Nortec DRAABE Pure Water System - Manual (Page 12)

Created: 21.09.2006
Changed: 29.02.2008
Printed: 02.03.2009
page 12 of 59
3.2.2 Functional Description: Water Softener
The following description refers to the water softener type AC as well as to the water sof-
tener type SoftCab 25 DR.
For this description see also the drawings page 13 and 14. For
new installations, solely the water softener SoftCab will be used. But for the sake of com-
pleteness, the AC is described, too.
The water softener is the first stage of water treatment. It softens the water. That means
that the quantity of substances in the water which are decisive in the formation of lime is
very greatly reduced. A very soft water (0-1 °dH, 0-17 ppm) comes out of the exit of the wa-
ter softener.
IMPORTANT: Softened water is of great importance for faultless operation of the down-
stream pure water system (see section 3.2.3).
The water softener carries out its task of removing liming agents by applying the principle of
ion exchange. In the water softener there are resin pellets which bind magnesium and cal-
cium ions and release salt ions into the water. When a certain fixed quantity of water is
treated, the resins wear out and have to be regenerated. That means the bound ions are
rinsed away and exchanged for fresh salt ions. This regeneration process is fully automatic
and lasts about 2 hours.
IMPORTANT: During regeneration the water supply into the downstream system is shut off!
The time of regeneration is determined by the softener type. There are two types. By the
first type the pure water system controls the regeneration of the water softener (Type
AC2101). A microprocessor calculates the time for the next regeneration on the basis of
water consumption. When this time is reached, the microprocessor sends a signal to the
AC, which automatically controls the regeneration process. When regeneration is over, the
AC informs the pure water system and that system resumes its work.
The second type (SoftCab 25 DR) can be operated time- as well as quantity-controlled. For
using the time-controlled mode, day and time of the regeneration have to be pre-selected.
When using the quantity-controlled mode, the SoftCab calculates the time for the regenera-
tion independently. When reaching the point in time for the regeneration, the water softener
gives a signal to the pure water system which hereupon interrupts its production. After the
process is finished, the water softener gives a release signal to the pure water system and
the system continues its operation.
Salt in tablet form is required for the softening process. The water softener has a supply of
salt. This supply may not fall below a certain fixed level. If it does, the water softener is no
longer able to work. Since this would also cause damage to the downstream pure water
system, the water softener's are equipped with a salt refill sensor. This sensor detects the
lack of salt and informs the pure water system. The pure water system indicates the need
for more salt on the display and then shuts itself off (further details in 3.2.3).
IMPORTANT: Only residue free tablet salt which conforms to DIN 19604 or EN 973 (no
broken salt, etc.) may be used!
CAUTION: If an water softener does not use up any salt, call up
Nortec Systems
Customer Ser-vice at once!