Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of producing regenerative water. The apparatus includes a main body, a basket, a regenerative substance block and an on/off valve. The main body has a water inlet port through which raw water is supplied into the main body, a water outlet port through which regenerative water is discharged out of the main body, and a drain port which drains an excess of raw water or regenerative water. The basket is provided in the main body. The regenerative substance block is contained in the basket and dissolved by the raw water. The on/off valve is provided on the water outlet port. The raw water dissolves the regenerative substance block for a predetermined duration. When the on/off valve is opened, the produced regenerative water is supplied through the water outlet port into a soft water tank.

Abstract: An H2S04-based calcite dissolution post-treatment process and apparatii for desalinated water are provided. The process comprises separating cations from seawater by ion exchange resin (s) (12) onto which the ions are loaded, contacting the ion exchange resin (s) (12) loaded with the cations with an effluent (1) of a calcite dissolution reactor (10) wherein the cations are exchanged with Ca2+ from this effluent. The Ca2+ concentration of the resulting desalinated water (6) decreases while the cations concentration increases to comply with required quality criteria. Batch type and continuous apparatii by which the process can be carried out are described.

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: The super oxidation, coagulation and flocculation system is applicable to water and wastewater chemical treatment in which oxidation, coagulation and flocculation processes take place in a single vessel. The apparatus and process can be used for treatment of domestic and industrial water and wastewater for removal of organic and inorganic contaminants. The oxidation process can be provided by several oxidizing chemicals such as ozone, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, chlorine and Ultra Violet Lights, and the coagulation process can be accomplished with several coagulants such as aluminum sulphide, ferric chloride, ferric sulphate. Selection of the chemicals depends on the quality of the water or wastewater to be treated and the treated water quality required, and it covers a wide range of impurities to be removed and specifically difficult to oxidize hydrocarbons and chlorinated organics, and iron, manganese, uranium, arsenic, cyanide, hydrogen sulphide.

Abstract: A grey water treatment system for use in conjunction with a water softener, including a grey water holding tank including a first inlet configured to receive grey water and a second inlet configured to receive spent brine from the water softener. The spent brine is mixed with the grey water in the holding tank to flocculate suspended solids in the grey water for subsequent removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying a liquid, comprising the steps of:—supplying a flow of liquid for purifying;—adding a crystal growth inhibitor;—purifying the flow;—separating the flow into a purified flow and a return flow; and—concentrating the crystal growth inhibitor, present in the return flow, in a crystallizer

Abstract: Methods for regenerating filter aids which comprise inorganic, natural or semisynthetic filter aids. The method comprises subjecting the filter aid to a first treatment with an aqueous alkaline solution, treating the filter aid with enzymes, treating the filter aid with a surfactant, and subjecting the filter aid a second treatment with the aqueous alkaline solution. The enzyme treatment and the surfactant treatment steps may be carried out simultaneously or in any order.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for treating waste water includes passing ozonized waste water through a bed of moving sand.

Abstract: A water control valve designed to control the flow of water from a source to a treatment tank having a plurality of treatment media, thereby providing a supply of treated water, and also provides other cycle controls. For instance, the water control valve directs water to backwash the media of sediment for discharge to a drain, permits regeneration of the media by directing a regeneration agent through the media, directs water through the media in a fast rinse cycle, and directs water to a regeneration agent reservoir for the purpose of refilling the reservoir. The water control valve has six valves and five motors for controlling the valve positions. The valves are fluidly connected to six chambers providing a pathway for water flow between the valves, to a regeneration injection assembly, through a central passageway or a perimeter passageway, to the treatment tank.

Abstract: A bypass valve assembly for directing fluid flow having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for fluid flow, the bypass valve assembly being attachable to a fluid treatment system. The bypass valve assembly also includes at least one bypass valve in the bypass valve assembly, the bypass valve having a service configuration and a bypass configuration wherein in the service configuration at least a portion of fluid entering the bypass valve assembly through the inlet is transmitted to the water treatment system and wherein in the bypass configuration fluid entering the bypass valve assembly is not transmitted to the fluid treatment system. At least one blending valve is operatively interconnected to the bypass valve assembly, wherein when the bypass valve is in the service configuration the blending valve allows a portion of fluid entering the inlet to be transmitted to the outlet without being transmitted to the fluid treatment system.

Abstract: A modular water treatment system includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component. The water treatment system also includes a plurality of interfaces for coupling to the selected water treatment components, and plumbing lines providing flow communication between the selected components, the plumbing lines comprising a system water inlet and a system water outlet.

