The role of salt in the water softening and treatment process - examples of application

From the article below, you'll learn about the role of salt in the water softening process. Read more about the uses of salt for water softening filters. Also, find out about an alternative industrial method of water softening that doesn't require salt. Happy reading! 

What is Water Treatment Salt?

Water treatment salt is a substance used for water softening in the process of regenerating ion exchange resin. It contains chemical compounds that help remove excess minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which make water hard. The process of regenerating ion exchange resin involves replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions through rinsing with salt. Water softener salt enables effective reduction of water hardness, contributing to improved taste and preventing scale buildup in pipes and appliances. It is a key component in the water treatment process, especially in areas where hard water is an issue. With the use of water treatment salt, we can enjoy clean and softened water for drinking, cooking, and household use.

How is Water Softening Salt Obtained?

Water softening salt is mainly obtained from deposits of rock salt or from seas and oceans. The process of obtaining salt starts with extracting the raw material from salt mines or evaporating seawater in special salt pans. Then, the salt undergoes a process of purification and refinement to achieve the desired purity and quality. Additional ingredients are often added to improve the efficiency of the water softening process, such as anti-caking agents. Water softening salt may be available in the form of tablets, crystals, or granules, depending on the requirements. Ultimately, this salt is used in special water softening filters.

How Does Water Treatment Salt Work?

Water treatment salt primarily works through the process of ion exchange. Water passing through ion exchange resin, which exists in either organic or inorganic form, causes the release of sodium ions from the resin. Subsequently, the ion exchange resin absorbs unwanted ions, such as magnesium or calcium ions. As a result, natural impurities and mineral salts are retained by the resin, and cationic ions associated with sodium ions are released into the water intended for consumption. Through this process, water treatment salt allows for the removal of harmful substances and water softening, improving its taste and preventing scale buildup in plumbing installations. It is an effective method of water treatment used both in private households and in industries or agriculture.

Where is Water Treatment and Softening Salt Used?

Water treatment and softening salt is used in many different places where maintaining clean and softened water is necessary. Primarily, it is used in homes and apartments where the problem of water hardness is common. Water treatment salt is also widely used in industry, particularly in the chemical and food industries, where clean water with the right hardness is essential for production. Also, in manufacturing facilities such as laundries, car washes, or hotels, water softening salt plays a crucial role in maintaining high-quality services. Additionally, it is used in water purification and disinfection processes, both in wastewater treatment plants and in drinking water treatment systems. Finally, water softening salt is indispensable in agriculture, where soft water is used for irrigation, soil fertilization, and maintaining suitable conditions for animal husbandry. Therefore, water treatment salt is an incredibly important component in maintaining the proper quality of water in various areas of human life and activity.

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Water Softening Salt in Industry and Beyond

Find out which industries require soft water and why water softening salt is crucial for effectively carrying out the water hardness reduction process. Below, issues related to the use of soft water in the food industry, hospitality, pools, as well as in hospitals, energy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agriculture will be discussed.

Soft Water in Food Production - What to Consider?

Soft water is crucial in food production, so it's important to consider several aspects. Firstly, the use of an industrial water softener can help remove undesirable impurities, such as calcium and magnesium, which can disrupt production processes by depositing as scale inside equipment. Water treatment salt allows for the regeneration of ion exchange resin in the water softener, which is essential for maintaining its effectiveness. Additionally, it's worth monitoring the hardness level to ensure it's adequately reduced by the water softener. This way, it's possible to ensure that the water used in food production meets specified quality standards, which significantly impacts the final product.

Softened Water in the Foodservice Industry - Why is Soft Water Crucial in Restaurants?

Soft water plays a crucial role in the foodservice industry, especially in restaurants. An industrial water softener is essential for maintaining high-quality dishes and beverages. Soft water provides better taste to coffee, tea, and other beverages, as well as helps maintain cleanliness and freshness of dishes, glassware, and kitchen equipment. It also eliminates the risk of scale and buildup in kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers, which affects their performance and lifespan. Water descaling salt allows for the regeneration of the softener, ensuring a continuous supply of soft water. As a result, restaurateurs can achieve better outcomes in the kitchen, increase customer satisfaction, and simultaneously maintain the efficiency and durability of kitchen equipment. Therefore, proper water softening is crucial for restaurant success.

Why Should Hard Water Be Avoided in Hotels and Spas?

In hotels and spas, hard water should be avoided due to the many negative effects it can have on the skin, hair, and equipment. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can leave harmful residues on the skin and hair, causing dryness, flaking, and dullness. Additionally, mineral deposits can accumulate in devices such as showers, tubs, or boilers, causing damage and reducing efficiency. Therefore, many hotels and spas use water softening systems, which require tablet salt for proper functioning. Water softeners help prevent the aforementioned problems and provide guests with better experiences. Avoiding hard water is not only beneficial for our skin, hair, and equipment but also a significant element of ensuring comfort and customer satisfaction.

