Water softening system and equipment thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of water softening systems, and discloses a water softening system and equipment thereof, comprising a sodium ion exchange resin unit provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet; the auxiliary exchange resin unit adopts one of potassium ion exchange resin, lithium ion exchange resin or potassium-lithium mixed ion exchange resin and is provided with a second water inlet and a second water outlet; the water inlet pipeline is used for connecting an external water source to the first water inlet and the second water inlet; the mixing pipeline is provided with a mixing water inlet and a mixing water outlet, the mixing water inlet is simultaneously connected with the first water outlet and the second water outlet, and the mixing water outlet is used for leading out softened water. The problem that the concentration of sodium ions in a softened water system exceeds the standard is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of water softening systems, specifically relating to a water softening system and its equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions in tap water are the main cause of water hardness. In daily life, water hardness causes many inconveniences. For example, calcium and magnesium ions adhere to the inner walls of heating equipment, forming scale, affecting the equipment's lifespan and thermal efficiency; they reduce the cleaning effect of detergents during laundry, making clothes difficult to wash; and they can cause skin irritation during showering, affecting comfort. To solve these problems, water softeners have emerged. The core component of a water softener is a resin tank filled with ion exchange resin. Its working principle is to use sodium ions (Na⁺) in the resin to exchange with calcium and magnesium ions in hard water. Through ion adsorption and replacement processes, calcium and magnesium ions in the water are adsorbed onto the resin, while sodium ions are released into the water, thereby reducing the hardness of the raw water.

[0003] During the ion exchange process, calcium and magnesium hardness ions from tap water are adsorbed onto the ion exchange resin, while sodium ions from the resin enter the softened water, leading to an increase in the sodium ion concentration in the softened water. However, the national standard "Standards for Drinking Water Quality" (GB 5749-2022) stipulates a limit of 200 PPM for sodium ion concentration. Therefore, in areas with high tap water hardness, the sodium ion concentration in the existing ion exchange resin system may easily exceed the national standard limit.

[0004] In view of the above situation, how to provide a softened water system that overcomes the problem of excessive sodium ion concentration is an urgent problem to be solved by the technical personnel. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this invention provides a water softening system that solves the problem of excessive sodium ion concentration in softened water systems by combining a sodium ion exchange resin unit and an auxiliary exchange resin unit. In addition, this invention also provides a water softening device.

[0006] The technical effects to be achieved by this utility model are realized through the following technical aspects:

[0007] Firstly, this utility model provides a water softening system, including...

[0008] The sodium ion exchange resin unit is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet.

[0009] The auxiliary ion exchange resin unit adopts one of potassium ion exchange resin, lithium ion exchange resin or potassium-lithium mixed ion exchange resin, and is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet.

[0010] A water inlet pipe, with its inlet end connected to an external water source, and both the first and second inlets connected to the outlet end of the water inlet pipe; and

[0011] A mixing pipe, wherein the inlet end of the mixing pipe is connected to the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0012] Preferably, the water softening system further includes a TDS detector and a regulating valve.

[0013] The inlet of the TDS detector is connected to the inlet pipe, the outlet of the TDS detector is connected to the inlet of the regulating valve, and the outlet of the regulating valve is connected to the second inlet, for controlling the amount of water entering the auxiliary exchange resin unit.

[0014] Preferably, the water softening system further includes a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe;

[0015] The inlet end of the first diversion pipe is connected to the TDS detector, and the outlet end is connected to the first inlet; the inlet end of the second diversion pipe is connected to the TDS detector, and the outlet end is connected to the inlet end of the regulating valve, and the outlet end of the regulating valve is connected to the second inlet; or

[0016] The inlet of the regulating valve is connected to the TDS detector.

[0017] The outlet of the regulating valve is connected to the inlet of the first diversion pipe and the second diversion pipe. The outlet of the first diversion pipe is connected to the first inlet, and the outlet of the second diversion pipe is connected to the second inlet.

[0018] Preferably, the water softening system further includes a first regeneration unit, the sodium ion exchange resin unit is provided with a third inlet, the inlet end of the first regeneration unit is connected to the inlet pipe, and the outlet end of the first regeneration unit is connected to the third inlet.

[0019] Preferably, the sodium ion exchange resin unit is further provided with a third outlet, which is connected to the third inlet, and the first outlet is connected to the first inlet.

[0020] Preferably, the first regeneration unit includes a first regeneration salt tank and a first solenoid valve connected to each other;

[0021] The inlet pipe, the first solenoid valve, the first regenerated salt tank, and the third inlet are connected sequentially from the inlet to the outlet; or

[0022] The water inlet pipe, the first regenerated salt tank, the first solenoid valve, and the third water inlet are connected sequentially from the water inlet to the water outlet.

