Water Treatment Chemical Categories

by Rami E. Kremesti BS, MS - Water Treatment Chemist/Consultant

Water treatment chemicals fall, in general, into one of the following categories:

A – Corrosion Inhibitors (Cathodic, anodic, galvanic, filmers)

B – Anti-Scalants/Dispersants (threshold inhibitors, sequestrants)

C – Anti and De-Foaming Compounds 

D – Heavy Metal Precipitators (OH- and S-2 ion based)

E – Odor Control Agents

F – Oxygen Scavengers (sulfites, hydrazine, Carbohydrazide)

G – Organic Metal Filmers

H – Coagulants - Ferric, Aluminum salts

I – Flocculants - Polymers such as PAM poly acrylamide

J - Biocides (oxidizing and non-oxidizing)

- Chlorine, hyprochlorous acid and Bromine are common oxidizing biocides
- Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) & Silver (Ag) is another one
- Chlorine Dioxide|

- Non-Oxidising Biocides:

• Quaternary ammonium compounds.
• Bronopol.
• THPS.
• DBNPA.
• Gluteraldehyde.

 

K - Cleaners (scale cleaners, grease cleaners, corrosion cleaners)

L – RO Membrane Chemicals (Anti-scalants and cleaners)

M – Chelating agents

N – Tracer chemicals (used to detect leaks in water systems)

O – Analytical reagents for example Di-Chromate used in COD measurement

P - Proppants (used in fracking to prop cracks open)

Q. Gelling agents (used in fracking)

R. Cross Linkers (used in fracking)

T. Leak detection gases used in detected leaks in underground pipes

U. Bulking agents such as bentonite, microsand and magnetite used to assist in floc formation/improving settleability

V. Surfactants: a very important category of chemicals used for cleaning/suspending dirt in water and improving the wettability of surfaces.

W. pH control agents - acids used to lower pH and bases used to lower pH.

Prepared by Rami E. Kremesti BS, MS

http://kremesti.com/water/

Last Updated October 18, 2023