Abstract: A salt platform (10, 50, 80) is disclosed which can be used in an ion exchange water softener to support the salt used in the water softening process. The salt platform will be typically placed in a tank containing a salt brine which wets the grid (34) and the area above the grid containing the dry salt which is drawn into the brine as the salt is depleted during the process. The platform includes a plurality of vertically oriented members (12-24) which are preferably formed of PVC plastic pipe. Bracing members (26, 28) are secured between adjacent vertically oriented cylinders to provide a stable platform. A grid (34) is supported atop the vertically oriented cylinders and the salt, in turn, is supported on the grid.

Abstract: In a retardation installation having a container holding the adsorber material capable of accepting acid, in particular adsorber resin, and a feed for a watery acid-salt-solution, for example from an anodizing bath, a further feed for a regenerating solution to regenerate the adsorber material, in particular demineralized Water in opposite flow to the acid-salt-solution, as well as a drain for the treated acid-salt-solution which has passed the adsorber material and with at least one pump for the transport of the acid salt solution and/or the regenerating solution, precisely one pump is provided for which is configured as a compressed air-diaphragm pump and which exhibits a device for stroke counting as well as a device for the control of the volume flow of acid-salt-solution or regenerating solution on the a basis of the stroke count of the compressed air-diaphragm pump.

Abstract: A device for purifying water comprises a filter unit (10) containing an osmotic membrane and provided with an inlet (11), a filtrate outlet (12), a return conduit (14) for a recirculating large flow of unfiltered water and having an outlet (22) for a small flow of reject water,According to the invention, two ion exchange units (17, 18) are arranged in parallel and connected to the filter unit (10) in such way that raw water entering the device is first passed through one of said ion exchange units to be softened, and that the reject water is passed in the opposite direction through the other ion exchange unit to regenerate the same. Valve means (19, 24) are provided for alternately shifting the ion exchange units between the functions of softening and regeneration.

Abstract: Water treatment apparatus having a raw water inlet and a treated water outlet and at least a first and second water treatment tank plus conduit means for passing water from the inlet to the outlet through the first and second tanks in parallel flow relation. The tanks are automatically regenerated in sequential, alternating intermittent manner in response to predetermined criteria. The tank being regenerated is connected to prevent flow from said tank through the outlet, while the tank not being regenerated is connected to provide flow through the outlet. Accordingly, continuous water treatment, with alternating, intermittent regeneration of the tanks, may be provided.

Abstract: A water conditioner rotary valve for use in a water conditioning system includes a valve body constructed of an upper section, a lower section and a middle section, to facilitate ease in assembly of the body. The valve rotor member of the conditioner valve is driven by a Geneva drive system, to provide accurate positioning of the rotor member in its various positions. A valve seat member is located adjacent the rotor member, and provides a construction which improves the seal between the rotor member and the surface of the valve body adjacent thereto. The three-piece assembly of the valve body facilitates providing a valve capable of either upflow or downflow brining by replacing the lower valve section. A brine injector valve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for maintaining continuous, long-term microbial control in the water supply for potable, hygiene, and experimental water for space activities, i.e., space shuttle, orbiter lab, Lunar base, Mars base, deep space missions, etc., as well as treatment of water supplies on earth. The water purification is accomplished by introduction of molecular iodine into the water supply to impart a desired iodine residual. The water is passed through an iodinated anion exchange resin bed. The iodine is bound as I.sup.-.sub.n at the anion exchange sites and releases I.sub.2 into the water stream flowing through the bed. Suitable anion exchange resins are Amberlite IRA 401S (Rohm & Haas); Dowex SBR (Dow Chemical); and Ionac ASB-1P (Sybron Corp.). The concentration of I.sub.2 in the flowing water gradually decreases and the ion-exchange bed has had to be replaced.

