IONIC Zero PPB, Operator'S Manual

Page: 21 / 54

General Guidance
21
ZERO™ WATER SOFTENING
Introduction
Water softening is essential to ensure superior performance of any water treatment system
that utilizes RO and DI filtration. Water softeners work by exchanging calcium carbonate
(hardness ions) for sodium (salt) within the filter.
A water softener performs two beneficial functions. Firstly by locking calcium carbonate
(hardness ions) away within the filter harmful calcium deposits are prevented from forming
upon the surface of the thin film RO membrane. With no softener in place RO membranes
quickly foul leading to expensive replacement.
When exchanging calcium for sodium (salt) the second benefit is realised. Salt crystals form
quickly upon other impurities in water, by swelling their physical size, they are more easily
removed by the RO filter leading to improved RO performance as well as longevity. Water
softeners require regular regeneration with salt. The backwash process works in reverse by
exchanging sodium (salt) for calcium.
To select the capacity of the pre-machine water softener recommended for your geographical
area refer to the table below or visit
www.ionicsystems.com/hardwatermaps or consult your
Ionic Systems dealer.
Water softener Capacity
Hardness CaCO3 (ppm)
Litres before backwash*
Single
Double Triple
50 4200 8400 12600
100 2100 4200 6300
200 1050 2100 3150
300 700 1400 2100
400 525 1050 1575
500 420 840 1260
*Refers to litres of product water based on 70% product 30% reject