Disinfection of Water Conditioners
The materials of construction of the modern water conditioner will not support bacterial growth, nor will these materials contaminate a water supply. However, the normal conditions existing during shipping, storage and installation indicate the advisability of disinfecting a conditioner after installation, before the conditioner is used to treat potable water. In addition, during normal use, a conditioner may become fouled with organic matter or in some cases with bacteria from the water supply.
Thus every conditioner should be disinfected after installation, some will require periodic disinfection during their normal life, and in a few cases disinfection with every regeneration would be recommended.
Depending upon the conditions of use, the style of conditioner, the type of ion exchanger, and the disinfectant available, a choice can be made among the following methods.
Sodium or Calcium Hypochlorite
Application
These materials are satisfactory for use with polystyrene resins, synthetic gel zeolite, greensand and bentonites.
5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite
These solutions are available under trade names such as Clorox Bleach*. If stronger solutions are used, such as those sold for commercial laundries, adjust the dosage accordingly.
1.Dosage
A.Polystyrene resin: 1.2 fluid ounces per cubic foot.
B.
2.Regenerant tank conditioners
A.Backwash the conditioner and add the required amount of hypochlorite solution to the regenerant well of the regenerant tank. (The regenerant tank should have water in it to permit the solution to be carried into the conditioner.)
B.Proceed with the normal regeneration.
Calcium Hypochlorite
Calcium hypochlorite, 70% available chlorine, is available in several forms including tablets and granules. These solid materials may be used directly without dissolving before use.
1.Dosage
A.Two grains (approximately 0.1 ounce) per cubic foot.
2.Regenerant tank conditioners
A.Backwash the conditioner and add the required amount of hypochlorite to the regenerant well of the regenerant tank. (The regenerant tank should have water in it to permit the chlorine solution to be carried into the conditioner.)
B.Proceed with the normal regeneration.
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