Inorganic Scaling in Desalination Systems

Abstract

Inorganic scaling is a major concern for thermal and reverse osmosis (RO) seawater desalination plants, which are the key technologies for meeting the increasing freshwater demand. Membrane scaling is a detrimental effect in both thermal and RO process that reduces its performance particularly by reducing the water flux and causing membrane wetting. In this chapter, the formation mechanisms of inorganic scaling in thermal and reverse osmosis plants are discussed. The factors contributing to scale formation such as temperature, pH, and ionic strength of the treated water and the scale indices frequently used to predict the scale formation are explained. Finally, prevention methodologies developed to mitigate inorganic scaling (pre-treatment strategies, cleaning processes, advanced materials, etc.) are enumerated and discussed. Overall, this chapter provides a fundamental perspective of the inorganic scaling in thermal and reverse osmosis seawater desalination plants.