What is meant by "precipitate" in the context of feedwater treatment?

In the context of feedwater treatment, "precipitate" refers to the process of separating solids out of a solution. This is crucial in water treatment because certain dissolved substances can cause problems such as scaling, corrosion, or other operational issues when they remain in solution. When chemicals are added to the water that cause these dissolved substances to form solid particles, those solids can then settle out or be removed through filtration.

This process helps to ensure that the feedwater is of high quality and suitable for use in various applications, such as in boilers or cooling systems, where impurities could lead to decreased efficiency or damage. Understanding this definition helps in recognizing the importance of removing unwanted substances from water to maintain system integrity and performance.