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Answer:
Zeolite Softening Process is the process of removing permanent as well as temporary hardness of the water. Zeolite Softening occurs when magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) zeolites (insoluble) in water get precipitated. In this zeolite softening process, zeolite works as a catalyst which helps in exchanging ions from Ca2+ or Mg2+ with sodium ions.
Certain complex inorganic salts possess the property of exchanging calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water for Na2+ ions. An important salt of this type is sodium aluminium orthosilicate or sodium zeolite (Na2Al2Si2O8.xH2O), commonly known as permutit (artificially synthesized zeolite). This sodium zeolite salt belongs to a family of complex salts known as zeolites.
Zeolite Softening Process of Water
When hard water containing magnesium and calcium ions passes through a zeolite bed of sodium, then sodium (Na2+) ions get displaced or replaced by the ions of Mg2+ and Ca2+ and when the replacement is complete i.e. all the sodium ions get replaced by Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions then the zeolite get inactivated. This zeolite then gets regenerated by passing brine solution through the inactive zeolite bed. This process of softening water is mainly used in laundry.
Reactions involved;
Ca2+ + Na2Al2Si2O8.xH2O → CaAl2Si2O8.xH2O + 2Na+
Mg2+ + Na2Al2Si2O8.xH2O → MgAl2Si2O8.xH2O + 2Na+
Advantages
Clean and easy process.
The equipment occupies less space as well as it is compact.
Time effective i.e. it does not require much time for water softening.
Easy to maintain.
No precipitation of impurities occurs.
Limitations
In case of turbid water supply, the suspended matter has to be removed by processes like coagulation, filtration or others before its administration to the zeolite bed as it may cause clogging.
The presence of large quantities of Mn2+ or Fe2+ coloured ions has to be removed from water as they may produce their own zeolites.
Soda acid must neutralise the mineral acids as they may destroy the bed of zeolites.