Abstract: A water conditioner rotary valve for use in a water conditioning system includes a valve body constructed of an upper section, a lower section and a middle section, to facilitate ease in assembly of the body. The valve rotor member of the conditioner valve is driven by a Geneva drive system, to provide accurate positioning of the rotor member in its various positions. A valve seat member is located adjacent the rotor member, and provides a construction which improves the seal between the rotor member and the surface of the valve body adjacent thereto. The three-piece assembly of the valve body facilitates providing a valve capable of either upflow or downflow brining by replacing the lower valve section. A brine injector valve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body.

Abstract: Apparatus for removal of a desired material from a liquid is described, in which the liquid is cycled through a plurality of liquid treatment containers in a first direction and brought into countercurrent contact with a medium for recovery of the desired material cycled through the treatment containers in a second, opposite direction. After treatment of the liquid, the medium is advantageously regenerated in a plurality of medium regeneration containers. The used medium is cycled through a plurality of medium regeneration containers in a first direction and brought into countercurrent contact with a medium regeneration liquid cycled through the regeneration containers in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A rotary flow control valve for controlling the cycles of a multicycle liquid treatment apparatus such as a water softener. A pair of rotatable, slotted, circular disks connected to rotate with each other are located in a pair of aligned interconnected cylindrical housings. Rotation of the disks controls the flow of liquid through various paths in the valve. Clamps and clips are provided securing together the parts of the assembled valve.

Abstract: A salt level monitoring device for water softeners including a weight for placement upon the salt mass; a drop line connected to the weight at one end and a sensor at the opposing, upper end; and a support member for supporting the sensor and drop line over the salt mass. Once the salt mass drops to a selected level, tension is placed upon the drop line and hence the sensor causing actuation thereof to send forth either an aural or visual signal. The weight has a mass less than the mass of the salt but greater than the mass of brine to prevent the weight from becoming embedded in the salt mass and to prevent false signals. A clip attaches the drop line to the weight for convenient adjustment of the drop line depth so that the salt level may be monitored at selected heights within the softener.

Abstract: In its broadest aspects, a method for the cyclic regeneration of a water softening system is disclosed. The water softening system comprises an exchange medium in a tank which is in fluid communication with a brine storage tank. This method comprises the steps of filling the brine storage tank with a second refill of softened water in a quantity sufficient to create sufficient brine for said exchange medium, said brine storage tank already containing a second refill of softened water from a later step of the method. The exchange medium is subjected to first backwashing with water flowing counter the direction of water flowing therethrough during water softening operations. Next, brine from the brine storage tank is passed through the exchange medium. Water then is passed through the brine exchange tank. The exchange medium thereafter is subjected to second backwashing with water flowing counter to the direction of water flowing therethrough during the water softening operation.

Abstract: Water treatment apparatus having a raw water inlet and a treated water outlet and at least a first and second water treatment tank plus conduit means for passing water from the inlet to the outlet through the first and second tanks in parallel flow relation. The tanks are automatically regenerated in sequential, alternating intermittent manner in response to predetermined criteria. The tank being regenerated is connected to prevent flow from said tank through the outlet, while the tank not being regenerated is connected to provide flow through the outlet. Accordingly, continuous water treatment, with alternating, intermittent regeneration of the tanks, may be provided.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a plurality of treatment tanks containing a water treatment material and defining a fluid flow path through the material extending between a first tank port and a second tank port. A first remotely controlled three way valve associated with the first tank port controls the fluid communication of a source manifold and a regeneration discharge manifold with the first tank port of each tank. A second, remotely controlled three way valve controls the fluid communication of a product receiving manifold and a regeneration chemistry supply manifold with the second port of each tank. A regeneration control monitors the loading of each tank and initiates regeneration in a given tank when that tank reaches a predetermined exhaustion level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fluid treatment apparatus that includes a resin tank containing an ion exchange media. A control valve controls the regeneration cycle and includes a regeneration control turbine operatively connected to a regeneration control disk forming part of a servo system. During regeneration, a meter flow of fluid emitted by a regeneration control nozzle produces rotation in the turbine to effect a regeneration sequence. Regeneration is initiated by a regeneration initiating nozzle which emits a stream of fluid at the turbine for a predetermined time interval in order to initiate a regeneration cycle. A control system includes a sensor for monitoring the fluid quality level of the source fluid or the treated fluid and initiates regeneration. When the control system is used with the disclosed control valve, the control system communicates presssurized fluid to the regeneration initiating nozzle upon sensing a predetermined quality level.

