Water Hardness and De-Scaling Limescale

What is hard water?

Tap water is often referred to as being hard or

soft water. In England, the south of the country is
supplied with hard water and the north is
supplied with soft water. [1]
Hard water usually starts as rain water that has
come in contact with carbon in the atmosphere,
making it slightly acidic, and then running over
alkaline rocks in reservoirs. This leaves
magnesium and calcium Ions carried inside the
water and delivered through our taps. This is now
in the form of calcium hydrogen carbonate, a
temporary hard state of water. If the water was to
come into contact with calcium sulphate rock, the
water would gain a permanent hardness [1][2][5]

[13
]

From the map we can see that the softest water is in areas with large lakes such
as the Lake District and most of Scotland. This is because less of the contained
acidic water comes in contact with the alkaline rocks, therefore meaning that it
does not carry as many Calcium and magnesium Ions. [1][2]
Does Drinking Hard water have any implications on my health?
Calcium and Magnesium are bother minerals that our bodies require on a daily
basis, they help with common bodily functions such as bone development and
muscle growth. This means that people receiving hard water from their taps
have, on average, a higher intake of minerals and vitamins per day. However it is
harder to have good hygiene in areas with hard water as explained in the next
section. [14][2]
How do I test for hard water?
If you try to bath in an area that has hard water it will be much harder to produce
soap lather as the soap reacts with the magnesium and the calcium in the water
forming a scum. Until the majority of the magnesium and calcium is used up the
soap will not lather. In areas with soft water, this does not happen as there are no
minerals in the water to react with. [3][17]
Here is the equation for scum being formed in hard water:
2 CH3-(CH2)n-COO- (aq) + Ca++ (aq) Ca(CH3-(CH2)n-COO)2 (s)

[17]

Are there any other problems caused by hard water?

When temporary hard water Ca(HCO3)2 gets to a high temperature the
components separate with evaporation , this is called thermal decomposition:
Ca2+ + 2HCO3- Ca2+ + CO32- + CO2 + H2O
The CaCO3 left behind is a type of calcium carbonate known to most people as
lime scale, we usually see this in kettles or in pipes as the other components of
calcium hydrocarbonate have been separated. Limescale is not soluble in water
and requires a different method to be removed.
How can Limescale be removed?
A descaling agent, or chemical descaler is used to remove limescale from metal
surfaces that have previously been in contact with Calcium Hyrdocarbonate.

These chemicals are usually acid based and are harmful to human eyes, so great
precaution should be taken when using these chemicals. A descaler combines
with the alkaline calcium carbonate leaving behind a soluble salt, Carbon dioxide
and water. [8][7]
Limescale can also be prevented by an Ion exchange column. An Ion exchange
column contains exchange resins that contain sodium resins, as the hard water
runs through the system, the magnesium and calcium are replaced, removing
the hard metals and leaving the water soft. Periodically the columns resins will
need recharging, to do this Sodium chloride is run through the system leaving
sodium Ions behind in the column. [15]
What is the difference between strong and weak acids?
The strength of an Acid or Alkali is not to be confused with its concentration. A
strong acid will become 100% ionised in water (Forming H + ions). A strong acid
will have a pH of or close to 1 and will react quickly compared to weaker acids.
[16]

What are some Different types of chemical De-scalers?

Some common chemical descalers include
Ethanoic acid, otherwise known as vinegar or acetic acid. (CH 3COOH)

[11]
[12]

Citric acid found in lemons, limes and oranges. (COOH)CH2COOH

[18
]
Sulfamic acid H3NSO3

[9]

What are the specific benefits of using each descaler?

Citric Acid
Advantages:
Citric acid leaves behind zero toxic residues and has just enough acidic
concentration to descale without damaging household surfaces in any way and
there are no volatile compounds or products that harm the environment or
humans.
Disadvantages:
Because citric acid is a weak acid, it won't remove heavy build-up of scale very
quickly. It is also a powder hence it must be dissolved for use. It also works best
with hot water meaning there will be higher energy consumption. Even when
used with hot water, citric acid is not as effective at descaling as Sulfamic acid.
[18]

The balanced chemical equation for citric acid reading with limescale (Calcium
Carbonate) is:

3CaCO3 + 2(C6H8O7) Ca3(C6H5O7)2 + 3H2O + 3CO2 [18]

Sulfamic Acid
Advantages:
Sulfamic acid is the fastest de-scaler - It dissociates into hydroxonium ions more
readily in aqueous solution than the others, therefore giving a greater
concentration of atoms that are able to react with the calcium in lime scale. It is
safe to use because it does not produce chlorine gas, which can be toxic and
ultimately harmful to humans. Sulfamic acid also has a low volatility meaning
that once in liquid form it will not vaporise [9]
Disadvantages:
Sulfamic Acid can be an irritant to eyes or skin and is the most expensive of the
de-scalers.
CaCO3 + 2H3NSO3 ---> Ca(S03NH2)2 + CO2 + H2O

Ethanoic acid
Advantages

[9]

Ethanoic acid is non-toxic and is a weak acid, meaning it will not do any damage
to most surfaces as it does not corrode or bind to other metals, therefore can be
easily removed through washing or rinsing it. [11]
Disadvantages:
Ethanoic Acid is the slowest de-scaler of the three acids, and is therefore the
least effective. It also may cause an unpleasant smell, and can have a negative
effect on the taste of coffee meaning one would need to spend longer time
rinsing and cleaning the machine thoroughly to ensure that the taste of the
coffee is not affected. [11]
From this information I can draw the conclusion that Sulfamic acid is the best
option for cleaning a coffee machine clogged with limescale, permitting one is
prepared to spend the money. [11]
The balanced chemical equation for ethanoic acid reading with limescale
(Calcium Carbonate) is:

2HC2H2O2+ CaCO3 Ca(C2H3O2)2 + CO2 + H2O

[11]