[0023] Preferably, the water softening system further includes a second regeneration unit, the auxiliary exchange resin unit is provided with a fourth water inlet, the water inlet end of the second regeneration unit is connected to the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet end of the second regeneration unit is connected to the fourth water inlet.

[0024] Preferably, the auxiliary exchange resin unit is further provided with a fourth outlet, which is connected to the fourth inlet, and the second outlet is connected to the second inlet.

[0025] Preferably, the second regeneration unit includes a second regeneration salt tank and a second solenoid valve connected in series;

[0026] The inlet pipe, the second solenoid valve, the second regenerated salt tank, and the fourth inlet are connected sequentially from the inlet end to the outlet end; or

[0027] The inlet pipe, the second regenerated salt tank, the second solenoid valve, and the fourth inlet are connected sequentially from the inlet end to the outlet end.

[0028] Secondly, this utility model also provides a water softening device, including the water softening system described above.

[0029] In summary, this utility model has at least the following advantages:

[0030] 1. This utility model provides a water softening system that solves the problem of excessive sodium ion concentration in softened water systems by combining a sodium ion exchange resin unit and an auxiliary exchange resin unit. Specifically, the auxiliary exchange resin unit uses one of the following: potassium ion exchange resin, lithium ion exchange resin, or a potassium-lithium mixed ion exchange resin, which is different from that of the sodium ion exchange resin unit. The inlet pipe is connected to both the sodium ion exchange resin unit and the auxiliary exchange resin unit, allowing water to flow and be softened separately using sodium ions and non-sodium ions. Subsequently, water of different softening types is mixed in a mixing pipe, thereby reducing the sodium ion concentration in the final softened water and solving the problem of excessive sodium ion concentration in softened water.

[0031] 2. The water softening equipment provided by this utility model controls the sodium ion concentration in softened water through a water softening system, which helps to obtain softened water that meets the standards. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water softening system of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0033] Marked in the image:

[0034] 10. Sodium ion exchange resin unit; 20. Auxiliary exchange resin unit; 30. Inlet water pipe; 40. Mixing pipe; 50. TDS detector; 60. Regulating valve; 71. First regeneration salt tank; 72. First solenoid valve; 81. Second regeneration salt tank; 82. Second solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more comprehensive description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this utility model.

[0036] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0039] Example 1:

[0040] This embodiment provides a water softening system that solves the problem of excessive sodium ion concentration in softened water through structural optimization.

[0041] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 1 The water softening system includes a sodium ion exchange resin unit 10, an auxiliary exchange resin unit 20, an inlet pipe 30, and a mixing pipe 40. The sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 has a first inlet and a first outlet, while the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 has a second inlet and a second outlet. The inlet end of the inlet pipe 30 is connected to an external water source, and the outlet end of the inlet pipe 30 is connected to both the first inlet of the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 and the second inlet of the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20, thus guiding the external water source to the exchange resin unit for softening treatment. The inlet end of the mixing pipe 40 is connected to both the first and second outlets, mixing the water softened by the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 and the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 respectively, and then exporting the softened water from the outlet end of the mixing pipe 40.

[0042] Furthermore, the water softening system includes a TDS detector 50 and a regulating valve 60 connected sequentially along the water flow direction. The TDS detector 50 is an instrument used to measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) content in water. The TDS detector 50 and the regulating valve 60 are positioned before the inlet ends of the first and second water inlets to detect the TDS value of the water source in a timely manner and to facilitate subsequent control of water source diversion.

[0043] The TDS detector 50 is connected to the inlet pipe 30 to detect the TDS value of the water source in the initial stage of the water softening system. This allows the regulating valve 60 to adjust the water flow ratio according to changes in water quality. The regulating valve 60 is connected to the TDS detector 50 and the second inlet to control the amount of water entering the auxiliary ion exchange resin unit 20. The cooperation between the TDS detector 50 and the regulating valve 60 helps improve the flexibility of the water softening system while appropriately reducing the cost of softened water and avoiding waste.

[0044] Specifically, in this embodiment, the water softening system includes a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe. The inlet end of the first branch pipe is connected to the TDS detector 50, and the outlet end is connected to the first inlet. The inlet end of the second branch pipe is connected to the TDS detector 50, and the outlet end is connected to the inlet end of the regulating valve 60. The outlet end of the regulating valve 60 is connected to the second inlet.

[0045] During the operation of the water softening system, when the TDS detector 50 detects that the TDS value of the water source is below the threshold, the regulating valve 60 is closed, and the water source enters the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 through the inlet pipe 30 and the first diversion pipe for softening.

