Degassing Systems for Industrial Water Treatment: What They Do and When You Need One

If your facility runs a reverse osmosis system, a boiler feed line, or any process that depends on consistent water chemistry, dissolved gases are a problem you may already have without knowing it. A degassing system for industrial water treatment removes gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen from process water before they cause corrosion, scaling, membrane fouling, or product contamination. Understanding when your application requires one can prevent significant equipment damage and operational downtime.

What a Degassing System Does

Dissolved gases enter water from multiple sources, including:

  • Source water containing naturally occurring dissolved gases
  • Atmospheric exposure
  • Biological activity
  • Chemical reactions within the treatment process

Once in the water, these gases create problems that standard filtration and RO membranes cannot fully resolve on their own.

A degassing system removes dissolved gases by exposing water to a low-pressure environment, a stripping gas, or a membrane degassing module that allows gas molecules to pass through while retaining the liquid. The result is water with dramatically reduced dissolved gas concentrations, which protects downstream equipment and improves process stability.

The two most common gases targeted in industrial water treatment are carbon dioxide and oxygen. However, hydrogen sulfide removal is also a critical application in oil and gas, groundwater treatment, and certain municipal systems.

Learn more about how industrial water degassing systems work and their applications.

Why Dissolved Gases Cause Problems in Industrial Systems

Carbon Dioxide and Carbonate Scaling

Carbon dioxide dissolved in water lowers pH and affects carbonate chemistry, which can contribute to calcium carbonate scaling under certain treatment conditions. In RO systems, carbonate scaling is one of the leading causes of membrane fouling and premature membrane replacement. Removing CO2 at an appropriate stage in the treatment process can help stabilize pH and manage downstream scaling potential.

In addition, high CO2 levels reduce the efficiency of downstream ion exchange and EDI systems by increasing the ionic load associated with dissolved carbon dioxide. A degassing step placed between the RO unit and the EDI system can reduce this load and improve overall system performance.

Learn more about water degasification and reverse osmosis.

Oxygen and Corrosion

Dissolved oxygen is a major driver of corrosion in boiler feed water systems, cooling water loops, and metal pipework. Even small concentrations at the parts-per-billion level can cause accelerated oxidation in high-temperature, high-pressure environments.

Power plants, steam generators, and industrial boilers require deaerated feed water to protect heat exchange surfaces and pressure vessels. Mechanical deaeration and membrane degassing are both established methods for achieving the low dissolved oxygen levels these systems demand.

Hydrogen Sulfide and Process Contamination

Hydrogen sulfide produces the characteristic rotten egg odor associated with groundwater sources and certain industrial wastewater streams. Beyond odor, H2S is corrosive to copper alloys and can interfere with processes in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and electronics manufacturing.

Degassing systems designed specifically for H2S removal use forced draft or vacuum stripping to drive the gas out of solution before it reaches sensitive process equipment or product contact surfaces.

Applications That Commonly Require Degassing

Industrial facilities that most frequently need dedicated degassing systems include:

  • Boiler Feed Water Systems: Dissolved oxygen must be reduced to prevent corrosion in pressure vessels and heat exchangers.
  • Reverse Osmosis Pretreatment or Post-Treatment: CO2 removal helps stabilize pH and protects EDI and ion exchange polishing stages.
  • Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Water Systems: Dissolved gases can interfere with analytical accuracy or sensitive manufacturing processes.
  • Food and Beverage Production: Dissolved oxygen accelerates oxidation and can affect product shelf life and flavor.
  • Groundwater Treatment: Naturally occurring H2S or CO2 may require removal before water enters the main treatment train.
  • Cooling Tower Makeup Water: Gas removal can help reduce corrosion risks in recirculating systems.

Explore ADVANCEES pre-treatment and post-treatment systems for industrial water applications.

How to Determine If Your Facility Needs a Degassing System

The decision to add a degassing system typically comes from one of three situations:

  • Corrosion or Scaling: Visible deterioration or mineral buildup in downstream equipment.
  • pH Instability: Inconsistent treated water pH despite chemical dosing or other treatment adjustments.
  • Water Quality Requirements: Industrial processes that specify maximum dissolved gas concentrations.

If your RO membranes are fouling faster than expected, if your boiler feed water is failing conductivity or oxygen targets, or if your treated water pH is inconsistent despite chemical dosing, dissolved gases may be contributing to the problem.

A proper system assessment starts with water quality testing for CO2, dissolved oxygen, and H2S, followed by a review of your downstream process requirements.

The appropriate degassing configuration depends on several factors:

  • Types and concentrations of dissolved gases present
  • Required outlet gas concentrations
  • Water flow rate and daily treatment capacity
  • Downstream equipment and water quality requirements
  • Selection of membrane contactors, packed tower strippers, or vacuum degassers

Contact ADVANCEES today to evaluate whether a degassing system belongs in your water treatment process. Our RO plant design and consultancy services can help determine the appropriate treatment configuration for your facility.

