The system of injecting minerals into drinking water and other liquids, as a part of water treatment solutions is called mineral dosing. This process is used to cater for problems like hardness, pH and bacteria levels in water. Mostly, mineral dosing systems are executed to meet regulatory standards for quality water used for drinking.
Working Principles of Mineral Dosing Systems
Mineral dosing is primarily done with dosing pumps. The pumps are usually installed at the outlet of an osmosis unit to remineralise osmosed water. Various mineral solutions can be used in injecting drinking water in small and measured quantities. The dosing pumps work through their electronic control system, which monitors all the mechanical and chemical dosing processes and switches the unit off automatically in case of any malfunction or contamination.
Not only to enhance the quality of water, but this dosing is also done to combat corrosion. Minerals prevent rusting and browning of water and thus form a protective layer inside the pipes. This is one of the most dynamic benefits of mineral dosing, that every wastewater treatment plant executes. Due to the effective prevention of rust, water transparency increases and water becomes clearer. Some of the minerals work to stabilize lime. This is done to ensure that lime contained in water never settles, contaminating the water.
Factors of Mineral Dosing
The mineral dosing system works depending on certain crucial factors. These factors combine to make the dosing process seamless and fruitful. Various wastewater treatment companies use state-of-the-art technology and automation for mineral dosing. Here are the detailed notes on the factors.
Accuracy in Dosing
Accuracy in dosing refers to the precision level at which the minerals are injected into water. It is very important to note how the dosing system delivers the minerals in accurate quantity to meet the regulatory standards. The accuracy also determines the level of consistency of the water. The accuracy of the dosing system is well regulated by the engineers, who usually monitor precise measurement and delivery of minerals. The company executing this must carry on regular checks and calibration to promise the efficacy of the system. Most of the companies come with high-end monitoring systems that can run checks for malfunctions leading to contaminations.
Consistency in Dosing
Delivering the same quantity of minerals every time is a crucial factor to consider. This is also needed to check the quality of water and to comply with regulatory standards. The companies usually maintain the machinery including dosing pumps to ensure proper functioning. All kinds of regular calibration and monitoring regimes should be followed to adhere to the consistency of dosing.
Preparation of Recipes
This includes assuring the exact and right proportion of minerals to be injected to ensure the best result of the water treatment solutions. It is very crucial to determine the right concentration and formulation for the desired outcome. The formulation depends on the application and the company collaborates with chemists, engineers, and regulatory specialists to fix and seal the formulation required for a particular purpose.
Quality of the Minerals
The purity of the minerals must be top-notch to ensure the efficacy of the dosing process. It is needless to say it has to be free from any contaminants and impurities and has to meet the global regulatory standards. The purity of the minerals is generally analysed with regular testing and audits. Moreover, many companies assess the quality by getting accredited with Certificates of Analysis (COA) which are issued to check the purity levels of minerals.
Key Economic Advantages of Mineral Dosing Systems:
Precision and Efficiency:
- Cost Savings: By ensuring accurate and consistent dosing, mineral dosing systems minimize waste and optimize resource utilization. This leads to substantial cost savings in terms of mineral consumption and operational expenses.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Accurate dosing reduces the risk of overdosing or underdosing, which can lead to equipment damage or inefficiencies. This lowers maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of dosing equipment.
Product Quality and Compliance:
- Improved Product Quality: Consistent mineral dosing ensures that products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements consistently. This enhances product reliability and customer satisfaction, reducing costs associated with product recalls or customer complaints.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting regulatory standards for mineral content in products or processes avoids fines and penalties, as well as potential legal costs associated with non-compliance.
Operational Efficiency:
- Process Optimization: Mineral dosing systems optimize production processes by delivering minerals in precise quantities at the right time. This improves overall process efficiency and reduces downtime, leading to increased production capacity and revenue generation.
- Labor Efficiency: Automated dosing systems reduce manual intervention and labor costs associated with manual dosing procedures. Operators can focus on other critical tasks, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Environmental Benefits:
- Energy Savings: Localized mineral dosing systems can reduce the energy required for transportation and refrigeration of bottled water, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental footprint.
- Water Conservation: Efficient mineral dosing technologies can ensure optimal use of water resources by minimizing wastage during treatment and bottling processes.
A mineral dosing system is very essential and comes with a lot of economic and environmental benefits. Many companies like Alantech work in this domain to optimise mineral dosing and improve the access and quality of drinking water. Established in 2009, we are one of the best grundfos dosing pumps and systems. Known for bottle filling machines, labelling machines, process rooms, water treatment systems and conveyors; this Kerala-based company specialises in mineral dosing and other water treatment solutions. If you are looking for a partner to execute these processes, Alantech is the best choice.