Abstract:
Industrial and residential water treatment systems and devices are disclosed for use in preventing hard water buildup or in removing such buildup. The systems and devices include fixed and removable components for delivering water treatment composition. In addition, novel water treatment compositions and methods of treating water are disclosed.

Description:
REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/594,286, filed Feb. 2, 2012, and titled “WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” which is incorporated, in its entirety, by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to water treatment systems and methods of treating water. More specifically, the invention relates to systems and devices for industrial and residential water softening using at least two streams of water, one of which carries water treatment composition to the other. 
         [0003]    Fresh water supplies across the world are typically derived from underground aquifers or streams originating in terrain rich with alkaline earth metals, including calcium (Ca 2+ ) and magnesium (Mg 2+ ). As a result, much of the fresh water available for industrial or residential use is enriched with cationic mineral with an alkaline pH. Such water is frequently referred to as “hard water.” 
         [0004]    A number of technologies have been developed to soften water—that is to remove or replace alkaline earth metals and decrease the pH of the fresh water. Water treatment systems for such purposes typically substitute calcium and magnesium ions contained in hard water with alkaline ions such as sodium (Na + ) and potassium (K + ). For this softening function, conventional water softeners often include a softening tank to soften raw water. The softening tank is filled with an ion exchange resin loaded with sodium or potassium ions. The sodium and potassium ions exchange with the calcium and magnesium ions in the fresh water supply. Eventually, however, the ion exchange resin become saturated with the alkaline earth metals and must be recharged—stripped of the unwanted ions and replaced with more alkaline ions. The regeneration process often involves discharging a costly and wasteful amount of water which is an increasingly important commodity. Also, this discharged water contains sodium or potassium chloride used to regenerate the ion exchange resin. In addition, many water systems were not built with water treatment systems for softening the water. Such systems often suffer from hard water buildup and become occluded. 
         [0005]    There is, therefore, a need to provide water treatment systems that conserve the amount of fresh water consumed to soften hard water. Moreover, there is a need to provide water treatment systems that can remove hard water buildup already existing in a water system. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In one aspect, a water treatment device is disclosed. The water treatment device can be connected to a water supply including (a) components fixed in location to the water supply including: (1) channels for conveying a plurality of water streams, including a main stream and a subsidiary stream; (2) an inlet connecting the water supply to the treatment device for allowing water from the water supply to enter the treatment device, and an outlet through which water having water treatment composition leaves the treatment device; (3) a flow control device capable of controlling the flow rate of the subsidiary stream through the water treatment device; (b) at least one removable component that at least in part defines a chamber having a flow path for the subsidiary stream through the chamber, wherein the chamber contains water treatment composition. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the flow path through the chamber is designed to maximize contact between the subsidiary stream and the surface of the water treatment composition. In some embodiments, the water treatment device includes at least two compartments, the first compartment containing water treatment composition, and the second compartment containing the subsidiary stream. In some embodiments, the water treatment device further comprises a removable cartridge capable of fitting within the first compartment, the cartridge containing water treatment composition. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, a water treatment system is disclosed. The water treatment system includes (a) a supply of water divided into a main stream and a subsidiary stream; (b) a water treatment device having (1) an inlet and an outlet, the inlet for receiving the subsidiary stream into the device and the outlet for releasing the subsidiary stream from the device; (2) a body portion comprising at least two compartments, the first compartment containing water treatment composition; and (c) a flow control device controlling the flow rate of the subsidiary stream through the water treatment device; wherein the main and subsidiary streams are divided and recombined outside of the water treatment device. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments of the device and system, a first pH monitor is included. In some embodiments of the device and system, a second pH monitor is included. In some embodiments, the first pH monitor monitors the pH of the water supply. In some embodiments, the first pH monitor monitors the pH of the treated water. In some embodiments, the second pH monitor monitors the pH of the water supply. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments of the device and system, a flow meter that measures the flow of the subsidiary stream is included. In some embodiments, the flow meter measures the flow of the main stream. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments of the device and system, the water treatment device includes (iii) a head portion having a plurality of channels: a first channel for directing the subsidiary stream through the water treatment device and into the first compartment, a second channel for directing the subsidiary stream only through the head portion between the inlet and the outlet thereby bypassing the first and second compartments. In some embodiments, the head portion includes a valve for preventing the subsidiary stream from flowing between the inlet and the outlet. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments of the device and system, the first compartment is a cartridge having first and second openings, the first opening for receiving the subsidiary stream into the cartridge, and the second opening for the subsidiary stream to exit the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge has a sediment filter. In some embodiments, the cartridge encloses a water-permeable bag containing the water treatment composition. In some embodiments, the water-permeable bag comprises a closable opening, the closable opening selected from the group consisting of: a zipper, stitching, hook and pile fastener, heat adhesive and contact adhesive. In some embodiments, the cartridge is releasably connected to the water treatment device. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments of the device and system the flow control device is selected from the group consisting of: a restricting passageway, a valve, an electronic pump, an injector, and combinations of the same. In some embodiments, the pump or injector is responsive to the pH of water selected from the supply water or the treated water. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, an outlet line is included where outlet line is in fluid communication with the outlet of the water treatment device, the outlet line having a primary inner diameter, and wherein the flow control device constitutes a section that has a diameter smaller than the primary inner diameter of the outlet line. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the water treatment composition is selected from the group consisting of: citric acid, polyphosphates, and mixtures of the same. In some embodiments, the water treatment composition is in the form selected from the group consisting of: one or more tablets, a slurry, a gel, an amorphous powder, a mixture of crystalline materials, and a concentrated solution. In some embodiments, a flow meter is included that measures the flow of a stream selected from the group consisting of: the main stream, the subsidiary stream, and both the main and subsidiary streams. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, a water treatment container is disclosed. The water treatment container includes a flexible, water-permeable pouch having a first end having a resealable opening through which water treatment composition may be added to the container. In some embodiments, the resealable opening is selected from the group consisting of: zipper, stitching, hook and pile fastener, contact adhesive, and heat adhesive. In some embodiments, the container includes water treatment composition as previously described. 
