Overview of filters for softening water from wells. Water softeners

Filters for softening water are devices that serve to eliminate hardness salts, which include calcium and magnesium salts. This process involves the replacement of calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions that are harmless to humans.

When drinking hard water at home, serious problems arise. If you use a water softener filter, you can avoid such consequences as:

Overload of adaptive and filtering systems of the human body. The result of such overloads may be kidney stones or the deposition of salts in the joints;
Inability to wash your hair. When washing with hard water, the hair sticks together in one lump and cannot be combed;
High consumption of detergents when washing and washing;
Changing the taste of ready-made dishes in cooking, in the preparation of which they used hard water;
Limescale deposits on surfaces that are exposed to hard water every day. This may include pipes, plumbing, tiles;
Damage to valves, heating elements, various gaskets and fragile thin-walled elements of water supply. The scale that forms on the walls of the water heating elements changes their thermal conductivity, resulting in large heat losses.

It is worth noting that the negative impact on human health is minimal, but it also exists. Especially hard water is felt by people who have certain problems with the digestive tract or digestive organs.

1.1 Methods of softening hard water

There are several ways to soften hard water.

Some softening can be achieved by boiling. However, boiling does not remove constant rigidity.

Another method known since ancient times is the addition of a reagent to hard water, which makes the water soft. Previously used ordinary lime and soda ash. Now, sodium orthophosphate is used to soften.

However, the reagent method of water softening requires a large sump, waste disposal and constant dosed use of the reagent. Therefore, for the home, this method of purifying water from impurities is extremely inconvenient.

Highly popular for solving the problem of hard water at home are ion-exchange liquid softening filters. The resolution of such filters is extremely high. If necessary, the salt content can be reduced to 0.01 mEq / liter.

The basis of such filters are materials that have ion-exchange ability. The process of obtaining soft water is reduced by sodium-cation exchange.

Convenient consider household electromagnetic filters. This method of purifying water from salts involves exposure to a processor that creates electromagnetic waves. Under the influence of these waves, salt crystals change their initial shape and the water becomes soft.

A filter that works on the principle of reverse osmosis is also popular in certain circles. Water purification occurs at the molecular and ionic levels. A finely dispersed membrane is capable of trapping molecules of calcium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, aluminum, and many other impurities in its path.

1.2 Principle of operation of water purification filters from hardness salts

Household ion-exchange filters work as follows. Sodium cations are in the ion exchange filter. Water passing through the filter exchanges calcium or magnesium cations contained in it. It turns out that hardness salts are replaced with sodium salts in an equivalent amount.

After all the sodium cations in the ion exchange filter replace the cations of calcium or magnesium, the process stops.

Ion exchange materials have the ability to recover, and many times, because the ion exchange process is reversible. To saturate the filter with sodium cations, a 6-8% solution of ordinary table salt is fed to it.

The cations are exchanged in the reverse order, and now the filter gives up calcium and magnesium. And those, in turn, merge into the drainage and absorb sodium cations. In this process, the anionic composition of the water remains unchanged. There is a slight increase in pH.

The recovery period of sodium cations takes about 20 minutes. Water in this period of time either enters the replacement filter, or enters in a hard form.

Electromagnetic softener for home has its own technology of work. The principle of operation of the filter is simple. Hard water is irradiated with electromagnetic waves. Under the influence of waves, crystallization of hard salts occurs.

Having a new structure, salts are not able to stick to the walls or settle to the bottom. In this state, newly formed crystals are capable of exfoliating old deposits. The whole suspension goes into the system of water analysis.

Reverse osmosis to soften water is even more interesting. This system is the most reliable when cleaning and softening water. The principle is that the flowing liquid passes through a semipermeable membrane from a concentrated solution to a less concentrated one.

At the same time, the process takes place under high pressure. As a result, all salts and impurities remain on the membrane, and at the outlet there is clean and soft water.

2 Advantages and disadvantages of cleaning filters

Ion exchange type softeners are widely used for the home, because the method is simple and affordable.

The advantages of this equipment are a rather high degree of purification, low noise during operation, there is no need to replace filters, and most importantly, ion-exchange purification filters do not have significant competition.

The downside is that there is a need to install tanks of regenerative processes, when working, highly concentrated salt solutions are used.

It is imperative that the regenerated components be disposed of after use. If the operation is not correct, the outlet water will become dark. You should also monitor the frequency of washing reagents and not violate the schedule established by the manufacturer. In order not to reduce the effectiveness of the equipment.

The electromagnetic softener is easy to use and has a long service life of more than 10 years. For its operation, reagents, rinses or cartridge changes are not needed.

Another advantage is that this softener is able to clean already formed scale. Installation can be made on a pipe made of any material, the cleaning system will be effective in any case.

