Effects of Process Parameters on Gypsum Scale Formation in Pipes

Abstract

Scaling often leads to a series of technical and economical problems in industrial plants and equipments by blocking water flow in pipes or limiting heat transfer in heat exchangers. While most contemporary studies are focusing on crystallization at heat-exchanger surfaces and scaling on nanofilters in desalination plants,very little work has been done investigating scale formation on pipe and vessel walls. A comprehensive investigation of the effects of various process parameters in controlling the formation of calcium sulfate scale in pipes was undertaken. Supersaturation ratio, run time, and operational hydrodynamics were altered systematically to determine their influence on the scale growth rate. The results confirmed that the deposition of gypsum on pipe walls was significantly affected by these process parameters.