Predictive complexation models of the impact of natural organic matter and cations on scaling in cooling water pipes: a case study of power generation plants in South Africa

The objective of modelling was to describe scaling in terms of saturation indices of mineral phases. Accordingly, the minerals most likely to generate scale were further simulated (over a range of pH (3-10) to yield results that mimicked changing pH. Speciation calculations of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+ generated azurite, cerrusite and smithsonite mineral phases, which showed positive saturation indices at higher pH, hence increased potential to precipitate (form scale). The derived predictive models would act as a useful management tool and henceforth aid to avoid unnecessary costs due to the consequences of scaling.

Source: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts ABC - February 17, 2015 Category: Science Source Type: research