What does the Langelier index help determine?

The Langelier index is a crucial tool in water chemistry used primarily to determine the stability point of calcium carbonate in water. When calculating the Langelier index, it assesses whether water is saturated with respect to calcium carbonate. This is particularly important because the saturation level indicates whether calcium carbonate will precipitate out of the water or dissolve back into it.

When the index is above zero, it indicates that water is supersaturated with calcium carbonate, which could lead to scaling and deposition on surfaces such as pipes and heat exchangers. Conversely, when it is below zero, the water is undersaturated, which may lead to corrosion as calcium carbonate will leach from materials into the water.

Focused on water treatment and management, the Langelier index is essential for ensuring that systems remain balanced, minimizing scaling or corrosive conditions that could affect both water quality and plumbing infrastructure.