Iron Removal Technologies of Geothermal Water

Abstract

Geothermal water is a type of water resource which combines heat and various mineral ingredients. Not only is it widely used in energy, industrial and agricultural production but also as a tonic in bathing water because of its special medicinal value. However, geothermal water usually contains excessive amounts of iron ions. It causes the blockage of water supply pipes by scaling and gathers as sediment on the surface of appliances. Because the water becomes turbid and red, it is undesirable for healing purposes and bathing. This paper describes the characteristics and mechanisms of iron removal and the different possibilities for decreasing the iron content of geothermal water. The experimental results show that using an iron removal technology for water treatment the iron content in geothermal water can be lowered to less than 0.3 mg/l. The cost of this method is lower than that of a water supply treatment. Therefore, it is an ideal treatment technology.