Importance

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Abstract

A brining system including a brine reservoir containing a supply of salt and a brine valve assembly disposed in the reservoir below the level of the salt and including a vessel for accumulating a predetermined quantity of fluid to be discharged into the reservoir to form a regeneration solution. A control valve forming part of the brine valve assembly includes a spool member shiftable between two positions. In one position a fluid supply line is communicated with the accumulating vessel and in a second position the vessel is communicated with the brine reservoir. The spool includes effective pressure areas for monitoring pressures in the supply line and the vessel. When a predetermined level in the accumulating vessel is reached, a flow of fluid into the vessel is terminated and the resulting change in pressure sensed by the spool causes it to shift to a position at which fluid in the vessel is discharged into the brine reservoir while fluid flow from the supply line is concurrently terminated. During a regeneration cycle, 'suction' pressures generated in the supply line cause the spool to return to its first position. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a check ball controlled vent port whereas in an alternate embodiment an adjustable float mechanism controls the final fluid level in the vessel.

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First Claim