Calcium Carbonate Remineralization Process for Soft Water
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water remineralization processes, such as those using lime or limestone, face challenges including the need for corrosive substances, high carbon dioxide usage, and large equipment footprints, which pose environmental and operational concerns.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of an aqueous solution of calcium carbonate, with dissolved calcium carbonate and reaction species, is combined with feed water to achieve remineralization, avoiding corrosive compounds and reducing carbon dioxide usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lime dissolution process is used for remineralization, then water remineralization is achieved, but corrosive substances are required and high carbon dioxide usage is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of calcium supplement from lime (Ca(OH)2) to calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and adjusts the carbonation process parameters to achieve effective remineralization with reduced CO2 emissions and without corrosiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses calcium carbonate as a safer, less hazardous alternative to lime, reducing the need for expensive corrosion-resistant equipment and special handling facilities while maintaining remineralization effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If limestone bed filtration is used for remineralization, then corrosiveness is avoided, but large equipment footprints are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the remineralization function from the large-scale limestone bed filtration system and implements it through a more compact calcium carbonate dissolution system with controlled carbonation, reducing equipment footprint while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using calcium carbonate with controlled particle size and optimized carbonation conditions, enabling effective remineralization in a more compact system compared to traditional limestone bed filtration
3Reliability
If lime milk is used for remineralization, then water remineralization is achieved, but large volumes are necessary and pH shifts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from lime milk to calcium carbonate suspension with optimized particle characteristics, reducing the volume required while improving pH stability through the buffering capacity of calcium carbonate
4Reliability
If hydrated lime is added to soft water, then remineralization occurs, but unwanted pH shifts occur due to absence of buffering properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces lime with calcium carbonate, which provides inherent buffering capacity due to its carbonate chemistry, stabilizing pH during the remineralization process without requiring additional pH control measures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process effectively remineralizes water without the need for corrosive substances, reduces environmental impact by minimizing carbon dioxide usage, and allows for smaller equipment footprints, making it a more sustainable and efficient option.
Implementation Method 1
CaCO3+CO2+H2O⇌Ca2++2HCO3−
Implementation Method 2
dissolved calcium carbonate and reaction species
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a process for treating water and the use of calcium carbonate in such a process. In particular, the present invention is directed to a process for remineralization of water comprising the steps of providing feed water, providing an aqueous solution of calcium carbonate, wherein the aqueous solution of calcium carbonate comprises dissolved calcium carbonate and reaction species thereof, and combining the feed water and the aqueous calcium carbonate solution.