Abstract: An improved unit for removal of tannin and lignin from water is disclosed, which features a cylindrical tank containing a tannin/lignin-adsorbing resin bed and a distributor tube/water distributor assembly. The assembly comprises a distributor tube extending from an orifice in the upper portion of the tank to a lower distributor assembly, and a riser tube having an open end disposed near the lower distributor assembly and communicating with an upper distributor located beneath the surface of the resin. A water flow restrictor is provided in the lower distributor assembly, such that when water is passed downwardly through the distributor tube in a backwash mode, some of the water is injected into the riser tube. This causes the backwash water to flow into the resin bed at its lower portion and to carry resin up through the riser tube to the upper portion of the resin bed.

Abstract: A central control valve arrangement for a water treatment system. The central control valve arrangement includes two independently positionable four-way ball valves and at least one of the balls of the ball valve serving as valve body includes with two L-shaped boreholes so that a multitude of couplings between the connections of the ball valves is possible.

Abstract: A brining system including a brine reservoir containing a supply of salt and a brine valve assembly disposed in the reservoir below the level of the salt and including a vessel for accumulating a predetermined quantity of fluid to be discharged into the reservoir to form a regeneration solution. A control valve forming part of the brine valve assembly includes a spool member shiftable between two positions. In one position a fluid supply line is communicated with the accumulating vessel and in a second position the vessel is communicated with the brine reservoir. The spool includes effective pressure areas for monitoring pressures in the supply line and the vessel. When a predetermined level in the accumulating vessel is reached, a flow of fluid into the vessel is terminated and the resulting change in pressure sensed by the spool causes it to shift to a position at which fluid in the vessel is discharged into the brine reservoir while fluid flow from the supply line is concurrently terminated.

Abstract: A water conditioning system which employs a blend of sodium cation exchange resins and chloride anion exchange resins in a common tank and means for regenerating the resins in a specified sequence to prevent build-up of impurities in the resin bed.

Abstract: An improved unit for removal of nitrates from water is disclosed, which features a cylindrical tank containing a nitrate-adsorbing resin bed and a dip tube/water distributor assembly. The assembly comprises a dip tube extending from an orifice in the upper portion of the tank to a lower distributor assembly, and an additional backflush tube having an open end disposed near the lower distributor assembly and communicating with an upper distributor located beneath the surface of the resin. A water flow restrictor is provided in the lower distributor assembly, such that when water is passed downwardly through the dip tube in a backflush mode, some of the water is squirted into the additional backflush tube, so that the backflush water flows into the resin bed at both its lower and upper portions. In this way, the resin bed is more effectively regenerated by subsequent supply of a brine solution than if the rinse water were only injected at the lower portion of the resin bed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sorptive contactor and more particularly to the process for separating, reacting or adding components of a fluid mixture. The process involves providing at least one sorption zone and at least one desorption zone. The adjacent ends of the sorption and desorption zones have aligned apertures through which strands of sorbent material may be passed. The space between the sorption and desorption zones is enclosed in an air lock. The separated strands will pass directly from the sorption zone to the desorption zone through the air lock, passing through the apertures without touching either housing. The surface tension of the liquid in the apertures and the slight overpressure in the air lock maintains the liquid in the sorption and desorption zones. The strands are maintained separate from one another throughout an endless loop so as to reduce the amount of friction on the strands.

Abstract: A water softener cabinet for a water softener system employing the side-by-side arrangement of a brine tank and a resin tank. The brine tank is provided with a concave wall portion for removably receiving the resin tank. This nested arrangement reduces the amount of floor space required for the water softener system but maintains the advantage of easy separability of the brine tank from the resin tank to facilitate maintenance of the former.

