WATER TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
Water is nature's most wonderful, abundant and useful compound. Of the many
essential elements for the existence of human beings, animals and plants (viz. air, water, food,
shelter, etc.), water is rated to be of the greatest importance. Without food, human can survive
for a number of days, but mater is such an essential that without it one cannot survive.
Water is not only essential for the lives of animals and plants, but also occupies a
unique position in industries. Probably, its most important use as an engineering material is in
the 'steam. generation'. Water is also used a coolant in power and chemical plants. In addition
to it, water is widely used in other fields such as production of steel, rayon, paper, atomic
energy, textiles, chemicals, ice, and for air-conditioning, drinking, bathing, sanitary, washing,
irrigation, fire-fighting, etc.
SOURCES OF WATER : (A) Surface waters : 1. Rain water is probably the purest form of
natural water, since it is obtained as a result of evaporation from the surface water. However,
during the journey downwards through the atmosphere, it dissolves a considerable amount of
industrial gases (like CO2,SO2,NO2, etc.) and suspended solid particles, both of organic and
inorganic origin.
2. River water : Rivers are fed by rain and spring waters. Water from these sources flow over
the surface of land, dissolves the soluble minerals of the soil and finally falls in rivers. In
general, the greater the contact that water has with the soil, or the more soluble the minerals
of the soils with which it lias come in contact, the greater is the amount of dissolved
impurities in river water. River water thus contains dissolved minerals of the soil such as
chlorides, sulphates, bicarbonates of sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron. River water also
contains the organic matter, derived from the decomposition of plants, and small particles of
sand and rock in suspension.
Thus, river water contains considerable amounts of dissolved as well as suspended impurities.
3. Lake water has a more constant chemical composition. It, usually, contains much lesser
amounts,,of dissolved minerals than even well water, but quantity of organic matter present in
it is quite high.
4. Sea water is the most impure form of natural water : Rivers join sea and throw in the
impurities carr-fecl by them. Moreover, continuous evaporation of water from the surface of
sea makes sea water continuously richer in dissolved impurities. Sea water contains, on an
average, about 3.5% of dissolved salts, out of which about 2.6% is sodium chloride. Other
salts present are sulphate of sodium ; bicarbonates of potassium, magnesium and calcium ;
bromides of potassium and magnesium and a number of other compounds.
Surface water, generally, contains suspended matter, which often contains the diseaseproducing (or pathogenic) bacterias. Hence, such waters as such are not considered to be safe
for human consumption.
(B) Underground waters : A part of the rain water, which reaches the surface of the earth,
percolates into the earth. As this water journeys downwards, it comes in contact with a
number of mineral salts present in the soil and dissolves some of them. Water continues its
downwards journey, till it meet a hard rock, when it retreads upwards and it may even come
out in the form of ‘spring'.
Spring and well water (or underground water), in general, is clearer in appearance due to thr
filtering action of the soil, but contains more of the dissolved salts. Thus, water from these
sources contains mpre hardness. Usually, underground water is of high organic purity.
HARDNESS OF WATER
Hardness in water is that characteristic, which "prevents the lathering of soap". This
is due to presence in water of certain salts of calcium, magnesium and other heavy metals
dissolved in it. A sample of hard water, when treated with soap (sodium or potassium salt of
higher fatty acid like oleic, palmitic or stearic) does not produce lather,init on the other hand
forms a white scum or precipitate. This precipitate is formed, due to the formation of
insoluble soaps of calcium and magne sium. Typical reactions of soap (sodium stearate) with
calcium chloride and magnesium sulphate are depicted as follows:
Thus, water which does not produce lather with soap solution readily, but forms a while
curd, is called hard water. On the other hand, water which lathers easily on shaking with soap
solution, is called soft water. Such a water, consequently, does not contain dissolved calcium
and magnesium salts in it.
Classification of Hardness
(1) Temporary or carbonate hardness is caused by the presence of dissolved bicarbonates
of Calcium, magnesium and other heavy metals and the carbonate of iron. Temporary
hardness is mostly destroyed by mere boiling of water, when bicarbonates are decomposed,
yielding insoluble carbonates or hydroxides, which are deposited as a crust at the bottom of
vessel. Thus :
(2) Permanent or non-carbonate hardness is due to the presence of chlorides and
sulphates of calcium, magnesium, iron and other heavy metals. Unlike temporary hardness,
permanent hardness is not destroyed on boiling
UNITS OF HARDNESS
(1) Parts per million (ppm) is the parts of calcium carbonate equivalent hardness per
106 parts of water, i.e., 1 ppm = 1 part of CaCO3 eq hardness in 106 parts of water.
(2) Milligrams per litre (mg/L) is the number of milligrams of CaCO3 equivalent
hardness present per litre of water. Thus :
1 mg/L = 1 mg of CaCO3 eq. hardness of 1 L of water
But 1 L of water weighs
= 1 kg = 1,000 g = 1,000 x 1,000 mg = 106 mg.
1 mg/L = 1 mg of CaCO3 eq per 106 mg of water.
= 1 part of CaCO3 eq per 106 parts of water = 1 ppm.
(3) Clarke's degree (°Cl) is number of grains (1/7000 Ib) 0fCaCO3 equivalent hardness per
gallon (10 Ib) of water. Or it is parts ofCaC03 equivalent hardness per 70,000 parts of water. Thus :
1° Clarke = 1 grain of CaCO3 eq hardness per gallon of water,
or
1° Cl = 1 part of CaCO3 eq hardness per 70,000 parts of water
(4) Degree French (°Fr) is the parts ofCaC03 equivalent hardness per 105 parts of water.
Thus :
1° Fr = 1 part of CaCO3 hardness eq per 105 parts of water.
(5) Milliequivalent per litre (meq/L) is the number of milli equivalents of hardness
present perlitre. Thus :
1 meq/L = 1 meq of CaCO3 per L of water
= 10 -3 x 50 g of CaCO3 eq per litre
= 50 mg of CaCO3 eq per litre
= 50 mg/L of CaCO3 eq = 50 ppm.
