System and method for mineral hardness management

Abstract

A method of removing mineral hardness of water comprises selecting a mineral hardness solubility constant modifier capable of at least partially precipitating insoluble mineral hardness material from water containing mineral hardness. A pressurized flow of the water containing mineral hardness is generated. The mineral hardness solubility constant modifier is added to the pressurized flow of water containing mineral hardness to form water bearing precipitate mineral hardness. The water bearing precipitate mineral hardness is filtered to at least partially remove the precipitated insoluble mineral hardness material from the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness to form post-filtered water.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of removing mineral hardness of water, the method comprising:
 (a) selecting a mineral hardness solubility constant modifier capable of at least partially precipitating insoluble mineral hardness material from water containing mineral hardness;   (b) generating a pressurized flow of the water containing mineral hardness;   (c) adding the mineral hardness solubility constant modifier to the pressurized flow of water containing mineral hardness to form a water bearing precipitate mineral hardness; and   (d) filtering the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness to at least partially remove the precipitated insoluble mineral hardness material from the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness to form post-filtered water.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein (a) comprises selecting a mineral hardness solubility constant modifier comprising at least one of a base, lime, sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and a polymer. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein (c) comprises adding the mineral hardness solubility constant modifier in an amount sufficient to increase the pH of the water containing mineral hardness to above about 9.6. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3  comprising adding the mineral hardness solubility constant modifier in an amount sufficient to increase the pH of the water containing mineral hardness to above about 11. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein (d) comprises filtering the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness to at least partially remove an insoluble particulate material comprising at least one of a protein, lipid, organic material, and inorganic material. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein (d) comprises circulating the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness prior to filtering. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  comprising communicating the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness from a first location to a second location that is disposed substantially above the first location. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein (d) comprises adding a pH neutralizer to the post-filtered water. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising adding a pH neutralizer comprising an acid. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein (b) comprises generating a pressure differential in the flow of the water containing mineral hardness that increases the velocity of the water. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein (c) comprises adding the mineral hardness solubility constant modifier along the region of the pressure differential. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein (d) comprises passing the water comprising the precipitated material through a filter mesh while expelling water substantially free of the precipitated material. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein (d) comprises passing the water comprising the precipitated material through a plurality of plates that are configured to move along a rail so as to enable separation of the plates to remove accumulated precipitated material. 
     
     
         14 . A filter system comprising:
 (a) a hopper capable of receiving a pressurized flow of water containing mineral hardness, the hopper having an output extending into the pressurized flow of the water to allow addition of a mineral hardness solubility constant modifier to the pressurized flow of the water to at least partially precipitate insoluble mineral hardness material to form a water bearing precipitate mineral hardness; and   (b) a filter connected to the hopper by piping to at least partially remove the precipitated insoluble mineral hardness material from the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness to form post-filtered water.   
     
     
         15 . A system according to  claim 14  comprising a pump to pressurize the water containing mineral hardness that is received by the hopper. 
     
     
         16 . A system according to  claim 15  wherein the pump is also connected to piping to communicate the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness through the piping to the filter. 
     
     
         17 . A system according to  claim 15  wherein the pump is connected to piping to communicate post-filtered water through the piping. 
     
     
         18 . A system according to  claim 15  wherein the pump comprises a positive displacement pump. 
     
     
         19 . A system according to  claim 15  comprising an automotive engine, and wherein the pump is at least partially powered by an automotive engine. 
     
     
         20 . A system according to  claim 14  wherein the mineral hardness solubility constant modifier comprises at least one of a base, lime, sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and a polymer. 
     
     
         21 . A system according to  claim 14  wherein the mineral hardness solubility constant modifier is selected to increase the pH of the water containing mineral hardness to above about 9.6. 
     
     
         22 . A system according to  claim 21  wherein the mineral hardness solubility constant modifier is selected to increase the pH of the water containing mineral hardness to above about 11. 
     
     
         23 . A system according to  claim 14  wherein the filter is configured to at least partially remove an insoluble particulate material comprising proteins, lipids, organic material, or inorganic material. 
     
     
         24 . A system according to  claim 14  further comprising at least one of a dispersal manifold and a circulation pump to at least partially assist in circulating the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness. 
     
     
         25 . A system according to  claim 14  comprising a mobile platform supporting the filter and hopper.