Abstract: A water treatment assembly includes a housing having a plurality of water treatment component interfaces. The water treatment assembly also includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component, wherein each of the water treatment components are coupled to a respective one of the water treatment component interfaces. Plumbing lines provide flow communication between the components, and the plumbing lines include a system water inlet and a system water outlet.

Abstract: Conditioning processes and equipment for removing hardness from water circulated in a system. A sidestream is routed to a reactor and back. A buffer is added to the circulated water, in some embodiments in a sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, forming soluble metal complexes with metal ions of the type that cause scaling. A conditioner is added to the sidestream water which breaks the soluble metal ion-buffer complexes and precipitates and accumulates the released metal ion as a solid for accumulation and disposal. In some embodiments a polymer is added, a corrosion inhibitor blend is added and/or pre-mixed with the buffer, and a chlorine generator removes sodium chloride from the buffered sidestream, and makes chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and sodium hydroxide for use in the process or for disposal.

Abstract: This invention provides a water softener for performing a soft water mode to change supplied cold/hot raw water into cold/hot soft water using an ion exchange resin and discharge the cold/hot soft water, a running water mode to discharge the cold/hot raw water as cold/hot running water, a regeneration mode to generate regenerating water by a regeneration material and discharge regeneration waste water generated in regeneration of the ion exchange resin, and a regulation mode to regulate supply of the cold/hot raw water, including: a tank unit; a feed unit; a discharge unit; and a switch valve unit.

Abstract: Processes comprising: (i) providing a filter aid comprising a co-extrudate of a water-insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone and a thermoplastic polymer; (ii) treating the filter aid with aqueous alkali; (iii) subsequently treating the filter aid with an enzyme; and (iv) subsequently thereto carrying out a second treatment with aqueous alkali, to provide a regenerated filter aid, and uses therefor.

Abstract: A regeneration tank for water softeners which includes a flow rate control unit to control the pressure in the regeneration tank, and a coupling member to protect a connection part between the regeneration tank and a water softener. The regeneration tank includes a hollow casing, which has an open inlet part, through which regenerative substances are supplied into the casing. The hollow casing further has a mounting part, which is coupled to the water softener, and a storage part, which is provided between the open inlet part and the mounting part to contain the regenerative substance therein.

Abstract: A control valve assembly (10) controls the flow of water to and from a treatment tank (16) and the regeneration of the treatment material therein. A housing of the valve assembly includes connections for a tank inlet and tank outlet, a inlet chamber (60), outlet chamber (34), a pressure-operated inlet valve (24) and an outlet valve (32). A pair of venturi chambers (81a, 81b) are configured to provide co-current and counter-current regeneration. A regeneration control subsystem includes a turbine (104) and a nozzle impinging thereon to produce rotation. An external port (130) receives fluid to provide a driving for the turbine in order to initiate regeneration. A bypass chamber (60) communicates with the inlet chamber (15). The inlet valve (24) has dual seating surfaces for controlling the communication between the inlet chamber, transfer chamber (70) and tank inlet (26).

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a water softening system including an outer bucket, an inner container having a first end, and a plug, where the plug is received within the first end of the inner container for supporting the inner container and allowing brine to be retained within the inner container. A plurality of apertures extend around a periphery of the plug for providing access between the inner container and the outer bucket. An agitator is positioned within the plug for agitating water retained within the outer bucket. The agitation of the water in the outer bucket causes the water to flow through the plurality of recesses to contact the brine forming a mixture able to improve the operation of the water softening system.

Abstract: The automatic regenerable cold/hot water softener includes a water softening tank having ion exchange resin and a regenerating tank filled with regenerating substance of the ion exchange resin. The water softener controls the mode for receiving raw water and discharging soft water using one switching valve, a direct water mode for discharging raw water itself, a regeneration mode for regenerating ion exchange resin, and a intermittence mode for intermitting the inflow and outflow of the raw water and the soft water. The precise regeneration time is judged according to used amount of the soft water by a temperature sensor and a flow meter for sensing temperature and flux of supply raw water. The regeneration is automatically prosecuted by a control part having a microprocessor. The cold/hot water softener serves a user's convenience in that sudden change of temperature is prevented.

