unit 3 lesson 2 Flashcards
According to the World Health Organisation, what characterizes safe drinking water?
Water that does not represent risk to health over a lifetime of consumption.
Name the three primary types of alkalinity.
- Bicarbonate
- Carbonate
- Hydroxide
What determines water hardness?
The level of naturally occurring calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) compounds.
What is the first step in the raw water treatment process?
Abstraction.
What is the purpose of screening in water treatment?
To remove solid objects from the water.
What process helps fine suspended material to bind together in water treatment?
Coagulation.
What is the role of sedimentation in water treatment?
To allow large particles to settle out of the water.
What is the purpose of filtration in water treatment?
To remove suspended material from the water.
What is granular activated carbon used for in water treatment?
To adsorb organic compounds from the water.
What chemicals are commonly used to adjust pH in water treatment?
- Sulphuric acid (H2SO4)
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
- Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3)
What is the primary disinfectant used for large municipal water supplies?
Chlorine (Cl2).
What is the recommended free chlorine residual for effective disinfection according to WHO?
0.2 to 0.5 mg/L.
What are 3 advantages of chlorine treatment?
- Low initial cost
- Low running costs
- Simplicity of handling
- Protection against re-infection
What is formed when ammonia reacts with free chlorine in water?
Chloramines (NH2Cl)
Chloramines are less effective than chlorine for disinfection but last longer.
What are the disadvantages of chlorine treatment?
- Off-taste requiring carbon filtration
- Resistance of some organisms to chlorine
- Formation of organic halogen compounds
These disadvantages can affect water quality and safety.
What is the distinction between permanent and temporary water hardness?e
- Permanent hardness: cannot be removed by boiling
- Temporary hardness: can be removed by boiling
This distinction is important for water treatment processes.
What ions primarily contribute to water hardness?
- Calcium cations
- Magnesium cations
These ions are found in various salts that dissolve in water.
What happens to temporary hardness when water is boiled?
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitates out
This process reduces the hardness of the water.
How does permanent hardness affect mash pH in brewing?
It tends to reduce mash pH, primarily caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium sulfates and chlorides
This is due to the interaction of phosphates from the malt with calcium and magnesium ions.
What is the formula to calculate total hardness as CaCO3?
Total Hardness as CaCO3 = (2.5 x Ca2+) + (4.12 x Mg2+)
This formula converts calcium and magnesium levels to equivalent hardness.
What can high levels of water hardness cause in hot water installations?
Scaling
Scaling can reduce heat transfer efficiencies in water systems.
What affects water alkalinity?
The carbonate and bicarbonate concentration
High levels increase mash pH.
Who is responsible for the concept of residual alkalinity?
Paul Kolbach.
What is residual alkalinity (RA)?
Any alkalinity (bicarbonate) that remains after calcium and magnesium react with malt phosphate.