Relationship between various units of hardness :
1 ppm
lmg/L
1°C1
l°Fr
1 meq/L
= 1 mg/L
= 1 ppm
= 1.433° Fr
= 10 ppm
= 50 mg/L
= 0.1° Fr
= 0.1° Fr
= 14.3 ppm
= 10 mg/L
= 50 ppm
= 0.07° Cl
= 0.07° Cl
= 14.3 mg/L
= 0.7° Cl
= 5°Fr
= 0.02 meq/L
= 0.02 meq/L
= 0.286 meq/L
= 0.2 meq/L
= 0.35° Cl
Estimation of Hardness by EDTA Method
This is a complexometric method, Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)
In the form of its sodium salt yields the anion
Which forms complex ions with Ca2+ and Mg2+
Thus
Where M = Ca or Mg. It may be pointed the EDTA is employed as its disodium salt,
(Mol. Wt. = 372.24; Eq. wt. = 186.14), i.e. M soln = 2 N soln)
In order to determine the equivalence point (i.e. just completion of metal – EDTA
complex formation), indicator eriochrome black – T or EBT (an alcoholic solution of blue
dye) is employed, which form unstable wine-red complex with Cu2+ and Mg2+ ions.
However, this indicator is effective at a pH of about 10. When EBT is added to hard water
buffered to a pH of about 10 (by employing NH4OH-NH4Cl buffer), a wine-red unstable
complex is formed. Thus.:
So initially a wine-red coloured is obtained. During the course of titration against
EDTA solution, EDTA combines with M2+ (or Ca2+ or Mg2+) ions from stable complex,
M-EDTA and releasing free EBT, which instantaneously combines with M2+ ions still present
in the solution, thereby wine-red colour is retained. Thus :
However, when nearly all M2+ (Ca2+ or Mg2+) ions have formed [M-EDTA] complex,
then, next-drop of EDTA added displaces the EBT indicator form [M-EBT] complex and the
wine-red colour changes to blue colour (due to EBT). Thus, at equivalence point,
[M-EBT] complex + EDTA -----> [M-EDTA] complex + EBT (blue)
Thus, change of wine-red colour to distinct blue marks the end-point of titration.
Various steps involved in this method are :
.
1. Preparation of standard hard water : Dissolve 1.0 of pure, dry CaCO3 in minimum
quantity of dilute HCl and then evaporate the solution to dryness on a water bath. Dissolve the
residue in distilled water to make 1 L solution. Each mL of this solution thus contains 1 mg of
CaCO3 eq hardness.
2. Preparation of EDTA solution : Dissolve 4 g of pure EDTA crystals + 0.1 g MgCl 2
in 1 L of distilled water.
3. Preparation of indicator : Dissolve 0.5 g of Eriochrome black-T in 100 mL of
alcohol.
4. Preparation of buffer solution : Add 67.5 g of NH4C1 to 570 mL of concentrated
ammonia solution and then dilute with distilled water to 1 L.
5. Standardization of EDTA solution : Rinse and fill the burette with EDTA solution.
Pipette out 50 mL of standard hard water in a conical flask. Add 10-15 mL of buffer solution
and 4 to 5 drops indicator. Titrate with EDTA solution, till wine-red colour changes to clear
blue. Let volume used by V1 mL.
6. Titration of unknown hard water: Titrate 50 mL of water sample just in step (5).
Let volume used be V2 mL.
7. Titration of permanent hardness : Take 250 mL of the water sample in a large
beaker. Boil it, till the volume is reduced to about 50 mL [when all the bicarbonates are
decomposed to insoluble CaCO3 + Mg(OH)2]. Filter, wash the precipitate with distilled water,
collecting filtrate and washings in a 250 mL measuring flask. Finally make up the volume to
250 mL with distilled water. Then, titrate 50 mL of boiled water sample just as in step (5). Let
volume used by V3 mL.
Calculations : 50 mL of standard hard water
= V1mLof EDTA
50 x 1 mg of CaCO3
= V1 mL of EDTA
1 mL of EDTA
= 50/V1 mg of CaCO3 eq
Now 50 mL of given hard water = V2mL of EDTA
=
V2 x50
mg . of CaCO3 eq.
V1
1 L (1,000 mL) of given hard water
= 1,000 V2/V1 mg of CaCO3 eq
Total hardness of water
= 1,000 V2/V1 mg/L
= 1,000 V2/Vl ppm
Now 50 mL of boiled water
= V3 mL of EDTA
=
V3 x50
mg of CaCO3 eq
V1
1,000 mL (= 1L) of boiled water= 1,000 V3/V1 mg of CaCO3 eq
Permanent hardness
= 1,000 V3/V1 ppm
And temporary hardness
= [Total - Permanent] hardness
 V2 V3 
  ppm
 V1 V1 
= 1000
=
1,000 (V2  V3 )
ppm
V1
Advantages of EDTA method : This method is definitely preferable to the other
methods, because of the (i) greater accuracy ; (ii) convenience, and, (iii) more rapid
procedure.
SCALE AND SLUDGE FORMATION IN BOILERS
In boilers, water evaporates continuously and the concentration of the .dissolved salts
increase progressively. When their concentrations reach saturation point, they are thrown out
of water in the form of precipitates on the inner walls of the boiler. If the precipitation takes
place in the form of loose and slimy precipitate, it is called sludge. On the other hand, if the
precipitated matter forms a hard, adhering crust/coating on the inner walls of the boiler, it is
called scale.
Sludge is a soft, loose and slimy precipitate formed within the boiler. Sludge can
easily be scrapped off with a wire brush. It is formed at comparatively colder portions of the
boiler and collects in areas of the system, where the flow rate is slow or at bends. Sludges are
formed by substances which Itave greater solubilities in hot water than in-cold water, e.g.,
MgCO3, MgCl2, CaCl2, MgSO4, etc.
