Liquid purification or separation – With external supply means for regenerating medium – e.g.,...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-15
2001-02-27
Cintins, Ivars (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
With external supply means for regenerating medium, e.g.,...
C210S251000, C210S257200, C422S261000, C422S902000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193882
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to water treatment systems, such as water softening systems and, in particular, to brining systems for use in regenerating the treatment material in the water treatment system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In water softening systems, hard water typically enters the top of a pressure tank through an inlet line, and percolates through a bed of treatment material, which may be a suitable resin, such as Zeolite, for softening the water. More particularly, as the hard water percolates through the resin bed, an ion exchange occurs in which sodium ions held by the resin are exchanged for the “hard” metal ions in the water. The softened water then passes out of the pressure tank through an outlet line. The water softening ability of the resin bed is gradually reduced through use and, after a predetermined quantity of hard water has been softened, the resin bed becomes depleted of sodium ions.
The resin bed is regenerated by passing a brine solution through it so that the ion exchange process is reversed, after which the waste brine solution exits through a drain outlet. Typically, the brine is aspirated into the pressure tank from a brine reservoir, as by suction created by a venturi through a valve mechanism. But the venturi and valve mechanism frequently become plugged or clogged in use, which can interfere with the proper flow of brine and result in improper regeneration. Also, if the back pressure in the system becomes too great, such as through a kink in the waste brine drain line, the aspiration mechanism may malfunction. Additionally, the venturi will not create suction if the inlet pressure is too low, so it will not work properly in areas where water pressure is inadequate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved water softening system and brining system therefor, which avoids the disadvantages of prior systems while affording additional structural and operating advantages.
An important feature of the invention is the provision of a brining system which does not rely on suction to draw brine from a brine reservoir.
In connection with the foregoing feature, another feature of the invention is the provision of a pressurized brining system.
A further feature of the invention is the provision of a brining system of the type set forth which is of simple and economical construction.
Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of a water softening system incorporating a brining system of the type set forth.
Certain ones of these and other features of the invention may be attained by providing a pressurized brining system comprising: a semi-permeable membrane allowing free movement of salt ions therethrough while substantially inhibiting flow of water therethrough, a salt reservoir communicating with one side of the membrane, and a closed brine reservoir communicating with the opposite side of the membrane, the brine reservoir having a brine outlet and a water inlet adapted to be coupled to a pressurized source of water, the reservoirs being arranged so that salt ions flow from the salt reservoir to the brine reservoir to form brine therein and the brine is urged through the brine outlet by the water pressure in the brine reservoir.
Other features of the invention may be attained by providing a water softening system comprising: a resin tank including structure for defining a flow path for water to be treated, regenerating apparatus for regenerating exhausted resin in the resin tank and defining an open drain path from the resin tank during a regeneration cycle, a closed brine reservoir having an outlet communicating with the resin tank and an inlet adapted to be coupled to a pressurized source of water, a salt reservoir at atmospheric pressure, and a semi-permeable membrane in communication with and forming a partition between the reservoirs and allowing free movement of salt ions therethrough while substantially inhibiting flow of water therethrough, the reservoirs being arranged so that salt ions flow from the salt reservoir to the brine reservoir to form brine therein and the brine is urged through the brine outlet and into the resin tank by the water pressure in the brine reservoir.
The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.
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Cintins Ivars
RSWC Inc.
Shaw Seyfarth
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