Hard waterHard water is water that has a high mineral content (in contrast with "soft water"). Hard water is formed when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk or gypsum, which are largely made up of calcium and magnesiumcarbonates, bicarbonates and sulfates. Drinking hard water may have moderate health benefits due to the mineral content.
Water softeningWater softening is the removal of calcium, magnesium, and a small number of other metal cations in hard water. The resulting soft water requires less soap for the same cleaning effort, as soap is not wasted bonding with calcium ions. Soft water also extends the lifetime of plumbing by reducing or eliminating scale build-up in pipes and fittings.
Calcium carbonateChemical compoundChemical compoundCrystal structure of calciteCalcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the chemical formulaCaCO3. It is a common substance found in rocks as the mineralscalcite and aragonite, most notably in chalk and limestone, eggshells, gastropod shells, shellfish skeletons and pearls. Materials containing much calcium carbonate or resembling it are described as calcareous. Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in agricultural lime.
Descaling agentA descaling agent or chemical descaler is a liquid chemical substance used to remove limescale from metal surfaces in contact with hot water, such as in boilers, water heaters, and kettles. Limescale is either white or brown in colour due to the presence of iron compounds.
TravertineTravertine ( ) is a form of fresh waterlimestone deposited around mineral springs, especially hot springs. It often has a fibrous or concentric appearance and exists in white, tan, cream-colored, and rusty varieties. It is formed by a process of rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often at the mouth of a hot spring or in a limestone cave. In the latter, it can form stalactites, stalagmites, and other speleothems.
FoulingFouling is the accumulation of unwanted material on solid surfaces. The fouling materials can consist of either living organisms (biofouling, organic) or a non-living substance (inorganic). Fouling is usually distinguished from other surface-growth phenomena in that it occurs on a surface of a component, system, or plant performing a defined and useful function and that the fouling process impedes or interferes with this function.
BoilerA boiler is a closed vessel in which fluid (generally water) is heated. The fluid does not necessarily boil. The heated or vaporized fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications, including water heating, central heating, boiler-based power generation, cooking, and sanitation. Heat sourcesIn a fossil fuel power plant using a steam cycle for power generation, the primary heat source will be combustion of coal, oil, or natural gas.
ChalkChalk is a soft, white, porous, sedimentarycarbonate rock. It is a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite and originally formed under the sea by the accumulation and lithification of hard parts of organisms, mostly microscopic plankton, which had settled to the sea floor.
TufaTufa (tuft, calc-tuff or tophus) is a variety of limestone formed when carbonate mineralsprecipitate out of water in unheated rivers or lakes. Geothermally heated hot springs sometimes produce similar (but less porous) carbonate deposits, which are known as travertine or thermogene travertine. Tufa is sometimes referred to as meteogene travertine.
MirrorObject that reflects an imageA mirror reflecting the image of a vaseA first-surface mirror coated with aluminium and enhanced with dielectric coatings.
KettleA kettle, sometimes called a tea kettle or teakettle, is a device specialized for boiling water, commonly with a lid, spout, and handle. There are two main types: the stovetop kettle, which uses heat from a hob, and the electric kettle, which is a smallkitchen appliance with an internal heating element. Kettles are used mainly in the preparation of hot beverages, but also in food preparation. EtymologyThe word kettle originates from Old Norse ketill, "cauldron".
GlassesA man with glassesA woman with glassesGlasses, also known as eyeglasses, spectacles, or colloquially as specs, are visioneyewear with clear or tinted lenses mounted in a frame that holds them in front of a person's eyes, typically utilizing a bridge over the nose and hinged arms, known as temples or temple pieces, that rest over the ears for support.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.