Skip To Content

Commonly Used Chemicals in Water Treatment Processes

June 22, 2023

Water treatment processes heavily rely on chemicals to eliminate contaminants, neutralize harmful substances, and inhibit the growth of microorganisms. These chemicals help transform raw water from rivers, lakes, or underground sources into high-quality, potable water that meets stringent regulatory standards. By targeting specific impurities, these substances also enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the treatment procedures.

Chemicals used in water treatment processes are carefully selected based on the characteristics of the raw water and the desired water quality. This article will explore the different water treatment chemicals and their compositions.

Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals

Ensuring the safety of drinking water is a top priority for communities worldwide. From municipal water treatment plants to household filtration systems, various chemicals are utilized to eliminate contaminants and make water safe for consumption.

Here are some of the most common substances to purify drinking water:

Chloramines

Chloramines are disinfectant compounds formed by combining chlorine with ammonia or organic amines. They provide a longer-lasting residual disinfectant than free chlorine, ensuring continuous protection throughout the distribution system.

Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound used as a powerful disinfectant and oxidizing agent in water treatment. It is highly effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms present in water. Unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide does not produce toxic disinfection byproducts.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is frequently used as a chemical additive in drinking water purification. It is commonly combined with an activator like formic acid and effectively targets harmful protozoans and pathogens in the water supply.

Types of Wastewater Treatment Chemicals

In the complex process of wastewater treatment, a diverse range of chemicals is employed to remove contaminants and neutralize pollutants. They are critical in various stages of the process, from initial disinfection to the removal of organic compounds. Discussed below are the different types of wastewater treatment chemicals:

Coagulants

Coagulants are aluminum or iron-based chemicals that alter the electrical charge of particles in water. This enables them to attract and combine instead of repel one another. Thus, the process generates larger clusters readily separated by skimming or filtration.

Flocculants

Flocculants can be classified into three main types: natural, chemical, and grafted. When combined with water agitation techniques, these substances promote the aggregation of waste particles into floc clusters. These flocs can then be efficiently removed through settling, flotation, or filtration.

Defoamers

Defoamers, also called antifoaming agents, are chemical additives that reduce or eliminate foam formation in industrial processes for wastewater treatment systems. They contain surface-active agents that reduce the liquids surface tension, causing the foam bubbles to collapse.

Organic Polymers

Organic polymers refer to a specific class of chemicals commonly used as coagulants or flocculants. They aid in the removal of suspended solids, colloidal particles, and other wastewater impurities. In addition, these polymers are typically synthetic compounds with high molecular weights.

Membrane Cleaners and Antiscalants

Membrane cleaners and antiscalants are employed before the treatment process to prevent the coalescence of dissolved mineral salts on the membrane surfaces. This allows for uninterrupted fluid flow. Common cleaners and antiscalants chemicals used in water treatment applications include chlorine dioxide, muriatic acid, soda ash, algicide, chlorine, and sodium bicarbonate.

PH-Adjustment Chemicals

PH-adjustment chemicals, also known as pH modifiers, are substances used to regulate and modify the acidity or alkalinity of a solution or water. They often optimize coagulation, flocculation, disinfection processes, and water corrosiveness control.

Water/Wastewater Chemicals Offered by Hibrett Puratex

Hibrett Puratex is a renowned provider of a comprehensive selection of industrial water treatment chemicals. In addition to our proprietary chemical formulations, we also offer industry-standard commodity chemicals at competitive prices. Furthermore, we adhere strictly to stringent regulations and standards set by prominent governing bodies like the DHS, EPA, DOT, and local authorities.

The following are the substances we provide:

  • Acid descalers
  • Aluminum sulfate
  • Ammonium chloride
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Calcium chloride
  • Calcium hypochlorite
  • Ferric chloride
  • Ferrous sulfate
  • Lime
  • Methanol
  • Muriatic acid
  • Nutrient solutions
  • Phosphoric acid
  • Phosphates
  • Potassium hydroxide
  • Potassium permanganate
  • Sodium aluminate
  • Sodium bicarbonate
  • Sodium bisulfate
  • Sodium bisulfite
  • Sodium carbonate
  • Sodium chloride
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Sodium hypochlorite
  • Sodium sulfite
  • Solar salt
  • Sulfamic acid
  • Sulfuric acid
  • Urea
  • Zinc sulfate solution

Enhance Your Water Treatment Process With Hibrett Puratex Chemicals!

Are you ready to revolutionize your water treatment processes and achieve superior results? Look no further than Hibrett Puratex. With our extensive range of high-quality water treatment chemicals and solutions, we have the expertise and products to meet your specific needs.

Let us understand your requirements, provide tailored recommendations, and guide you toward the most effective chemicals used in water treatment solutions. Contact us for more information or request a quote now! You can also browse our product catalog to get started.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *