Categories
- Tech & News (7)
- Pipes & Fittings (9)
- Valves & Pumps (18)
- Equipment & Tools (6)
- Facilities & Chemicals (5)
Ferrous sulfate, also known as iron(II) sulfate, is a compound with the formula FeSO₄(H₂O)ₓ where x can vary between 0 and 7. It’s worth noting that the heptahydrate form (FeSO₄·7H₂O) is the most common and commercially available form of ferrous sulfate. It is used in water treatment primarily as a reducing agent, helping to remove impurities such as manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and other oxidized contaminants from water sources. The ferrous sulfate (heptahydrate form) is bright green to bluish-green in color. Its crystals are usually orthorhombic in shape, but they can also form as scale or powdery material depending on how they are produced and handled.
Here’s how ferrous sulfate works in water treatment:
It’s important to note that the use of ferrous sulfate in water treatment must be carefully controlled to avoid over-treatment, which could lead to iron fouling and the introduction of excess iron into the water supply. Water treatment facilities typically conduct thorough testing and monitoring to ensure that the correct dosage is applied to achieve the desired water quality outcomes without causing any negative impacts.
Ferrous sulfate is produced through various methods, including as a byproduct in the production of titanium dioxide, steel, and other metals, as well as by direct synthesis where metallic iron or iron ore reacts with sulfuric acid. It can also be recovered from pickling liquors used in metalworking and as a byproduct of coal tar processing. The production process involves concentrating ferrous sulfate solutions and crystallizing them to form hydrated salts, which can be dried for the anhydrous form. Environmental impact and product quality are important considerations in the production of ferrous sulfate.
Based on the applications, ferrous sulfate can be classified as industrial grade, feed grade, potable water and food grade. They can be produced in accordance with a series of international standards including GB/T 664, GB 29211, GB 34465, GB/T 10531, and AWWA B402.