changes to the carbonate balance
Reading time:These treatments apply to all types of water (surface or groundwater), whether or not combined with more complex systems. They are designed to:
- either encourage the formation of a Tillmans protective carbonaceous lining for preventing corrosion in cast iron or steel pipes, by eliminating the aggressive CO2 and adjusting pH to its equilibrium value (neutralisation); if, additionally, the water is too soft, the aim of the treatment will also be to raise the M-alk. and Calcium Hardness (remineralisation);
- or by reducing the hydrogen carbonate (carbonate removal) and/or calcium (softening) levels in the water.
The principle underlying these treatments was discussed in section neutralisation – remineralisation.