The disadvantages of this equipment include the fact that their work is tied to the consumption of electricity.

It should also be borne in mind that the filter serves as a source of strong electromagnetic radiation and can have a negative effect on human health, as well as other electrical appliances. You must choose a safe installation location for the system.

Reverse osmosis purifies water from impurities by 100%. However, along with harmful impurities, useful minerals are also excreted, so doctors do not recommend the constant use of such water.

Also, this system cannot work without preliminary water treatment, since the membrane inside the device is too fragile and can be damaged by dirt. The expensive cost of the equipment, plus the need to purchase additional filters make this softening system a rather controversial option.

2.1 How to choose a good water softener for home?

To choose a softener for the home, which will function without interruption and fulfill its purpose, it is better to do a water analysis. Based on the analysis, it is possible to determine whether water contains hardness salts or iron salts.

The analysis will also determine how much softener should be. It is easy to make a mistake and buy a device that either will not sufficiently soften the water, or vice versa make it a distillate.

An important factor before buying is the price of the device. The cheapest softener is a filter jug \u200b\u200bbased on ion-exchange materials. However, it can only be used to soften drinking water, since the jug has small volumes. Once every 2-4 months, the cartridge needs to be replaced in the jug.

For small apartments, household cabinet-type ion-exchange softeners with a capacity of 200-800 liters, depending on the model, are suitable. Before using water as drinking water, it is better to install another filter with activated carbon after the ion-exchange filter and put out a separate tap.

An electromagnetic softener installed in front of heating appliances and household appliances will extend the life of the equipment.

The water obtained as a result of reverse osmosis is the cleanest. If the price is not scary, then you can install equipment under the sink

Extraction of water from an individual source of a borehole type is a common thing for owners of a private site. And now, drilling work has already been carried out, an aquifer with a good flow rate has been discovered, only analysis shows increased water hardness. What to do in this case to soften the liquid, we understand below.

Important: the hardness of well water is determined by the large amount of magnesium and calcium salts in it. This is expressed in the high level of scale formation on the walls of the dishes during boiling. In addition, hard water is difficult to use for washing hair and body. In addition, there is a risk of damage to all water heating equipment through which hard water will pass.

Types of water hardness and its harm to the user

Water from a well or a well having increased rigidity causes a lot of inconvenience to users, and in particular:

It forms a large amount of scale on all water-heating elements of household appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, water heating tanks);
Disables the dishes for boiling water;
Lathers soap and foams;
In addition, hard water from the well causes irreparable harm to plants when they are irrigated.

Based on all these points, we conclude that hard water from a well or well can and should be softened using special filters.

At the same time, we note that the rigidity of water from a well can be of two types:

Permanent - characterized by the presence of additional inclusions in water, such as phosphates, chlorides, sulfates and nitrates in addition to magnesium and calcium salts. This characteristic of water does not allow to soften the liquid even during its boiling, since all chemical compounds do not decompose under the influence of heat treatment and do not precipitate.
Temporary stiffness. This type of water is only affected by magnesium and calcium salts, which decompose and precipitate during boiling. Thus, there is a softening of water from the well.

Hard Water Softening Methods

In order to soften too hard well water, several methods can be used. We consider each in more detail.

The easiest way to soften water from a well / well is to boil it. However, it is impossible to boil the liquid in huge quantities necessary for the normal operation of the water supply system in the house. Therefore, only the use of filters for water softening, mounted on a section of the water supply system, will be relevant.

Important: To soften a small amount of hard water from a well or well, you can use a simple filter jug \u200b\u200bwith a replaceable cartridge. Such a kitchen appliance will allow you to filter and soften a small amount of water (up to 6 liters per day) for cooking, tea or just drinking. But replaceable filter cartridges have to be replaced every 1-2 months.

Ion exchange filter

Such a filter promotes better softening of water from a well or well. The device is a structure inside which there are sodium cations in the form of special resins. Their adsorbing ability perfectly neutralizes calcium and magnesium salts, however, such a filter requires constant updating of sodium crystals (with a regularity of 1 time in 2-4 months, depending on the amount of softened water).

There are such types of ion-exchange filters:

Devices in the form of a simple bulb. Suitable for softening small amounts of water and are considered the most economical option.
Filters that are equipped with replaceable cartridges. Convenient and compact systems for installation on the water supply system in front of the water supply point.
Regenerative filter. It is a container in which a tank with sodium crystals is located. Such a system is considered the most expensive among the listed reagent filters.

If such systems cope well with large volumes of water, then the disadvantages are:

The need for constant replenishment of sodium crystals;
The need to connect filters to the sewer to discharge a saline solution saturated with calcium and magnesium salts;
In addition, softened water using such a system is not suitable for use in food.

