There are numerous articles on the web about the ion-exchange side of
things, so I'm fairly clear on that side of the operation.  However,
someone in this group once recommended this product, which I'm now
considering buying...
http://www.emwc.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=87
It is a dual tank, non-electric softener but I don't understand how it
works!  What I mean is, how does it open the valves for the reverse
flushing if it doesn't use electricity?  I'm invisiging some clockwork
motor that is 'wound up' by the inflowing water ... am I getting
close?  Syphons perhaps???

PS If anyone has any other recommendations then they would be
gratefully received.  The 'Monarch Midi' was mentioned to me - any
users of that particular model out there?

Many thanks,
Mike

....anyone ????

"pepper"  wrote in message 
news:63ec8486-2ca0-4770-bed8-6868905b80bb@s50g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
> ....anyone ????
>


http://home.howstuffworks.com/question99.htm  ?????

pepper wrote:
> ....anyone ????
> 
google ion exchange.

They use a resin that exchanges calcium ions for sdoum ions, thus 
replacing all te calcium carbonate in the water with sodium carbonate. 
Calcium carbonate is only marginally soluble and ends up becoming 
scale,, as well as recacting with sodium stearate (soap) to form a 
scum..sodium carbonate simply stays soluble, and doesn't react with soap.

Once the resins store of sodium ions is finished, it needs recharging 
from a strong salt solution. And the exchanged ions (calcium chloride) 
flushed out.

During this time it is normally either bypassed, or softening switches 
to a second chamber.

pepper wrote:
> The Natural Philosopher wrote ....
> "google ion exchange."
> well, the first line of my post would tend to suggest that that is
> exactly what I have already done, however reading on a little you
> would find more.
> 
> Thanks to dennis and the philosopher for replying, but if you'd read
> the post rather than just the title you'd realise that I'd already
> found that bit out, and was looking for an answer about non-electric
> softeners, (and also any recommendations or otherwise regarding the
> Monarch Midi).
> Thanks,
> Mike
Presumably they use water pressure to switch between cylinders somehow.


however in a power cut, lack of softened water is hardly high on my list 
of priorities..

"pepper"  wrote in message 
news:3a1913b6-9b2f-4af2-88d3-b0504afdc608@2g2000hsn.googlegroups.com...
> The Natural Philosopher wrote ....
> "google ion exchange."
> well, the first line of my post would tend to suggest that that is
> exactly what I have already done, however reading on a little you
> would find more.
>
> Thanks to dennis and the philosopher for replying, but if you'd read
> the post rather than just the title you'd realise that I'd already
> found that bit out, and was looking for an answer about non-electric
> softeners, (and also any recommendations or otherwise regarding the
> Monarch Midi).
> Thanks,
> Mike

The same way water meters work, hydraulic motors.
I didn't think there were electric powered ones.  8-)

> however in a power cut, lack of softenedwateris hardly high on my list
> of priorities..

nor mine...  but installing an extra socket, and the potential (if
small) extra running costs are surely worth considering.