Ion-Exchange Water Softener Regeneration With Dynamic Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water softening apparatuses face challenges in completing the ion exchange resin regeneration process in a short time without compromising electrode durability and suffer from decreased regeneration efficiency due to bicarbonate ion adsorption, leading to deteriorated water softening performance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a soft water tank with weakly acidic cation exchange resin, a neutralization tank with weakly basic anion exchange resin, and a controller that manages the regeneration process based on hardness component adsorption amounts and electrolytic water concentrations, using a capture unit to remove precipitates and control electrolytic water generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a high current is applied to the electrodes to increase the electrolytic water concentration, then the regeneration process time is shortened, but the durability of the electrolytic tank is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by adjusting the current value applied to the electrolytic tank based on the actual adsorption amount of hardness components. The controller dynamically modifies the electrolysis conditions to match the regeneration needs, avoiding consistently high current that would damage electrodes while ensuring sufficient electrolytic water concentration for effective regeneration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the current parameter dynamically based on the adsorption amount specification. By calculating the required regeneration capacity from the adsorbed hardness component amount and adjusting the current accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between regeneration speed and electrode durability, applying higher current only when necessary and at reduced levels when less regeneration is needed.
2Productivity
If the regeneration process is completed in a short time, then productivity is improved, but the current value applied to the electrolytic tank must be increased which reduces equipment lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the current parameter based on the calculated adsorption amount to optimize regeneration productivity while protecting equipment. The controller modifies the electrolysis current to match the actual regeneration demand, achieving high productivity when needed without consistently operating at damaging current levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the adsorption amount specification to control the regeneration process. The controller continuously monitors the hardness component adsorption data and adjusts the current applied to the electrolytic tank accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances productivity and equipment longevity.
3Quantity of substance
If bicarbonate ions are adsorbed to the weakly basic ion exchange resin during softening, then water softening capacity is improved, but regeneration efficiency decreases due to consumption of hydroxide and hydrogen ions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the expected bicarbonate ion adsorption amount based on raw water characteristics before the softening process. This allows the system to anticipate the regeneration demand and adjust the electrolysis current in advance, ensuring sufficient electrolytic water is generated to handle both the hardness component regeneration and the bicarbonate ion consumption during the subsequent regeneration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the current parameter based on the predicted bicarbonate ion adsorption to compensate for the ion consumption during regeneration. By increasing the electrolysis current proportionally to the expected bicarbonate loading, the system ensures adequate hydroxide and hydrogen ion generation to maintain regeneration efficiency despite the additional ion consumption from bicarbonate desorption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient regeneration of ion exchange resins, maintaining water softening performance by optimizing regeneration time and reducing bicarbonate ion interference, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of the water softening process.
Implementation Method 1
a weakly acidic cation exchange resin has a hydrogen ion at a terminal of a functional group, and softens raw water by exchanging a hardness component (for example, calcium ion or magnesium ion) in raw water with a hydrogen ion
Implementation Method 2
a method of regenerating a cation exchange resin with acidic electrolytic water generated by electrolysis
Implementation Method 3
a neutralization tank that neutralizes a hydrogen ion concentration index (pH) of the acidic soft water passed through the soft water tank with a weakly basic anion exchange resin
Implementation Method 4
a method of regenerating a weakly basic anion exchange resin, a method using alkaline electrolytic water generated by electrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a water softening apparatus including: soft water tank that softens raw water containing a hardness component with weakly acidic cation exchange resin to generate acidic soft water; neutralization tank that neutralizes a pH of the acidic soft water passed through soft water tank with weakly basic anion exchange resin to generate neutralized soft water; and controller that controls a regeneration process that is a process of regenerating at least one of weakly acidic cation exchange resin and weakly basic anion exchange resin. Controller includes an adsorption amount specification unit that specifies a hardness component adsorption amount in the soft water tank from hardness of the raw water, a water amount of the raw water passed through the soft water tank, and hardness of water after passing through the soft water tank, process and during the regeneration process, based on the hardness component adsorption amount specified by the adsorption amount specification unit, controller controls the regeneration process to be continued in a case where the hardness component adsorption amount is more than or equal to a reference value and to be ended in a case where the hardness component adsorption amount is less than the reference value.