         [0017]    In another aspect, a method of softening water is disclosed. The method includes (a) dividing a water supply into a main stream and a subsidiary stream; (b) contacting a water treatment composition with the subsidiary stream in a water treatment device thereby dissolving a portion of the water treatment composition into the subsidiary stream; and (c) recombining the subsidiary stream carrying water treatment composition with the main stream at a controlled rate thereby softening the water supply. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the main and subsidiary streams are divided and recombined outside of the water treatment device. In some embodiments, the process also includes monitoring the pH of the water supply to determine the flow rate of the subsidiary stream. In some embodiments, the pH of the treated water is monitored to determine the flow rate of the subsidiary stream. In some embodiments, the process includes monitoring the cumulative volume of the subsidiary stream and triggering an indicator when a predetermined volume is reached. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the subsidiary stream is controlled by an injector that may be operably connected to at least one pH sensor. 
         [0019]    In yet another aspect, a water treatment device connectable to a water supply is disclosed. The device includes (a) components fixable in location to the water supply including: (1) channels for conveying a plurality of water streams including a main stream and a subsidiary stream; (2) an inlet for connecting a water supply to the treatment device for allowing water from the water supply to enter the treatment device, and an outlet through which water containing water treatment composition can leave the treatment device; (3) a flow control device capable of controlling the flow of the subsidiary stream through the water treatment device; and (b) at least one removable component that at least in part defines a chamber having a flow path for the subsidiary stream through the chamber, wherein the chamber contains water treatment composition. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the flow path through the chamber is designed to maximize contact between the subsidiary stream and the surface of the water treatment composition. In some embodiments, the device has at least two compartments, the first compartment for holding water treatment composition, and the second compartment for holding the subsidiary stream. In some embodiments, the device has a removable cartridge capable of fitting within the water treatment device, the cartridge containing water treatment composition. 
         [0021]    In still another aspect, a water treatment composition is disclosed. The water treatment composition includes citric acid and polyphosphate. In some embodiments, the ratio of polyphosphate to citric acid is in the range of about 1:40 to about 2:5 ounces. In some embodiments, the ratio may be from about 1:20 to about 1:5 ounces of polyphosphate to citric acid. In some embodiments, the ratio may be about 1:10 ounces of polyphosphate to citric acid. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  depicts a partial cross sectional view of an embodiment of a water treatment system with a fluid path for a water softening setting. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  depicts a partial cross sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  of a water treatment system with a fluid path for bypassing water softening. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  depicts a partial cross sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  of a water treatment system in an “off” setting. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4A  depicts a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a flow control device for use in a water treatment system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4B  depicts a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a flow control device for use in a water treatment system. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4C  depicts a perspective view of a third embodiment of a flow control device for use in a water treatment system. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4C  depicts a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a flow control device for use in a water treatment system. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5A  depicts a perspective view of an open water-permeable bag for use in a water treatment system. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5B  depicts a perspective view of a closed water-permeable bag for use in a water treatment system. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5C  depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of the closed water-permeable bag for use in a water treatment system. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of a water treatment system with a fluid path for a water softening setting. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  depicts a partial cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a water treatment system with a fluid path for a water softening setting. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  depicts a partial cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a water treatment system with a fluid path for a water softening setting. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    As used herein, the term “whole house” refers to a water treatment system of a structure such as a residential home. In some embodiments of the invention, the water treatment systems and components may be used for industrial applications, whole-house systems, and subsystems. In some embodiments, the water treatment systems may be isolated to specific applications, such as for treating the water supply to cleaning and hygiene subsystems that would be found in dwellings such as sinks, bathing areas, and cleaning appliances such as dishwashers and laundry machines. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, a water treatment system may have components that are removed for replacing water treatment composition. As used herein, the term “fixed components” are components that are not intended to be removed for replacing water treatment composition. In such systems, parts that are intended to remain in the same physical location whether in water treatment operation or in water treatment composition replacement, such components are fixed components. 
