What is the process of calcification or sedimentation:
The term anti-scaling is to reduce the formation of deposits or in technical terms - anti-scaling - in industrial equipment such as reverse osmosis (RO) systems that many industrialists have heard of. Scaling means the deposition of inorganic or mineral particles of dirt on the surface of membranes, which leads to the blockage of the membrane pores. The process of sedimentation is the deposition of low-soluble salts on the surface of the membrane. Calcification is the accumulation of suspended solids and microorganisms on the surface of the membrane. Calcification in reverse osmosis systems is a natural phenomenon. It can be controlled through appropriate filtration and chemical washing processes when necessary.
What is chemical scaling:
Chemical scaling caused by mineral compounds in solution in water such as sodium carbonate, calcium sulfate, silica, silicon dioxide, barium sulfate, can limit the efficiency of membrane filtration systems and membrane filters, increase pressure and thus increase energy consumption and associated costs, reduce water quality, reduce washing operations and frequent breakdowns. It is worth noting that the useful life of the membrane filter may be reduced due to the phenomenon of chemical scaling. The formation of deposits begins when the salt concentration exceeds its solubility under solution conditions. The primary crystal nuclei play a catalytic role in the formation of larger salt crystals. These salt crystals come out of the suspended state and begin to precipitate as long as they reach the required size and mass. The precipitation process will continue until the ions that make up the salt in the solution are saturated. There are several reasons that lead to the formation of deposits on the surface of the reverse osmosis membrane, the most important of which are:
-
Increased concentration of mineral materials in the solution in the water entering the membranes
-
Increased pH
-
Creation and increase of surfaces required for precipitation (which will double with the continuous chemical scaling of mineral deposits to this required level)
-
Increased water temperature
What is an anti-scalant:
An anti-scalant is used as an additive in the primary treatment process in reverse osmosis systems. An anti-scalant is used as an active substance to control the precipitation in reverse osmosis membranes. Before transferring water to reverse osmosis, the anti-scalant is injected with the appropriate concentration into the water feed flow. The chemicals used in the composition of anti-scalants prevent the formation of mineral deposits on the surface of the membranes. Injecting appropriate concentrations of anti-scalants leads to controlling the formation of mineral deposits such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, iron deposits, etc. on the membrane surface.
The importance of using an anti-scalant:
The use of antiscalants in reverse osmosis systems can reduce the costs associated with the repair and maintenance of water purification systems. By continuously injecting antiscalants into the reverse osmosis system, the current of scale formation will be reduced rapidly. The amount of antiscalant used as a descaling agent depends on the concentration of soluble salts in the feed water or the place of use. Due to the presence of inorganic and mineral salts of the water solution entering the reverse osmosis water purification system and the desalination machine and the blockage and sedimentation in the micropores of polyamide or cellulose of the reverse osmosis membranes, the phenomenon of scale occurs. The deposits on polyamide membranes include calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, and strontium sulfate. Silica and calcium fluoride deposits are less common but are a problem. To prevent these soluble salts on the membrane, they are injected into the water entering the reverse osmosis antiscalant system. Disadvantages of using substandard antiscalants in reverse osmosis systems:
-
Reduces the production capacity in water purification systems
-
Increases the amount of soluble mineral salts in water
-
Increases the pressure on the floor pumps and reduces the life of the pump
-
Energy consumption during the reverse osmosis process increases
-
Reduces the life of the membranes and their early replacement
Mechanism of action of antiscalants:
The mechanism of action of antiscalants is to disrupt the reactions of mineral deposits, or in other words, this substance by some substances in its structure can reduce the rate of reaction of the alkaline compound with all mineral ions in the water, and in this case during the passage of water through the polyamide membrane. The possibility of deposit formation is eliminated. Calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate and strontium sulfate are among the minerals that deposit on the membrane. In general, all systems in which membrane technology is used for water treatment are subject to clogging of the membrane pores, the most important types of which are reverse osmosis water desalination systems.
Antiscalant Injection Quantity:
The amount of antiscalant injection depends on various parameters such as water analysis, flow rate, temperature, pH, system recovery rate, water source, membrane type and how the membranes are arranged. The antiscalant injection rate ranges from 1 to 6 ppm.
Problems resulting from not using antiscalant:
-
Increased pressure drop, required pressure, energy consumption and cost.
-
Frequent washing with shorter intervals to improve the processes which leads to reduced useful life of the membranes and increased costs
-
Frequent and long-term failures
-
Membrane dispersion when colliding with mineral deposit crystals
-
One of the useful ways to prevent the occurrence of the problems mentioned is to use antiscalant.
-
Poor quality antiscalant increases the need to wash the membrane filter and this is not good at all for water purification devices. In addition, poor quality antiscalant causes the membrane filter to be replaced quickly which reduces the useful life of the filter and after a short period causes total damage to the device. The useful life of the pumps is also affected by this poor product. Most importantly, this ideal material, if it is not of good quality,
Anti scaling and corossion can be manufactured using economical chemical raw materials that are easily available locally and globally. Therefore, to manufacture this product, it is necessary to obtain its formula from the website, as manufacturing this product does not require great capabilities and complications. We advise beginners in small and medium projects related to this field to buy the formula.
