Iron Conditioners aren’t as simple as they seem

Wanted to share an article by Michael Schnieders, PG, PH-GW about Iron Conditioners.

Iron is an abundant element by mass in the earth, constituting about 80% of the inner and outer cores and approximately 5% of the crust. It is a useful metal—and soft, malleable, ductile, and strong. Its surface is usually discolored by corrosion since it combines readily with the oxygen of the air in the presence of moisture. In our industry iron plays a vital role in casing, column pipe, screen, and pump construction. Similarly, iron plays an important role in many parts of the infrastructure of industrial nations, in water and power transmission, energy development, and construction. But in potable water supply and distribution, iron can be a troublesome component. Elevated concentrations of iron can cause discoloration and impact common treatment efforts, especially with regards to chlorination. Unfortunately, many in the water industry fail to understand the complexity of iron and the greater role it plays in well and wellfield management. read rest of article