HOW AN ACID NEUTRALIZER WORKS

Acid Neutralizing Filters use Calcite (calcium carbonate), a naturally occurring mineral, or a mix of Calcite and Corosex (magnesium oxide), another naturally occurring mineral, to raise the pH of acidic water and neutralize its corrosive characteristics. In addition to protecting pipes, plumbing fixtures and appliances, this filter also facilitates the removal of iron and manganese by raising the pH and enabling the use of an iron filter.

As the Calcite neutralizes the water, it will increase hardness and a softener may become necessary after the neutralizing filter. Calcite is often effectively combined with Corosex to combine the high flow neutralization properties of Corosex along with the slower reacting low flow properties of Calcite, increasing the ability to correct low pH.

pH neutral water should be within the 7.0 to 8.5 range. Calcite is typically used for most applications as a mild neutralizing agent. Corosex is a stronger, faster acting neutralizing media and is often used as a blend with calcite for applications with a very low pH (6.2 or below). For applications with high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) 500 ppm or higher, a chemical injection system can be used to inject soda ash solution into water to correct pH.

One of the advantages of Calcite is its self-limiting property. When properly applied, it corrects pH only enough to reach a non-corrosive equilibrium. It does not overcorrect under normal conditions. Upon contact with low pH acidic water the Calcite and Corosex slowly dissolve to raise the pH which reduces the potential leaching of copper, lead and other metals found in typical plumbing systems. Additional Calcite and Corosex may be required periodically after installation depending on the pH of the water and water usage.

Selecting the correct type of Acid Neutralizer Filter for your specific application is very important. Generally, an Acid Neutralizer containing calcite media can be used for most applications with water pH in the range 6.3 and above and a TDS of less than 150. Acid Neutralizers with a 3, 4, or 5 to 1 Calcite/Corosex mix are used in lower pH or high TDS conditions. We might recommend a higher Calcite/Corosex mix ratio in some applications. One thing to remember is that an Acid Neutralizer Filter adds approximately 4 to 5 grains per gallon of hardness to your water. In some cases our customers install a Water Softener downstream of an Acid Neutralizer Filter to remove any hardness from their water.