What is Calcite?

Calcite is a naturally occurring calcium carbonate mineral found in limestones, sedimentary rocks, and on formations on shells from dead marine organisms. The brittle, white, material with different crystal habits is the primary mineral in metamorphic marble.

What is Calcite Used for?

The naturally-occurring mineral rock is a cartridge or media filter used to raise the pH of water in acidic water sources. Adding calcite to the water increases the pH level by offsetting its acidity. With the use of calcite filter media, you can prevent potential leaching of copper, lead, and other metals present in traditional plumbing systems.

What are its Conditions for Operations?

Just like any filter media, calcite works best in the right conditions. The mineral screened and crushed media is more effective when paired with a gravel support bed. Use calcite in water with a pH range of 5.0 and 7.0. Although the recommended conditions for its service flow rate is at 3-6 gpm/sq. Ft., modifications do not hamper the performance of the filtration.

What are the Advantages of Using Calcite?

There are several good reasons to use the mineral as a part of your water filtration system, including inexpensive, slower reaction for controlled pH correction, maximum contact due to low uniformity for controlled pH correction, and a naturally-occurring mineral rock.

What are the Disadvantages of Using Calcite?

The only disadvantage of calcite as a filter media for acidic water is the mineral rock’s ability to increase the hardness of the water. Some people find calcite’s slow reaction as a disadvantage because it may not complete the neutralization process of water if the pH is below 6.0.

How to Maintain a Calcite Filter?

The calcite bed’s periodic replacement due to depleted calcite depends on several factors like pH, water chemistry, and service flow. In most cases, though, periodic backwashing is essential in maintaining a calcite filter in good condition.

Do I Need a Water Softener?

Since calcite increases water hardness, investing in a water softener is a great option. The use of a water softener after neutralizing the pH using the naturally-occurring calcium carbonate media is an effective method to produce clean, safe, and high-quality drinking water.

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