Patent ID: 7815794
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: B01J,C02F

Abstract:
1. A water softener salt loading system, including a water softener comprising a brine tank into the top of which salt must be periodically loaded, the salt being supplied in the form of pellets, the system comprising: a loading hopper having a loading opening at a height (H) above ground level by the loading opening, wherein the height (H) is less than a corresponding height of the top of the brine tank; a pneumatic tube connected at a loading end to a discharge opening in the loading hopper, and at a receiving end to a tube discharge opening in a lid on top of the brine tank; a vacuum pump with an inlet opening in the brine tank lid and an outlet outside of the brine tank; a level controller configured to limit liquid in the brine tank to a maximum liquid level, thereby maintaining an air space between the maximum liquid level and the lid's pump inlet opening; an air-tight seal between the brine tank and the lid; and controls for turning the system “on” for salt conveying and “off” to stop conveying.