Disadvantages of sludge formation : (1) Sludges are poor conductor of heat, so they
tend to waste a portion of heat generated. (2) If sludges are formed along-with scales, then
former gets entrapped in the latter and both get deposited as scales. (3) Excessive sludge
formation disturbs the working of the boiler. It settles in the regions of poor water circulation
such as pipe connection, plug opening, gauge-glass connection, thereby causing even choking
of the pipes.
Prevention of sludge formation : (1) By using well softened water. (2) By
frequently 'blow-down operation', i.e., drawing off a portion of the concentrated water.
Scales are hard deposits, which stick very firmly to the inner surfaces of the boiler.'
Scales are difficult to remove, even with the help of hammer and chisel. Scales are the main
source of boiler troubles. Formation of scales may be due to :
(1)
Decomposition of calcium bicarbonate :
Ca(HCO3)2 ----------> CaCO3 ↓+ H2O + CO2↑
Scale
However, scale composed chiefly of calcium carbonate is soft and is the main cause
of scale formation in low-pressure boilers. But in high-pressure boilers, CaCO3 is soluble.
CaCO3 + H2O --------> Ca(OH)2 (soluble) + CO2↑
(2)
Deposition of calcium sulphate : The solubility of calcium sulphate in water
decreases with rise of temperature. Thus, solubility of CaSO4 is 3,200 ppm at 15°C and it
reduces to 55 ppm at 230°C and 27 ppm at 320°C. In other words, CaSO4 is soluble in cold
water, but almost completely insoluble in super-heated water. Consequently, CaSO4 gets
precipitated as hard scale on the heated portions of the boiler. This is the main cause of scales
in high-pressure boilers.
Note : Calcium sulphate scale is quite adherent and difficult to remove, even with the
help of hammer and chisel.
(3)
Hydrolysis of magnesium salts: Dissolved magnesium salts undergo
hydrolysis (at prevailing high temperature inside the boiler) forming magnesium hydroxide
precipitate, which forms a soft type of scale, e.g.,
MgCl2 + 2H2O -----------> Mg(OH)2 ↓ + 2HCl↑
Scale
(4)
Presence of silica : (SiO2), even present in small quantities, deposits as
calcium silicate (CaSiO3) and / or magnesium silicate (MgSiO3). These deposits stick very
firmly on the inner side of the boiler surface and are very difficult to remove. One important
source of silica in water is the sand filten
Disadvantages of scale formation : (1) Wastage of fuel: Scales have a low thermal
conductivity, so the rate of heat transfer from boiler to inside water is greatly decreased. In
order to provide a steady supply of heat to water, excessive or over-heating is done and this
causes increase in fuel consumption. The wastage of fuel depends upon the thickness and the
nature of scale :
Tlrickncss of scale (mm)
Wastage of fuel
0.325
10%
0.625
15%
1.25
50%
2.5
80%
12
150%
(2) Lowering of boiler safety : Due to scale formation, over-heating of boiler is to be
done in order to maintain a constant supply of steam. The over-heating of the boiler tube
makes the boiler material softer and weaker and this causes distortion of boiler tube and
makes the boiler unsafe to bear the pressure of the steam, especially in high-pressure boilers.
(3) Decrease in efficiency : Scales may sometimes deposit in the valves and
condensers of the boiler and choke them partially. This results in decrease in efficiency of the
boiler.
(4) Danger of explosion : When thick scales crack, due to uneven expansion, the
water comes suddenly in contact with over-heated iron plates. This causes in formation of a
large amount of steam suddenly. So sudden high-pressure is developed, which may even
cause explosion of the boiler.
Removal of scales : (i) With the help of scraper or piece of wood or wire brush, if
they are loosely adhering, (ii) By giving thermal shocks (i.e., heating the boiler and then
suddenly cooling with cold water), if they are brittle. (Hi) By dissolving them by adding them
chemicals, if they are adherent and hard. Thus, calcium carbonate scales can be dissolved by
using 5-10% HC1. Calcium sulphate scales can be dissolved by adding EDT A (ethylene
diamine tetra acetic acid), with which they form soluble complexes, (iv) By frequent blowdown operation, if the scales are loosely adhering.
Prevention of scales formation : (1) External treatment includes efficient
'softening of water' (i.e., removing hardness-producing constituents of water). These will be
discussed separately.
(2) Internal treatment: In this process (also called sequestration), an ion is
prohibited to exhibit its original character by 'complexing' or converting it into other more
soluble salt by adding appropriate reagent. An internal treatment is accomplished by adding a
proper chemical to the boiler water either : (a) to precipitate the scale forming impurities in
the form of sludges, which can be removed by blow-down operation, or (b) to convert them
into compounds, which will stay in dissolved form in water and Ihus do not cause any harm.
Notes : (/') Blow down operation is partial removal of hard water through top at the
bottom of boiler, when extent of hardness in the boiler becomes alarmingly high.
(ii) 'Make up' water is addition of fresh softened water to boiler after blow down
operation.
Internal treatments methods are, generally, followed by 'blow-doivn operation', so
that accumulated sludge is removed. Important internal conditioning/treatment methods are :
(i) Colloidal conditioning: In low-pressure boilers, scale formation can be avoided
by adding organic substances like kerosene, tannin, agar-agar (a gel), etc., which get coated
over the scale forming precipitates, thereby yielding non-sticky and loose deposits, which can
easily be removed by pre-determined blow-down operations.
(ii) Phosphate conditioning : In high-pressure boilers, scale formation can be
avoided by adding sodium phosphate, which reacts with hardness of water forming nonadherent and easily removable, soft sludge of calcium and magnesium phosphates, which can
be removed by blow-d,bwn operation, e.g.,
3CaCl2 + 2Na3PO4
---------> Ca3(PO4)2 ↓+ 6NaCl
The main phosphates employed are : (a) NaH2PO4, sodium dihydrogen phosphate
(acidic) ; (b) Na2HPO4, disodium hydrogen phosphate (weakly alkaline); (c) Na3PO4
trisodium phosphate (alkaline).