Abstract: A system for fluid treatment that provides alternative regeneration cycles within the same fluid treatment device. A second alternative regeneration cycle is available within the same device, which has independent cycles or processes from the first regeneration cycle. The first and second regeneration cycles can be programmed at the same time and be programmed to alternatively run based upon the number of individual cycles run, the time the cycles have run, the amount of fluid that has passed through the device, or the concentration of brine and/or chlorine in the fluid within the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water softening device for application in a household appliance comprising a flow-through capacitor for the production of wash amplified water (WAW) from tap water, having less than 5° FH, being suitable for use in said appliance when the device is in operation; the configuration of the device is such that the capacitor can be regenerated, whereby no added substances are used. Said washing machine being suitable for use with low environmental impact detergent products.

Abstract: Ion exchange equipment which can deal with counter-flow regeneration or split-flow regeneration while simplifying a water collector. The ion exchange equipment comprises a first water collection pipe (14) communicating with a first channel (10) formed in a lid member (7) at a resin containing section (2), and second water collection pipe (20) communicating with a second channel (11) formed in the lid member (7), wherein an inner diameter of the second water collection pipe (20) is set larger than an outer diameter of the first water collection pipe (14). The water collection pipes (14, 20) have axes set coaxially with the axis of the resin containing section (2) and form a double pipe, and a third channel (12) communicating with the resin containing section (2) is formed in the lid member (7).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for treating waste water includes passing ozonized waste water through a bed of moving sand.

Abstract: Remote delivery of water softener pellets into a water softener by means of vacuum. By using a vacuum the delivery system allows salt to be delivered to great distances to point of use (existing brine tank). This invention will allow people to drive into their garage close to the inventive salt loading hopper and either dump a bag of salt pellets or scoop out of it into the loading hopper, which is located a convenient minimized height off the floor. The current state prior to this invention was to carry the heavy bag of salt to the location of the water softener brine tank, which in most cases is located down the stairs in a basement.

Abstract: A water softener tank houses resin beads retained within an upper screen assembly and a lower screen assembly. The upper and lower screens are formed of material transparent to a given wavelength of a laser. The tank is formed of material that absorbs the given laser wavelength. The upper and lower screens are directly laser welded to the tank.

Abstract: A method of regenerating N-Methyl-D-glu-camine-functional resin that has been used for boron-removal uses a closed recirculating loop for treating the conjugate acid salt of the N-Methyl-D-glucamine functionality of the resin. The new method reduces rinse water demand and improves pH control in a water treatment system. The new method can be used to improve the performance of boron-selective resins in stand-alone systems or as a second stage in a reverse osmosis seawater desalination system. The regeneration method is useful in any application where weakly basic anion exchange resin in the conjugate acid salt form is to be regenerated (neutralized) by alkaline treatment. Possible end use applications are in drinking water processing, agricultural water treatment, sweetener production, waste water processing, mining hydrometallurgy, and condensate polishing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing hot gas with a first combustion chamber (2) to burn fuel (17). The first combustion chamber features an open (5) and a closed end (36), and the first combustion chamber has a fuel inlet (13) arranged at its closed end. A second combustion chamber (35) encloses the first combustion chamber, with the second combustion chamber featuring a discharge outlet (37) for the hot gas, and the second combustion chamber featuring a closed end at which an inlet for combustion air (39) is arranged.

Abstract: An ammonium removal system includes an ion-exchange medium, a brine source, and an electrophysical separation system. The ion-exchange medium may be used to remove ammonium from a waste stream. A brine may be flushed through the ion-exchange medium to remove the ammonium from the ion-exchange medium. The ammonium containing brine may be treated using an electrophysical separation system.

Abstract: a water softening system includes a water softening resin tank, an anion resin tank in flow communication with the water softening resin tank, an in-line water heater in flow communication with the water softening resin tank and a heat exchanger in flow communication with the in-line heater. A water heater is in flow communication with the heat exchanger and the in-line heater. A plurality of flow control valves are operatively connected to the water heater heat exchanger, in-line water heater, anion resin tank, and water softening resin tank. The flow control valves are configured to control the flow of water through the water softening system.

Abstract: A control valve for a water treatment system which includes a turbine (110) rotatably mounted within a water receiving chamber. A nozzle assembly (122) defines first and second fluid paths, one of the flow paths may include a fluid pressure response valve element (320) for controlling fluid flow along the one path. The system also comprises a nozzle assembly (122?) defining a throat (302?) extending from an inlet and terminating in a arcuate outlet conforming to the periphery of the turbine. A plurality of spaced apart and angled vanes (404) are disposed in the throat.