Abstract: An improved resin sensor which senses a change in the condition of the resin by forces acting on a receptacle for the resin. The sampling resin is utilized to indicate a change of ion or equilibrium condition of the resin when employed as an indicator for resin regeneration or end of a rinse cycle in a water softening or deionization system. The sampling resin is placed in a receptacle which will confine the expansion in volume of the resin as the resin is acted upon by a sampling or indicator liquid causing the resin to exert a force on the receptacle. The receptacle for the resin allows water to freely flow in and out while entrapping the resin therein. In one embodiment, the container is composed of screened walls and the pressure sensor is a strain gauge which is attached thereto. In another embodiment, the pressure sensor is the container and in the form of a multiapertured Bourdon tube in a fluid compartment.

Abstract: A thermally regenerable ion exchange material is employed in a disposable cartridge preferably contained within an appliance such as a clothes washer or dishwasher. A hot water source is employed to regenerate the ion exchange material or to be mixed with cold water passed through the treatment cartridge. Additionally, in those situations requiring a high degree of deionization, hot water is used in conjunction with a heat exchanger to heat processed water rather than being mixed with it so as to produce fully de-ionized hot water.

Abstract: A water conditioner rotary valve (18) is substantially formed of plastic and designed to provide fluid type valving without requiring gaskets or precision forming of valve elements while operating in a highly efficient manner by reducing shear stress and rotative friction. The valve seat (100) has a series of raised ribs (105, 105') on both sides (103, 104) to provide a sealing engagement against a substantially planar surface (84) of a housing plate member (80) and against a substantially planar surface (119) of a rotor assembly (115). The rotor assembly (115) features a valving plate member (116) interconnected to a ported cover (117) through interlocking butterfly shaped ridges and grooves (129, 140, 132, 143) to substantially reduce rotative shear stress while further providing fluid channels (150, 151) to provide selected fluid flow paths through the rotary valve (18) in response to the selective alignment of the rotor assembly (115).

Abstract: A water softening system and apparatus utilizes two tanks, one for service and one for regeneration, and a control system operated by soft water flow controls the operation of all valves and the sequences of regeneration. The control system utilizes parallel plate valves for switching from one tank to the next, parallel plate valves energizing the piston moving the switching valves, and a parallel plate valve structure for distributing the regeneration water, as to amount of flow, direction and timing. A two-way to one-way cam structure initiates the operation of a control cylinder which supplies soft water to the metering valve and the regeneration valve as and where needed.

Abstract: A polymer slurry is passed past a filter and a wash fluid is caused to flow at a substantial angle with respect to the flow of the polymer slurry and toward the filter such as to replace at least a substantial portion of the fluid of the polymer slurry.

Abstract: An activated air treatment for water purification utilizes an ultraviolet irradiated activated air stream dispersed into a water tank. Water is continuously circulated through a filter and ion exchange beds and returned to the tank. The ion exchange beds are sequentially regenerated by a closed loop salt water system. The regenerating liquid is treated by a second activated air stream.

Abstract: A dual tank storage system is provided having a first generally cylindrical upstanding tank adapted to be positioned either adjacent to or within a second tank of larger diameter. The tanks are in fluid connection and are useful in systems requiring the segregated storage of two fluids until the fluids are mixed and used or in systems where a stored fluid is required periodically to regenerate the contents of another container. A cover is also provided which fits completely over the first tank, when the first tank is positioned within the second tank, and forms a seal with the upper rim of the second tank.

Abstract: A float-actuated, level control valve especially suited for controlling liquid flow into and out of brine tanks of water softening systems. A magnet-operated ball check inside a flow chamber selectively closes ports of the chamber to interrupt liquid flow. Movement of the magnet and operation of the ball check is controlled by a pair of floats so that the valve is opened and closed in response to changes of liquid level. The relative position of the floats can be adjusted to vary the amount of liquid drawn out of the tank, while maintaining a constant maximum level when the tank is filled.

