Zeolite Process Vs Lime Soda Process

Zeolite Process	Lime Soda Process
Operating cost is lower as zeolites are regenerated with cheap NaCl.	Operating cost is higher as costly chemicals such as lime, soda, coagulants are used.
The treatment plant size is compact and small.	The treatment plant size is bulky and large.
It produces water of 10-15 ppm hardness.	It produces water of 15-50 ppm hardness.
Treated water contains a large amount of sodium salts.	Treated water contains lesser percentage of sodium salts.
Acidic water cannot be softened as acidic water attacks zeolite.	Acidic water can be softened.
The water should be free from turbidity as the suspended impurities can block the pores of zeolite.	Turbid water can be softened.
No sludge is formed, so no problem of sludge disposal.	Large quantity of sludge is formed.
This process removes only Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in solution. It does not remove anions (Cl-, SO4-2, HCO3-) from solution.	It removes cations and anions from the solution.
Treated water contains more NaHCO3 which is not suitable for boilers.	Treated water is free from NaHCO3 and is suitable for boilers.
It automatically adjusts itself to water samples of different hardness.	Frequent control and adjustment of reagents is needed.