Sizing a Softener for 360gal/day, 15gpg, and High Iron

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datrik

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I'm confused because I'm seeing some people say you want to size up for Iron, but simultaneously I'm seeing the concern that too big of a softener doesn't give you frequent enough regeneration.

Well water specs I know:
  • 360 gallons usage per day
  • TDS from well water is 175ppm
  • Iron is visible in the water (Ferric), but I don't know the PPM yet. All my neighbors say our iron is high.
  • Hardness is tested at 15 grains by an AquaX Total Hardness titration test
  • PH 7.2
  • North Central Florida
Using various calculators, I'm finding that the basic ones all seem to point to a 40-48k Grain Softener. Some calculators include the ability to add iron levels to the calculation. If I put in a value of 3ppm, the recommended size jumps to a 64k unit and 5ppm jumps it up to an 80k unit.

Do I need to get more tests done or should I just move forward with one of the sizes mentioned above? Thank you.
 

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Bannerman

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The majority of Iron in well water, will be typically in a ferrous state. Ferrous iron, aka 'Clear Water Iron', remains invisible as it is fully dissolved in the water.

A softener is not an effective filter, so removal of ferric iron (non dissolved = rust) debris cannot be assured.

While Ferrous iron maybe reduced with a softener as ferrous iron will adhere to the surface of the resin beads. this is not an efficient iron removal method as the resin's hardness removal capacity will be depleted equal to removing 85ppm hardness (=5 grains per gallon), for each 1 ppm iron. In addition, to reduce the potential for the resin from becoming iron fouled, frequent regeneration will be required (typically every 3-6 days depending on iron & manganese levels, pH etc) and, additional ongoing maintenance will be required including the use of acid resin cleaners to remove iron buildup from the resin granules.

To eliminate the additional expense for a dedicated iron filtration system when the iron amount is fairly low (ie: ~ 1.5ppm or less), a softener will often be utilized. When the iron quantity is greater, a dedicated iron filtration system is highly recommended.

As ferrous iron is dissolved in the water, it can't be simply filtered out. To filter out ferrous iron will require it to be oxidized, thereby converting the ferrous iron to a ferric state. There are numerous oxidants utilized for iron removal including air, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide or ozone. There are also many Iron filtration medias such as Katalox Light. Although KL has an ability to oxidize then filter out the ferric debris, which will then be backwashed out to drain, sometimes, depending on the quantity of iron and other water conditions, an additional oxidizer prior to the KL tank will be needed, to ensure more complete oxidation, to allow the KL media to filter out the solid debris.

Once the iron is removed prior to the softener, the softener can then efficiently perform the job it is designed to fulfill.

Prior to making any water treatment decisions, highly advisable to have the raw water tested to identify current water conditions which will assist to determine appropriate treatment methods that are likely to be most effective.

National Labs offer a Standard Well Test which is often recommended on this forum. National Labs
 
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