Scaling and its inhibition in industrial water networks: Complete file

2023-04-18 22:00:00

Scaling phenomena are characterized by the formation of encrusting, compact and adherent deposits on the surface of materials in contact with natural water. They can affect all sectors of activity such as agriculture, industry or the distribution of drinking water.

It is intuitive that scale deposits generate very significant technical problems such as partial or total obstruction of pipes. It should be noted that these phenomena also have considerable financial consequences, linked for example to cleaning, replacement of structures, loss of earnings caused by production stoppages, energy losses, etc. These unproductive expenses are estimated at around 1. 5 billion euros per year in France . In nuclear installations, the power produced is often limited by scale deposits in the cooling towers .

The physical factors influencing the formation of scale with the use of natural water in the circuits are mainly due to variations in temperature, pressure and concentration of mineral salts.

The temperature increase occurs at the heat exchanger systems and in the water distribution pipes. The presence of scale on the walls of an exchanger induces an increase in the internal thermal resistance, which reduces its lifespan but above all its performance with a loss of efficiency. Indeed, if we consider that it is mainly calcium carbonate (CaCO3), scale is 15 to 30 times less conductive than steel .

Consequently, it is very important to be able to control the phenomena of scaling. To do this, specific treatments exist, using pre-treatments and conditioning products. However, these conventional products involve fossil carbon from petrochemicals in their life cycle. In the long term, this resource is not sustainable. It is therefore essential to find more environmentally friendly and more economical solutions to inhibit these phenomena.

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