         [0037]    As used herein, the term “removable components” refers to components that are intended to be removed for replacing water treatment composition. In such systems, parts that are intended to be removed from their physical location when replacing the water treatment composition, such components are removable components. 
         [0038]    As used herein, the term “polyphosphates” refers to tetrahedral PO 4  units linked together by sharing oxygen atoms such as those depicted in the formula below. 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0000]    In some forms, the polyphosphates may be cyclic. In other forms, the polyphosphates may be linear. 
         [0039]    The water treatment system and its various components disclosed herein may be used with various methods for treating water. An embodiment of the water treatment system is generally depicted in  FIG. 1 . The system  10  may be integrated into an industrial water system, a whole house water system or optionally integrated into specific water circuits with a water supply  12 . In some configurations, the water supply  12  may be a line providing water from a municipal water system or a well. In other configurations, the water supply  12  may be a line branching off from a main line to supply water for a specific purpose, such as heating water or providing drinking water. 
         [0040]    Water from the water supply  12  can be divided into a plurality of streams. In some embodiments, a first stream also called a main stream  14  can travel from the water supply to a water fixture (not shown) such as a faucet, equipment or appliance (not shown) such as a washing machine. A second stream also called a subsidiary stream  16  diverges from the water supply to a water treatment device  18 . Thus, the water supply  12  is connected to the water treatment device  18  through a channel (passageway) for the subsidiary stream  16 . As shown, the streams are divided at a point outside the water treatment device  18 . 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the water treatment device  18  includes an inlet  24  and an outlet  26  through which the subsidiary stream  16  enters and exits the water treatment device  18 . In some embodiments, the inlet  24  and outlet  26  are mounted into the water treatment device  18  through a head portion  20 . The head portion  20  may include a plurality of channels. A first channel may direct the subsidiary stream through the water treatment device  18  and into a first compartment. A second channel may direct the  16  subsidiary stream only through the head portion  20  between the inlet  24  and the outlet  26  thereby bypassing the first and a second compartment. The head portion  20  may also include a valve for preventing the subsidiary stream  16  from flowing between the inlet  24  and the outlet  26 . 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the inlet  24 , outlet  26 , and head portion  20  are components fixed in location to the water supply. 
         [0043]    The water treatment device  18  includes at least two compartments surrounded by a body portion  22  of the device  18 . In some embodiments, the body portion  22  may surround a water treatment container or cartridge  28  operably coupled to the head portion  20 . In such a case, the cartridge  28  constitutes the second compartment  25 , and the first compartment  23  is the volume within the body portion  22  not filed by the cartridge  28 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments such as those depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , the cartridge  28  encloses water-permeable container  30  such as a water-permeable bag containing water treatment composition  32 . The water-permeable container may be made of a variety of materials. Such materials include spun bound fibers such as spun bound polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, and similar polymeric material that are water-permeable. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C, a water-permeable bag  100  may include a zipper  102 . The zipper in a closed configuration makes the water treatment composition  132  only accessible through the water-permeable material of the bag walls  108 . The zipper  102  includes two corresponding sides  104  and  106  with a plurality of interlocking teeth which can releasably connect the corresponding sides  104  and  106 . In an open configuration, the zipper enables an operator to add, remove, refill, or otherwise manipulate the amount of water treatment composition  132  in the water-permeable bag  100 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the water-permeable bag  100  has a zipper  102  which latitudinally traverses a portion of the bag  100 . In  FIG. 5B , an alternate embodiment of a water-permeable bag  110  is shown. The water-permeable bag  110  includes a zipper  112  with two corresponding sides  114  and  116 . As shown in this embodiment, the zipper  112  longitudinally traverses a portion of a bag wall  118 . 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the water-permeable bag  100  may be flexible. In other embodiments, the water permeable bag  100  may be rigid. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the zipper may completely traverse the entire perimeter (whether circular or some other shape) of the bag. In some embodiments, the zipper traverses only a portion of the entire perimeter of a bag. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the zipper may be replaced with stitching, contact adhesive, heat-activated adhesive, hook and pile fasteners (Velcro®), plastic zippers with or without interlocking teeth and sliders. In some embodiments, the fastener for a bag or container can be releasable. 
