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.   

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

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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Related Blog: Degasification Tower Design: Square vs. Round?

The first step is understanding the chemical analysis of the water you will treat.

Suppose this is an aeration process for iron (Fe) removal. In that case, it is vital to understand the water's concentration, pH, and alkalinity and the amount of calcium carbonate or other minerals present. Once you've determined that the water is suitable for the desired treatment process, you must choose equipment based on the water's volume and flow rate. Remember that water treatment equipment is not one-size-fits-all and is vitally important when selecting equipment to consider your water conditions.

If a tower's internals is damaged due to the weight of random pack media or fouled water and airflow, the pack media will become completely clogged, and water flow will be blocked. This will result in an expensive shutdown and repair. It is advised that routine service cleanings are carried out under a service contract.

For heavy fouling conditions, a slat tray media selection can save you both downtime and costs. Slat trays provide an anti-fouling benefit based upon the design intended to “shed” particulate as it is formed. They still need to be cleaned in heavy conditions, but far less often, and cleaning is more manageable. The tower process application requires high removal efficiency, then loose fill media may be the only choice unless a pretreatment tower with slat trays is installed in front of the process. Each application must be evaluated on its merits and reviewed for potential fouling and anticipated operating cost.

If fouled completely, loose fill, random pack media will block water flow and air and can, in some circumstances, become so heavy that the weight can damage the internals of a tower. This will cause a shutdown and more expenses to remove and repair. Routine service cleanings under a service contract are highly recommended.

Industrial water treatment systems play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and sustainability of water used in various industrial processes. One of the key challenges faced by industries is the presence of dissolved gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), and corrosive gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the water. These gases can have detrimental effects on equipment, cause pH imbalances, and even compromise the overall efficiency of industrial processes.