DELOACH BLOG

The Term referred to as “Degasification” or "Decarbonation" and how they work

Relates to the process of the removal of suspended gas or solids that are converted to a gas-based upon certain criteria during water filtration, treatment, membrane filtration, or attempting to adjust pH.   When removing (CO2) the process is often referred to as “Decarbonation”, when removing (H2S) the process is often referred to as “Degasification”. 

Degasification is the most economical method for

the removal of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and Oxygen (0₂) can all be removed by “Degasification”.  The other variables are the total inlet water flow rate, the inlet feed temperature of the water, the ambient air temperature, the inlet concentrations that can be expressed as parts per billion (ppb), parts per million (ppm) or Mg/l, and the desired effluent removal levels also expressed in the same method.  It is also important to fully understand the actual application and the use of the water to determine how critical maintaining critical levels are and what impact variations will create for the final use.   Understanding these variables will aid you in the design of the system and any additional redundant systems needed to assure full compliance with standards.   

Maximizing and adjusting the pH of industrial water for degasification and decarbonation.

Maintaining Water Quality: Key to Effective Chemical Odor Control Treatment Systems

Do you need to remove or increase your reverse osmosis system's hydrogen sulfide removal efficiency?

The industrial water treatment market has many forms of water treatment processes. Most of us would agree that maintaining high water standards and quality requires using multiple treatment systems to achieve results.  Let’s face it, we do not win or get a “that a boy” when we design and build the best reverse osmosis system.

When we turn the brand-new water system on, the water has a "rotten egg odor." Yes, that is an embarrassing moment! 

The problem is we typically design around what we can see or read.  When was the last time you reviewed a water sample that provided details of how much-dissolved gas was in the water?  Most likely never.  A typical water treatment system may deploy reverse osmosis as the primary treatment method, and why true RO will remove particles that have size and weight (ions and molecules) typically defined as a certain size (micron), but RO does nothing to remove the dissolved gases that are already entrained within the water naturally or were created by adjusting the pH.  

Decarbonation is a critical process in water treatment, and understanding the impact of alkalinity is essential for its successful implementation.

Are pH and Alkalinity the Same? Balancing Alkalinity Levels for Optimal Water Quality

Choosing the Right Materials: Ensuring Certification and Performance in Water Treatment

Have you ever walked on a sidewalk or in a parking lot and passed by a lift station or manhole and noticed a smell so bad you thought you were going to pass out? 

Most people who encounter these types of odors do not live in the world of designing and building odor-control treatment systems.  For those of us who do we fully understand that when we encounter such a noxious smell it most likely needs an odor control system.  It does not matter if the odorous smell is coming from an industrial water treatment process, food and beverage plant, wastewater plant, or from the off-gas of a “degasification process”.  All of these types of industries and many more can generate odors and quite often these noxious odors must be addressed and treated because of either safety or public outcry. Many times odorous gases are generated as the result of processing and purifying drinking water.  When water contains contaminants like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbon dioxide (CO₂), or ammonia (NH₃) there is a need to treat and remove these harmful elements from the water. 

Odors come from many sources

When processing and purifying drinking water which requires pH adjustment by adding acid to lower the pH and allow for the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) which will not convert at higher pH levels.  After the pH level is properly adjusted the hydrogen sulfide can be removed by degasification.  After the degasification process the pH will rise in the water from the removal of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) and if the pH remains slightly acidic then caustic is normally injected into the water stream to raise the pH back up to a neutral level of 7.  This entire required process to purify the water is what generates the odor and creates the requirement for an odor control scrubber.  Odor control scrubbers may utilize chemicals such as acid and caustic to treat the air gas noxious odor or it may be a biological Scrubber that consumes the contaminants within the noxious gas air stream including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.  Noxious or corrosive odorous gases are not always from wastewater treatment plants or underground lift stations that are commonly referred to as “wet wells”.  Quite often odors are generated during manufacturing or food processing as well as from the efforts just mention in a municipal water treatment and purifying plan.  During the period of pH adjustment hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other odorous substances can be released by means of Decarbonation or Degasification.  Some odors have a pungent smell and other odors are harmful corrosive gases that must be contained to protect the surroundings or even human life.  There are many types of odors and off gases that must be contained, captured, treated, or neutralized.  Understanding the; who, what, where, and why, first will normally put you on the road to selecting the right solution for odor control.