Reverse osmosis filters

These water softening systems are considered the most advanced. Water is purified from inclusions of calcium and magnesium salts here due to the dense membrane through which hard water is driven under high pressure. All harmful impurities settle on the walls of the reverse osmosis membrane, and water is supplied to the water supply system already softened and suitable for domestic and food use, but only after additional saturation of the liquid with useful minerals. Additional mineralization takes place here in the osmosis filter housing thanks to special cartridges for mineralization.

An important characteristic of the reverse osmosis membrane of such a filter is its ability to pass liquid molecules, but retain crystals of harmful impurities.

The disadvantages of the reverse osmosis system include:

The need for constant pressure in the water supply system, equal to 3 atm. and more;
High price for filters.

Special softening magnetic filters

The operation of such devices is based on softening water with magnets. Hard water passes through a filtering system with a magnet, as a result of which the magnesium and calcium salts are neutralized and precipitate. The resulting crystals move further through the system and settle in special tanks.
Magnetic filters come in the form of cylinders that are mounted on a pipeline section, or in the form of special magnetic pads.

Important: the mesh tanks of the magnetic filter system must be periodically cleaned of the resulting slag of the destroyed salts of magnesium and calcium.

Water softening through electromagnetic waves

Such a filter directs electromagnetic waves to hard water, as a result of which the magnesium and calcium salts are destroyed and are in suspension in water. Such impurities are easily removed from the water into the collector using special cartridges. You can use an electromagnetic filter for both the water supply system and the heating system.

Important: it is necessary to choose filters for softening well water based on the amount of fluid consumed and the type of its consumption (watering, domestic or household needs). For the most correct choice, it is better to contact professionals at specialized points of sale.

The problem of hard water is familiar to both urban residents and those who live outside the city and use water from a well or well.

Almost all the water from the water supply system contains magnesium and calcium salts. They are responsible for such an indicator as rigidity. The higher their concentration, the harsher the liquid.

An excess of salts is not only harmful to the body, but also dangerous for plumbing, household appliances, pipes. Salting of surfaces from the inside reduces heat transfer, leads to rapid breakdown of equipment.

According to the degree of hardness, water is divided into:

soft
average
tough
super rigid.

Soft one can be obtained only from wells of great depth, the middle one runs from our taps, and the last two are found almost everywhere and cause a lot of trouble.

Hard water:

leads to the deposition of stones in the joints and kidneys,
forces you to use more powder and detergents,
leads to breakdowns of various elements of equipment, valves.

Help to cope with the problem softener filters. They replace magnesium and calcium ions with safe sodium ions.

Modern water softening systems will help solve the problem efficiently and quickly.

The main methods of water softening - types of filters

There are several ways to make water softer. The simplest is boiling, but it will not help to completely get rid of salts.

Previously, soda ash or lime was added to water, today sodium orthophosphate is used. But this method requires a large tank, continuous replenishment of the reagent, waste disposal, and for use at home it is completely inconvenient.

Much more practical and effective ion-exchange filters, which can reduce the salt concentration to 0.01 mg / l.

Another popular type of filter is electromagnetic. The basis of its action is electromagnetic waves, which cause salt crystals to change their shape, and the liquid becomes softer.

Reverse osmosis filters purify water at the molecular and ionic levels. A special membrane traps impurities, including magnesium and calcium molecules.

For an apartment and a small house, the installation will be optimal main filter for softening water. It is installed in a pipe that supplies water to the house and provides comprehensive cleaning. It must be installed on both hot and cold.

Out of town and at work, installation is required water softener filters for gas boiler. The best option is reagent-free systems: ultrasonic, ion-exchange, magnetic, electromagnetic.

In order to choose the right filter, it is necessary to do a water analysis and establish the concentration of iron salts and hardness. This is necessary to select the power of the softener.

An important factor is the price. The most affordable are the filter jugs with ion-exchange material. Only suitable for drinking water. Cartridge replacement is needed every 2-4 months.

In a small apartment, you can put an ion-exchange filter cabinet type. A capacity of 200-800 liters will be enough. Additionally, an activated carbon filter is recommended.

An electromagnetic installation will help extend the life of household appliances.

But the cleanest will be the liquid after the reverse osmosis filter. If funds allow, such equipment can be put under the sink. Additionally, it is recommended to install a filter that enriches water with minerals.

The softener can be installed both in front of plumbing and household appliances, and under the sink. You can also mount the main filter in the water supply at the entrance to the house.

VIDEO ON THE TOPIC OF THE ARTICLE

The Geyser company offers equipment with Aragon filtering material. It removes mechanical impurities, and organics, and chlorine. Also, the manufacturer promises an antibacterial effect, but with the preservation of beneficial trace elements in water.

