Glossary Terms

April 8, 2017

blowdown

The process which removes oxidized contaminants or particulate waste from a vessel in order to maintain the solids-to-water concentration ratio within specified limits.
April 8, 2017

bleach

A strong oxidizing agent and disinfectant formulated to break down organic matter and destroy biological organisms. Commonly refers to a 5.25 percent nominal solution of sodium […]
April 8, 2017

BIRM

The trade name for manganese dioxide-coated volcanic aluminum silicate (pumicite) used as an oxidizing-catalyst filter for iron and manganese reduction.
April 8, 2017

biodegradable

Subject to degradation (breakdown) to simpler substances by biological action, such as the bacterial breakdown of detergents, sewage wastes and other organic matter.
April 8, 2017

biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

The amount of oxygen (measured in mg/L) required the oxidation of organic matter by biological action under specific standard test conditions. Widely used to measure the […]
April 8, 2017

bicarbonate alkalinity

The alkalinity of a water due to the presence of bicarbonate ions (HCO3–).
April 8, 2017

bed expansion

The effect produced during backwashing when the resin or other medium becomes separated and rises in the tank or column. Usually expressed as the percent of […]
April 8, 2017

bed depth

The height of the ion exchange resin or other media (excluding support material) in a vessel, usually expressed in centimeters or inches.
April 8, 2017

bed

The mass or volume of ion exchange resin or other media through which water is passes in the process of water treatment.