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What Are Degassing Systems? Understanding Their Role in Water Treatment

Water treatment processes rely on several advanced technologies to achieve high-purity water for industrial, commercial, and municipal applications. One essential process is degassing, which removes dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from water. Degassing systems play a crucial role in improving water quality, preventing corrosion, and enhancing the efficiency of other water purification technologies like reverse osmosis (RO) and boiler feedwater treatment.
 
In this blog, we’ll explore what degassing systems are, how they work, and why they are critical for industries that require high-purity water.
 

What Are Degassing Systems?

 
Degassing systems are specialized water treatment technologies designed to remove unwanted dissolved gases from water. These gases, if left untreated, can cause a range of issues, including:
  • Corrosion of pipelines, boilers, and industrial equipment
  •  pH imbalances that lead to scaling and inefficiencies
  •  Compromised water quality for pharmaceutical, food, and power industries
By eliminating these gases, degassing systems improve the stability, purity, and safety of water used in sensitive applications.
 

How Do Degassing Systems Work?

 
Degassing systems function by using various physical or chemical methods to extract dissolved gases from water. The right technology depends on the type of gases being removed, the industry’s needs, and the level of water purity required.
 

1. Membrane Degassing Systems

Membrane degassing is a cutting-edge technology that uses hydrophobic (water-repellent) membranes to separate gases from water.
 

Process:

  • Water flows through a membrane contactor where a vacuum or a strip gas (such as nitrogen) removes the dissolved gases.
  • The hydrophobic membrane allows gases to pass through while keeping the water separate.
  • This method is highly efficient in removing CO₂ and O₂ from water.

Common Applications:

  • Reverse Osmosis (RO) Pretreatment
  • Boiler Feedwater Treatment
  • Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing


2. Vacuum Degassing Systems

Vacuum degasification relies on reducing the pressure inside a degassing chamber, causing gases to escape from the water.
 

Process:

  • Water enters a vacuum chamber where the pressure is lowered significantly.
  • The change in pressure forces dissolved gases to come out of the water.
  • Extracted gases are then removed through an exhaust system.

Common Applications:

  • Power Plants (Steam and Turbine Systems)
  • Pharmaceutical Water Purification
  • Chemical Processing


3. Forced Draft Degassing Systems

Forced draft degassing towers use air stripping to remove dissolved gases from water.
 

Process:

  • Water is sprayed or flowed over packing material inside a degassing tower.
  • Fans blow air through the tower, stripping gases like CO₂, H₂S, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the water.
  • The treated water collects at the bottom of the tower, ready for further purification.

Common Applications:

  • Large-Scale Industrial Water Treatment
  • Groundwater Remediation
  • Drinking Water Treatment


4. Chemical Degassing Systems

Chemical degassing involves the use of oxygen scavengers and pH adjusters to eliminate unwanted gases from water.
 

Process:

  • Deoxygenation chemicals (such as sodium sulfite) react with dissolved oxygen, preventing corrosion in industrial systems.
  • pH stabilizers help eliminate CO₂ to prevent acid formation in water treatment applications.

Common Applications:

  • Boiler Feedwater Systems
  • High-Purity Water in Pharmaceutical and Food Processing
  • Oil & Gas Water Treatment


Why Are Degassing Systems Important?

 
These degasification systems are essential for industries that require high-purity water and play a critical role in preventing:
  • Corrosion Damage – By removing oxygen and CO₂, degassing systems protect pipelines, boilers, and industrial equipment from costly corrosion.
  • pH Instability – CO₂ removal helps maintain a stable pH level in water treatment systems, preventing scaling and inefficiencies.
  • Operational Inefficiencies – Industries relying on reverse osmosis, cooling systems, and power plants benefit from degassing as it enhances overall system performance and longevity.


Industries That Benefit from Degassing Systems

 
Many industries depend on degassing systems to ensure water purity and system efficiency. Some of the key sectors that require degassed water include:
  • Power Plants: Prevents corrosion in boilers and turbines, ensuring uninterrupted power generation.
  • Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology: Guarantees ultra-pure water for medical formulations and laboratory applications.
  • Food & Beverage Processing: Removes contaminants to ensure water quality for manufacturing drinks, dairy, and processed foods.
  • Semiconductor & Electronics: Provides high-purity water for circuit board fabrication and semiconductor cooling.
  • Reverse Osmosis Systems: Used as a pre-treatment step in RO plants to prevent CO₂ scaling and enhance membrane performance.


Future of Degassing Technology

As industries continue to demand higher water purity standards, degassing technology is evolving with more energy-efficient and advanced solutions. Membrane degassing and vacuum degassing systems are becoming the preferred choices due to their low operational costs, minimal chemical usage, and superior efficiency.

With advancements in automation and remote monitoring, next-generation degassing systems will offer enhanced performance with real-time data tracking, helping industries maintain optimized water treatment operations.

Looking for Advanced Water Treatment Solutions?