[0046] If the TDS detector 50 detects that the TDS value of the water source is above the threshold, the regulating valve 60 is opened, and the water flowing through the inlet pipe 30 flows to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, respectively reaching the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 and the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 for softening. The softened water is mixed in the mixing pipe 40 and then discharged.

[0047] In addition to controlling whether to divert the flow, the regulating valve 60 can also control the specific amount of water entering the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 after diversion. Therefore, under the action of the regulating valve 60, the proportion of different softened water types in the mixing pipe 40 can be adjusted, improving the flexibility and applicability of the softened water, while reducing the cost of softened water and avoiding waste of softening materials. In this embodiment, the threshold is 250 ppm; in other embodiments, the threshold can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0048] It is understood that the above content does not limit the position of the regulating valve 60. The regulating valve 60 only needs to serve a diversion function. For example, in some embodiments, the regulating valve 60 is used to connect the inlet pipe 30 to the first diversion pipe and the second diversion pipe. Specifically, the inlet end of the regulating valve 60 is connected to the TDS detector 50, and the outlet end of the regulating valve 60 is connected to the inlet ends of both the first and second diversion pipes. The outlet end of the first diversion pipe is connected to the first inlet, and the outlet end of the second diversion pipe is connected to the second inlet, that is, the water source is diverted after passing through the regulating valve 60.

[0049] To ensure the sustainable use of the water softening system, it also includes at least one regeneration unit. At least one of the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 and the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 is connected to the outlet of the regeneration unit to restore the softening capacity of either unit. Specifically, the inlet of the regeneration unit is connected to the inlet pipe 30. Water passes through the regeneration unit to form a corresponding salt solution. This salt solution is used to replace calcium and magnesium ions in the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 or the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20, thereby restoring the softening function of the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10.

[0050] Preferably, in this embodiment, both the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 and the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 are connected to a regeneration unit.

[0051] Specifically, the water softening system includes a first regeneration unit connected to the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10. The first regeneration unit includes a first regeneration salt tank 71 and a first solenoid valve 72. Correspondingly, the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 is provided with a third inlet. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 30, the first solenoid valve 72, the first regeneration salt tank 71, and the third inlet are connected sequentially from the inlet end to the outlet end. When regeneration and replacement are required, the first solenoid valve 72 is opened. Water from the inlet pipe 30 passes through the first regeneration salt tank 71, forming a sodium ion-containing solution. This sodium ion-containing solution enters the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 through the third inlet, and the sodium ions replace calcium and magnesium ions, restoring the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10's ability to adsorb calcium and magnesium ions.

[0052] It is understood that the location of the first solenoid valve 72 is not specifically limited here. The first solenoid valve 72 can be connected between the outlet of the inlet pipe 30 and the inlet of the first regeneration salt tank 71, or it can be connected and located between the outlet of the first regeneration salt tank 71 and the first inlet.

[0053] The third inlet is distinguished from the first inlet, thus separating the softening and regeneration steps.

[0054] Similarly, the second regeneration unit includes a second regeneration salt tank 81 and a second solenoid valve 82. Correspondingly, the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 is provided with a fourth inlet. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 30, the second solenoid valve 82, the second regeneration salt tank 81, and the fourth inlet are connected sequentially from the inlet end to the outlet end. When regeneration and replacement are required, the second solenoid valve 82 is opened, and the water in the inlet pipe 30 forms a corresponding regeneration salt solution as it passes through the second regeneration salt tank 81. The regeneration salt solution enters the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 through the fourth inlet, and replaces the calcium and magnesium ions in the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 with potassium ions, lithium ions, or potassium-lithium mixed ions, thereby restoring the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20's ability to adsorb calcium / magnesium ions.

[0055] Similar to the first solenoid valve 72, in some other embodiments, the second solenoid valve 82 can be connected and located between the outlet end of the inlet pipe 30 and the inlet end of the second regenerated salt tank 81, or it can be connected and located between the outlet end of the second regenerated salt tank 81 and the first inlet.

[0056] It should be noted that the type of salt in the second regeneration salt tank 81 should be consistent with the type of salt softened in the auxiliary exchange resin unit 20 to ensure the regeneration function is achieved. It is preferable to use a monovalent chloride mixed salt.

[0057] Furthermore, in order to avoid the mixing of regenerated brine and softened water in the mixing pipe 40 and affecting the stability of the softened water hardness, the water softening system provided in this embodiment also distinguishes between the outlet of softened water and the outlet of regenerated brine.

[0058] Specifically, the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 is also equipped with a third outlet, which is connected to a third inlet, and the first outlet is connected to the first inlet. During the replacement and regeneration process, water from the first regeneration salt tank 71 enters the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 through the third inlet and is discharged from the third outlet after replacement is completed. During the water softening process, the initial water source enters the sodium ion exchange resin unit 10 through the first inlet and is discharged from the first outlet after softening.