         [0049]    The water treatment composition  32  may be any of a variety of materials used to treat water. In some embodiments, the water treatment composition is selected from citric acid, polyphosphates, and mixtures of the same. In some embodiments, the water treatment composition includes citric acid. In some embodiments, the water treatment composition is citric acid. In some embodiments, the water treatment composition includes polyphosphates. In some embodiments, the water treatment composition is polyphosphates. In some embodiments, the water treatment composition includes citric acid and polyphosphates. In some embodiments, the water treatment composition is citric acid and polyphosphates. 
         [0050]    When the water treatment composition includes both citric acid and polyphosphates, the proportion of the two can be selected to enhance the performance of the water treatment device or system. Advantages of such rations can include the reduction of blue water arising from dissolved copper in pH adjusted water systems having copper pipes. 
         [0051]    For example, in smaller systems servicing water supply for a small dwelling such as would use a ¾ inch or equivalent water supply line at about 100 psi, a water treatment composition may include a ratio of from about 1:40 to about 2:5 ounces of polyphosphate to citric acid. The ratio may be from about 1:20 to about 1:5 ounces of polyphosphate to citric acid. The ratio may be about 1:10 ounces of polyphosphate to citric acid. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, the water treatment composition may be in the form of a compressed pellet. In those embodiments, the pellets may be in a container such as a bag, or may be added to a cartridge without being in a bag. 
         [0053]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , cartridge  28  also includes a first opening  46  at a bottom portion  44 . In some embodiments, the cartridge  28  may also include a sediment filter  48 . The sediment filter  48  may be located downstream from the first opening  46  and adjacent the water-permeable container  30  such as is shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the sediment filter  48  may be located upstream from the water-permeable container  30  and adjacent to the first opening  46  such as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In some embodiments, the cartridge  28  may have an end cap  39  which can securely engage with the cartridge  28  through opposing threads. The end cap  39  may include a plurality of openings serving as the first opening  46 . 
         [0054]    The body portion  22  has a bottom  21  upon which the cartridge  28  may adjoin. In some embodiments, the bottom  21  of the body portion  22  includes one or more concentric circular ribs  29  that may support the bottom of the cartridge  28 . In some embodiments, the end cap  39  has a central cavity  27  for receiving a first set of circular ribs  29 . The resulting interface allows the cartridge  28  to be held in place with the body portion  22  of the water treatment device  18 . 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, the body portion  22  and cartridge  12  is removable from the head portion  20 . The body portion  18  and cartridge  28 , therefore, can be removable components. Moreover, cartridge  28  can define a chamber having a flow path for the subsidiary stream through the chamber, wherein the chamber contains water treatment composition. The flow path through the chamber is designed to maximize contact between the subsidiary stream  16  and the water treatment composition  32 . In this regard, the flow path through a chamber (or compartment) substantially traverses the largest dimensional path of compartment—the cartridge  28  shown in  FIG. 1  for example. 
         [0056]    The head portion  20  may optionally include a path selector or valve  34 . The path selector  34  allows an operator to direct the subsidiary stream  16  through a number of optional fluid paths traversing the water treatment device  18 . For example, in one embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the path selector  34  is indicated to be in the “softener” (or “treatment”) setting which directs the subsidiary stream  16  through a fluid path A that passes from the inlet through the head and body portions  20  and  22  and out the outlet  26 . The subsidiary stream  16 , travelling along path A, mixes with or contacts the water treatment composition  32  and carries water charged with water treatment composition back to the main stream  14 . When the subsidiary and main streams recombine, the resulting water is treated water  42 . 
         [0057]    Alternatively in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the path selector  34  is indicated in the “bypass” setting which directs the subsidiary stream  16  through a fluid path B that passes from the inlet through the head portion  20  and out the outlet  26  without passing through the body portion  22 . The subsidiary stream  16 , travelling along path B, does not mix with water treatment composition before rejoining the main stream  14 . When the subsidiary and main streams recombine, the resulting water is untreated. 
         [0058]    In yet another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the path selector  34  is indicated in the “off” setting. In this setting, the subsidiary stream  16  is blocked from travelling through the water treatment device  18 . This setting would be useful for removing removable components of the water treatment system for maintenance. 
         [0059]    Returning to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the subsidiary stream follows path A entering the water treatment device  18  at inlet  24 . The subsidiary stream passes through the head portion  20  and into the body portion  22 . Within the body portion  22 , a cavity  40  is formed between the device wall  36  and the cartridge wall  38 . Thus, the space (cavity  40 ) between the device and cartridge walls  36  and  38  may considered a compartment or channel. This cavity  40 , also serves as a passageway through which the subsidiary stream passes through a segment of the body portion  22  of the water treatment device  18 . That passageway runs between inlet  24  and the opening  46  of the cartridge  28 . Thus, in some embodiments, path A includes this passageway. Moreover, path A travels over the water-permeable container  30  within the cartridge wall  38  from the first opening  46  until reaching a second opening  47  of the cartridge  28  adjacent to the head portion  20  and then exiting the water treatment device  18  through outlet  26 . 
