What is Calcium Bicarbonate?
First, let's look at what Calcium Bicarbonate is not. Calcium Bicarbonate is not Lime. Lime helps form Calcium Bicarbonate, but it is distinctly different. Lime has different compositions, whether it is Calcium Carbonate (Limestone), Calcium Oxide (Quick Lime), or Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime). Calcium Bicarbonate is created using CO2 gas, liquid Calcium Hydroxide, and Mixing. This process is known as the RE~MIN Process, for Remineralization.
Calcium Bicarbonate only exists in liquid form. It is totally soluble. This is where the value is.
Calcium Bicarbonate, much like Sodium Bicarbonate, adds alkalinity to the water. The difference between the two, and the economic value between the two is the fact that Calcium Bicarbonate adds Hardness, which is a critical component in achieving a positive LSI (Langelier Saturation Index). Water that has a 0 to slightly positive LSI (around +0.05 to +0.2) is not aggressive or corrosive. Water with these qualities wouldn't corrode pipes like we have just seen in Flint, Michigan.
Another huge benefit is the cost. Sodium Bicarbonate usually runs around $520/liquid ton compared to around 14 to 15% less per liquid ton for CAL~FLO, depending on freight. With the RE~MIN Process, CO2, Lime, and mixing can replace Sodium Hydroxide ($400-600/ton), Sodium Bicarbonate, reduce Orthophosphates, and still create better water for less costs. This is the future of Water Stabilization. Some Utilities can see a 60% reduction in Chemical costs.
How does your current method compete, cost wise compared to the RE~MIN Process?