Potassium Phosphate Acetic Acid Scale Removal Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preventing and removing scale deposits in subsea environments are ineffective, particularly in areas with strict environmental regulations, as they often use non-environmentally friendly chemicals and struggle with barium and strontium sulfate scales, which are difficult to inhibit and dissolve.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous composition comprising alkali metal phosphate compounds, such as potassium phosphate, and acetic acid, which is environmentally friendly and capable of dissolving scale deposits without requiring a shroud, and can be used in seawater environments, maintaining contact for a suitable period to separate scale deposits from surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chemical-based scale inhibition techniques are used, then scale formation may be inhibited to some extent, but barium and strontium sulfate scales remain difficult to prevent and dissolve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by using alkali metal phosphate compounds (changing the anionic component) combined with organic acids, which fundamentally alters the dissolution mechanism for barium and strontium sulfate scales compared to conventional acid-based cleaners. This parameter change enables effective removal of sulfate scales that were previously resistant to conventional treatments.
2Productivity
If strong acids are used to dissolve scale deposits, then scale removal effectiveness is improved, but environmental safety and material compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful strong acids into environmentally benign organic acids (acetic, propionic, butyric acid) that maintain scale-dissolving effectiveness while eliminating the harmful environmental and corrosive effects. The alkali metal phosphate compounds enhance this benign acid system to achieve performance previously only attainable with harsh chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses biodegradable organic acids with short environmental persistence instead of persistent strong acids. These organic acids break down naturally, providing effective scale removal during use while minimizing long-term environmental harm, aligning with the disposable/short-living concept where the cleaning agent degrades after use rather than persisting in the environment.
3Productivity
If conventional scale removal methods are used in subsea environments, then scale deposits can be removed, but strict environmental regulations are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms conventional harmful chemical cleaners into environmentally safe formulations using alkali metal phosphate compounds and biodegradable organic acids. This conversion maintains effective scale removal capability while ensuring compliance with subsea environmental regulations, turning a previously harmful practice into an environmentally beneficial one.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively removes scale deposits while being environmentally safe, as it only uses chemicals listed on the OSPAR Convention's PLONOR database, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maintaining equipment functionality without damaging subsea materials.
Implementation Method 1
An aqueous composition comprising alkali metal phosphate compounds, such as potassium phosphate, and acetic acid, which is environmentally friendly and capable of dissolving scale deposits
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous composition for removing scale deposits, especially on subsea equipment and a method of using the same. The aqueous composition comprises (a) a potassium phosphate compound; and (b) acetic acid. The composition is capable of dissolving away into seawater and poses little or no risk to the environment.