What Is Iron Removal Equipment?
Iron removal equipment are devices that remove iron from well water.
Chemicals are used to oxidize and extract the iron contained in the water, and the filtered well water can be used as drinking water or domestic water.
You can choose the size of iron removal equipment that best suits your site, from small to medium-sized facilities to large facilities such as educational facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals. Iron removal equipment capable of removing iron, manganese, and hardness components is also available.
Uses of Iron Removal Equipment
Iron removal equipment allows a wide range of uses for well water, including general drinking water, miscellaneous water, and industrial water. In cases where well water cannot be used due to high iron concentrations, iron removal equipment can be installed between the well pump and indoor piping to make the water even safer to use.
In particular, ion-exchange iron removal equipment can soften all the water used in daily life. In addition to iron removal and manganese removal from well water, hardness components are removed, and water softening is possible with only one iron removal equipment.
Unlike the conventional system installed at the faucet, the Iron removal equipment can be installed between the well and indoor piping to soften all the water in the home, making it possible to supply soft water for cooking, bathing, washing clothes, and all other daily water needs.
Principle of Iron Removal Equipment
There are two types of iron removal methods: ion exchange and contact oxidation, and the principle of each method differs.
1. Ion Exchange Method
Ion exchange resin is a water treatment system that uses ion exchange resin. Ion exchange resins are a type of synthetic resin, also called ion exchange polymers. It has a molecular structure that ionizes as an ion exchange group and can adsorb and treat iron ions contained in water. At the same time, it can remove hardness components and soften water.
When iron, manganese, and hardness components adsorbed on the ion exchange resin become saturated, the removal performance decreases. Therefore, the regeneration cycle should be considered depending on the water quality.
Regeneration refers to the cleaning of the inside of the equipment, which is essential for all ion-exchange systems. The iron, manganese, and hardness components are stripped from the adsorbed components by using a displacement agent, such as special boiler salt. Regeneration of removal capacity through filter material cleaning ensures long-term stability of operation and provides water treated by iron removal equipment.
2. Contact Oxidation Method
Iron can be removed by adding sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) to force the iron in the water to react and then filtered through a device such as a sand filter. Sand, anthracite, berm, and ceramic grains can be used as filter media.
Iron in groundwater exists primarily as ferrous bicarbonate. The reaction of ferrous bicarbonate with sodium hypochlorite produces Fe(OH)3 and Fe2O3-3H2O, which are insoluble substances (English: suspended solids).
Insoluble Fe(OH)3 and Fe2O3-3H2O are also formed when iron in groundwater comes into contact with oxygen in the air or dissolved oxygen in raw water.
How to Choose Iron Removal Equipment
The choice should take into account the advantages and disadvantages of ion exchange and contact oxidation methods.
1. Ion Exchange Method
Iron removal equipment can be used even with high iron concentrations, and water softening is possible with only one unit. It can be applied to small amounts of water, regenerates in a short time, and does not use chlorine, making it safe and corrosion-free. It does not take up much space for installation, can be regenerated according to the amount of water, and saves boiler salt. However, it cannot be sterilized and requires a separate sterilizer depending on the situation. It also does not remove oxidized iron.
2. Contact Oxidation Method
Chlorine is used to remove iron and sterilize the water at the same time. The chlorine used is inexpensive, but it is difficult to remove iron at concentrations higher than 2 ppm, and a separate water softener is required to soften the water. It takes a lot of space for installation, requires a large amount of treated water, and takes a long time for back washing and regeneration. The use of highly concentrated chlorine causes corrosion of pipes, etc., and maintenance of the filtration system is costly.