alkalointi

Alkalointi is a Finnish term that refers to the process of increasing the alkalinity of a substance or system. In its most common context, it pertains to water treatment, where alkalization is employed to raise the pH of acidic water. This is often done to reduce corrosion in water distribution systems, as acidic water can leach metals from pipes, and to improve the efficiency of certain water treatment processes, such as coagulation.

The methods for alkalization vary depending on the specific application and the source water characteristics. Common alkaline substances used include lime (calcium hydroxide), soda ash (sodium carbonate), and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). The choice of alkalizing agent is influenced by factors such as cost, availability, and the desired final pH. In industrial settings, alkalization might also be used in chemical manufacturing or in the treatment of industrial wastewater to neutralize acidic effluents before discharge. The term can also be applied in other fields, such as agriculture, where liming is a form of alkalization used to improve soil pH for crop growth. Regardless of the specific application, alkalointi fundamentally involves the addition of alkaline compounds to increase the pH and thereby alter the chemical properties of the treated medium.