Water softening before filtration is a crucial process, vital for preventing the formation of scale on filtration system membranes caused by calcium or magnesium. This integral step involves the use of specific water-softening chemicals, including demineralizers, dechlorinators, and the key player, ion exchangers. Water softeners are primarily deployed in scenarios like boiler makeup water to remove calcium and magnesium ions. If left untreated, these ions can act as a foundation for the development of insoluble compounds that precipitate within boiler systems.

The effectiveness of a water softener lies in substituting precipitate-forming ions with sodium ions. Sodium-based compounds have high solubility, nullifying the potential for precipitates from hard water. In a water softener, ion exchange occurs as water passes through a bed of small plastic resin beads saturated with sodium ions. As water containing calcium and magnesium ions traverses the resin beads, these ions adhere to the ion exchange resin, freeing up sodium ions that dissolve into the solution. Gradually, the resin beads become laden exclusively with calcium and magnesium ions, devoid of sodium. At this stage, the softening process stops, and hardness ions (Ca and Mg) seep through the bed. When leakage occurs or before the resin exhausts, it’s time to regenerate the media. BARBIN MAKINA’s seasoned field engineers are experts in treating and operating various softening systems. The necessary chemicals may include burnt lime, hydrated lime, dolomitic lime, caustic soda, calcium chloride, gypsum, alum, ferric sulfate, sodium aluminate, polymers, and ferrous sulfate (copperas). Through collaboration with your team, we tailor an optimal water softening program to conserve energy, reduce treatment expenses, and enhance water softening effectiveness.