Abstract: A system for softening water comprising a regeneratable softener having an ion-exchange resin exposable to the water, a salt reservoir containing a supersaturated sodium-chloride solution for the regeneration of the resin, and a water hardness detector including a housing containing an ion-exchange shrink resin charge regeneratable by the solution, the shrink resin charge being exposable to water having passed through at least a part of the resin in the softener. The detector further includes a piston reciprocable within the tank, which piston contacts a single free surface of the shrink resin charge at least during detection of water hardness. The regeneration of the softener is initiated in response to the position of the piston.

Abstract: A mixed bed deionizer unit which provides in situ regeneration through the use of two compact multi-valve assemblies and an intermediate manifold which are automatically controlled to supply backwash water, chemical draw for cleansing both cation and anion resins simultaneously and rinsing water in a sequentially controlled manner. An internal water and chemical distribution system in the mixed bed tank is provided which has both input distribution and output drainage capabilities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control system for regeneration of a water treatment system in which a water meter monitors water usage and mechanically drives a water volume wheel to an operative position to call for regeneration when a predetermined volume of water has been treated and then automatically resets itself. A timer wheel driven by a motor is included within the control system such that the timer wheel and the water volume wheel coact to activate the regeneration cycle mechanism at a predetermined time after a predetermined volume of water has passed through the water meter. The mechanism is adjustable relative to the water treating capacity of the treatment system and the condition of the water being treated so as to be able to vary the predetermined volume of water treated which will call for regeneration.

Abstract: An isotope separation apparatus comprises a plurality of independent developing units, each comprising 2 to 20 adsorbent-packed columns forming a continuous developing circuit or passageway, and the developing units are connected to at least one common main pipe for supplying an isotope mixture solution, a regenerating agent solution, or an eluent solution. Also, in a further embodiment the developing units are connected to common liquid-discharge main pipes.The separation or concentration of isotopes such as uranium isotopes, nitrogen isotopes, boron isotopes, etc., is performed by continuously developing the isotope mixture solution passed through the individual adsorbent-packed columns successively in each developing units.

Abstract: An improved water softener control valve having a housing defining a servo-control chamber that encloses concentrically mounted water usage and regeneration control discs. Each disc is incrementally rotatable by ratchet drives that are driven by water usage and regeneration control turbines, respectively, through associated reduction gear trains. The ratchet drive for the water usage disc includes a pawl that is engageable with the regeneration control disc, which upon predetermined movement in the water usage disc effects movement in the regeneration control disc to initiate a regeneration cycle. A rotatable insert is provided in the housing for manually rotating the regeneration control disc.

Abstract: A fluid treating apparatus and method are provided which employ finely subdivided surface active particles arranged in loose bed form and confined within a treating tank by means which prevent the escape of such particles but which permits fluid flow therethrough at a high rate with a minimum pressure drop. In an important embodiment, the apparatus and method of this invention are particularly directed to the treatment of water with fine mesh ion cation exchange resin particles of below 50 mesh size, and preferably 100 to 200 mesh or smaller, measured on a dry basis.

Abstract: This invention combines the functions of filtering and softening water in a unitary system utilizing a single apparatus. The combined system first oxidizes and filters sulphur, manganese and iron and then softens by an ion exchange process using sodium chloride as the exchange chemical. The filtering process removes precipitated concentrations of iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide gas through the use of a manganese treated zeolite material known as "Manzite". This system, provides a combined operation utilizing one water treating tank containing a filter substance such as the manganese treated zeolite, which draws from an associated chemical holding tank and a brine tank in performing the described functions in a single apparatus.

