Removing Iron And Manganese In Raw Water: Challenges And Solutions

In industry, the quality of raw water is very important in determining operational efficiency and the quality of the final product. One of the biggest challenges is the high content of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), which can disrupt various industrial processes, from manufacturing, energy, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, to metal processing.

The presence of iron and manganese in raw water is often not directly visible, but its impact can be very detrimental. Water with high iron and manganese content can cause corrosion in pipes and equipment, form deposits that block the flow of water in cooling systems or boilers, and reduce the efficiency of water processing units.

In the food and beverage sector, iron and manganese contamination can affect the color, taste, and stability of products. In the pharmaceutical and electronics industries, water with high iron content can cause defects in the final product.

Impact of Iron and Manganese: Operational Risks and High Costs
In addition to reducing system efficiency, iron and manganese in raw water can significantly increase operational costs. Deposits formed in piping systems and production equipment can lead to increased energy consumption, higher maintenance costs, and shortened equipment life. In some cases, system failures due to iron and manganese accumulation can lead to costly production downtime.

From a compliance perspective, industries that rely on clean water must also meet water quality standards set by national and international regulations. Excessive iron and manganese content in process water can cause products to fail to meet required specifications, thereby risking business image and sustainability.

Water Treatment Technology to Address Iron and Manganese on an Industrial Scale
For industry, water treatment technology is needed that is capable of removing iron and manganese with large capacity and high reliability. Here are some of the main technologies used:

1. Aeration and Oxidation
This method accelerates the oxidation of iron and manganese to form particles that can be precipitated and filtered. Industrial aeration systems use blowers and aeration towers to increase oxidation efficiency before the water enters the filtration stage.

2. Filtration with Special Media
The use of filter media such as silica sand, anthracite, and DMI-65 is very effective in capturing oxidized iron and manganese particles. This technology can be integrated into industrial water treatment systems to ensure that the processed water meets the standards.

Read Also: [Study Case] Reducing Iron, Manganese, and Color Levels in PDAM Water Treatment Systems Using DMI65 Filter Media in Central Java

3. Ion Exchange
For industrial applications requiring higher water purity, ion exchange systems using special resins can efficiently remove iron and manganese. This method is often used in the pharmaceutical industry, power plants, and facilities requiring ultra-pure water.

4. Reverse Osmosis (RO) for High Purity
In industries that require water with strict specifications, RO systems are able to filter iron and manganese to very low levels, providing high-quality water with maximum purity.

5. Use of Ozone or Chlorination
Ozonation or chlorination in the right dosage can oxidize iron and manganese quickly. After oxidation, iron and manganese particles can be removed through high-pressure filtration systems widely used in heavy industry.

Why Choose Lautan Air Indonesia as Your Industrial Water Treatment Partner?
Lautan Air Indonesia has more than 40 years of experience in providing water treatment solutions for various industrial sectors in Indonesia. We offer a complete service from consultation, system design, chemical supply, installation, to maintenance of water treatment systems to ensure the sustainability of your industrial operations.

Services we provide:

• Supply of water treatment chemicals such as coagulants, flocculants, disinfectants, and oxidants for optimized iron and manganese removal.
• Design and installation of water treatment systems tailored to specific industry needs.
• Maintenance and operational services to ensure systems are running at peak performance and minimize production downtime.
• IoT-based solutions that enable real-time water quality monitoring for greater efficiency and control.

Conclusion
High levels of iron and manganese in raw water can be a serious obstacle for industries, causing equipment damage, increased operational costs, and reduced product quality. However, these problems can be effectively overcome with the right water treatment solution.

Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to help your industry get the best solution in water treatment. With the latest technology and professional services, we ensure your raw water meets the highest quality standards.

Don’t let poor water quality hinder your business productivity. Contact Lautan Air Indonesia now for reliable and efficient water treatment solutions!