Study of the influence of the supersaturation coefficient on scaling rate using the pre-calcified surface of a quartz crystal microbalance

Abstract

Scale deposition is a common issue in industrial plants, which creates technical problems, i.e. reduction of heat transfer, decrease of flow rate due to an obstruction of pipes. Therefore, the development of some appropriate methods based on well suitable in situ sensors to evaluate and predict the scaling propensity of water is a major concern in current research. This would be a good strategy for the optimization of anti-scaling treatments. In this study, scaling tests were carried out using a sensitive sensor, which has been developed using a quartz crystal microbalance with a pre-calcified electrode surface (SQCM). This technique allowed studying the influence of the supersaturation on the scaling rate. The set-up was tested with different water samples which were brought to a given supersaturation coefficient by degassing the dissolved CO. The prediction of the scaling propensity of water was then possible through the relationship between the scaling rate on a pre-calcified surface and the supersaturation coefficient. In addition, the kinetics of CaCO deposit on the pre-calcified SQCM surface was found to be slower for natural water than for synthetic water (same calcium concentration). Furthermore, the activation energy for scale deposit, in synthetic water, was found to be 22 kJ.mol, which may be related to the diffusion of ions and/or CaCO nuclei in solution.

Scale inhibition properties of metallic cations on CaCO3 formation using fast controlled precipitation and a scaling quartz microbalance

“…In conclusion, the pre-calcified surface of the quartz is, in hard water solution, very sensitive towards CaCO3 particles adsorption in comparison with the bare gold electrode. This is in agreement with previous investigations in waters with lower hardness [42,43].…”

Inorganic Scaling in Membrane Desalination: Models, Mechanisms, and Characterization Methods

“…The dissolution of CaCO 3 can be characterized using precalcified QCM sensors in pure feedwater, and a theoretical model for crystal growth and redissolution reaction can be developed on the basis of the results from QCM-D measurements. 260,261 Similarly, the calcite growth rate was quantified by QCM-D using a solution seeded with small calcite crystals, showing good agreement with model predictions. 262 Despite the many unique advantages discussed above, QCM-D only measures indirect parameters of frequency and dissipation signals, corresponding to the change in mass on the sensor.…”

“…In addition to the nucleation stage analysis, the QCM-D technique has also been used to study crystal growth and dissolution rate. The dissolution of CaCO 3 can be characterized using precalcified QCM sensors in pure feedwater, and a theoretical model for crystal growth and redissolution reaction can be developed on the basis of the results from QCM-D measurements. , Similarly, the calcite growth rate was quantified by QCM-D using a solution seeded with small calcite crystals, showing good agreement with model predictions …”

Scale inhibition effect of Hylocereus undatus solution on calcium carbonate formation

“…The FCP method has been previously detailed elsewhere [27,28]. Basically, this method is based on the moderate degassing of the dissolved CO2 by stirring the water sample.…”