A Review of the Most Advanced Green Polymeric Inhibitors for Controlling Scale Formation in Cooling Circuits
Subject Areas :
Majid Mirzaee
1
()
Abbas Yousefpour
2
(Assistant professor, Chemistry and Process Research Group, Niroo Research Institute, P.O. Box 14665517, Tehran, Iran.)
Keywords: Scale, green inhibitor, polyaspartic acid, biodegradability, stability,
Abstract :
Scale deposition is one of the problems that occur in water-containing ions of sparingly soluble salts. One of the common methods for controlling scale deposition is the use of anti-scale agents. To control of scale in cooling water systems, water treatment processes, and oil operations, large amounts of polymeric scale inhibitors are used. Like most traditional polymers, scale inhibitors are designed for long-term durability and remain for years after being discarded. With increasing environmental concerns and discharge limitations, the chemistry of scale inhibitors has shifted towards the use of "green anti-scale agents" that are easily degradable, have minimal environmental mobility, and thus have a lesser environmental impact. This presents a challenge to provide acceptable levels of efficiency with economical dosages. Numerous reports have been published on the chemistry and new products of scale inhibitors that are more environmentally acceptable than conventional anti-scale agents. This review article provides a summary of efforts to develop economical and environmentally harmless scale inhibitors. Currently, the most promising green-scale inhibitors are based on polyaspartic acid. However, there is very limited field operational data, and the widespread use of polyaspartic acid scale inhibitors is awaiting further experience in field operations.
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