Abstract: A unitary, one-piece salt grid, not subject to disassembly during shipment or installation in a brine tank, which is nestable into other grids for convenient shipment or storage prior to placement into the brine tank. The unitary salt grid includes a generally planar platform suitable for supporting and elevating granular salt above at least a portion of a concentrate brine in the bottom of the brine tank by spanning the interior area of the brine tank at a spaced position above the bottom of the tank, reinforcing ribs forming an integral part of a lower side of the platform to maintain the shape of the platform under the weight of the salt on an upper surface of the platform, and a plurality of supporting feet also forming an integral part of the platform and adapted to engage the bottom of the brine tank and support the platform at the spaced position above the brine tank bottom. The supporting feet include hollow frusto-conical sections such that the salt grids are nestable into one another.

Abstract: A water treatment device of the type which automatically regenerates itself at predetermined intervals is provided with a special disinfectant feeder device which dispenses a predetermined amount of disinfectant into the water treating media bed and the device itself to kill the bacteria therein. The disinfectant is dispensed at a predetermined time during the regeneration cycle so that subsequent to its bactericidal action all traces of the disinfectant will be flushed from the treatment device prior to the completion of the regeneration cycle.

Abstract: A combined closure and rotary water valve assembly provided for closing the open upper end of a water softener mineral tank to be used in conjunction with a brine water tank including a float valve controlled brine water outlet and water supply line from the brine tank to the valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a four position, five function valve. The five functions of the valve include a service function during which hard water enters the mineral tank and is softened therein and is thereafter discharged from the tank, a backwash function during which the bed of minerals within the tank is backwashed, a brine function in which brine is flushed through the mineral bed, a slow rinse function for flushing the brine is from the mineral bed and a combined rapid rinse and brine tank refill function during which the mineral bed is rapidly rinsed with water and the supply of water within the brine tank is replenished.

Abstract: A sensor device for use in water treatment systems of the type employed for softening the water which is adapted to be immersed in the mineral bed commonly used in such systems and which is sensitive to the calcium/sodium state of the system and capable of changing its dimensions in response to such state and effect contact in an electrical circuit to control operation of the system.

Abstract: A water softening unit positioned between the mixing valve and washing basket of a washing machine includes a housing having a water inlet and outlet and an inlet for the introduction of salt into the housing. A partition divides the housing into a regeneration chamber and an ion-exchange chamber communicating with one another at one end of the partition. A pressure relief valve is located in the partition. A flow restriction valve located between the housing inlet and the regeneration chamber restricts flow through the softening unit when actuated, thereby allowing complete and thorough regeneration. The valve is normally open and when operated manually or otherwise to its alternate or actuated position, it remains in its actuated condition until the regeneration operation is completed.

Abstract: A combination water softener cabinet and brine tank is adapted to have a water softening resin tank housed therein in an area adjacent the rear wall, while an area within a forward portion of the cabinet and alongside the resin tank serves as a brine containing area. Reinforcing indentations in the molded plastic side walls for the cabinet cooperate with the rear wall of the cabinet and a socket structure on the bottom of the cabinet for retaining the resin tank against lateral displacement within the cabinet. A combination resin tank locating, retaining and hold-down device comprising a plate provides with upper structure of the cabinet an isolation chamber for protectively housing the softener cycle controlling mechanism mounted on the resin tank against brine fume damage and against contamination from salt during charging through an opening in the upper front portion of the tank.

Abstract: A water refining system in which spent refining material is removed on a batch basis in small portable containers for regeneration of the material at a central processing plant. The spent material is then replaced with new or regenerated material using a plurality of the same type of portable containers. This provides an exchange type system in which the fixed refiner is of substantially greater size than is usually considered feasible for systems of this type and provides considerable flexibility in selecting the size of the refiner while permitting the use of the same portable containers for evacuating and filling the refiner.

Abstract: A fluid treating apparatus and method are provided which employ finely subdivided surface active particles arranged in loose bed form and confined within a treating tank by means which prevent the escape of such particles but which permits fluid flow therethrough at a high rate with a minimum pressure drop. In an important embodiment, the apparatus and method of this invention are particularly directed to the treatment of water with fine mesh ion cation exchange resin particles of below 50 mesh size, and preferably 100 to 200 mesh or smaller, measured on a dry basis.