1. The Benefits of Ion-Exchange Softening Naturally Hard Water
Dr. Carl Jasper CEng MIMMM

2. Presentation Overview
Proven benefits
Evidence
Quantification of performance
References

3. Eliminates Limescale Formation
15 year simulated life tests on gas & electric water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines & showers
Life tests on gas & electric water heaters
Review of evidence of using hard water in appliances New Mexico State Univ Battelle Study UK Ministry of Health
‘Only method which can operate satisfactorily’

4. Reduces Appliance Maintenance
Batelle Study - Instantaneous water heaters did not block during prolonged testing
Ministry of Health Study – Refers to pipe blockages caused by scale and the methods, frequency and costs of treatment for removal from heaters
British Gas Study
Device
Av. Time to block
(Weeks)
Betterment Ratio
R/a A
200.1
5.00 B
54.1
1.34 C
42.8
1.06 D
61.0
1.51
None
40.4 - E
40.0
0.99 F
40.9
1.01
Softening
N/A

5. Reduces Energy Consumption
Established Science
Authoritative Studies (USA, UK, India, et Al.)
Domestic Heating Compliance Guide provides guidance on compliance with Part L (Conservation of Fuel & Power) of the Building Regulations
Requirement to treat Hard Water

6. Helps Remove Existing Limescale
Established science
Field experience
Reports of:
De-scaling of kettles within 6 months
Absence of limescale in plumbing systems

7. Reduces Soap/Detergent Use
Established Science
Original definition of hard water derives from the difficulty in producing lather Degree of hardness was measured by quantity of soap needed to produce lather
Detergent manufacturers recommend reduce dose for softer water
Reduced environmental impact

8. Reduces Cleaning Effort & Cost
Established science - Reduction in soap scum deposits (Motel study: % reduction in maid service)
‘It is a fact that the labour of washing clothes and other articles is much reduced when the water is soft’ (Ministry of Health Report)

9. Improves Laundry Stain Removal & Life
More thorough stain removal: ∆L reflectance
Water more effective than increased detergent dose (Scientific Services Inc. study)
Reduced wear through removal of scum (YCMA study: Towels +10%, bedding +40%) (Ministry of Health: Life and texture ‘feel’ reduced)

10. Improves Skin Condition
Customers report improvement in hair & skin softness
Soap scum has harmful effect on skin (Ministry of Health Report)
Loss of hair lustre due to scum (Stearate reports)
Customer opinion:
Improvement in symptoms
of eczema (Softened Water Eczema
Field SWET Trial)

11. Summary Profound effect on energy consumption
Profound effect on appliance life & maintenance
Significant reduction in soap/detergent use
Significant improvement in skin & hair condition

12. End
Thank you
Questions?