10-02: Silica Scale Inhibition - A Kinetic Study

The formation of silica and silicate scales in the chemical process industries is a significant on-going problem with large economic consequences. The fouling of surfaces can reduce heat transfer and cooling efficiencies. This may also affect reaction kinetics. The removal of such scales is often a complex mechanical or chemical process and the up-front prevention of their formation is a much desired solution to the problem. In this presentation, we compare several chemistries for the inhibition of such scale formation, using various proprietary polymeric materials as additives in an industry standard test. The resulting data have allowed us to develop a simple kinetic model comparing performance of the additives under various conditions and these results have provided us with direction for potential process improvements with reduction in scale formation.