[0059] Similarly, the auxiliary ion exchange resin unit 20 is also equipped with a fourth outlet, which is connected to a fourth inlet, and the second outlet is connected to a second inlet. During the replacement and regeneration process, water from the second regeneration salt tank 81 enters the auxiliary ion exchange resin unit 20 through the fourth inlet and is discharged from the fourth outlet after replacement is completed. During the water softening process, the initial water source enters the auxiliary ion exchange resin unit 20 through the second inlet and is discharged from the second outlet after softening.

[0060] Example 2:

[0061] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment provides a water softening device. The water purification device of this embodiment (not shown in the figure) includes a water softening system, which is a water softening system that includes all or part of the above-mentioned technical content.

[0062] The water softening equipment of this embodiment can produce softened water with a low sodium ion concentration. Especially with the regulating valve 60, the water softening equipment can precisely adjust the sodium ion content in the softened water according to different water qualities and needs, thereby helping to reduce the cost for consumers using water softening equipment.

[0063] The above description is merely an example and illustration of the structure of this utility model, and while the description is quite specific and detailed, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these obvious substitutions all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water softening system, characterized in that, include The sodium ion exchange resin unit (10) is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet; The auxiliary exchange resin unit (20) adopts one of potassium ion exchange resin, lithium ion exchange resin or potassium-lithium mixed ion exchange resin, and is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet. Water inlet pipe (30), the water inlet end of the water inlet pipe (30) is used to connect to an external water source, and the first water inlet and the second water inlet are connected to the water outlet end of the water inlet pipe (30); and A mixing pipe (40) is provided, the inlet end of which is connected to the first outlet and the second outlet.

2. The water softening system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water softening system also includes a TDS detector (50) and a regulating valve (60). The inlet of the TDS detector (50) is connected to the inlet pipe (30), the outlet of the TDS detector (50) is connected to the inlet of the regulating valve (60), and the outlet of the regulating valve (60) is connected to the second inlet, for controlling the amount of water entering the auxiliary exchange resin unit (20).

3. The water softening system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water softening system also includes a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe; The inlet end of the first diversion pipe is connected to the TDS detector (50), and the outlet end is connected to the first inlet; the inlet end of the second diversion pipe is connected to the TDS detector (50), and the outlet end is connected to the inlet end of the regulating valve (60), the outlet end of the regulating valve (60) is connected to the second inlet; or The inlet of the regulating valve (60) is connected to the TDS detector (50). The outlet of the regulating valve (60) is connected to the inlet of the first diversion pipe and the second diversion pipe. The outlet of the first diversion pipe is connected to the first inlet, and the outlet of the second diversion pipe is connected to the second inlet.

4. The water softening system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water softening system also includes a first regeneration unit. The sodium ion exchange resin unit (10) is provided with a third inlet. The inlet end of the first regeneration unit is connected to the inlet pipe (30), and the outlet end of the first regeneration unit is connected to the third inlet.

5. The water softening system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sodium ion exchange resin unit (10) is further provided with a third outlet, which is connected to the third inlet, and the first outlet is connected to the first inlet.

6. The water softening system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first regeneration unit includes a first regeneration salt tank (71) and a first solenoid valve (72) connected to each other; The inlet pipe (30), the first solenoid valve (72), the first regenerated salt tank (71), and the third inlet are connected sequentially from the inlet end to the outlet end; or The water inlet pipe (30), the first regenerated salt tank (71), the first solenoid valve (72) and the third water inlet are connected in sequence from the water inlet end to the water outlet end.

7. The water softening system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water softening system also includes a second regeneration unit. The auxiliary exchange resin unit (20) is provided with a fourth water inlet. The water inlet of the second regeneration unit is connected to the water inlet pipe (30), and the water outlet of the second regeneration unit is connected to the fourth water inlet.

8. The water softening system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The auxiliary exchange resin unit (20) is also provided with a fourth outlet, which is connected to the fourth inlet, and the second outlet is connected to the second inlet.

9. The water softening system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second regeneration unit includes a second regeneration salt tank (81) and a second solenoid valve (82) connected to each other; The inlet pipe (30), the second solenoid valve (82), the second regenerated salt tank (81), and the fourth inlet are connected sequentially from the inlet end to the outlet end; or The water inlet pipe (30), the second regenerated salt tank (81), the second solenoid valve (82) and the fourth water inlet are connected in sequence along the direction from the water inlet end to the water outlet end.

10. A water softening device, characterized in that, Includes the water softening system according to any one of claims 1-9.

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