Water treatment towers and storage tanks are high places that require special precautions when entering. While the majority of people who enter these locations for work can be trusted, there are some hazards that make it more important than usual to follow safety procedures.

These locations can get very hot and humid, and can also be filled with harmful chemicals and microorganisms that can cause serious health issues if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Therefore, the general standard for workplace safety is much higher when entering locations like these.

Make sure you have read and understood the following information about safety when entering a water treatment plant. It will help you understand how to stay safe and protect yourself from harm when entering a water treatment plant. normal installation, maintenance, or even emergency repairs, it is often required to enter into a water treatment tower (degasifier, air stripper, decarbonator, or clear well/ storage tank). When this occurs, full safety protocols should be followed at all times, in accordance with OSHA regulations.  A tower or tank B classification is a "Confined Space" location. For more information visit the OSHA confined space regulations page.

In addition, there are other safety risks that an operator or technician can be exposed to while inside these types of closed locations. The risk can come from fumes of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), chlorine from an injection line, or a lack of oxygen O2. A proper confined space permit should be prepared and only technicians with proper training and certifications should enter into these types of confined spaces.

When it comes to removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from water through the process of degasification.

It is crucial to ensure that the pH of the water is properly adjusted prior to treatment. This step becomes more complex if you are not already pre-treating water for membrane filtration or softening. The reason behind this is that when the pH of water rises above 5.5, it becomes increasingly challenging to convert H2S or sulfides into a gaseous phase, which is necessary for their removal through the degasification process utilizing a degasifier.

At a pH of 7, the conversion rate drops significantly, and a standard degasification tower can only remove about 80-85% of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), leaving behind worrisome levels of this compound in the water. However, by lowering the pH to 5.5 (or at least a pH of 6), the removal efficiency dramatically increases to 99% in most cases. In situations where high water quality is demanded, such as in breweries or canneries, removal rates as high as 99.99% can be achieved by carefully adjusting the pH.

Leaving excessive amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or sulfur in the water can lead to various additional problems with water quality, including unpleasant taste and odor. Moreover, it can cause fouling and corrosion of the primary equipment and even the facilities themselves. The negative consequences of inadequate hydrogen sulfide removal underline the importance of addressing this issue effectively.

If you would like to obtain more information or learn about the various solutions available, we recommend reaching out to the professionals at DeLoach Industries Inc. They have extensive expertise in the field and can provide you with valuable insights and guidance. Feel free to contact them at (941) 371-4995 to discuss your specific needs and find the most suitable approach for hydrogen sulfide removal from your water in your water treatment system.

By addressing the pH adjustment requirement and ensuring effective degasification, you can significantly improve the overall quality of your water supply. Investing in proper treatment measures not only enhances the taste and smell of the water but also safeguards the longevity and functionality of your equipment and infrastructure.

DeLoach Industries Inc. is renowned for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Their knowledgeable team is well-equipped to assist you in finding the most effective solutions for hydrogen sulfide removal, tailored to your unique circumstances. Don't hesitate to get in touch with them today to explore how they can help you achieve optimal water quality and mitigate the potential challenges associated with hydrogen sulfide contamination.

In conclusion, when dealing with the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from water through degasification, ensuring proper pH adjustment is essential for successful treatment. Adjusting the pH to an ideal level of 5.5 or at least 6 significantly improves the removal efficiency, offering rates as high as 99%. Neglecting this crucial step can result in compromised water quality, fouling, and corrosion of equipment and facilities. For expert guidance and solutions tailored to your needs, contact DeLoach Industries Inc. at (941) 371-4995, and take proactive steps toward ensuring clean and high-quality water.

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