Environmental Benefits and Exposures of Using pH Elixir for Neutralising Acidic Liquids
When it comes to managing the environmental impacts of industrial processes, choosing the right neutralising agent is crucial. pH Elixir (Magnesium Hydroxide Liquid) and hydrated lime are both used to neutralise acidic liquids in various industries, including coal washing wastewater, acid mine drainage, sewer systems, and paper and pulp processing. While both have their uses, pH Elixir offers significant environmental benefits over hydrated lime. However, it's essential to consider both the advantages and potential downsides to make an informed decision.
Environmental Benefits of pH Elixir
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Superior Neutralisation and Buffering Capacity
- Consistent pH Levels: pH Elixir has a higher neutralising capacity compared to some limes, leading to more stable and consistent pH levels. This stability is crucial for protecting aquatic life in receiving waters and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
- Better Buffering: The buffering capacity of pH Elixir helps maintain the pH within a narrow range, reducing the risk of sudden pH fluctuations that can harm ecosystems.
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Reduced Turbidity and Improved Water Quality
- Lower Turbidity: Unlike hydrated lime, which can increase water turbidity and cause sedimentation issues, pH Elixir maintains clearer water. Clear water is vital for aquatic organisms and reduces the need for additional filtration or treatment steps.
- Heavy Metal Precipitation: pH Elixir effectively precipitates heavy metals, making them easier to remove from wastewater. This process helps in meeting stringent discharge limits and protects aquatic environments from metal contamination.
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Lower Environmental Impact
- Non-Hazardous Handling: pH Elixir is less hazardous to handle compared to hydrated lime, reducing the risk of accidents and spills that can have detrimental environmental impacts.
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Odour and Corrosion Control
- Effective Odour Control: pH Elixir neutralises odorous compounds such as hydrogen sulfide in sewer systems, improving air quality and reducing complaints from surrounding communities.
- Corrosion Prevention: By maintaining a stable pH, pH Elixir helps prevent corrosion of pipes and infrastructure, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs.
Adverse Effects and Considerations
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Initial Cost
- Higher Upfront Cost: pH Elixir can be more expensive upfront compared to hydrated lime. However, the long-term benefits and reduced maintenance costs from no scaling, reduced additional addatives like floculents and coagulants mean you replace these more expensive addatives with pH Elixir, achieving an overall cheaper option.
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Handling and Storage
- Specific Handling Requirements: While pH Elixir is generally safer to handle than lime, it still requires proper storage and handling practices to prevent any safety issues.
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Potential Overuse
- Risk of Over-Alkalinisation: If not properly dosed, there is a risk of over-alkalinising the water to 9.5 but no higher as uniqly pH Elixir will not go higher and risk safety and environmental incidents at a higher pH. Limes dont have this unique property, which can lead to negative impacts on aquatic life. It is essential to monitor pH levels closely and adjust dosing as needed.
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Environmental Release
- Magnesium Concentration: High concentrations of magnesium in water bodies can impact certain aquatic species. However, the levels typically used in industrial applications are well within safe limits and would require considerable overdosing to realise these concerns.
Conclusion
pH Elixir offers numerous environmental benefits over hydrated lime, making it an excellent choice for neutralising acidic liquids in various industrial applications. Its superior neutralisation capacity, reduced turbidity, lower environmental impact, and effective odour and corrosion control make it a sustainable and efficient solution. While there are some considerations to keep in mind, the overall advantages of pH Elixir make it a valuable tool for industries committed to environmental protection and sustainability.
For more detailed information and technical specifications, please refer to our Technical Data Sheet or contact us directly. Join the revolution in sustainable industrial processes with Critical Elixirs' pH Elixir.