Biodegradable Resin Based Water Softener Technique to Reduce the Scaling Problem in Geothermal Water Flow Lines

Abstract

The geothermal water in Gujarat, India consists of large quantities of dissolved salts primarily calcium and magnesium. Over time the scaling caused by these salts decreases the inside diameter of the pipe and increases back pressure on the flow lines, ultimately reducing or stopping the flow. Resin based water softening methods helps in drastically reducing the content of dissolved salts in water, making the water immediately useful for various direct applications as per the Lindal’s diagram . The resins are made up of polystyrene and Divinylbenzene (DVB) of diameter 0.3-1.2 mm in the shape of a honey comb. This resins helps in water softening. After multiple softening cycles the beads would get fully covered with salts and would require cleaning/ regeneration. Another unit acts as a regenerator. The resin based softeners are expensive to install and have high maintenance costs. Usage of biodegradable materials such as Algal extracts and seaweeds (Centroceras clavulatum, Enteromorpha flexuosa, Grateloupia lithophila, Enteromorpha intestinalis etc. varieties) can help in overcoming the disadvantages of this process. These materials give excellent reduction in hardness in the leather industry and can be utilized successfully as the water softener as well. The method has been discussed in this study.