Abstract: A method for converting a salt-based ion exchange water softener into a brine-based system. The system includes a resin tank containing an ion exchange media, a batch tank containing crystalline salt, a master valve for directing water flow through selected portions of the softener system, a brine conduit connecting the batch tank to the master valve, and a controller for managing the master valve position to define at least operating, brine fill, and brine draw cycles. A control valve is installed in the brine conduit to prevent fresh water flow from the master valve to the batch tank and the crystalline salt in the batch tank replaced with a quantity of liquid brine. It is preferable to adjust the duration of the brine draw cycle to limit the brine draw cycle to the minimum time necessary to provide sufficient brine to the resin tank to recharge the ion exchange media.

Abstract: A brine tank provides a supply of brine to a commercial water softening system that is located remotely from the brine tank. Fresh water is delivered into the brine tank through a central header pipe from which a plurality of perforated risers extends laterally to both sides of the central header pipe. The perforated risers are located beneath the inlet opening for the delivery of loose salt, yet spaced from the brine pump so that a uniform salt concentration will be attained in the brine before being pumped to the water softener. The inlet opening for the delivery of loose salt is provided with a double leaf hatch cover to provide a receiving opening that is larger than the inlet opening into the brine tank so that loose salt can be funneled into the brine tank without significant spillage on the ground.

Abstract: A truck-mounted scale mechanism can provide an accurate measurement of the weight of loose material dispensed from a delivery truck. The scale mechanism is supported on the tailgate of the delivery truck for transport from one job site to another. A winch provides a mechanism for deploying the scale mechanism from the transport position. The scale includes a frame mechanism pivotally supporting a hopper having a gate-controlled discharge chute operated by an air cylinder with weigh cells being located between the hopper and the frame. A computer on the scale mechanism operatively controls the air cylinder controlling the gate on the delivery chute of the truck bed and the air cylinder controlling the discharge chute gate on the hopper such that the loading, weighing and dispensing of the loose salt from the truck bed to the customer storage facility is automated until the system is halted by the operator.