Introduction
Chlorine is a commonly used chemical disinfectant in water treatment plants. It is used to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from the water. However, excess chlorine in drinking water can have negative effects on human health. Therefore, it is essential to remove chlorine from water before it is distributed to consumers. In this article, we will discuss how to remove chlorine from water in a water treatment plant.
Chlorine Removal Methods
There are various methods to remove chlorine from water in a water treatment plant. These methods are:
Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon is very effective in removing chlorine from water. Water passes through a bed of activated carbon, which absorbs the chlorine. This method is commonly used in water treatment plants.
Sulfur Dioxide Injection
Sulfur dioxide reacts with chlorine to form a harmless compound called sodium bisulfite. This method is achieved by injecting sulfur dioxide into the water supply to remove excess chlorine.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a process that uses a membrane to remove impurities from water. Chlorine ions are too large to pass through the membrane; hence they are removed from the water by this process.
Factors that Affect Chlorine Removal
Various factors affect the efficiency of chlorine removal from water. These factors include:
Water Temperature
Water temperature affects the efficiency of chlorine removal. Higher water temperatures improve the efficiency of chlorine removal.
Contact Time
The contact time between water and the chlorine removal agent is a crucial factor in chlorine removal. Longer contact times enhance the removal of chlorine from water.
pH Level
pH level affects the efficiency of chlorine removal. Optimum pH levels for chlorine removal are between 6.8-7.2.
Conclusion
Chlorine is a crucial chemical disinfectant in water treatment plants. However, excess chlorine in drinking water can have adverse effects on human health. Therefore, it is essential to remove chlorine from water before it is distributed to consumers. The methods of removing chlorine from water include activated carbon filtration, sulfur dioxide injection, and reverse osmosis. The efficiency of chlorine removal is dependent on factors such as water temperature, contact time, and pH level.