         [0060]    Thus, in a water treatment operation, supply water  12  is divided into two paths to form a main stream  14  and a subsidiary stream  16 . The subsidiary stream  16  enters the water treatment device  18  at an inlet  24 , follows path A through the cartridge  28  and exits at an outlet  26  before returning to the main stream  14 . While passing through the cartridge  28 , the subsidiary stream  16  becomes charged with water treatment composition  32 . 
         [0061]    The water treatment system  10  may also include a flow control device  54  for controlling the flow rate of the subsidiary stream  16  through the water treatment device  18 . The flow control device  54  can be located in a variety of locations, so long as it is in operable connection to the subsidiary stream  16 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the flow control device  54  is connected to the outlet  26  via an outlet line  26 A in fluid communication with the outlet  26 . 
         [0062]    The flow control device can be of a variety of different forms. For example in  FIG. 4A , the flow control device is in the form of a restricting passageway  70  where a passageway  72  has a narrower diameter  74  at some point in the passageway  72  which is smaller than a wider diameter  76  of the passageway  72 . The narrowness of the smaller diameter  74  may be selected so that the volume of the subsidiary stream  16  joining the mainstream  14  carries enough water treatment composition to treat the water supply  12  to a satisfactory condition (e.g. pH, composition concentration, or combination of the same). 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the restricting passageway  70  may have a gradual reduction diameter until a point at which the narrower diameter  74  is reached. In other embodiments, the restricting passageway may not be gradual but instead may have a disc  78  with an orifice  68  such as that depicted in  FIG. 4B . The orifice  68  may be smaller than the remainder of the passageway. Depending on the desired volumetric flow, an operator can select a disc with an orifice of sufficient size to reduce the rate at which a subsidiary stream  16  traverses the passageway  70 . 
         [0064]    In another example shown in  FIG. 4C , the flow control device is in the form of a valve  80 . The valve may have inlet and outlet ports  86  and  88  through which a passageway  82  may traverse carrying the subsidiary stream  16 . A valve member  90  opens and closes the passageway  82  by which an operator may open and close with handle  84 . A variety of valves may be used such as ball, butterfly, and disc valves. 
         [0065]    In another example shown in  FIG. 4D , the flow control device is in the form of a pump  92 . The pump  92  includes inlet and outlet ports  94  and  96 , and a pump member  98 . The pump member  98  increases or decreases the rate of flow between the inlet and outlet ports  94  and  96  in response to electrical or mechanical force. A variety of pumps may be used such as a positive displacement, velocity, and centrifugal pumps. 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, the flow control device  54  may be operably connected to another device such as a pH sensor, flow meter, or other sensor dynamically responsive to some condition of the water treatment system  10  as discussed further herein. 
         [0067]    The flow control device  54  may be located in a variety of locations. In one embodiment, for example in  FIGS. 1-3 , the flow control device may be located downstream from the outlet  26  but at a point upstream from where the subsidiary and main streams  14  and  16  recombine. 
         [0068]    In some embodiments, the water treatment system optionally includes a flow meter  50  for measuring the flow of various streams. The flow meter  50  can be located in a variety of locations. For example, the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  has a flow meter  50  located upstream from the inlet  24  but downstream from a point where the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16  separate. In this embodiment, the flow meter  50  measures the volume of the subsidiary stream  16 . 
         [0069]    In another embodiment, the flow meter  50  can be located upstream from where the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16  separate. In this embodiment, the flow meter  50  measures the total volume of untreated water operating with the system which is the sum of the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16 . 
         [0070]    In another embodiment, the flow meter  50  can be located downstream from the point where the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16  separate but instead of measuring the subsidiary stream  16 , the flow meter  50  in this location measures the volume of water in the main stream  14 . 
         [0071]    In still another embodiment, the flow meter  50  can be located downstream from the point where the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16  come together. In this embodiment, the flow meter  50  measures the total volume of treated water operating with the system which is the sum of the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16 . 
         [0072]    The flow meter may be operably connected to a flow indicator  52 . The flow indicator  52  may be electronic device displaying one or more values of information. In some embodiments, the flow indicator  52  may display a cumulative value representing the volume of water measured by the flow meter  50 . 
         [0073]    In some embodiments, the flow indicator  52  may display a value computed from the difference between a preset value and the total flow measured by the flow indicator. In such an embodiment, an operator may set the preset value to correspond with a total water treatment capacity associated with the water treatment composition within a fresh cartridge  28 . For example, if the amount of water treatment composition in a freshly loaded cartridge is capable of treating 100,000 gallons, then the flow indicator may display the difference between the 100,000 gallon preset value and the cumulative volume which has passed through the flow meter  50 . Thus, after loading a fresh cartridge, the flow indicator  52  would indicate the preset value (e.g. 100,000 gallons). After the system has operated for some period of time and a total volume of 25,000 gallons has been measured by the flow meter  50 , the flow indicator  52  would indicate a volume of 75,000 gallons. After the system has operated for a longer period of time and a total volume of 75,000 gallons has been measured by the flow meter  50 , the flow indicator  52  would indicate a volume of 25,000 gallons. Thus, when the flow indicator approaches a zero value, an operator would understand that a new supply of water treatment composition will need to be added to the system. 
