What does water decarbonization involve?

What does water decarbonization involve?

The water decarbonization process is a key element used in various industries, such as manufacturing and gastronomy. Its main goal is to soften water by removing carbonate hardness, which is essential for the quality of the water used. In this article, we will discuss decarbonization methods, their applications, and the benefits of this process.

Last updated: August 26, 2025

What is Water decarbonization?

The purpose of water decarbonization is to soften it by removing carbonate hardness, which is caused by: calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, and hydrogen ions. This reduction can be done completely or partially.

As mentioned in the introduction, decarbonization is applied:

  • in the industry – among others, to obtain water used for cooling towers, cooling water, or process water used in the food and brewing industries;
  • in gastronomy – to avoid limescale in convection-steam ovens or to obtain water suitable for brewing coffee (in the case of low carbonate hardness, the water is toosour).

Water Decarbonization Methods

Water decarbonization can be carried out in several ways. Here they are:

It is important to remember: The choice of decarbonization method should be tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the facility.
  • decarbonization of water with lime – this method is based on adding lime water or milk of lime to the liquid and is most commonly used for preparing cooling waters or during the preliminary treatment of water with increased carbonate hardness;
  • decarbonization with acid – this is the conversion of carbonate hardness to an equivalent non-carbonate hardness by using a strong mineral acid,for example, from salt or sulfur. This method allows for the production of additional or circulating cooling water;
  • thermal decarbonization – a method that utilizes high temperatures in the range of 90-100 degrees Celsius, which makes it possible to prepare water for supplying low- and medium-pressure boilers. Furthermore, the thermal method can serve as a basis for further softening using other techniques;
  • decarbonization based on ion exchange – this method involves interchangeable absorption, using weakly acidic ion exchangers along with hydrogen ion exchange. It is a method mainly used in the presence of high concentrations of calcium and magnesium carbonates.

Filters and water softeners for decarbonization

If you areif you are interested in water decarbonization, be sure to check out the rich offer of water softeners and efficient filters that will effectively eliminate carbonate hardness. It is worth noting the variety of available technologies that can be tailored to the individual needs of users.

In summary, water decarbonization is a necessary process in many fields, and the right methods and technologies can significantly impact water quality anddevice performance.

It's important to remember: Choosing the right filtration or water softening system is crucial for the effectiveness of decarbonization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is water decarbonization?

Water decarbonization is the process of removing carbonate hardness, whichleads to water softening.

What are the methods of water decarbonization?

There are various methods, such as lime decarbonization, acid, thermal, and ion exchange based.

Why is decarbonization important in industry?

It helps achieve water of appropriate quality, which is crucial for the efficiency of technological processes.

What is the application of decarbonization in gastronomy?

In gastronomy, it prevents the formation of scale and improves the quality of brewed coffee.

What are the benefits of water decarbonization?

Benefits include improved water quality, equipment efficiency, and reduced operating costs.

What filters are best for decarbonization?

The best filters are those that are tailored to the specific needs of the user and the type of water.

Author: Maciej Waliduda — a specialist in water treatment, with many years of experience in the industry.

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