Analysis of Brine Suction Without Refill in Water Softening Equipment

In the operation of a water softening system, the issue of brine suction without refill may appear to be a minor fault. However, if not addressed promptly, it can trigger a chain reaction. This not only results in incomplete resin regeneration, but also affects the normal operation and outlet water quality of the equipment. In some cases, abnormal system pressure may even cause damage to the unit. Therefore, understanding the causes and solutions of this problem should not be underestimated.

1. Abnormal Pressure — The Core Trigger
The refill process relies on sufficient water pressure to push water through the pipelines and valves. If the pressure is insufficient, refill cannot be carried out properly. There are two main reasons:

• Insufficient inlet water pressure: If the system inlet pressure is below the design requirement (usually ≥0.2 MPa), it may not be enough to overcome the resistance of the valves or the pipeline pressure drop, preventing water from reaching the brine tank.

• Defective injector or brine pump performance: For example, a worn injector nozzle or an underpowered brine pump can result in insufficient negative pressure. While the brine suction process may still barely complete, the remaining pressure is not enough to initiate the refill stage.
  Solution: Reset the inlet pressure to meet the design requirement and replace the injector or brine pump with a suitable one.

2. Improper Refill Time Setting
The parameters for brine suction and refill need precise coordination.

• If the refill time is set too short, the system may enter the refill stage before brine suction is fully completed. At this point, the negative pressure from the suction phase has not been fully released, blocking water flow into the brine tank.

• If the refill time is set too long, pressure gradually dissipates after brine suction. When the refill process is finally initiated, the pressure is insufficient to drive water flow, resulting in refill failure.

• Additionally, faults in the time control system (e.g., timer failure or program disorder) can disrupt the sequence between suction and refill, leading to operational mismatch.
  Solution: Configure refill time parameters correctly to ensure smooth transition between suction and refill stages.

3. Disruption of the Physical Water Path
Another possible cause is a blocked or broken water path between the source and the brine tank. This may result from a faulty refill valve, clogged pipelines, or aging components, all of which prevent water from flowing properly.
Solution: Perform regular inspection and maintenance. Repair or replace damaged parts in time.

When faced with an issue such as brine suction without refill, only by identifying the root cause can an efficient and long-lasting solution be achieved. At UMEK, with 28 years of deep technical expertise and extensive practical experience, our service team provides professional diagnostics and system optimization to safeguard your water treatment equipment. We ensure stable and reliable water quality at all times. If your system encounters similar problems, feel free to contact us—we are ready to provide you with comprehensive technical support and customized solutions.

Contact Information:
Tel: +86 19331305749
Email: sales@cnumek.com / sales@amandawatertech.com
Website: www.amandawatertech.com / www.cnumek.com