt too early wastes salt and water whereas recharging too late impacts performance. Water softeners are classified into four different categories:
- Semi Automatic: The operator initiates the recharging cycle. The operator pushes a button when the softener needs recharging, and the unit will control and complete the recharging process.
- Automatic: Automatic softeners have a timer that automatically initiates the recharging cycle and every step in the process. The operator sets the timer and adds salt as needed. This is the most common type of softener used.
- Demand-initiated regeneration (DIR): All operations are initiated and performed automatically in response to the water use demand for softened water. DIR systems generally have two softening tanks and a brine tank. While one tank is softening, the other tank is recharging.
- Off-site regeneration (generally rental units): A used softening tank is replaced with a recharged tank. Spent softening tanks then are recharged at a central location
The 3M Water Softener System
The 3MWTS Softener Series offer a range of water softeners that help reduce scale build-up caused due to hard water and thus protect appliances such as coffee makers, dishwashers, and washing machines. These products also help resolving plumbing issues such as clogged showerheads, bathroom tub and walls soapy residue to name a few.
The illustration below shows a typical installation of the 3M water softener series. Some of the basic features include:
- Optimized for Iron, Manganese and Hydrogen Sulfide reduction
- Includes a proprietary salt shelf, reducing service issues
- Applicable media included in all 3MWTS systems
- H-050P High capacity softening resin
Figure 1 – Typical Water Softening System for Residential Use
Note: Diagram is for reference purposes only. Refer to the installation and operation manual for the product before installing the unit.
Water softeners can be a great solution for houses that have groundwater or well water as a primary source of drinking water. Water experts and consultants at Saniservice can help customers choose the best available water softeners that meet their requirements. The technicians at Saniservice will help with the installation process and clarify any questions the customers may have about the water softener devices and provide regular filter cleaning or replacement.
