Softeners

Base Exchange softeners utilise cation resin to change scale-forming calcium and magnesium ion (total hardness) into non scale-forming (soft) sodium ions. When the resin is exhausted it must be regenerated with a common salt solution.

Softeners are the most common type of ion exchange equipment and find numerous applications in the UK, where the majority of the water is hard.

Applications:

• Basic boiler water treatment
• Laundries
• Bottle and dish washing machines
• General hot water duties where scale formation could give rise to problems

AWE have a various range of softeners. The 'packaged plant' range covers the domestic up to the small industrial size. These can handle hardness levels up to or in excess of 600 mg/l and flow rates up to 100m3/hr. These vessels are manufactured from GRP and regeneration is fully automatic via a multiport valve. The industrial range handles all flow rates in excess of 40m3/hr and utilises carbon steel pressure vessels, industrial valves and  microprocessor control regeneration. Automatic regeneration is normally initiated by time clock or water meter. Where necessary, AWE can supply a range of bulk salt saturator tanks. These are fabricated in GRP, are suitable for indoor or outdoor use and take salt deliveries directly from road tankers.