(iii) Carbonate conditioning : In low-pressure boilers, scale-formation can be
avoided by adding sodium carbonate to boiler water, when CaSO4 is converted into calcium
carbonate in equilibrium.
Consequently, deposition of CaSO4 as scale does not take place and calcium is
precipitated as loose sludge of CaCO3, which can be removed by bloio-doxun operation.
(iv) Calgon conditioning involves in adding calgon [sodium hexa meta phosphate
(NaPO3)6 to boiler water. It prevents the scale and sludge formation by forming soluble
complex compound withCaSO4.
(v) Treatment with sodium aluminate (NaAlO2): Sodium aluminate gets
hydrolysed yielding NaOH and a gelatinous precipitate of aluminium hydroxide. Thus :
The sodium hydroxide, so-formed, precipitates some of the magnesium as Mg(OH)2,
i.e.,
The flocculent precipitate of Mg(OH)2 plus Al(OH)3, produced inside the boiler,
entraps finely suspended and colloidal impurities, including oil drops and silica. The loose
precipitate can be removed by pre-determined blow-down operation.
Note: Sodium aluminate in thick solution form is available in plenty and at a cheap
rate from bauxite refining unit$ and this can be used as such for boiler-water treatment.
(vi) Electrical conditioning : Sealed glass bulbs, containing mercury connected to a
battery, are set rotating in the'boiler. When water boils, mercury bulbs emit electrical
discharges, which prevents scale forming particles to alidere/stick together to form scale.
(vii) Radioactive conditioning: Tablets containing radioactive salts are placed inside
the boiler water at a few points. The energy radiations emitted by these salts prevent scale
formation.
(vii) Complexometric method involves adding 1.5°/! alkaline (pH = 8.5) solution of
EDTA to feed-water. The EDTA binds the scale-forming cations to form stable and soluble
complex. As a result, the sludge and scale formation in boiler is prevented. Moreover, this
treatment : (i) prevents the deposition of iron oxides in the boiler, (ii) reduces the carry over
of oxides with steam, and (iii) protects the boiler units from corrosion by wet steam (steam
containing liquid water).
PRIMING AND FOAMING
When a boiler is steaming (i.e., producing steam) rapidly, some particles of the liquid
water are carried along-with the steam. This process of 'wet steam' formation, is called
priming. Priming is caused by : (i) the presence of large amount of dissolved solids ; (ii) high
steam velocities ; (iii) sudden boiling; (iv) improper boiler design, and (v) sudden increase in
steam-production rate.
Foaming is the production of persistent foam or bubbles in boilers, which do not
break easily. Foaming is due to presence of substances like oils (which greatly reduce the
surface tension of water).
Priming and foaming, usually, occur together. They are objectionable because : (f)
dissolved salts in boiler water are carried by the wet steam to super-heater and turbine blades,
where they get deposited as water evaporates. This deposit reduces their efficiency; (ii)
dissolved salts may enter the parts of other machinery, where steam is being used, thereby
decreasing the life of the machinery ; (Hi) actual height of the water column cannot be judged
properly, thereby making the maintenance of the boiler pressure becomes difficult.
Priming can be avoided by: (i) fitting mechanical steam purifiers; (ii) avoiding rapid
change in steaming rate ; (in) maintaining low water levels in boilers, and (iv) efficient
softening and filtration of the boiler-feed water.
Foaming can be avoided by : (i) adding anti-foaming chemicals like castor oil, or (ii)
removing oil from boiler water by adding compounds like sodium aluminate.
BOILER CORROSION
Boiler corrosion is decay of boiler material by a chemical or electro-chemical attack
by its environment. Main reasons for boiler corrosion are :
.
(1) Dissolved oxygen : Water usually contains about 8 mL of dissolved oxygen per
litre at room temperature. Dissolved oxygen in water, in presence of prevailing high
temperature, attacks boiler material:
Removal of dissolved oxygen : (1) By adding calculated qurntity of sodium sulphite
or hydrazine or sodium sulphide. Thus :
Note. "Hydrazine" is an ideal internal treatment chemical for the removal of dissolved
oxygen. It reacts with oxygen, forming nitrogen and water. Nitrogen is harmless.
Consequently, hydrazine removes oxygen without increasing the concentration of dissolved
sol ids/salts. On the other hand, if sodium sulphite or sodium sulphide is used, the sodium
sulphate so-formed is liable to decompose giving SO2 , particularly in high-pressure boilers.
The SO2 enters the steam pipes and appears as sulphurous acid (H2SO3) in the steam
condensate. So as a rule, a very low concentration of 5 to 10 ppm of Na2SO-, in the boiler is
maintained ; rather adding it intermittently. Recently developed, Azamina 8001 -RD (a
polyvalent organic compound) has been employed for degassing water in minimum time.
(2) By mechanical de-aeration, i.e., water spraying in a perforated plate-fitted tower,
heated from sides and connected to vacuum pump (see Fig. 2). High temperature, low
pressure and large exposed surface (provided by perforated plates) reduces the dissolved
oxygen in water.
(2) Dissolved carbon dioxide : (CO2) is carbonic acid,
CO2 + H2O --------> H2CO3
which has a slow corrosive effect on the boiler material. Carbon dioxide is also
released inside the boiler, if water used for steam generation contains bicarbonate, e.g.r
Δ
Mg(HCO3)2 --------> MgCO3 + H2O + C02
Removal of CO2 : (1) By adding calculated quantity of ammonia.. Thus :
2NH4OH + CO2 -------> (NH4)2CO3 + H2O
(2) By mechanical-aeration process alongwith oxygen.
(3) Acids from dissolved salts : Water containing dissolved magnesium salts liberate
acid on hydrolysis, e.g.,
MgCl2 + 2H2O -------> Mg(OH)2 ↓ + 2HC1
The liberated acid reacts with iron (of the boiler) in chain-like reactions producing
HC1 again and again. Thus :
Fe + 2HC1
------------- > FeCI2 + H2↑
FeCl2 + 2H2O ---------> Fe(OH)2 + 2HC1
Consequently, presence of even a small amount of Mg Cl2 will cause corrosion of
iron to a large extent.
