Patent ID: 6521132
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: B01J,C02F

Abstract:
A self-regenerating ion exchange water softener, comprising:(a) a resin chamber constructed to enclose a space for containing an ion exchange water softening resin, (b) said resin chamber having an inlet provided with a control connected to a source of softenable water under pressure for softening said water by contact with said resin in said chamber, and said resin chamber having an open outlet for use of said softened water, (c) a salt chamber located above said resin chamber and containing a water-soluble regeneration salt capable of regenerating said resin, (d) a fluid flow connection extending up and down between said salt chamber and said resin chamber, (e) a normally-open pressure-responsive valve positioned to control flow through said connection, said valve being positioned to sense an increase of water pressure in said resin chamber and to close said valve in response, and said valve having (f) a restricted passageway of reduced flow capacity to provide limited flow of pressurized water upwardly from said resin chamber when said pressure-responsive valve is subjected to pressure, to thereby mix said softenable water with said water-soluble salt in said upper chamber, and to relieve the pressure of said softenable water in said resin chamber upon closing and control, causing the resulting salt solution to flow downwardly by gravity at a limited flow rate to said resin chamber through said passage to mix with said resin and regenerate the same.