Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting the quantity of salt to be used during each regeneration of a water softener system. The quantity of salt used during each regeneration is approximately equal to the quantity of salt needed to regenerate the resin bed to a preselected design capacity, which is less than the maximum capacity of the resin bed. The design exchange capacity is approximately equal to the exchange capacity of the resin bed at a particular salt dosage, wherein the exchange capacity of the bed at the particular salt dosage divided by the particular salt dosage is generally equal to or greater than 2850. The system is regenerated when at the end of any preselected time period, the percentage of the design capacity of the resin bed used since the last regeneration cycle exceeds a predetermined percentage.In determining the salt dosage used during each regeneration cycle, the exchange capacity of the resin bed is determined for various salt dosages.

Abstract: A flow indicator and a method for monitoring the operation of a chemical feed pump are provided. This indicator includes a housing defining a flow chamber and having an inlet through one end and an outlet through the other end. The inlet and the outlet of the housing are in communication with the fluid conduit of the pump, and the flow chamber is a vertical component of the flow path of the fluid flowing through the conduit. The housing contains two freely movable balls in the flow chamber, one ball having a specific gravity greater than that of the fluid and the other having a lower specific gravity. It is at least partially transparent to enable the operator of the indicator to observe the movement of the balls. The method for monitoring the pump involves placing the two balls in the flow chamber, connecting the indicator to the fluid conduit, operating the pump, and observing the action of the balls.

Abstract: A dispenser for dissolving a solid chemical into a flowing liquid includes a refillable cartridge that is held in a removable housing. A small amount of the liquid is diverted and is flowed upwardly through the chemical to dissolve same. The dissolved chemical is mixed with the rest of the liquid in an apertured protrusion that extends above a small liquid outlet hole in the top of the cartridge. The protrusion directs the liquid flow toward the liquid outlet opening of the dispenser.

Abstract: Water softened by ion exchange is pumped through a reverse osmosis material. The water treated by reverse osmosis may be stored under pressure and the reverse osmosis waste stream is recycled through the ion exchanger. The stored volume of water treated by reverse osmosis is approximately equal to or less than the volume of water that can be stored in the ion exchanger.