CAUSTIC EMBRITTLEMENT
Caustic embrittlement is a type of boiler corrosion, caused by using highly alkaline water
in the boiler. During softening process by lime-soda process, free Na2CO3 is usually present
in small proportion in the softened water. In high pressure boilers, Na2CO3 decomposes to
give sodium hydroxide and carbon dioxide,
Na2CO3 + H2O --------> 2NaOH + CO2
and this makes the boiler water "caustic". The NaOH containing water flows into the minute
hair-cracks, always present in the inner side of boiler, by capillary action. Here xvater
evaporates and the dissolved caustic soda concentration increases progressive!}/. This caustic
soda attacks the surrounding area, thereby dissolving iron of boiler as sodium ferroate. This
causes embrittlement of boiler parts, particularly stressed parts (like bends, joints, rivets, etc.),
causing even failure of the boiler. Caustic cracking can be explained by considering the
following concentration cell:
Iron at rivets,
bends, joints,
etc.
Concentrated
NaOH solution
Dilute NaOH
solution
Iron at plane
surfaces
The iron surrounded by the dilute NaOH becomes the cathodic side.; while the iron in
contact with rather concentrated NaOH becomes anodic part, which is consequently dissolved
or corroded.
Caustic embrittlement can be avoided : (i) by using sodium phosphate as softening reagent,
instead of sodium carbonate;
(ii) by adding tannin or lignin to boiler xvater, since these blocks the hair-cracks,
thereby preventing infiltration of caustic soda solution in these ;
(iii) by adding sodium sulphate to boiler water: Na2SO4 also blocks hair-cracks,
thereby preventing infiltration of caustic soda solutions in these. It has been observed that
caustic cracking can be prevented, if Na2SO4 is added to boiler water so that the ratio :
[Na2SO4 concentration]
----------------------------[NaOH concentration]
is kept as 1 : 1 : 2 : 1 and 3 : 1 in boilers working respectively at pressures up to 10, 20 and
above 20 atmospheres.
SOFTENING METHODS
Water used for industrial purposes (such as for steam generation) should be
sufficiently pure. It should, therefore, be freed from hardness-producing salts before put to
use. The process of removing hardness-producing salts from water, is known as softening
ofxvater. In industry, main three methods employed for softening of water are :
(1) Lime-soda process : In this method, the soluble calcium and magnesium salts in
water are chemically converted into insoluble compounds, by adding calculated amounts of
lime [Ca(OH)2] and soda [Na2CO3]. Calcium carbonate [CaCO3] and magnesium hydroxide
[Mg(OH)2], so-precipitated, are filtered off.
Now 100 parts by mass of CaCO3 are equivalent to : (1) 74 parts of Ca(OH)2, and (ii)
106 parts of Na2CO3.
(i) Cold lime-soda process: In this method, calculated quantity of chemical (lime and
soda) are mixed with water at room temperature. At room temperature, the precipitates
formed are finely divided, so they do not settle down easily and cannot be filtered easily.
Consequently, it is essential to add small amounts of coagulants (like alum, aluminium
sulphate, sodium aluminate, etc.), which hydrolyse to f locculent, gelatinous precipitate of
aluminium hydroxide, and entraps the fine precipitates. Use of sodium aluminate as coagulant
also helps the removal of silica as well as oil, if present in water. Cold L-S process provides
water, containing a residual hardness of 50 to 60 ppm.
Method : Raw water and calculated quantities of chemicals (lime + soda + coagulant)
are fed from the top into the inner vertical circular chamber, fitted with a vertical rotating
shaft carrying a number of paddles. As the raw water and chemicals flow down, there is a
vigorous stirring and continuous mixing, whereby softening of water takes place. As the
softened water comes int" the outer co-axial chamber, it rises upwards. The heavy sludge (or
precipitated floe) settles down in the outer chamber by the time the softened water reaches up.
The softened water then passes through a filtering media (usually made of wood fibres) to
ensure complete removal of sludge. Filtered soft water finally flows out continuously through
the outlet at the top (see Fig. 3) Sludge settling at the bottom of the puter chamber is drawn
off occasionally.
(ii) Hot lime-soda process involves in treating water with softening chemicals at a
temperature of 8O to 150° C . Since hot process is operated at a temperature close to the
boiling point of the solution, so : (a) the reaction proceeds faster ; (b) the softening capacity of
hot process is increased to many fold ; (c) the precipitate and sludge formed settle down
rapidly and hence, no coagulants are needed ; (rf) much of the dissolved gases (such as C02
and air) driven out of the water ; (e) viscosity of softened water is lower, so filtration of water
becomes much easier. This in-turn increases the filtering capacity' of filters, and (/) hot limesoda process produces water of comparatively lower residual hardness of 15 to 30 ppm.
Hot lime-soda plant consists essentially (see Fig. 4) of three parts: (a) a 'reaction tank'
in which raw water, chemicals and steam are thoroughly mixed; (b) a "conical sedimentation
vessel" in which sludge settles down, and (c) a "sand filter" which ensures complete removal
of sludge from the softened water.
Advantages of L.S. process: (i) It is very economical. (ii) If this process is combined
with sedimentation with coagulation, lesser amounts of coagulants shall be needed. (iii) The
process increases the pH value of the treated-water, thereby corrosion of the distribution pipes
is reduced, (iv) Besides the removal of hardness, the quantity of minerals in the water are
reduced, (v) To certain extent, iron and manganese are also removed from the water, (vi) Due
to alkaline nature of treated-water, amount of pathogenic bacterias in water is considerably
reduced.
Disadvantage of L-S process : (i) For efficient and economical softening, careful
operation and skilled supervision in required, (ii) Disposal of large amounts of sludge
(insoluble precipitate) poses a problem. However, the sludge may be disposed off in raising
low-lying areas of the city. (iii) This can remove hardness only upto 15 pprn, which is not
good for boilers.
