Electromagnetic Water Softener

Hard water is undesirable for use in day-to-day household activities. It contains excess dissolved minerals that impart the hardness. The more the amount of minerals, the higher is the hardness scale or grains. If hard water is used for cleaning, it usually leaves water spots and marks after drying. Hard water can be softened by using traditional methods like boiling and adding salts but these are only temporary methods of water softening. Further, boiling or adding external substances may impart a peculiar taste and odor to the water.

Magnetic Water Softening

Magnetic water softening is the latest technology for treatment of water in order to make it suitable for various applications. With this system, hard water can be converted into soft water without adding substances, thus solving the problem of change in taste and odor. There are two types of magnetic water softeners, namely, electromagnetic or electronic water softener (EM) and magnetic water softener (M). Though both types operate on the basis of magnetism, the former requires electricity, while the latter does not. Regarding the cost of installation, electromagnetic type is less expensive in comparison to magnetic water softener.

Electromagnetic Water Softener: Working

Unlike other water softeners, an electromagnetic water softener does not remove dissolved substances, like calcium or magnesium from water. It just alters these substances and hence it is also called an electromagnetic water conditioner. This appliance is installed with magnets for generating electromagnetic fields, when electricity passes through the magnets.

As a part of the water softening process, the incoming hard water passes through the electromagnetic fields, which impart electrical charge on the mineral salts present in the hard water. The dissolved minerals salts are altered in such a way that they can no longer form lime scales. Thus, electromagnetic water softeners reduce the scale formation or water marks created by the minerals.

For better performance of an electromagnetic water softener, it is necessary to maintain certain water quality factors. The overall effectiveness of softening hard water may vary depending upon water hardness scale, amount of impurities present in water, temperature of the incoming hard water and rate of water flow. Only if the incoming water quality matches the requirements of the devices, then will the electromagnetic water softeners show acceptable performance.

Electromagnetic Water Softener: An Overview

Though electromagnetic water softener devices are available in the market for home use, their effectiveness is still controversial. The promoters and / or manufacturers claim that electromagnetic water softeners effectively solve the problems of hard water. According to them, water treated by using electromagnetic water softeners is safe for drinking as the generated electromagnetic field destroys the harmful bacteria, algae and disease causing microbes. However, water softener test and verification regarding their efficacy should be done prior to installation of such devices.

On a general note, the performance of such devices may vary from one house to another based on the water variables. It is also to be noted that high voltage lines installed near the electromagnetic field also negatively affects the effectiveness of water softening. Hence, fixing of the magnets and electric lines should be done properly. Electromagnetic water softener devices are reported to have positive results in large scale water purification systems such as industries and commercial complexes, in which the required water quality can be controlled according to the device.