Calcite

Calcite is a crushed and screened white marble media which can inexpensively be used to neutralize acidic or low pH waters to a neutral, less corrosive effluent.

Advantages

Low uniformity coefficient for maximum contact for controlled pH correction

Slower reacting for controlled pH correction

Inexpensive

Physical Properties
Color	Near white
Bulk Density	90 lbs./cu. ft.
Mesh Size	16 × 40
Specific Gravity	2.7 gm/cc
Effective Size	0.4 mm
Uniformity Coefficient	1.5
Composition	CaCO₃, 95% min. MgCO₃, 3.0% max.

Conditions for Operation
A gravel support bed is recommended
Water pH range	5.0-7.0
Bed depth	24-30 in.
Freeboard	50% of bed depth (min.)
Backwash rate	8-12 gpm/sq. ft.
Backwash Bed Expansion	35% of bed depth
Service flow rate	3-6 gpm/sq. ft. but may be modified to adapt to local conditions

Calcite is a naturally occurring calcium carbonate media. One of the advantages of Calcite is its self-limiting property. When properly applied, it corrects pH only enough to reach a non-corrosive equilibrium. It does not overcorrect under normal conditions. Upon contact with Calcite, acidic waters slowly dissolve the calcium carbonate to raise the pH which reduces the potential leaching of copper, lead and other metals found in typical plumbing systems. Periodic backwashing will prevent packing, reclassify the bed and maintain high service rates. Depending on pH, water chemistry and service flow, the Calcite bed will have to be periodically replenished as the Calcite is depleted.

As the Calcite's calcium carbonate neutralizes the water, it will increase hardness and a softener may become necessary after the neutralizing filter.

Calcite can be effectively combined with Clack Corosex to combine the high flow neutralization properties of Corosex, along with the slower reacting low flow properties of Calcite, increasing the ability to correct low pH.

Graph showing the service flow pressure drop of Calcite in pounds per square inch per foot of bed depth as a function of flow rate in gallons per minute per square foot of bed area measured at three separate ambient temperatures.

Graph showing the backwash bed expansion of Calcite in percentage of bed depth as a function of flow rate in gallons per minute per square foot of bed area measured at three separate ambient temperatures.

Text and images have been taken from the Clack Corporation web site.

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