What is the main component used in external feedwater treatment to soften water?

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The main component used in external feedwater treatment to soften water is a zeolite softener. Zeolites are minerals that have a crystalline structure capable of exchanging ions, specifically sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water. When water passes through a zeolite softener, the calcium and magnesium ions are attracted and held by the zeolite while sodium ions are released into the water, effectively reducing hardness.

This method is particularly effective in removing hardness before the water enters a boiler or heating system, which helps prevent scaling and maintains the efficiency of the equipment. The softening process is reversible; once the zeolite is saturated with calcium and magnesium, it can be regenerated using a sodium chloride solution, restoring its effectiveness.

While ion exchange resin also serves to soften water and operates on a similar principle, zeolite softeners are specifically noted for their efficiency and capacity in industrial applications. Activated carbon is primarily used for removing impurities and contaminants through adsorption rather than softening. Reverse osmosis is a filtration process effective in removing various dissolved solids from water but is not specifically designed for softening.

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