Carbonate reduction

A process for the removal of carbonate ions from solutions, comprising the steps of:

• 1. providing electrolytic cell having at least three compartments with two cation permselective membranes separating the cell into anodic, cathodic and carbonate removal compartments;
• 2. adding an acidic solution to the anodic compartment;
• 3. adding an electrolytically conductive solution to the cathodic compartment of the electrolytic cell;
• 4. adding the solution containing carbonate ions to the carbonate removal compartment located between the anodic and cathodic compartments of the electrolytic cell;
• 5. applying energy, as direct electrical current by the use of the anode and the cathode in the electrical cell, to cause hydrogen ions present in the acidic solution to leave the anodic compartment, pass through the adjacent cation permselective membrane, and enter the carbonate removal compartment holding the solution containing carbonate ions, neutralizing any causticity, and converting carbonate ions to bicarbonate ions which, in turn, are converted to carbonic acid which decomposes to water and carbon dioxide;
• and
• 6. concomitantly, causing cations, because of the applied electrical potential, to leave the carbonate removal compartment, enter the cathodic compartment by passing through the second cation permselective membrane, and mix, in the cathodic compartment, with the electrolytically conductive solution.