At the same time, a quick regeneration of the device occurs at home, so it is possible to save quite well on the filter maintenance costs.

The manufacturer suggests paying special attention to the Geyser ZIVZh and Geyser-ZIVZh luxury models.

The first performs cleaning with a polypropylene cartridge, which requires replacement every 4-6 months. The second stage copes with chemical impurities and will last about two years with regular regeneration. The third stage improves the beneficial properties of water.

The second is equipped with a special filter to soften the water. The equipment is three-stage and contains cartridges for mechanical, comprehensive cleaning and improvement of taste.

VIDEO

Aquaphor filters for water softening You can choose individually depending on your region of residence. The most affordable model is the Aquaphor Trio. Equipped with a separate tap, quickly filters water, eliminating not only hardness salts, but also lead, chlorine, bacteria. The cost starts from 1500 rubles.

« Aquafore Trio Norm»For hard water it is equipped with a separate tap, easy to operate, effectively eliminates various contaminants and heavy metals.

The nozzle on the Aquaphor Modern crane is also popular. It has a special combination of absorbents and high performance. Special absorbents are used that eliminate hardness salts, chlorine and other impurities. The service life of the device is about three years.

Filters for hard water "Barrier" in the form of jugs are very popular in Russia. A compact liter jug \u200b\u200b“Barrier Extra” is suitable for a small family.

More capacious "Barrier Eco", designed for 350 liters and can stand on the door in the refrigerator. The Barrier Smart model is a little more expensive, has a counter on the lid for setting the time for the next replacement, and does not require draining purified water.

A more complex system is the “Barrier Expert Standard”. Includes several stages of cleaning. Easy to install anywhere in the kitchen and eliminates odor, mechanical, organic and chemical impurities.

Filters for softening water from a well - are there any differences

Water purification from a well has its own subtleties. Only a well at a very great depth can provide high quality, while in most suburban areas the wells are not deep.

A high-quality water softener filter for a summer residence should meet the following requirements:

to have the possibility of technological washing in order to prevent quick clogging of the filter cells (usually coarse main filters correspond to this requirement),
do not contain polyphosphates and other reagents (experts do not recommend using reagent methods for drinking water),
run smoothly without control on your part
have economical energy consumption.

The last two requirements correspond to electromagnetic filters, which are confidently gaining popularity in Russia.

But before deciding to install this or that equipment, it is recommended to conduct a fluid analysis and consult specialists who will select the best softener filter for a cottage based on your needs and characteristics of the house and source.

In order to reduce water hardness, filter elements are used. The decrease in water hardness leads to the absence of scale, harmful to the heating elements of hot water supply. After filtration, there is no limestone in the water, leading to the rapid oxidation of the metal. Water softening provides protection for water heating devices (including heating elements of household appliances), resulting in a reduction in powder consumption.

The nomenclature list with the characteristic of products and their cost (filters are equipped with automatic control valves):

In filters for softening water, filter material is used, which is a high-quality polymer in the form of spherical particles, small granules (about 1 mm.) From light yellow to dark cinnamon. The cation exchanger filter material extracts hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium, replacing them with sodium ions. Salt is used as a reagent.

Water softeners suitable for installation in cottages, in school and preschool institutions, in medical institutions, restaurants, hotel complexes and small enterprises.

Why is it necessary purchase filter softener for water?

The problem of scale and calcareous deposits is widespread. Often in apartments we see a thick white coating on the teapot. However, not all of these require such powerful water softenersas those presented in this section. These softener filters well applied in cottages, dachas, canteens, medical enterprises, where the water flow is more extensive, and the requirements for water quality are high. Moreover, in the country and in the cottage set softener filters most necessary to save the heating system or appliances. Replacing any part of the heating system can entail serious costs and loss of comfort in a residential building for a long time. Scale, rust, plaque. All this threatens you if you do not take the problem seriously water softeners in the cottage and in the country.

how does the water softener filter work?

Softeners act on the principle of ion exchange, replacing the ions of heavy salts with sodium ions. When the filtering resource of the resin is fully developed, it is regenerated with a 5-8% sodium chloride solution. In general, the process is not so complicated, gentle, automatic and continuous. Sometimes filters with two tanks are made to guarantee the continuity of the process. Nevertheless, resin regeneration usually takes from 40 minutes to an hour, and the regeneration time can be set at night, when all the inhabitants of the country house are sleeping. Thus, you always get sweet soft water without much effort.

To select the desired softeners in the houseas well as for the most effective combination softener filter with other devices.

If you decide buy filter softener for your cottage, home or cottage, ask our about existing and additional ways to protect your home and everyday life.