Softener elations are ...

Softener elations are performed to document the hydraulic characteristics of the operation - including Service, Backwash, Brine Introduction, Displacement Rinse, and Service or Fast Rinse.  Elation studies are often performed as a troubleshooting exercise when the softener is either operating with less than expected soft water volume between regenerations or with poor quality water during operation.  Each regeneration step is documented:  Backwash Flow and Duration; Brine introduction Flow and Brine Concentration exiting the softener versus time - goal being at least 10% Brine exit the softener for 30 minutes; Displacement Rinse Flow and exit brine concentration versus time; and finally Service Rinse Flow and exit brine concentration versus time.  A plot is created with time on the x-axis and brine concentration on the y-axis.  This plot is then analyzed and compared to design specifications.  Conclusions and recommendations are developed based upon the analysis of the elation study.