Patent GB-348130-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in apparatus for softening water
IPC: C02F1/42
Filed: 1930-01-04
Abstract: 348,130. Softening water. EISENHAUER, C. P., 530, Grafton Avenue, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A. Jan. 4, 1930, No. 422. [Class 46.] A master valve which controls the flow of water under treatment and the regeneration of the softening medium is operated by timing means independent of the flow of water under treatment. A rotary valve may be used and the timing means may consist of an electrically operated self-winding clock. Water from the main is delivered to the rotary valve 7, Fig. 7, through the pipe 4 and is directed through the pipe 13 to the top of the treatment vessel 14, Fig. 1. The softened water from the bottom of the vessel 14 returns to the valve through the opening 15 and is directed to the service main 19. When the valve is suitably turned for regeneration, the water entering through the pipe 4 into the space 16 of the valve is in part directed to the service main 19 to maintain an unsoftened supply and in part through the opening 15 and an ejector 25, Fig. 6, which draws brine for regeneration through a pipe 26 from a tank 34, to give an upward regenerating flow through the softening medium in the tank 14. The used brine and wash water is returned from the top of the tank 14 through the pipe 13 and is directed to a drain pipe 22. The timing device drives a shaft 101, Fig. 4, by means of a worm 99. The shaft carries a sleeve 102 of insulating material and a metallic sleeve 103. A roller 107 on a spring-controlled rocking arm 108 connected to a terminal 110 rides on the sleeve 103. A similar roller engages a compound cam formed of two relatively adjustable parts 104, 105 one of which is mounted on the sleeve 102 and the other on the sleeve 103, the arrangement being such that, when the roller is in contact with the higher part of the compound cam, an electric circuit is completed through the rollers and the terminals connected therewith. The circuit includes a solenoid 122, Fig. 1, which operates a needle valve 125 admitting water under the pressure of the main through a pipe 127 to a diaphragm 129 connected to a plunger 130 which by means of a lever 132 moves the valve 7 from the position for water-softening to that for regeneration. The water under pressure is at the same time allowed to pass through a pipe 53 to a chamber containing a diaphragm 42, Fig. 9, by means of which a valve 31 on the pipe 26 is opened to allow the brine to be drawn therethrough. When the correct quantity of brine has been withdrawn a float 78 in the tank 34 has fallen sufficiently to turn a bell crank 60, with which it is connected, so that a link 67, a lever 70, and a valve stem 52 are lowered and a ball valve 51 opened to admit pressure fluid above a diaphragm 46 and thus close a valve 32. When the regeneration treatment has ceased the pressure on the diaphragms 42, 46 is released and the valve 32 opens. The valve 31 is maintained in its open position by a locking plunger 56 which holds down a plate 40 on the stem of the valve. When the softening treatment recommences, softened water passes through the pipe 26 to replenish the tank 34. The float 78 when it has risen to its highest position moves the bell crank 60 and releases the locking plunger 56 which is connected thereto. The valve 31 then closes. The stem of each of the valves 31, 32 passes upwardly through a guide casing 36 having spring-pressed packing 37, and a spring 39 engages a shoulder 38 on the casing 36 and the plate 40.