Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus that recycles a substantial percentage of the solution used for regenerating the system. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During a regeneration mode, the solution of sodium or potassium ions in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the sodium or potassium ions than the hardness ions from a high pressure side to a low pressure side. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter through an outlet and into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. Concentration of sodium or potassium ions may be tested during a fast rinse portion of the regeneration cycle.

Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus that recycles a substantial percentage of the solution used for regenerating the system. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During a regeneration mode, the solution of sodium or potassium ions in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the sodium or potassium ions than the hardness ions from a high pressure side to a low pressure side. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter through an outlet and into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment tests the concentration of softening alkali metal ions in the liquid flowing from the softening tank during a fast rinse portion of the regeneration cycle.

Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus and process that recycles a substantial percentage of the brine. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During the regeneration cycle, the brine solution in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the brine ions than the hardness ions. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment includes a pump to force the brine solution through the nanofilter and a throttling valve connecting the upstream side of the nanofilter to a drain, and through which the hardness ions flow.

Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus and process that recycles a substantial percentage of the brine. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During the regeneration cycle, the brine solution in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the brine ions than the hardness ions. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment includes a pump to force the brine solution through the nanofilter and a throttling valve connecting the upstream side of the nanofilter to a drain, and through which the hardness ions flow.

Abstract: A brine recycling apparatus and process form a part of a water softening system (10). The water softening system (10) has a brine tank (43) for receiving brine solution that has passed through a softening tank (19) of the softening system (10) to remove hardness ions adsorbed on resin regenerating particles in the softening tank (19). The brine solution in the brine tank (43) is forced through a filter such as a nanofilter (25) that allows a much higher proportion of the brine ions to pass than the hardness ions. The liquid passing through the filter (25) is returned to the brine tank (43). The liquid that does not pass through the filter (25) may be directed to a drain. A preferred system uses a pump (51) to force the brine solution through the filter (25).

Abstract: A method for treating water with an electrolytic cell including an anode, a cathode, and a three-dimensional carbon electrode provided between the anode and the cathode, the method comprising the steps of supplying the water having an electric resistivity of not less than 10 M.OMEGA..multidot.cm into the electrolytic cell; applying an electric current to the anode and the cathode so as to polarize the electrodes for sterilizing the water, wherein a first distance between the electrode and the anode and a second distance between the electrode and the cathode are not more than 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A water dispenser including a water tank for storing water supplied from a water bottle; an electrolytic cell including an anode, a cathode, and a three-dimensional carbon electrode provided between the anode and the cathode, the electrolytic cell being provided downstream of the water tank; a water outlet valve provided downstream of the electrolytic cell; and a power supply for applying an electric current to the anode so as to polarize the electrode for sterilizing the water.

Abstract: This invention relates to fabric conditioning formulations containing as thickeners a cross-linked cationic polymer of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or blend of monomers, wherein the cross-linking agent is 5-45 ppm of a cross-linking agent comprising polyethylenic functions. An example of such a cross-linking agent is methylene bisacrylamide. Such thickeners do not contribute to the opacity of the formulations and have a relatively good viscosity stability.