         [0074]    In some embodiments, an indicator can display a time value. In such embodiments, the indicator could display a time value corresponding to the amount of time remaining before a new supply of water treatment composition will need to be added to the system or has been in use. In some embodiments, the time value could be correlated to the flow rate using flow meter  50  which measures volume passing through the system or a portion of the system. Alternatively, the displayed time value may be calculated based on an average rate at which the flow meter  50  measures volume passing through the system or a portion of the system. 
         [0075]    Alternatively, the flow indicator could indicate a time value corresponding to the total time the water treatment composition has been used by the system. In such embodiments, the indicator can be set or reset by an operator when water treatment composition is added to the system. The indicator would then measure the time elapsed since the indicator was set or reset by the operator. Alternatively, the flow indicator could indicate a time value corresponding to the total time the water treatment composition could be used by the system. In this embodiment, the indicator can be set to a predetermined time period by an operator that corresponds to a period in which it is expected that the water treatment composition will be consumed (or a period which is just less than that). The indicator would then identify the remaining time so that an operator can anticipate and obtain replacement water treatment composition before, at, or after the indicator displays that the predetermined time has elapsed. 
         [0076]    In yet another alternative, the flow indicator could indicate a status of the water treatment composition. A variety of status indications may be used. For example, the status indicators may be “Good,” “Order,” and “Replace.” The “Good” indicator may be shown when the system operates with a sufficient amount of water treatment composition. The “Order” indicator may be shown when a short period of time (or a limited volume of water) remains which can be appropriately treated by the remaining water treatment composition. The “Replace” indicator may be shown when the amount of time that has elapsed since the indicator was set or reset (or the volume of water treatable by the composition) has been detected by the flow meter thereby indicating to an operator that the water treatment composition must be replaced or recharged. Intervals could also be shown by an indicator such as intervals of 10% up to 100% may also be displayed. Similarly, intervals such as by weeks, months, days, etc. may also be displayed. 
         [0077]    In one embodiment, the flow indicator could be triggered to indicate the need to replace a cartridge based on whichever criteria is met first, namely a predetermined volume or a predetermined time. 
         [0078]    In some embodiments, the system may also include a pH sensor  56 . The pH sensor  56  can be located in a variety of locations. The pH sensor  56  can measure the pH of the untreated water. For example, the pH sensor  56  can be located upstream from the inlet  24  but downstream from a point where the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16  separate. In this embodiment, the pH sensor  56  measures the pH of the subsidiary stream  16  before it contacts the water treatment composition  32  in the cartridge  28 . In another embodiment, the pH sensor  56  can be located upstream from where the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16  separate. In this embodiment, the pH sensor  56  measures the pH of the water supply  12 . In another embodiment, the pH sensor  56  can be located downstream from the point where the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16  separate thereby measuring the pH of the main stream  13 . 
         [0079]    The pH sensor  56  can also measure the pH of treated water. In that instance, the pH sensor  56  can be located downstream from the point where the main and subsidiary streams  14  and  16  come together. In this embodiment, the pH sensor  56  measures the pH of the treated water. In another embodiment, the pH sensor  56  can measure the pH of the subsidiary stream. In that instance, the pH sensor is located at a point before the main and subsidiary streams recombine. 
         [0080]    The pH sensor  56  may be operably connected to the flow control device  54 . In such embodiments, the pH sensor can sense the pH of the water supply  12  and actuate the flow control device to increase or decrease the volume of subsidiary stream  16  which is joined to the main stream  14 . For example, the pH sensor may sense that the pH of the treated water (at a point downstream from where the main and subsidiary streams combine) is too basic. In such a case, the flow control device  54  increases the volume of subsidiary stream  16  to draw more water treatment composition into the treated water. Similarly, the pH sensor may sense that the pH of the treated water that is too acidic. In such a case, the flow control device  54  decreases the volume of subsidiary stream  16  to reduce the amount of water treatment composition going into the treated water. 
         [0081]    In another example, the pH sensor  56  may sense that the pH of the water supply  12  has a pH value greater than expected. In such a case, the flow control device  54  increases the volume of subsidiary stream  16  to draw more water treatment composition into the treated water. Similarly, the pH sensor may sense that the pH of the water supply is too acidic. In such a case, the flow control device  54  decreases the flow of subsidiary stream  16  to reduce the amount of water treatment composition going into the treated water. 
