DELOACH BLOG

Understanding Degasification and Decarbonation

In industrial and municipal water treatment systems, controlling dissolved gas levels is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, ensuring safety, and ensuring compliance. The term “Degasification” (or “Decarbonation”) refers to the process of removing unwanted gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and oxygen (O₂) from water.

While both processes share the same purpose of gas removal, the terminology changes based on the type of gas being targeted:

Decarbonation is typically used when removing carbon dioxide (CO₂).

- Degasification most often refers to the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) or other dissolved gases.

These processes are a critical step in water treatment, especially when preparing water for reverse osmosis (RO), boiler feed systems, or industrial reuse applications.

How Degasification Works

Degasification operates on the principle of transferring gases from water into the air. By forcing air through the water stream inside a degasification or decarbonation tower, the system promotes mass transfer, allowing the unwanted gases to escape.

Key factors influencing degasification efficiency

- Inlet Water Flow Rate: Higher flow rates require larger towers or more efficient packing media.

- Water Temperature: Warmer water releases gases more readily.

- Ambient Air Temperature: Impacts air density and transfer rate.

- Gas Concentration: Measured in ppm, ppb, or mg/L, this determines the tower’s design and airflow volume.

- Desired Effluent Levels: Defines the level of purity required for downstream applications.

Understanding these variables enables engineers to design a customized degasification system that meets stringent quality standards. For example, systems treating well water high in hydrogen sulfide must maintain consistent airflow and contact time to ensure complete removal of the gas.

To learn more about custom-engineered degasification systems, visit DeLoach Industries.

Applications: Reverse Osmosis and Membrane Filtration

Degasification is often integrated after Reverse Osmosis (RO) or membrane filtration to remove residual gases that pass through the membrane, such as H₂S and CO₂.

1. Reducing Chlorine Demand

By eliminating these gases before chlorination, operators can significantly reduce chlorine consumption, improving disinfection efficiency and minimizing chemical costs.

2. Improving Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Levels

Removing dissolved gases also enhances TSS performance, resulting in clearer, higher-quality permeate.

3. Adjusting pH Without Chemicals

When CO₂ is removed, the pH naturally rises, helping stabilize the water without the need for caustic chemicals or lime, making degasification an eco-friendly solution for optimizing water treatment.

For a deeper dive into membrane treatment post-processes, explore DeLoach Industries’ water treatment solutions.

Managing Off-Gas and Odor Control

In some cases, the air discharged from a degasification or decarbonation tower can contain elevated H₂S levels, creating odor nuisances or even health and safety hazards for nearby personnel.

1. Why Off-Gas Treatment Is Essential

Hydrogen sulfide, when combined with moisture, forms sulfuric acid, which corrodes nearby equipment and building materials. This makes off-gas treatment essential in steam processes, boiler feed systems, and industrial wastewater applications.

2. Odor Control and Scrubber Systems

To mitigate emissions, facilities often install air scrubbers or odor control systems directly onto the off-gas line. These scrubbers use chemical or biological media to neutralize odors and capture harmful gases before release.

DeLoach Industries offers custom-engineered odor control and degasification solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing treatment systems. Learn more about industrial water treatment technologies at www.deloachindustries.com.

The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Degasification

Degasification systems are not only effective, they’re also highly economical compared to chemical treatment methods.

Some key advantages include:

- Reduced chemical usage and maintenance costs

- Extended equipment life by preventing corrosion

- Improved water quality consistency

- Compliance with EPA and OSHA air quality standards

In municipal systems, this can translate into lower operational costs and enhanced environmental performance, especially when paired with other sustainable technologies, such as odor-control scrubbers and biotrickling filters.

Partner with DeLoach Industries for Advanced Water Treatment Solutions

For over 65 years, DeLoach Industries has been a trusted leader in designing and manufacturing custom degasification, decarbonation, and odor control systems for industrial and municipal clients worldwide.

Whether you need to remove hydrogen sulfide, naturally raise pH levels, or enhance the performance of your reverse osmosis system, our team can design a customized solution that meets your exact specifications.

Contact DeLoach Industries today at (941) 371-4995 to request a quote or speak with a water treatment expert.

Since 1959, DeLoach Industries, Inc. has been a trusted leader in manufacturing water, wastewater, and odor control solutions and air emission control systems. Recognized as one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers in the U.S., we specialize in providing reliable solutions that help municipalities and industrial facilities manage odors, meet regulatory standards, and maintain safe working and community environments.

Water treatment is the backbone of industrial processes, ensuring that systems run smoothly and efficiently. One of the essential components in this field is the degasification and decarbonation system. By effectively removing gases from water, these systems enhance water quality and minimize corrosion risks. Here we'll cover the intricacies of hydraulic flow optimization for degasification systems and reveal the best practices for avoiding common pitfalls in system design.

Industrial water treatment is a cornerstone of efficient and sustainable industrial operations. The presence of dissolved gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), can wreak havoc on equipment and processes. Understanding how to effectively manage these gases through degasification is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the mechanics and benefits of forced draft and induced draft degasification towers, empowering you to make informed decisions for your water treatment systems.

Understanding the Challenges of Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) in Water

The Evolution of Water Treatment Technologies

In the industrial sector, water purity is not a mere operational detail—it's a critical component that can significantly impact product quality, equipment longevity, and overall operational costs. From semiconductor manufacturing to chemical production, the demand for high-quality water is a universal necessity. Many industries face the challenge of dealing with groundwater, which often contains minerals and dissolved gases like calcium carbonate, manganese, iron, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These contaminants can severely damage machinery, clog systems, and compromise the effectiveness of demineralization resins.

Industrial facilities are often at the forefront of producing essential goods and services, but with these processes comes the challenge of managing industrial odors. These odors affect the immediate working environment and have broader implications for community relations, worker health, and regulatory compliance.

How Forced Draft Degasification Systems Work

Forced Draft Degasification (FDD) systems are at the forefront of industrial water purification technology and are designed to remove dissolved gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, from water, significantly improving water quality and reducing the risk of corrosion in industrial equipment. The process starts in a vertically designed tower where water flows downward, encountering a cross-current airflow. This setup allows the unwanted gases to be stripped away efficiently, ensuring that the water exiting the system is free of these contaminants.

The Science Behind Hydrogen Sulfide and Its Hazards

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless gas known for its pungent "rotten egg" smell, even at low concentrations. With the chemical formula H2S, it consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to a single sulfur atom. This compound is naturally produced during the decay of organic matter and can also be a byproduct of various industrial processes, such as petroleum refining, sewage treatment, and paper manufacturing. Despite its natural occurrence, hydrogen sulfide poses significant risks due to its toxic and corrosive nature.