Sulphuric acid (50%) is a crucial chemical in water treatment processes across various industries, valued for pH control, coagulation, and scale prevention:
- Battery acid for lead acid batteries, although it should be noted the concentration should be between 30-35%.
- pH Adjustment: Commonly used in industrial water treatment plants and municipal water facilities, sulfuric acid lowers pH to manage alkalinity and prevent scaling in pipes and equipment.
- Coagulation Enhancer: By adjusting pH, sulfuric acid improves coagulation and flocculation, allowing particle removal for clearer water, especially in wastewater treatment plants and industrial filtration systems.
- Mineral Scaling Prevention: Used in desalination and high-mineral-content water treatment, sulphuric acid prevents scale from calcium and magnesium, which is critical in boiler feedwater treatment and cooling towers.
- Nutrient Control in Wastewater: Sulfuric acid is applied in wastewater facilities to control nutrient levels, helping prevent algal blooms when treated water is released into natural bodies.
Sulphuric acid requires proper handling due to its corrosive nature, with pH monitoring systems to ensure safe and efficient use across these applications.