Water is an essential component in several industrial processes, but the quality of water can vary significantly depending on the source. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause problems in industrial applications, such as scaling and corrosion. These issues cause immense monetary losses as well as result in loss of productivity. As a result, many industries have turned to water treatment methods like water softening and water conditioning to improve the quality of water for their processes. But which option is better for your industry?
Commercial Water Softeners
Water softening is the process of removing minerals that cause hardness from water using chemicals. Commercial water softeners work by using ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. The resulting water is softer and more manageable for industrial processes.
However, they also have some drawbacks. For example,
Increased Sodium Levels: Water softening removes minerals like calcium and magnesium from water and replaces them with sodium ions. While this can make the water more manageable for industrial processes, it also increases the overall sodium content. This can be a problem for industries that have strict limits on sodium levels in their products or processes, such as food and beverage production and healthcare facilities.
Environmental Concerns: Water softening typically requires the use of chemicals or salt to remove minerals from water. This can have negative environmental impacts if not properly managed.
Maintenance Requirements: Commercial water softening systems require regular maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly. This can include backwashing the resin tank, replacing filters, and monitoring salt levels. If not properly maintained, the system may not be as effective at removing minerals or could lead to increased costs due to system failures.
Cost: Commercial water softening systems can be expensive to install and operate. The cost of the system itself, as well as ongoing maintenance and salt or chemical usage, can add up over time.
Water Structuring Devices
Water structuring is a newer water conditioning technology that aims to improve the quality of water by altering its molecular structure. The idea behind water structuring is that water molecules naturally form clusters, and when these clusters are broken up, the resulting water shows elevated properties.
Water structuring devices are increasingly seen as an alternative to water softeners, and they offer several benefits, including reducing scaling, improving water absorption, and increasing energy efficiency.
Water softening can provide several positive effects for industries. Here are a few benefits of water softening in industrial settings:
Reduced Scaling: Hard water can cause scaling in pipes and equipment, leading to reduced water flow, decreased efficiency, and increased energy consumption. Structured water reduces scaling by reducing the scaling propensity of the salts present in the water.
Extended Equipment Life: Scaling and corrosion caused by hard water can also damage equipment, leading to costly repairs or replacement. Water structuring can help extend the life of equipment by reducing these risks.
Improved Product Quality: Industries that rely on water in their processes, such as food and beverage production, textile industries etc. can benefit from water structuring by improving the quality of their products. Structured water leads to improvements in quality and appearance in products.
Increased Efficiency: Scaling and corrosion caused by hard water can decrease the efficiency of equipment and increase energy consumption. Water structuring can help improve energy efficiency by reducing these effects.
Better Cleaning: Structured water can improve the effectiveness of cleaning products, making it easier to remove dirt and grime from surfaces. This can be beneficial for textile industries as well as for industries that require clean and sanitary environments, such as healthcare or food production.
Improved Solubility: Structured water has been shown to have improved solubility compared to regular water. This can be beneficial for industries that require high levels of solubility, such as pharmaceuticals or chemical manufacturing. Also, in the textile industry, using structured water results in better dispersion of dyes and better efficacy of catalysts.
Enhanced Absorption: Structured water has reduced surface tension which in turn result in enhanced absorption properties, allowing it to be more readily absorbed. This can be beneficial for industries that require water for irrigation or aquaculture.
Reduced Chemical Usage: Structured water can reduce the need for chemical treatments in industrial processes. This is because structured water has been shown to have enhanced properties that make it more effective at dissolving and dispersing substances, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Improved Energy Efficiency: Structured water has been shown to have reduced surface tension, which can improve energy efficiency in industrial processes. This is because lower surface tension allows for easier movement through pipes and reduces friction, reducing energy consumption.
Which is Better?
While both water softeners and water structuring devices can provide benefits for industries, a water structuring device is a better suited alternative for several applications. This is why though commercial water softeners are a more established technology and have been used in industries for many years, water structuring devices are being used nowadays.
A water structuring device is a better option for industries looking to optimise their water usage and improve their operations. A water structuring unit is a highly efficient water conditioner. It does not have any moving parts, therefore the chances of it breaking down are nil. Also, since it does not contain any moving parts, there are no maintenance or parts replacement costs involved. A water structuring unit also does not need any replacement filters. It is a fix it – forget it solution that lasts a lifetime. Though a water structuring unit works 24/7, it does not consume any energy. By using structured water in your commercial establishment, you can greatly reduce the operations cost and maximise the overall efficiency of the commercial establishment. Unwanted and expensive repair bills are also avoided. A water structuring unit is ecologically safe and is an eco-friendly solution.
Crystal Blue India
Crystal Blue India is a leading manufacturer of Structured Water products. Crystal Blue water structuring devices can be operated without electric power and are maintenance-free. The devices are eco-friendly, safe to use and work without any chemicals, salts or magnets. It helps you save time, money, increase productivity and profitability in your commercial establishment.
