CO₂ Water Treatments
Why choose CO₂ for the treatment of water, wastewater and wells
pH correction and well regeneration with carbon dioxide
SIAD uses carbon dioxide as a natural reagent alternative to strong acids for water treatment. When dissolved in water, CO₂ forms carbonic acid, which can lower the pH of basic wastewater. It is a non-toxic, highly soluble substance that can be transferred with very high efficiency through the MIXFLO® system in pH correction plants. Carbon dioxide is also used in the regeneration of water wells.
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Natural reagent, alternative to strong acids
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No risk of over-acidification
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Natural elimination within a few hours
Natural alternative to hydrochloric and sulfuric acid
Unlike traditional chemical compounds used to regulate water pH, such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, carbon dioxide does not present risks of over-acidification and does not increase the load of chlorides or sulfates in treated water. Dosing can be managed with MIXFLO® systems featuring high dissolution efficiency.
Soluble and completely natural gas
Carbon dioxide is an extremely soluble gas and a completely natural and non-toxic substance. Its use prevents operators from coming into contact with corrosive mineral acids, such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, and reduces maintenance requirements for the dosing plant.
Broad effectiveness in well regeneration
When injected into water wells, CO₂ acts synergistically: as carbonic acid it dissolves inorganic deposits and chemically attacks the microorganisms present; its low surface tension promotes penetration into fissures; and the liquid-to-gas transition generates turbulence that deeply cleans the screen and surrounding aquifer, enabling significantly higher efficiency recovery than traditional methods.
CO₂ applications for water treatment
SIAD proposes carbon dioxide as a reagent in three main areas: pH correction of basic wastewater, drinking water treatment and well regeneration with the Aqua Freed® process. This is supported by integrated gas supply and, where required, by MIXFLO® dissolution systems.
pH correction of basic wastewater with CO₂ instead of strong acids
When dissolved in water, CO₂ forms carbonic acid and lowers the pH of basic wastewater. It is particularly suitable where accurate pH control is required, without the risks of over-acidification and without the increase in chlorides or sulfates typical of traditional acids.
Drinking water treatment: optimal pH for treatment processes
Some drinking water treatment processes require pH control at slightly acidic values. For example, arsenic removal from groundwater with granular iron oxide filters is more effective at a pH of around 6.5. CO₂ corrects pH naturally, without interfering with subsequent disinfection using hypochlorite.
Aqua Freed®: regeneration of water wells
Aqua Freed® is the process that restores well pumping capacity through the injection of carbon dioxide in liquid and gaseous phases, and SIAD is the licensee for Italy. It removes encrustations, iron bacteria and obstructions, and can also be applied to barrier wells at contaminated sites and to landfill biogas extraction wells.
Contact us
Do you need to correct pH or regenerate wells?
Tell us about the chemistry of your wastewater or the condition of your wells. Our technicians will assess the CO₂ application best suited to your plant.
Related applications
Explore SIAD's other water treatment technologies
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