Abstract: A water treatment system includes a tank that contains a particle bed for removing minerals from water flowing through the tank. The regeneration of the particle bed is conducted in response to measuring its conductivity. A probe is provided for that measuring. That probe has a sleeve with a tubular portion for extending through and engaging a wall of the tank. A probe body is removably received within an aperture of the sleeve and includes a pair of electrodes that project inside the tank. A retainer that secures the probe body within the sleeve. Different mechanisms are provided for securing the sleeve to the tank depending upon the particular materials used to fabricate the tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water treatment system, such as a water softener, with a resin tank having a top distributor with a preliminary screen and second screen. The preliminary screen provides added protection by reducing the chance of larger particles from entering the various valves and screens. Prior to the regeneration cycle, an additional back wash and fast rinse cycle are added to rinse sediment to the drain and to clean the preliminary screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water softener capable of producing soft water at various temperatures and facilitating the regeneration of an ion exchange resin thereof. The water softener includes a water softening tank in which an internal region containing therein the ion exchange resin is partitioned into a plurality of water softening regions which are individually assigned into a predetermined temperature; a regeneration tank integrated with the water softening tank into a single body and containing the regeneration material of the ion exchange resin; a cold/hot control valve to supply raw water to a selected one of the plurality of water softening regions according to the temperature of the raw water to rapidly supply the soft water at a desired temperature to a user; and a regeneration valve to facilitate the periodic regeneration of the ion exchange resin through a simple manual operation.

Abstract: The present invention realizes an ion exchange apparatus capable of enhancing the reliability of regeneration operation. Further, the present invention realizes an ion exchange apparatus capable of simplifying the construction of a salt water supply device. The ion exchange apparatus includes a resin bed housing part (2) in which an ion exchange resin bed (5) is housed; a flow passage control valve (3) for switching between a water service operation and a regeneration operation; and a salt water tank (40) for reserving salt water to be used in regeneration, the flow passage control valve (3) being connected to the salt water tank (40) through a salt water supply line (31), in which the salt water supply line (31) is provided with a flow detecting unit (48) for detecting a flow rate in a direction of supplying salt water and a flow rate in a direction of supplying refill water.

Abstract: A float-responsive valve includes a valve actuator that is selectively responsive to operation of a float to move from a first position to a second position in which the valve actuator holds the valve element in its open position. When the valve actuator is in the second position thereof, fluid pressure that would otherwise tend to force the valve element toward its seat is essentially incapable of closing the valve element. Preferably, a force vector applied through a flapper-type valve actuator forms an essentially nonnegative, more preferably generally collinear, angle with a bisector line passing through a pivot axis of the valve actuator and a primary contact point between the valve actuator and the flapper.

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42–48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: An ion exchange resin plant for the demineralizing or softening water with an arrangement that allows the plant to operate continuously. The plant tank is divided into to two separate compartments that work simultaneously. One compartment effects water demineralization while the other compartment regenerates the ion exchanging resins.

Abstract: A water softener system including a hard water flow pipe through which hard water flows, a modular water softener assembly, and a regeneration tank is provided. The modular water softener assembly includes an elongated tube having a first end, a second end, a length extending therebetween, and a predetermined inner volume for storing an amount of water softening particles. The water softener assembly also includes a first end cap coupled to the tube at the first end having a first port in flow communication with the hard water flow pipe and a second port in flow communication with an outlet pipe through which soft water flows. The water softener assembly is supported by the hard water flow pipe and the outlet pipe. The regeneration tank contains a regenerate for regenerating the water softening particles and is in flow communication with the water softener assembly.

Abstract: A gravity feed brining system for a water conditioning system having a brine storage tank and a pressure vessel containing regenerable treatment media is provided. The brining system includes a valved manifold means for directing water flow in the water conditioning system and is operated by a programmable processor. The brine storage tank is elevated above the pressure vessel and the valved manifold means is connected to the brine storage tank and the pressure vessel establishing a flow path therebetween. The positioning of the storage vessel allows a quantity of brine solution to be gravity fed into the pressure vessel during a regeneration cycle, thereby eliminating the need of a venturi, J-tube or pump to transfer the brine solution into the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water, comprising an ion exchanger with a water inlet and a product outlet, connected to an inlet of a first filtration step, which comprises one or more nano- and/or RO-filtration membranes and is provided with a first permeate outlet and a first concentrate outlet. According to a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a subsequent filtration step in which an inlet is connected with the first concentrate outlet, which subsequent filtration step comprises one or several subsequent nano- and/or RO-filtration membranes, and which is provided with a second permeate outlet and second concentrate outlet, which second concentrate outlet is optionally connected with an inlet of a subsequent filtration step.

