As the sole owner of the technology, UNC-CH will benefit from future revenues after the technology is further developed, tested and commercialized. Our School of Public Health is a national leader in drinking water research. This work fits its mission, and Carolina s public service mission, to a tee. The potential benefits for treating municipal drinking water and water for industrial use are enormous. Dr. Philip Singer, a professor of environmental sciences and engineering in the school, will lead the research effort.
Hard water makes washing more difficult by decreasing the amount of lather or suds.
It also leaves deposits in pipes and boilers and on heat transfer surfaces, causing problems for industry. In addition to observing white, flaky buildup on showerheads, faucets and pots and pans, homeowners will note that hard water causes problems for water heaters, clothes washers and dishwashers, shortening appliance life and adding to energy costs. The technology works by introducing specially treated calcium carbonate crystals into the water supply. The crystals attract and capture calcium ions, which are then filtered out. The precipitate can then be recycled and used multiple times.