Abstract: A high-efficiency water softening process is disclosed. The softening-process is particularly effective for the treatment of water process streams containing a broad array of contaminants, such as Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr, iron, aluminum, manganese, copper, zinc, silica, TOC, oil, and grease. The softening-process includes steps of: (a) adding carbonate ions and hydroxide ions to said water process stream until the process stream pH is raised to between at or about 10.5 and at or about 14.0; (b) optionally adding a coagulation aid so as to facilitate the creation of separated solids comprising a substantial portion of the contaminants; (c) optionally adding a polyelectrolyte so as to facilitate the creation of separated solids comprising a substantial portion of the contaminants; and (d) phase-separating the separated solids so as to remove the contaminants and produce a highly purified water process stream.

Abstract: A nozzle and associated system is for treating fluids is provided, particularly for a system including a reaction vessel containing a granular filter or ion exchange medium and a fluid manifold immersed in the granular or ion exchange medium. The nozzle has an outer screen defining a interior cavity, a duct for providing flow to the interior cavity, and a restrictor having at least one orifice through which the duct is in communication with the cavity. The orifice or orifices of the restrictor have a total open area that is less than the total open area of the outer screen. By this sizing relationship the nozzle flow rate is dictated by the inner orifice area, not the outer screen open area. In comparison to the outer screen openings each of the inner orifices is less susceptible to plugging or wearing than the narrow outer screen openings which are adjacent to medium. The nozzle according to the invention therefore provides a consistent predetermined flow rate and pressure drop profile over extended periods.