Hard Water vs. Soft Water in Pools - Which is Worse?

For pools, both excessively hard and excessively soft water are unfavorable. Too hard water can cause deposits that may settle on pool walls and in filtration equipment, leading to the need for more frequent cleaning and maintenance. On the other hand, overly soft water can cause damage to seals, pool ladders, and metal or ceramic components, which can also lead to costly repairs. Therefore, maintaining the proper pH level and water hardness in the pool is crucial for ensuring its long-term and trouble-free use. Regular water testing and appropriate regulation of its composition are necessary. It is recommended that pool water has a hardness level between 200-400 ppm (parts per million), which will help avoid the aforementioned problems. Industrial water softeners are used to regulate the hardness level.

How Does a Water Softener Enable Hospitals to Function Properly?

A water softener, which utilizes water treatment salt, plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of hospitals. With this device, water is purified from an excess of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause the formation of scale on medical equipment. Softened water also prevents sedimentation in pipes, which in turn increases the efficiency of medical equipment. Additionally, softened water contributes to improving the effectiveness of detergents and disinfectants, which is crucial in ensuring patient safety. Thanks to the water softener, water is also gentler on the skin of medical staff and patients. As a result, the water softener plays a significant role in providing a safe environment in hospitals.

Why Does the Pharmaceutical Industry Use Softened Water?

The pharmaceutical industry uses softened water because it has many benefits. Water softening involves removing excess minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, which can negatively affect production processes. These minerals can lead to contamination in the form of deposits or chemical precipitates, which in turn can disrupt production processes and affect the quality of the final pharmaceutical product. Additionally, softened water can help increase the efficiency of cleaning and disinfection processes, which is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, where cleanliness and hygiene are of utmost importance. To obtain softened water, the pharmaceutical industry uses water treatment plants, which can utilize special water softening salt, allowing for the removal of excess minerals and obtaining the required water quality for pharmaceutical production.

Can the Chemical Industry Do Without Soft Water?

The chemical industry definitely cannot do without soft water. Soft water is essential for many chemical processes, such as the production of various chemicals, washing, and rinsing. Hard water contains large amounts of mineral compounds, which can lead to the deposition of chemical components on industrial equipment, resulting in damage and slowing down production. Therefore, many chemical companies use special water softening systems, which utilize salt for filtration to remove mineral compounds and make water more suitable for industrial processes. The lack of soft water in the chemical industry could lead to serious problems with product quality and equipment efficiency, negatively impacting the entire industrial operation. Therefore, it is extremely important for the chemical industry to have a constant supply of soft water.

How Does Hard Water Harm the Energy Industry?

Hard water poses a serious threat to the energy industry due to the presence of large amounts of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate in pipelines and equipment, causing accelerated wear and even blockages. In the case of steam boilers, mineral deposits can cause corrosion and restrict heat transfer, leading to decreased efficiency and increased maintenance costs. To address this problem, many companies utilize industrial water softening by employing special filters and devices to remove excess minerals. A popular method of water softening is using water softening salt, which allows for reducing water hardness through a process called ion exchange. This way, the energy industry can prevent serious damage and operational difficulties that could arise from the presence of hard minerals in the water.

Why is Soft Water Crucial in Agriculture and How Does it Affect Yields?

Soft water is a key element in agriculture because it directly affects yields. Water with low levels of mineral salts, known as soft water, is preferred for irrigating plants. Hard water, containing high amounts of mineral salts, can cause spotting on plant leaves, limiting their ability to photosynthesize and grow. To ensure proper water quality for irrigation and minimize negative impacts on yields, farmers often employ industrial water softening using water softeners and water treatment salt. This allows plants to thrive under optimal conditions, resulting in higher yields and better crop quality.

Water Treatment Salt Used in Household Water Softeners

Water treatment salt is commonly used in household water softeners. Water softeners are used to remove excess calcium and magnesium ions. Water treatment salt enables the regeneration of ion exchange resin in the softener. The softening process involves replacing calcium and magnesium ions, which are the cause of hard water, with sodium ions. This is crucial in households because hard water can cause scale buildup in plumbing installations and household appliances, ultimately reducing their lifespan. Therefore, the use of water treatment salt is important for maintaining proper water quality in households and ensuring the correct functioning of plumbing installations and household appliances.

Other Methods of Water Softening

Another method of reducing water hardness is galvanic water softening, which is based on water electrolysis at low voltage below 6 V. This process causes aragonite to precipitate, which is then flushed out of the system, reducing water hardness. Galvanic water softening is an alternative to traditional methods such as ion exchange resins or chemical softeners. It has a smaller environmental impact since it does not require the use of chemicals, only utilizing the electrolysis process. It is also an effective method that can be used in homes, businesses, or even industries to provide access to soft water, which is beneficial for household appliances and reduces scale buildup in water systems. Check out our galvanic water softeners from our range:

• Nordic Tec IPSE 1" Water Softener.
• Nordic Tec IPSE 3/4" Water Softener.