Potassium for water softeners?

[cjwatts77]

I am new to all this. I found potassium for water softeners at the hardware store. Is this an option? I have heard that potassium makes a good electrolyte. I just do not want to use anything toxic...

Thanks for any help

[weose33]

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[coffeeachiever]

WTF is that last post?
Anyway, I've never heard of anyone using K as an electrolyte, but that doesn't mean it's not viable. Chemistry is not my strong point so I can't tell you what the electrolosis process will do to it. That is the first thing you will want to find out.
The reason that NaOH and KOH are used is because they are true catalysts that are not used up in the electrolosis process (when the electrolosis is done in a desirable way). They also work great in increasing the conductivity of water. If you find that K has the same properties, please let us know. Good question.

[Q-Hack!]

Water softeners generally use Potassium Chloride. I suspect you will get a similar result like using NaCl. One of the by-products of salt is that it produces Chlorine gas.

Pure potassium would be an interesting, if not entertaining choice as an electrolyte Just be sure to stand way back when you decide to drop it into the water.

[cully]

its been a long time since i went to school but i did do chemistry
Ive forgotten more than i remember but........

doesn't pure Potassium burn/explode on contact with water

[coffeeachiever]

its been a long time since i went to school but i did do chemistry
Ive forgotten more than i remember but........

doesn't pure Potassium burn/explode on contact with water

That is valuable information. Potassium is out.

[Q-Hack!]

That is valuable information. Potassium is out.

We don't want to discourage your experimentation process, just make sure you use the correct form of potassium. KOH or Potassium Hydroxide (sometimes called caustic potash) is probably the best choice for an electrolyte. It is usually sold to soap makers and hide tanning specialty shops. I found my source on ebay.

[smid1]

these are the same - chemical name, trade name, chemical symbol repectively. it is available in flake form ( probably 90% or more purity.), or in a liquid solution which is about 45%, i've heard it referred to as in crystal form, but i'm not familiar - it is probably the same as flakes. it does enhance the conductivity of water, so it should work as a catylist. like any strong alkali, you would have to use caution when making a solution. i work in a chemical plant, and we use the 45% solution to adjust the ph of strong acids. it is also used in the soap making industry to make liquid soap ( sodium hydroxide (lye) is used to make cake soap. ). iv'e also heard of koh being used to create a reaction to break the trigliceride chain in waste vegetable oils in the manufacture of soy or bio - diesel fuel.

[cully]

thought id add this as acids were mentioned in the above post

potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline DO NOT MIX IT with strong acids without very good safety equipment as violent reactions take place

[Q-Hack!]

I think you are thinking of sodium.

No, he is correct. Potassium, in its pure form, will explode when added to water. All of your alkali metals will react with water. Some more than others.