Degasification plays a crucial role in improving water quality, preventing corrosion, and enhancing the efficiency of industrial processes. Whether through membrane contactors, vacuum degassing, or air stripping towers, these systems ensure that dissolved gases do not compromise the performance of reverse osmosis, boiler systems, and industrial water treatment processes.

As industries continue to seek sustainable and cost-effective water treatment solutions, degassing systems will remain a critical technology in achieving high-purity water.

Stay tuned as ADVANCEES introduces custom degasification systems for industrial and commercial applications!
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Water Degasification and Reverse Osmosis: Enhancing Water Purity

In water treatment processes, achieving high-purity water is essential for industries such as pharmaceuticals, power generation, food processing, and electronics manufacturing. One critical step in this purification process is water degasification, which removes unwanted gases from water to enhance its quality and performance. When combined with reverse osmosis (RO) technology, degasification plays a crucial role in optimizing water treatment for various industrial and commercial applications.
 

What Is Water Degasification?

Water degasification is the process of removing dissolved gases, such as oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), from water. These gases can cause corrosion, scaling, and pH imbalances, which negatively impact water quality and industrial operations.
The degasification process ensures that water meets stringent purity requirements by eliminating gases that could interfere with downstream processes, such as reverse osmosis.
 

 

Why Is Water Degasification Important?

Many industries require ultra-pure water, and the presence of dissolved gases can lead to several issues, including:
 

1. Corrosion Prevention

Gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide contribute to the corrosion of pipelines, boilers, and water treatment equipment. Removing these gases helps extend the lifespan of industrial systems.
 

2. pH Stabilization

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) in water can lower pH levels, making water more acidic and leading to scaling in pipes and equipment. Degasification helps maintain a stable pH, improving overall water quality.
 

3. Improved Reverse Osmosis Efficiency

Reverse osmosis membranes are sensitive to gases and scaling, which can reduce system performance. By removing dissolved gases before RO treatment, the efficiency and lifespan of the membranes improve significantly.
 

 

How Does Water Degasification Work?

There are several methods used to remove dissolved gases from water, each offering specific advantages based on application needs.
 

1. Vacuum Degasification

This method involves reducing the pressure inside a vacuum tower, causing dissolved gases to be released from the water. It is commonly used in power plants, semiconductor manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries.
 

2. Membrane Degasification

Membrane contactors allow water to pass through a hydrophobic membrane, which removes dissolved gases without the need for chemicals. This method is widely used in reverse osmosis pretreatment.
 

3. Forced Draft Degasification

Water is exposed to air in tall degassing towers, where fans help strip gases like CO₂ and H₂S from the water. This method is effective for high-volume water treatment.
 

4. Chemical Degasification

Chemicals, such as deoxygenation agents, can be added to water to remove gases. This method is often used in boiler feedwater applications.
 

 

The Role of Water Degasification in Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective water purification methods, but its efficiency can be impacted by dissolved gases. Here’s how water degasification enhances RO performance:
 

1. Protecting RO Membranes from Scaling

CO₂ in water contributes to carbonate scaling, which can clog RO membranes. Pre-treatment degasification reduces CO₂ levels, preventing scale formation and improving membrane lifespan.
 

2. Improving Water Purity

RO removes salts, bacteria, and contaminants, but gases can still pass through the membranes. Post-treatment degasification ensures that high-purity water remains free from unwanted gases.
 

3. Reducing Operational Costs

By removing corrosive gases before RO treatment, industries can extend membrane life, reduce maintenance costs, and improve overall system efficiency.
 

 

Industries That Benefit from Water Degasification & RO

Many industries rely on degasification and reverse osmosis for their water treatment needs:
  • Power Plants – Degassed water prevents corrosion in boilers and turbines.
  • Pharmaceuticals – Ultra-pure water is essential for drug production and laboratory applications.
  • Food & Beverage – Ensures high water quality for beverage manufacturing and food processing.
  • Semiconductor & Electronics – Protects sensitive components from contaminants and scaling.
 

ADVANCEES Water Degasification & Reverse Osmosis Solutions

At ADVANCEES, we provide advanced water degasification and reverse osmosis systems to help industries achieve the highest level of water purity. Our systems are designed for efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that your water treatment process operates at peak performance.
 

Our Solutions Include:

  • Membrane Degasification Systems – Ideal for RO pretreatment to remove dissolved CO₂ and oxygen.
  •  Vacuum Degasification Units – Highly effective for high-volume industrial applications.
  •  Reverse Osmosis Systems – Available in commercial, industrial, and containerized configurations.
 

Learn More About Our RO Solutions Here:

 

 

Looking for The Right Degasification or RO Solution?

Water Degasification is a Crucial Process for Improving Water Quality, Preventing Corrosion, and Ensuring the Efficiency of Reverse Osmosis systems. by Integrating Degasification and Ro Technology, Industries Can Enhance Water Treatment Performance, Reduce Maintenance Costs, and Extend System Lifespan.
Contact ADVANCEES today to Discuss how Our Customized Water Treatment Systems Can Meet Your Specific Needs.
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