Abstract: Regeneration controller and method for controlling regeneration of a water softener are provided. The controller includes a water meter configured to output a signal indicative of the volume of influent water received by the water softener. A water-hardness indicator, such as a conductivity meter or ion-selective electrode, is configured to output a signal indicative of a degree of hardness of the influent water. A processor is coupled to receive the respective signals from the water meter and the hardness indicator. The processor is further configured to calculate a value indicative of the total level of hardness removed by the water softener. A comparator is coupled to receive a signal indicative of the quantity of resin capacity of the water softener. The comparator is further configured to receive the value indicative of total hardness to issue a regeneration command based on comparing the resin capacity relative to the value of total hardness.

Abstract: A salt platform (700) is disclosed which incorporates a series of hubs (702), radial braces(704) and curved braces(706) which are snap fit together by use of mating locking members(734) and locking slots (716). The curved braces (706) can be formed with pipe holders to support pipe section(710,712) and pipe elbows (714). A stub spoke(750) can be used if desired.

Abstract: The apparatus and material transport system conveys water softener salt from the outside of the house or structure to a water softener brine tank located in the basement. The apparatus may be used with existing homes or in newly built construction homes where a spacer sleeve is placed between concrete forms and the concrete foundation wall is poured around the sleeve. The apparatus includes an electrical circuit for automatically monitoring the amount of salt in the brine tank and when the salt is low, automatically ordering a delivery of replacement salt. A single portable loading hopper and elbow assembly is detachable mounted to the exterior wall of the structure for introducing salt into the brine tank. When the brine tank has been loaded, a buzzer is energized telling the responsible person in charge of loading the salt that the brine tank is full of salt.

Abstract: A float-responsive valve includes a valve actuator that is selectively responsive to operation of a float to move from a first position to a second position in which the valve actuator holds the valve element in its open position. When the valve actuator is in the second position thereof, fluid pressure that would otherwise tend to force the valve element toward its seat is essentially incapable of closing the valve element. Preferably, a force vector applied through a flapper-type valve actuator forms an essentially nonnegative, more preferably generally collinear, angle with a bisector line passing through a pivot axis of the valve actuator and a primary contact point between the valve actuator and the flapper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a replaceable lamp assembly for a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS). The lamp assembly includes first and second ends with respective sealed inlet and outlet openings associated with the ends. One or more conduits extend between the openings. A bulb assembly is positioned adjacent the conduit to irradiate liquid transferred in the conduit. A reflector assembly in the lamp assembly focuses radiation on the conduit. An enclosure surrounds the bulb and reflector assemblies such that lamp assembly becomes a generally closed pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for a water softener having an ion exchange resin capable of receiving hard water ions from hard water during a softening step and releasing the hard water ions during a regeneration step. The controller includes a processor programmed to cause termination of the softening step and initiate the regeneration step when both a first and a second condition are met. The first condition is met when the resin is saturated with hard water ions, and the second condition is met when current demand for soft water is at or below a prescribed flow rate.

Abstract: A water softening apparatus (10) comprises a regeneration tank (12) and a brine tank (14). An ion exchange resin (26) is located within the regeneration tank (12) and salt (38) is located within the brine tank (14). Water mixes with the salt (38) in the brine tank (14) to form a brine solution. A tube (56) is connected with the brine tank (14) and receives a flow of brine solution from the brine tank (14). A sensor (86) is mounted in the tube (56) for sensing the conductivity of the brine solution as the brine solution flows through the tube (56). The sensor (86) generates a signal indicative of the conductivity of the brine solution. The conductivity of the brine solution is indicative of an amount of salt in the brine solution.

Abstract: A flow control includes a conduit and a flow control washer disposed in the conduit between the conduit's inlet and the outlet. A gas inlet passage opens into the conduit, preferably at a location just downstream of the flow control washer, to permit a gas (typically ambient air) to enter a liquid stream flowing through the flow control washer. The admission of a gas into this liquid stream reduces noise generated by liquid flow through the flow control washer. Gas induction and noise reduction capabilities may be enhanced by admitting the gas fluid into a low pressure region of a venturi located in the conduit downstream of the flow control washer. The flow control is particularly useful in a wastewater drain of a water softener control valve, but is also useful in a variety of other applications. A method of reducing noise in a flow control is also provided.