Neutralization

Definition

Neutralization is the reaction of hydrogen and hydroxide to form water, written H+ plus OH- gives H2O. It is the controlled raising of an acidic solution toward a safe discharge pH.

Local discharge requirements in the chapter demanded a pH between 5 and 11, so the acid had to be neutralized before disposal. Neutralization is mandatory but over-neutralization is catastrophic, because raising pH too far shifts the carbonate system back toward scale-forming chemistry. The recombination is energetically very favorable because the O-H bond in water is strong.

Related concepts

Carbonate system shift with pH · Over-neutralization · Acid cleaning of scale

---

Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🛠️ operations