DCI Operation

The DeCaIon™ (DCI) system employs advanced electrochemical technology to control water hardness and prevent scale formation in cooling systems. One of the key elements of this technology is the specific reactions that occur at the cathode surface within the electrolytic cell.

Specifically: 

1. Electrolysis technology – Utilizes redox reactions to precipitate minerals that cause scale buildup.
2. Automatic hardness removal – Dissolves and removes CaCO₃ and Mg(OH)₂ deposits from the system.
3. Continuous operation – Runs 24/7 without needing to stop the system for manual cleaning.
4. Corrosion prevention – Adjusting water alkalinity to reduce oxidation and maintain system durability.

Details of the electrode removal and precipitation process:

At the cathode, the reduction reaction produces an excess of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in the vicinity, increasing the local pH. This high pH stimulates the precipitation of calcium and magnesium ions, the two main components causing water hardness, according to the following reactions:

• Calcium precipitate: Ca²⁺ + HCO₃⁻ + OH⁻ → CaCO₃ + H₂O
• Magnesium precipitate: Mg²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Mg(OH)₂

These reactions produce calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), compounds that precipitate out of the solution, effectively removing water-hardening ions. The DCI system's intelligent controller precisely maintains the necessary voltage to ensure these non-spontaneous reduction reactions occur optimally.

By precisely controlling these electrochemical reactions at the cathode, the DCI system effectively prevents scale formation and maintains optimal heat transfer for the cooling system.