pH Fix Calcium Carbonate
pH Fix Calcium Carbonate is also referred to as Calcite, pH Correction and pH Fix
Calcite is a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃). It is commonly used in water treatment systems to neutralize acidic water (low pH) by raising the pH level. The process is commonly referred to as “pH Correction” or “pH Fix,” hence why calcite is sometimes called “pH Fix.”
pH Fix is primarily used in water filtration and purification systems to neutralize acidic water, making it less corrosive and safer for plumbing systems. It offers a controlled and economical solution for pH correction, ensuring that water remains within a non-corrosive pH range without overcorrection.
How Calcite Works
Calcite works by slowly dissolving into the water, which releases Calcium Carbonate. This increases the pH of the water, reducing its acidity. The process is self-limiting, meaning Calcite only dissolves as much as needed to correct the pH, so there’s little risk of overcorrection. This makes Calcite a safe and effective media for neutralizing acidic water.
Core Composition
- Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): 95-99%
- Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃): Less than 1% (in some calcite products)
Recommended Water Parameters for Using Calcite
- pH Range: Ideal for use in water with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. If the pH is below 6.0, calcite may not be effective alone.
- Hardness: The water should ideally have low to moderate hardness, as the introduction of calcium carbonate may increase water hardness slightly. Calcite is suitable for water with up to 50mg/l CaCo3 Total Harness, higher hardness levels could cause scaling.
- Water Temperature: Recommended for cold water applications; calcite dissolves more slowly in cold water and can be more effective for gradual pH adjustment.
- Flow Rate Considerations: Calcite requires a specific contact time with water to dissolve adequately and adjust pH levels. The flow rate should be adjusted based on the filter bed depth and water demand.
Recommended Filter Bed Depth vs. Flow Rate
The depth of the calcite filter bed affects both the efficiency of the pH correction and the system’s flow rate. A deeper bed allows for more contact time between the water and the calcite media, resulting in better pH correction.
- Flow Direction: Recommended Upflow Configuration.
- Minimum Bed Depth: 24-30 inches (61-76 cm) for effective pH adjustment.
- Flow Rate: Generally, calcite filters are designed to work with flow rates of 3-6 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft²) of bed area. Higher flow rates may reduce the contact time and effectiveness of the media.
For a typical household system, with a flow rate of 30-50 liters per minute (LPM), ensuring the correct bed depth and area is crucial for efficient pH adjustment.
Recommended Parameters vs. Hardness, pH, and Flow Rate
- For Moderate pH (6.0 to 6.8): Pure Calcite is sufficient.
- Flow Rate: 0.36m³ – 0.73m³ – 1054 FRP Vessel – 2 Bags
- Flow Rate: 0.6m³ – 1.2m³ – 1354 FRP Vessel – 4 Bags
- Flow Rate: 0.7m³ – 0.14m³ – 1465 FRP Vessel – 5 Bags
- Flow Rate: 0.92m³ – 1.85m³ – 1665 VRP Vessel – 6 Bags
- Flow Rate: 1.2m³ – 2.4m³ – 1865 VRP Vessel – 9 Bags
- Flow Rate: 1.47m³ – 2.9m³ – 2472 FRP Vessel – 16 Bags
- Flow Rate: 4.7m³ – 9.4m³ – 3672 FRP Vessel – 36 Bags
- Flow Rate: 5.7m³ – 11.4m³ – 4072 FRP Vessel – 43 Bags
- Flow Rate: 8.2m³ – 16.4m³ – 4872 FRP Vessel – 60 Bags
- For Higher Flow Rates: A deeper filter bed or multiple filter stages may be required to maintain pH correction efficiency.
System Maintenance
- Media Replenishment: Calcite gradually dissolves as it adjusts the pH of the water. The media should be replenished periodically, typically every 6 to 12 months, depending on water usage and pH levels.
- Backwashing: To prevent the calcite bed from compacting or clogging with sediments, the system should be backwashed periodically (once every 1-2 weeks) to clean and reclassify the media.
In summary, Calcite is an effective and self-limiting media for correcting acidic water, primarily composed of Calcium Carbonate. The effectiveness of Calcite is highly dependent on flow rate, contact time, and the pH of the incoming water.
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