         [0082]    In these examples, the pH sensor may be substituted with a mineral detection device which dynamically detects the amount of minerals in the water supply (such as calcium, magnesium, or other such minerals). As the amount of dissolved minerals increases in the water supply, the flow control device  54  can be modulated to increase the volume of subsidiary stream  16  thereby increasing the amount of water treatment composition delivered into the treated water. Conversely, as the amount of dissolved minerals decreases in the water supply, the flow control device  54  can be modulated to decrease the volume of subsidiary stream  16  thereby decreasing (or eliminating) the amount of water treatment composition delivered into the treated water. 
         [0083]    In some embodiments, the water treatment system may include both a pH sensor and a mineral detection device which both affect the flow control device. Such devices, since they are dynamic, can prevent excess consumption of the water treatment composition, thereby reducing unnecessary use and expense. 
         [0084]    In those embodiments using a flow control device  54  which is not dynamic, such as the one depicted in  FIG. 4A , an operator can determine the amount of water treatment composition necessary for treating the water and select a corresponding device which is restrictive enough to limit the subsidiary stream  16  passing through the water treatment device  18 . In some embodiments, the flow control device  54  is modular such that it can be removed and replaced with another flow control device that restricts the subsidiary stream  16  appropriate for measurements taken on an infrequent basis by an operator. 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, the main and subsidiary streams and a portion of the water treatment device are contained within an enclosure  58 , such as shown in phantom in  FIGS. 1-3 . Such enclosures may be implemented for aesthetic purposes and have openings for the water supply to enter and exit as well as an opening for some portion of the treatment device to extend out of the enclosure  58 . 
         [0086]    In operation, the device depicted in  FIG. 1  enables one to soften water by dividing a water supply into a main stream and a subsidiary stream; contacting a water treatment composition with the subsidiary stream in a water treatment device thereby dissolving a portion of the water treatment composition into the subsidiary stream; and recombining the subsidiary stream carrying water treatment composition with the main stream at a controlled rate thereby softening the water and resulting in treated water. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the main and subsidiary streams are divided and recombined outside of the water treatment device. The method may also include optional pH monitoring such as of the subsidiary stream, water supply, or treated water. Such monitoring may be integrated with a flow control member to determine the flow rate of the subsidiary stream. An optional monitory may be used to display the cumulative value of the subsidiary stream and include an indicator for alerting a user when a predetermined volume is reached. 
         [0087]    In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a water treatment system  210  may be integrated into an industrial water system, a whole house water system or optionally integrated into specific water circuits with a water supply  212 . Water from the water supply  212  can be divided into a plurality of streams including a main stream  214  and a subsidiary stream  216 . The subsidiary stream  216  diverges away from the water supply to a water treatment device  218 . As shown, the streams are divided at a point outside the water treatment device  218  but inside an enclosure  262 . 
         [0088]    The enclosure  262  may include a variety of optional components such as a display  260  which may identify information from a flow meter  250  or a timer for tracking the volume of treated water or the time the water treatment system has been treating water. Various buttons can be operably connected to the display  260  to select settings of displaying volume or time, or for resetting the meter to start from a start value. In some embodiments, the display may indicate a volume such as liters or gallons or a time value. 
         [0089]    The enclosure  262  may also have a pH sensor display  256  in operable connection to one or more pH sensors  258 . The display could show the pH of the untreated water supply  212  and the treated water depending upon where the sensor  258  is located. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a pH sensor  258  is located at a point downstream from where the main and subsidiary streams  214  and  216  are recombined. 
         [0090]    Like the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the subsidiary stream  216  enters the water treatment device through an inlet  224 , passes through the device in a softening setting and out an outlet  226 . 
         [0091]    Inside the enclosure  262 , the outlet may lead to an injector  255  which acts as the flow controller. The injector  255  can be operably connected to the flow meter  250  and/or pH sensor  258  so that signal from the flow meter or pH sensor detects that more water treatment is appropriate. In such a condition the injector  255  increases the relative flow of the subsidiary stream  216 . Alternatively, the flow meter or pH sensor detects that less water treatment is appropriate. In such a condition, the injector  255  decreases the relative flow of the subsidiary stream  216 . 
         [0092]    In another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , water treatment device  318  includes an upper compartment  323  and a lower compartment  325 . The upper compartment  323  substantially surrounds the bottom segment  320 A of the head portion  320 . The lower compartment  325  can contain water treatment composition  332  such as contained within a water-permeable container  330 , a bag for example. 
         [0093]    The subsidiary stream  316  can pass through an inlet  324  to the upper compartment  323  and then to the lower compartment  325  through an extended passageway  363  to a deflecting baffle  365  located near the bottom  367  of the water treatment device  318 . Therein the flow path through the lower compartment substantially traverses the largest dimensional path of the lower compartment. 