(2) Zeolite or permutit process : Chemical structure of sodium zeolite may be
represented as: Na2O.Al2O3 x SiO2. y. H2O where x = 2 - 10 and y = 2 - 6.. Zeolite is
hydrated sodium alumino silicate, capable of exchanging reversibly its sodium ions for
hardness-producing ions in water. Zeolites are also known as permutits. Zeolites are of two
types : (i) Natural zeolites are non-porous. For example, natrolite, Na2O.Al3O3.4SiO2.2H2O.
(ii) Synthetic zeolites are porous and possess gel structure. They are prepared by heating
together china clay, faldspar and soda ash. Such zeolites possess higher exchange capacity per
unit weight than natural zeolites.
Process : For softening of water by zeolite process, hard water is percolated at a
specified rate through a bed of zeolite, kept in a cylinder (see Fig. 5). The hardness-causing
ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, etc.) are retained by the zeolite as CaZe and MgZe; while the outgoing
water,contains sodium salts. Reactions taking place during the softening process are :
Na2Ze + Ca(HCO3)2 -------------- > CaZe + 2NaHCO3
Na2Ze + 2Mg(HCO3)2 ------------>MgZe + 2NaHCO3
Regeneration : After some time, the zeolite is completely converted into calcium and
magnesium zeolites and it ceases to soften water, i.e., it gets exhausted. At this stage, the
supply of hard water is stopped and the exhausted zeolite is reclaimed by treating the bed with
a concentrated (10%) brine (NaCI) solution.
CaZe (or MgZe) + 2NaCl
(Exhausted zeolite) (Brine)
----------->
Na2Ze + CaCl2 (or MgCl2)
(Reclaimed
(Washings)
zeolite)
The washings (containing CaCl2 and MgCl2) are led to drain and the regenerated
zeolite bed thus-obtained is used again for softening purpose.
Limitations of zeolite process : (1) If the supply of water is turbid, the suspended
matter must be removed (by coagulation, filtration, etc.), before the water is admitted to the
zeolite bed ; otherwise the turbidity will clog the pores of zeolite bed, thereby making it
inactive.
(2) If water contains large quantities of coloured ions such as Mn + and Fe +, they
must be removed first, because these ions produce maganese and iron zeolites, which cannot
be easily regenerated.
(3) Mineral acids, if present in water, destroy the zeolite bed and, therefore, they must
be neutralized with soda, before admitting the water to the zeolite softening plant.
Advantages of zeolite process : (1) It removes the hardness almost completely and
water of about 10 ppm hardness is produced. (2) The equipment used is compact, occupying a
small space. (3) No impurities ' are precipitated, so there is no danger of sludge formation in
the treated-water at a later stage. (4) The process automatically adjusts itself for variation in
hardness of incoming water. (5) It is quite clean. (6) It requires less time for softening. (7) It
requires less skill for maintenance as well as operation.
Disadvantages of zeolite process : (1) The treated-water contains more sodium salts
than in lime-soda process. (2) The method only replaces Ca 2+ and Mg2+ ions by Na+ ions, but
leaves all the acidic ions (like HCO3- and CO32-) as such in the softened water. When such
softened water (containing NaHCO3, Na2CO3 etc.) is used in boilers for steam generation,
sodium bicarbonate decomposes producing CO2, which causes corrosion ; and sodium
carbonate hydrolysies to sodium hydroxide, which causes caustic etnbrittlement. (3) High
turbidity water cannot be treated efficiently by this method, because fine impurities get
deposited on the zeolite bed, thereby creating problem for its working.
Permutit method
1. Water of 10-15 ppm residual
hardness is obtained
2. Treated-2ater contains larger amount
of sodium salts than in original raw
water.
3. Costof plant and material is higher
4. Operation expenses are lower
5. It cannot be used for treating acidic
water, because the permutit material
undergoes disintegration.
6. The plant occupies less space.
7. The raw water to be softened must be
free from suspended matter ;
otherwise the pores of permutit
material are blocked and the bed
loses its exchange capacity.
8. It can operate under pressure and can
be made fully automatic.
9. It involves no problem of settling,
co-agulation, filtration and removal
of the sludges and precipitates.
10. Control test comprises only in
checking the hardness of treatedwater.
11. Treated-water
contains
more
dissolved solids.
Lime-soda method
Water of generally, 15-5- ppm hardness is
obtained.
Treated-water contains lesser amount of
sodium salts.
Capital cost is lower.
Operation expenses are higher.
There are no such limitations.
Plant occupies more space.
There are no such limitations.
It cannot operate under pressure.
It involves difficulty in settling, co-agulation,
filteration and removal of precipitates.
In order to meet the changing hardness of
incoming water, frequent control and
adjustment of reagents is needed.
Treated – water contains lesser dissolved
solids.
(3) Ion exchange or de-ionization or de-mineralization process : Ion-exchange
resins are insoluble, cross-linked, long chain organic polymers with a microporous structure,
and the "functional groups" attached to the chains are responsible for the ion-exchanging
properties. Resins containing acidic functional groups (-COOH, -SO3H, etc.) are capable of
exchanging their H+ ions with other cations, which comes, in their contact; whereas those
containing basic functional groups (-NH2 = NH as hydrochloride) are capable of exchanging
their anions with other anions, which comes in their contact. The ion-exchange resins may be
classified as:
(i) Cation exchange resins (RH+) are .mainly styrene-divinyl benzene copolymers,
which on sulphonation or carboxylation, become capable to exchange their hydrogen ions
with the cations in the water.
(ii) Anion exchange resins (R'QH-) are styrene-divinyl benzene or amineformaldeln/de copoh/-niers, which contain amino or quaternary ammonium or quaternary
phosphonium or tertiary siilphonium groups as an integral part of the resin matrix. These,
after treatment with dil. NaOH solution, become capable to exchange their OH ~ anions with
anions in water.
