The Role of Industrial Gases in Water Treatment
Clean water is essential for public health and industrial operations. Industrial gases play a critical role in every stage of water treatment, from disinfection to pH control. This article explains how three key gases, liquid chlorine, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, are used in water treatment facilities across Nigeria.
Liquid Chlorine (Cl₂) for Disinfection
Liquid chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant in water treatment worldwide. When dissolved in water, chlorine forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
The reaction is:
Cl₂ + H₂O → HOCl + HCl
Key advantages of chlorine disinfection:
- Residual protection: Unlike UV treatment, chlorine provides ongoing disinfection through the distribution network
- Cost-effective: Chlorine is one of the most affordable disinfection methods available
- Proven effectiveness: Decades of use have established chlorine as a reliable method of water purification
Ammonia for Chloramine Formation
In many modern water treatment plants, ammonia is added after chlorination to form chloramines. Chloramines provide a longer-lasting disinfectant residual than free chlorine alone.
The reaction is:
NH₃ + HOCl → NH₂Cl + H₂O
Chloramination is particularly useful for large distribution networks where water may travel long distances before reaching consumers.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) for pH Control
After treatment, water often has a pH that is too high for distribution. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in the water to lower the pH to an acceptable range (typically 6.5 to 8.5).
The reaction is:
CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃
CO₂-based pH adjustment is preferred over mineral acids because it is safer to handle, produces no harmful byproducts, and provides more precise control.
Supply Considerations for Water Treatment Plants
Water treatment facilities require a reliable supply of high-purity gases. Key considerations include:
- Purity: Contaminants in gas supplies can affect water quality and damage equipment
- Reliability: Water treatment cannot stop, so supply continuity is critical
- Documentation: Certificates of Analysis are essential for regulatory compliance
- Packaging: Gases must be supplied in appropriate containers (cylinders, ton containers, or bulk tanks) depending on facility size
Partner with Sesantech Industries
Sesantech Industries supplies liquid chlorine, ammonia, and carbon dioxide to water treatment plants across Nigeria and West Africa. Every batch includes a Certificate of Analysis, and we offer flexible packaging and delivery options.
Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your water treatment gas requirements.