         [0094]    In this embodiment, the water treatment device  318  also includes a flow restricting flow control body  354 . The flow control body  354  may be integrated or fixed with the center of the head and concentric with a channel  366  leading up through the head and out the water treatment device  318  through an outlet  326 . The flow control body may be in fluid communication with both the upper and lower compartments  323  and  325 . 
         [0095]    The flow control body  354  can connect to the lower compartment  325  through a bridging channel  369  and baffle  371 . The baffle can include a plurality of holes  373  through which water from the subsidiary stream  316  that has passed over the water-permeable container  330  may pass into the flow control body  354 . The subsidiary stream may then exit through outlet  326  and mix with main stream  314  yielding treated water  342 . 
         [0096]    The flow control body  354  can connect to the upper compartment  323  through a connecting passageway  368 , which in some embodiments, is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the water treatment device  318 . The diameters of the connecting passageway  368  and bridging channel  369  may be selected to affect the volume of the subsidiary stream passing into the second compartment and, therefore, over the water-permeable container  330  and water treatment composition  332 . The larger the diameter of the bridging channel  369 , the greater the volume of subsidiary stream  316  that will contact the water treatment composition  332 . In contrast, the larger the diameter of the connecting passageway  368 , the less volume of water of the subsidiary stream  316  that will contact the water treatment composition  332 . 
         [0097]    In another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , a water treatment device  418  has an upper compartment  423  and a lower compartment  425 . The upper and lower compartments  423  and  425  are separated and adjoin one another by a water-permeable material  430  which slopes from a higher elevation at the device wall  436  to a lower elevation near the center of the device  418 . The upper compartment  423  can be filled with water treatment composition  432  through an access door  489 . The water treatment composition can be of a variety of forms, including pellets and compressed pellets. 
         [0098]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , a water supply  412  is divided into a plurality of streams including a main stream  414  and a subsidiary stream  416 . An optional valve  490  can be used to stop flow of subsidiary stream  416  to the water treatment device  418  at a point between the water treatment device  418 , and the point at which the main stream and subsidiary streams are divided. Moreover, an optional valve  491  can be used to stop flow of subsidiary stream  416  to rejoin the main stream  414 . 
         [0099]    Subsidiary stream  416  enters the water treatment device  418  and travels to a float valve  496 . In some embodiments, the float valve  496  is in the second compartment  425  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The float valve  496 , however, can also be located in the first compartment in other embodiments. A float  494  is operably connected to the float valve  496 . The subsidiary stream travels from the float valve  496  to internal tank outlet  492 . The internal tank outlet may be in the form of a sprayer so that the subsidiary stream is sprayed or dispersed into the upper compartment  423  and onto the water treatment composition  432 . The subsidiary stream  416  then passes through the water-permeable material  430  driven by gravity accumulating into the lower compartment  425 . When the volume of the subsidiary stream accumulates to a predetermined level, float  494  closes float valve  496  so as to prevent the water treatment device from overflowing with water. In some embodiments, float  494  does not close float valve  496  until the height of the accumulated subsidiary stream  498  is at a height greater than the lowest elevation of the water treatment composition in the second compartment  425 . 
         [0100]    Accumulated subsidiary stream  498  exits the water treatment device  418  through an intake baffle  465  located at the bottom of the second compartment  425 . The volume of subsidiary stream  416  exiting the water treatment device  418  is controlled by a flow control device. The flow control device can be an injector  455  that is operably connected to one or more pH sensors. In  FIG. 8 , the water treatment system  410  includes a first pH sensor  458 A and a second pH sensor  458 B. The first pH sensor can be located at a point upstream from where the subsidiary stream  416  contacts the water treatment composition  432 , for example outside of the water treatment device  418  but at a point after the subsidiary stream  416  divides from the main stream  414 . A second pH sensor can be located at a point downstream from where the subsidiary stream  416  contacts the water treatment composition  432 , for example outside the water treatment device  418  at a point after the subsidiary stream  416  recombines with the main stream  414 . When the pH sensors call for additional water treatment, the injector  455  can increase the flow rate of the subsidiary stream  416  combining with the main stream  418  thereby carrying more water treatment composition  432  into the treated water. 
         [0101]    In another embodiment, a water treatment system main includes a plurality of streams, including a main stream to be treated and a subsidiary stream carrying water treatment composition. In an embodiment, the subsidiary stream may originates from a tank containing water and water treatment composition. The water in the tank can be saturated or less than saturated but set to a specified concentration. Water from the tank is then fed through a flow control such a pump or injector combining with the main stream treated water. In some embodiments, the flow control is operably connected to a pH sensor which can be located on the main stream or at a point downstream from where the subsidiary and main streams converge. 
         [0102]    A variety of pumps and injectors are available with programmed flow rates based on pH input from pH sensors. For example, one such injector is available from Injecta® Reita, Italy. 
         [0103]    Although the invention has been described with reference to the accompanying sheets of drawings, further modifications may be made while still falling within the same inventive principles stated in the appended claims.