Abstract
In this study, ultrasonication-assisted calcium carbonate scale inhibition was investigated compared with a commercial antiscalant ATMP (amino tris(methyl phosphonic acid)). The effects of varying ultrasound amplitude, pH, and inhibition duration were evaluated. The inhibition of calcium carbonate scale formation was measured based on the concentration of calcium in the solution after subjecting to different conditions. Scale deposits were also characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Inhibition of scale formation was supported at a pH of 7 for an ultrasound amplitude of 150 W. A 94% calcium carbonate inhibition was recorded when the experiment was carried out with ultrasonication. The use of 5 mg/L ATMP achieved a 90% calcium carbonate inhibition of ATMP. The result of the characterization revealed that the morphology of the crystals was unaffected by ultrasonic irradiation. Sample treatment was performed with two different membranes to evaluate the calcium carbonate deposition, and data reveals that, at identical conditions, ultrasonication provides less deposition when compared to the control experiments.
Highlights
Scale formation occurs due to the precipitation of dissolved mineral salts
Calcium carbonate scale formation is a severe problem in many water treatment industries
Results suggest that the ATMP and ultrasonicated samples provide a significant decrease in scale formation and are stable even after 60 min
Summary
Scale formation occurs due to the precipitation of dissolved mineral salts. Mineral salt precipitation creates blockages in fluid channels, heat transfer surfaces, conveyance systems, condenser tubes, or membrane surfaces [1,2]. The growth of these precipitates often leads to heat transfer hindrance, energy consumption, equipment performance deterioration, shutdown, and productivity loss [3,4,5]. Scaling may occur in different industrial processes such as water transportation, oil and gas production, power generation, and batch precipitation [6,7]. Calcium carbonate can be an amorphous solid in three different crystalline forms: calcite, aragonite, and vaterite [9]. The processes are triggering the decomposition of HCO3 − according to the overall reaction: Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland
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