Understanding the Role of Sulfuric Acid in Water Treatment
Many professionals know how important sulfuric acid is in water treatment, but not nearly as many truly understand the varied roles sulfuric acid plays in maintaining healthy, clean drinking water. Bell Chem, the water treatment ingredient supplier, wishes to showcase sulfuric acid’s many water treatment tasks.
Pulling moisture from water?
It seems contradictory that sulfuric acid is able to pull moisture from potable water, but it does. When sulfuric acid is added to water, it causes the acid to completely dissociate, forming a gas in an exothermic reaction as it bonds to water molecules. As the moisture is removed, the particles and contaminants within that moisture is likewise pulled asunder. The freed particles link together, forming much heavier particles that sink to the bottom of the tank. In other words, the power of sulfuric acid is, in the long run, as a desiccant.
Metals No More
Sulfuric acid reacts exothermically with corrosive metals, such as iron, calcium, and manganese, eliminating the metal ions while forming hydrogen gas.
pH Adjustment
As an acid, sulfuric acid can pull a high wastewater pH down to neutral levels where water can be harmlessly digested.
Disinfectant/Odor Eliminator
Water entering a treatment facility often contains tiny bits of particulate matter missed by alternate treatments. As a strong acid, sulfuric acid eliminates malodorous situations as it dissolves the pathogens that cause the odors. When bacteria and viruses are quelled, the water is disinfected and the public is much healthier. The Journal of Water Research published a study stating sulphuric acid eliminates 99% of the waterborne bacteria they tested.
Neutralizing Alkaline Substances
Sulfuric acid neutralizes chlorine, which is listed as a strong pollutant. While chlorine is a commonly used chemical in water treatment, it must be largely eliminated by the time it reaches the consumer. Likewise, calcium carbonate forms a precipitate when in the presence of sulfuric acid, flocculating harmlessly to the base of the tank to be removed.
Bell Chem is your water treatment ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us an online message.