Process : The hard water is passed first through cation exchange column, which
removes all the cations like Ca2+.Mg2+, etc from it, and equivalent amount of H+ ions are
released from this column to water. Thus :
2RH++Ca2+
2RH+ + Mg2+
----------> R2Ca2++2H+
----------> R2Mg2+ + 2H+
After cation exchange column, the hard water is passed through anion exchange
column, which removes all the anions like SO42-, Cl-, etc. present in the water and equivalent
amount of OH- ions are released from this colurrui to water. Thus :
R’OH- + Cl2R’OH- + SO422R’OH- + CO32-
----->
----->
----->
R’Cl- + OHR’2SO42- + 2OHR’2CO32- + 2OH-
H+ and OH- ions (released from cation exchange and anion exchange columns
respectively) get combined to produce water molecule.
H+ + OH-
----->
H2O
Thus, the water coming out from the exchanger is free from cations as well as anions.
Ion-free water, is known as deionized or demineralised water.
Regeneration : When capacities of cation and anion exchangers to exchange H+ and
OH ions respectively are lost, they are then said to be exhausted.
-
The exhausted cation exchange column is regenerated by passing a solution of dil.
HC1 or dil. H2SO4. The regeneration can be represented as :
R2Ca2+ + 2H+ ----->
2RH+ + Ca2+ (Washing)
The column is washed with deionised water and washing (which contains Ca2+, Mg2+,
etc. and Cl- or SO42- ions) is passed to sink or drain.
The exhausted anion exchange column is regenerated by passing a solution of dil.
NaOH. The regeneration can be represented as :
R’2SO42- + 2OH-
----->
2R’OH- + SO42- (washing)
The regenerated ion exchange resins are then used again.
Advantages : (1) The process can be used to soften highly acidic or alkaline waters.
(2) It produces water of very low hardness (say 2 ppm). So it is very good for treating water
for use in high – pressure boilers.
Disadvantages : (1) The equipment is costly and more expensive chemicals are
needed. (2) If water contains turbidity, then the output of the process is reduced. The
turbidity must be below 10 ppm. It is is more, it has to be removed first by coagulation and
filtration.
Mixed-bed deionizer consists essentially of a single cylinder containing an intimate
mixture of hydrogen exchanger and strongly basic anion exchanger. When water is passed
through this bed, it comes in contact, a number of times, with the two kinds of exchangers
alternatively. Consequently, the net affect of mixed-bed exchanger is equivalent to passing
water through a series of several cation and anion exchangers. The outgoing water frpm the
mixed-bed contains even less than ] ppm of dissolved salts.
Regeneration : When the resins are exhausted, the mixed-bed is backwashed (by
forcing water in the upward direction), when the lighter anion exchanger gets displaced to
form an upper layer above the heavier cation exchanger (see Fig. 9.). Thereafter, the anion
exchanger is regenerated by passing caustic soda solution from the top and then rinsed. The
lower cation exchanger bed is then regenerated by H2SO4 solution treatment and then rinsed.
The, two beds are then mixed again by forcing compressed air. The bed is ready for use again.
Note : It may be made clear that the mixed-bed exchangers cost more and
comparatively more expensive to regenerate, but they are comparatively more convenient to
use and afford much more efficient removal of dissolved salts and silica.
DESALINATION OF BRACKISH WATER
The process of removing common salt (sodium chloride) from the water, is known as
desalination. The water containing dissolved salts with a peculiar salty (or brackish) taste, is
called brackish water. Sea water, containing on an average about 3.5% salts, comes under this
category. Brackish water is totally unfit for drinking purpose. Commonly used methods for
the desalination of brackish water are :
(1) Electrodialysis is a method in which the ions (of the salts present) are pulled out
of the salt water by passing direct current, using electrodes and thin rigid plastic
membranepair (natural or si/nthetic) Fig. 15. illustrates the method of desalination by
electrodialysis. When direct electric current is passed through saline water, the sodium ions
(Na+) start moving towards negative pole (cathode) while the chloride ions (Cr ) start moving
towards the positive pole (anode), through the membrane. As a result, the concentration of
brine decreases in the central compartment; while it increases in ?two side compartments.
Desalinated brine (or pure water) is removed from the central compartnient from time to time;
while concentrated brine (in the side compartments) is replaced by fresh brine/sea water.
For more efficient separation, usually, ions-selective membranes are employed. An
ion-selective membrane has permeability for only one kind of ions with specific charge. For
example, a cation-selective membrane is permeable to cations only, because of the presence
of charged fixed (inside the membrane) functional groups (such as RSO-3, or RCOO-), reject
onions (having the same charge as that of fixed functional groups). Similarly, aniou-selective
membrane has positively charged fixed functional groups such as R4N+ClAn electrodialysis cell consists of a large number of paired sets of rigid plastic
membranes. Saline water is passed under a pressure (of about 5-6 kg m"2 ) between
membrane pairs and an electric field is applied perpendicular to the direction of water flow.
Just as magnets of like charges repel each other, the fixed positive charges inside the
membrane repel positively charged ions (Na+), yet permit negatively charged ions (Cl ~) to
pass through. Similarly, the fixed negative charges inside the other type of membrane repel
negatively charged ions (Cl ~), yet permit positively charged ions (Na+) to pass through.
Therefore, water in one compartment of the cell is deprived of its salts: while the salt
concentration in adjacent compartments is increased. Thus, we get alternate streams of pure
water and concentrated brine.
Advantages : (1) It is most compact unit. (2) The cost of installation of the plant and its
operation is economical. (3) If electricity is easily available, it is best suited.
(2) Reverse osmosis : When two solutions of unequal concentrations are separatedby a semipermeable membrane (which selectively does not permit the passage of dissolved
solute particles, i.e., molecules, ions, etc.), flow of solvent takes place from dilute to
concentrated sides, due to osmosis. If, however, a hydrostatic pressure in excess of osmotic
pressure is applied on the concentrated side, the solvent flow reverses, i.e., solvent is forced to
move from concentrated side to dilute side across the membrane. This is the principle of
reverse osmosis. Thus, in reverse osmosis (R.O.) methods, pure solvent (water) is separated
from its contaminates, rather than removing contaminants from the water. This membrane
filtration is sometimes also called "super-filtration" or "hyper-filtration".
