Water treatment is a crucial process that ensures the safety and quality of drinking water, as well as the effective management of wastewater. The use of various chemicals plays an integral role in this process, aiding in the removal of impurities, pathogens, and harmful substances. This article discusses some of the key chemicals commonly employed in water treatment and their functions.
In addition to these chemicals, scale inhibitors can be added to prevent the accumulation of mineral deposits within the piping of the chilled water system. Hard water can contain high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can lead to scale buildup, reducing flow efficiency and increasing energy consumption. Chemicals such as polyphosphates or phosphonates help in reducing scale formation by interfering with the precipitation process and binding with the minerals to keep them suspended in the water.
Another physical process is filtration, which involves passing water through various media to remove suspended solids. Filters can be composed of sand, gravel, or advanced materials like activated carbon or membranes. The choice of filtration method depends on the specific contaminants present in the water and the desired quality of the treated water. Membrane technologies, such as reverse osmosis, are particularly effective for removing a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved salts and organic compounds.