Understanding the Various Chemicals Used in Water Treatment Plants
Understanding the Various Chemicals Used in Water Treatment Plants
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Water Treatment Chemicals[/caption]
Coagulants/Flocculants
Coagulants and flocculants are important chemicals that are commonly used during the preliminary stage of water treatment. Coagulants such as aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, and polyaluminum chloride work to neutralize negatively charged particles in the source water. This causes the particles to bunch together and form heavier molecular weights called flocs. Flocculants like polyacrylamide are then added to help strengthen the bonds between the newly formed flocs to facilitate better settling during sedimentation. Together, coagulants and flocculants are effective at removing turbidity, color, microorganisms and other contaminants through physical aggregation and binding.
Disinfectants
Chlorine is the most widely used Water Treatment Chemicals in water treatment thanks to its strong oxidizing ability as well as affordable cost. It works to kill viruses, bacteria and other microbes that may be present in water. While chlorine is effective, its use can sometimes result in disinfection by-products which are carcinogenic in nature. As such, alternatives like chloramines are also utilized. Chloramines have lower disinfection strengths but produce less toxic disinfection by-products. Other disinfectants gaining ground include ozone and ultraviolet irradiation due to formation of no disinfection by-products.
Corrosion Inhibitors
Adding corrosion inhibitors is essential to prevent the corrosion of water pipes and household plumbing fixtures. Common corrosion inhibitors include orthophosphates, blended phosphate products, silicates and specialized polymers. Orthophosphates work by forming a protective film on the inner surface of pipes and this film prevents corrosion causing metals from coming into contact with water. They are popular corrosion inhibitors used in many municipal water treatment facilities.
pH Adjusters
Acids or bases are dosed to properly adjust the pH of water leaving the plant. The pH balance is critical to ensure optimum performance of disinfection and minimization of lead leaching from indoor plumbing. It also impacts how the corrosion inhibitors function in preventing metal corrosion. Lime or sodium hydroxide is added to raise pH while carbon dioxide gas or sulfuric acid is dosed to lower pH. Typical target pH levels are between 7.0 to 8.0.
Fluoridation Chemicals
Fluoridation is a process where fluoride is added to drinking water to promote dental health in the community. Sodium fluoride and fluorosilicic acid are the two most commonly used fluoridation chemicals. Sodium fluoride is a mined salt while fluorosilicic acid is a co-product of the phosphate fertilizer industry. Correct levels of 0.7 ppm help in reducing tooth decay and even a small amount of added fluoride can be beneficial to all consumers, especially young children.
Water Softeners
Where hard water is prevalent, ion exchange softening is used to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. The most widespread softener chemical is sodium chloride commonly known as salt. It regenerates ion exchange resin beads which have the capability to exchange sodium for hardness causing minerals in a water softening unit. This helps reduce scale formation, improves lathering ability of soap and extends equipment life.
Algae Control Chemicals
In open reservoirs or lakes, algal blooms can occur rapidly and produce nasty musty/grassy odors and tastes. Common algaecides include copper sulfate which is toxic to algae at low doses. It works by inhibiting their growth and disrupting algal cell membranes. Other algaecides in use are quaternary ammonium compounds, sodium carbonate peroxide and derivatives of endothall. Proper application and dosage of algaecides is essential to effectively control algae while not adversely impacting other aquatic life.
Dechlorination Agents
Where chlorinated water is discharged from the plant, a dechlorination process is required prior to mixing with the receiving water body to prevent harm to aquatic life. The most typical dechlorinating agent used is sulfur dioxide gas which reacts with residual chlorine to form non-toxic chloride salts. It is metered into the water stream achieving dechlorination within seconds. Other choices for dechlorination include sodium bisulfite solutions or UV irradiation depending on plant size and configuration. Proper dechlorination protects sensitive receiving waters.
This covers some of the major chemicals commonly employed in modern water treatment practices and their important functions. Careful control and monitoring of these chemicals helps produce safe, high quality drinking water for the community while meeting stringent environmental regulations. Ongoing research and advances also continue to provide newer sustainable treatment alternatives. Optimized chemical dosing ensures water treatment facilities deliver their vital role in public health protection.
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