MITIGATION OF CaCO3 SCALE FORMATION IN PIPES UNDER INFLUENCE OF VIBRATION AND ADDITIVES

Abstract

This study aims to mitigate CaCO3 scale formation in pipes under influence of vibration and oxalic and formic acid additives. The vibration of the pipes was generated mechanically by an electrical motor and controlled by a computer program. CaCO3 scale was synthesized by CaCl2 and Na2CO3 reagents. The scale deposition was examined at a temperature of 35°C and vibration frequencies of 0.00, 3.00, and 6.00 Hz. The mass of scale deposit was found as 3.3211 g, 3.8358g, and 4.4705 g. Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy analysis proved that the additives successfully diffused into the crystal lattice and retarded carbonate anion formation, which consequently retarded the scale formation. In addition, the use of oxalic acid made the morphology of vaterite-changed. However,the formic acid was added, a new habit of hexagonal thin-plate vaterite-could be observed and a fewer carbonate scale was obtained.