Analysis of water softening methods and an algorithm of choosing the best method for using in production cycle

Abstract

This article presents advantages and disadvantages of the most widespread water softening methods, such as reagent method, cation exchange softening, thermal method, reverse osmosis and electromagnetic softening. According to the application features and characteristics of each method, there was developed an algorithm that helps to choose water softening method in case of given specified parameters (turbidity, color, hardness) and the desired level of water hardness after treatment.