The typical symptoms of Corrosion are blue/green staining of baths, sinks, showers etc. Pinhole leaks of copper cylinders and pipework are also common. In some cases the water can cause hair to turn green.
pH
pH is a measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration of water. The EU directive (SI no 430 of 2000) for pH is greater than 6.5 and less than 9.5. Low pH is acidic. High pH is considered alkaline. Typically waters with a pH lower than 6.5 may require neutralisation in order to control the corrosion of metals. Depending on the application the pH of the water may be raised to 7 or 7.5 or up to 8-8.5 to treat certain conditions.
General information
Any strong alkali solution can be used to raise pH. Water Technology currently offer Corrotex N (potassium hydroxide) in 25 litre containers for pH correction. When added at the correct concentration and monitored using the test kit provided,
this method has been found to be an extremely easy and effective way of neutralising water. Every litre of water is treated to the same pH level. This is not the case in slowly dissolving mineral filters where continuous adjustment is required to compensate for the level of mineral dropping in the vessel. It also eliminates the variance in pH caused by fluctuating flow rates through the filter. Operator input is minimised and unlike dissolving mineral systems, this system does not require to be dismantled for refilling of a media. The container of neutraliser is simply exchanged when it goes low. Note also that all methods for pH correction require the addition of material to the water. This is the case whether it is in the form of a liquid , or materials that slowly dissolve into the water from a filter media in a pressure vessel. The notion of non chemical pH correction is a myth.
Injection system
The photo above shows a typical installation with a meter and dosing set and using a 25 lt container of neutraliser. – The same system can be used with 200 lt or 1000 lt bulk containers. More sophisticated pumps than that shown in the photo can be used where additional signal outputs are required.
Safety issues:
Water Technology install dosing systems only when used with an impulse water meter. This eliminates the possibility of overdosing which could occur in dosing system which are operated by wiring the dosing pump in parallel with the well pump.
Water Technology also manufacture and supply alternative dissolving mineral acid neutralising filters. Contact us to discuss pros and cons of the alternatives.