In this post we will provide you the complete information on a water softener circuit in simpler terms
This is a special gadget that can be attached to your pipes to make hard water softer.
Hard water creates a crusty buildup in your pipes and appliances, making them work less well and costing more to fix.
This gadget uses special signals like radio waves to change the tiny rocks in hard water so they can not stick together and cause problems.
It does this with a tiny timer chip and keeps the rocks floating around in the water instead of sticking to your pipes.
Important to note: While these circuits exist, their effectiveness is debated.
It is always best to consult a plumber or water treatment specialist for the best solution for hard water in your home.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Component Type | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Resistors | 10k | 1 |
| 100k | 1 | |
| 220Ω | 1 | |
| Capacitors | Ceramic 100nF | 1 |
| 3.3nF | 1 | |
| Semiconductors | IC 555 | 1 |
| Other | Water pipe (see the text) | 1 |
In this article the hard water which contains a high mineral concentration particularly calcium salts, can be troublesome.
However, a solution is available in the form of a cost effective DIY water softener system using the popular 555 IC.
The systems price is so low that even if it fails, you will be be disappointed.
The water softener operates on a principle dating back to 1930 which suggests that an electromagnetic or electric field causes small calcium carbonate crystals in the water to merge into larger crystals.
To create a strong magnetic field, you can place a powerful magnet 2.5 gauss near the water pipe.
Alternatively, you can use an electronic method.
By examining a store bought water filter we discovered that it produces a frequency of approximately 15 kHz at an amplitude of 15V.
Note: For metallic water pipes, connect the open ends of the coils to the pipe, for plastic pipes connect each open end with a conductive wire (copper).
The coil values are unknown but it is estimated that L1 has 9 turns and L2 has 7 turns.
However, it is important to treat this circuit as theoretical.
This water softener system employs a single 555 IC to generate a square wave signal, which is then applied to the water pipe by wrapping two coils each with one open end around it.
The coils must be well isolated.
Ensure to power the water softener using an isolated power supply, as in some areas the water pipes are grounded.
Formulas:
A basic water softener circuit may be controlled by setting the IC 555 to operate in either astable multivibrator mode.
The fundamental calculations and factors for each mode are as follows:
Mode of Astable Oscillator:
The IC 555 functions as an oscillator in astable mode, producing a continuous square wave output.
Frequency (f):
f = 1.44 / (R1+2×R2) × C
where:
- The resistances in ohms are denoted by R1 and R2.
- The farad capacitor is denoted by C.
- The unit of frequency f is Hz hertz.
Duty Cycle D:
D = R1+R2 / R1+2 × R2
where,
- Duty cycle D is in percentage.
Pulse Width T:
T = 1.1 × R × C
Where:
- R is the resistors ohm value.
- The farad capacitor is denoted by C.
- T is the pulse width in seconds.
Note:
Depending on the precise timing requirements (e.g. operating frequency or pulse length) you would normally select either astable multivibrator mode for a basic water softener circuit application.
The 555 integrated circuits simplicity of design and dependable performance in a range of timing applications make it a flexible and often used component.
How to Build:
To build a Simple Water Softener Circuit you need to follow the below mentioned connections steps:
555 Timer Configuration:
- Configure the 555 IC as an astable multivibrator to generate a square wave signal.
- Use the resistors, capacitors and if required a potentiometer to set the frequency and duty cycle of the signal.
Coil Construction:
- Wind the two coils L1 and L2 with the estimated number of turns 9 and 7 respectively.
- Ensure good isolation between the coils and the water pipe.
Circuit Connection:
- Connect the components according to the circuit diagram.
- Connect the coils to the output of the 555 IC.
- For metallic pipes connect the open ends of the coils to the pipe.
- For plastic pipes, use conductive wire copper to connect each open end to the pipe.
Power Supply:
- Power the circuit using an isolated power supply to avoid grounding issues.
- Ensure the power supply can provide enough voltage and current for the circuit.
- Once the circuit is assembled, test it with a water source known to be hard.
- Observe any changes in the waters hardness over time.
Adjustments:
- Use the potentiometer to adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the square wave signal if necessary.
- Fine tune the system for optimal performance.
Important note:
- Remember to take necessary safety precautions while working with electronic components and water sources.
Conclusion:
A water softener circuit is an electronic device that uses electromagnetic or electric fields to alter the structure of mineral ions in hard water such as calcium and magnesium ions.
By changing the properties of these ions, the circuit aims to reduce scaling and buildup in pipes and appliances ultimately improving water quality.
While effective in some cases, these circuits may not completely eliminate hardness and professional water softening systems are often more reliable for significant hardness reduction.