Method : In this process, pressure (of the order 15 to 40 kg cm-2) is. applied to the
sea-water/impure water (to be treated) to force its pure water out through the semi-permeable
membrane ; leaving behind the dissolved solids (both ionic as well as non-ionic). The
principle of reverse osmosis, as applied for treating saline/sea water, is illustrated in Fig. 17.
The membrane consists of very thin films of cellulose acetate, affixed to either side of a
perforated tube. However, more recently superior membranes made of polymethacrylate and
polyamide polymers have come into use.
Advantages: (i) Reverse osmosis possesses a distinct advantage of removing ionic as
well as non-ionic, colloidal and high molecular weight organic matter, (ii) It removes
colloidal silica, which is not removed by demineralization. (iii) The maintenance cost is
almost entirely on the replacement of the semipermeable membrane, (iv) The life time of
membrane is quite high, about 2 years. (v) The membrane can be replaced within a few
minutes, thereby providing nearly uninterrupted water supply, (vi) Due to low capital cost,
simplicity, low operating cost and high reliability, the reverse osmosis is gaining ground at
present for converting sea water into drinking water and for obtaining water for very highpressure boilers.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER
Estimation of Alkalinity :- The alkalinity of water is attributed to the presence of the
: (i) caustic alkalinity (due to OH – and CO 32- ions), and (ii) temporary hardness
(due to HCO - 3ions). These can be estimated separately by titration against standard
acid, using phenolpthelaein and methly orange as indicators. The determination is
based on the following reactions :
[OH - ] + [H +]
[ C O 3 2- ] + [ H+]
[ HCO – 3] + [H+]
H2O
[ HCO-3 ]
H 2 O + CO 2
The titration of water sample against a standard acid up to phenlophthalein end - point
marks the complexion of reactions (i) and (ii) only. This amount of acid used thus
corresponds to hydroxide plus one - half of the normal carbonate present. On th other
hand, titration of water sample against a standard acid to methly orange end - point
marks the complexion of reaction (i),(ii)and (iii). Hence, the amount of acid used after
the phenolphthalein end - point corresponds to one - half o normal carbonate plus all
the bicarbonates: while the total amount of acid used represents the total alkalinity
(due to hydroxide, bicarbonate ions).
The possible combination of ions causing alkalinity in water are: (i) OH
–
only or
(ii) CO 3 2 – only or (iii) HCO 3- only or (iv) OH – and CO 3 2 – together or (v) HCO 3together. The possibility of OH – and HCO
3
-
ions together is ruled out, because they
combine instantaneously to form CO 3 2 – ions.
OH – + HCO 3-
CO 3 2 – +
H2O
NaOH + Na HCO 3-
Na 2 CO3 +
H2O
Thus, OH – and HCO 3-
ions cannot exist together in water. On the basis of
same reasoning, all the three (OH – , CO 3 2 – and H 2 O) cannot exist together.
Procedure:- Pipette out 100 mL of the water sample in a clean titration flask.
Add to it 2 to 3 drops of a phenolphthalein indicator. Run in N/50 H2 SO4 (from a
burette), till the pink colour is just discharged. Then to the same solution, add 2 to 3
drops of methyl orange. Continue the titration, till the pink colour appears.
Calculations: Let volume of acid used to phenolphthalein end – point = V1
mL and extra volume of acid used to methyl orange end – point = V2 mL.
Phenolphthalein alkalinity (in terms of CaCO3 equivalents ),
V1 X 50 X 1,000,000
P=
= 10 V1 ppm.
50 X 100 X 1000
And methyl orange alkalinity ( in terms of CaCO3 equivalents ),
(V1 + V2 ) X 50 X 1,000,000
M=
=10 ( V1 + V2) ppm.
50 X 100 X 1000
2. Dissolved oxygen determination is based on the oxidation of potassium iodide by
dissolved oxygen. The liberated is titrated against a standard sodium thiosulphate solution
using with as final indictor. However , dissolved molecular oxygen in water is not capable
of reacting with KI , so an oxygen – carrier. (such as manganese hydroxide) is
used to
bring about the reaction between KI and oxygen. Manganese hydroxide is produced by the
action of potassium hydroxide and manganous sulphate.
2 KOH + MnSO 4
Mn(OH) 2 + K 2 SO 4
2 Mn (OH) 2 + O 2
2 MnO(OH) 2
(Oxygen Carrier)
Basic Manganic oxide
MnO(OH) 2 + H 2 SO 4
MnSO 4 + 2 H 2 O + [ O ]
2 KI + H 2 SO 4 + [O]
K 2 SO 4 + H 2 O + I 2
Starch + I 2
Strach iodine (Blue)
Procedure: Collect 250 mL of water in a bottle avoiding as for as possible contact with air.
Immediately add 2 ml of manganous sulphate (prepared by dissolving 400 mg MnSO
4
per L)
by means of pipette, dipping the end well below the water surface. Add 2.0 mL of alkaline iodide
solution (prepared by dissolving 150g KI + 500g NaOH and 20g sodium azide NaN3 per L ) in
the similar manner. Stopper the bottle and shake the bottle and shake it thoroughly. Allow the
precipitate to settle half way and mix again. Repeat this process of shaking and settling at least
three times. Then add to it 20mL of conc H2SO4 . insert the stopper and shake the bottle again.
Allow the yellow solution to stand for 5 minutes. Withdraw 100mL of the solution and titrate it
against N\100 sodium thiosulphate solution (prepared by dissolving 2.48 g of sodium
thiosulphate per L) Using freshly prepared starch indicator. End point is disappearance of blue
colour. If v mL is volume of thiosulphate used then, dissolved oxygen content in water = 8 V
ppm.
Calculation
V1 X N X 8X1000
Dissolved oxygen
= ______________
V2 –V3
V1 = Volume of Na 2 S 2 O 3
N = Normality of Na 2 S 2 O 3
V2 =
Volume of water sample taken
V3 = Volume of MnSO4 + AlkalineKI