Scale Inhibiting Polymer Mixtures for High TDS Water Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-containing systems, such as cooling and desalination systems, face inefficiencies due to scale formation from mineral deposits, particularly in high TDS water sources, where traditional phosphorous-based scale inhibitors can harm aquatic ecosystems and are not always available.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition comprising 50 mol% to 99 mol% of a first monomer with a carboxylic acid residue and 0.01 mol% to 45 mol% of a second monomer with a sulfonated acid residue, applied in concentrations of 0.05 ppm to 200 ppm, effectively inhibits scale formation without using phosphorous-containing compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phosphorous containing components are used as scale inhibitors, then scale formation is inhibited, but water pollution and ecological harm occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by using polymer compositions with carboxylic acid residues and sulfonated acid residues instead of phosphorous-containing components. This substitution maintains scale inhibition effectiveness while eliminating the harmful ecological effects of phosphorous discharge into water sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite polymer compositions combining multiple monomer types (carboxylic acid residues and sulfonated acid residues) to achieve effective scale inhibition. This composite approach provides the necessary performance while avoiding the environmental harm associated with traditional phosphorous-based inhibitors.
2Productivity
If freshwater supply is increased to prevent scale formation, then system efficiency is maintained, but water resource availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer composition enables the water system to protect itself from scale formation by incorporating scale-inhibiting polymers that adsorb to scale-forming surfaces and prevent precipitation. This self-service mechanism allows the system to maintain efficiency using the same water source repeatedly without requiring constant freshwater replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical environment by adding polymer compositions that alter the scaling behavior of dissolved solids. This allows the system to operate with higher TDS water sources for extended periods, effectively reducing the frequency of water replacement and conserving freshwater resources.
3Quantity of substance
If high TDS water sources are used, then freshwater consumption is reduced, but scale deposition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer composition acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the high TDS water source and the system surfaces. The polymers adsorb to both the scale-forming ions and the surfaces, preventing direct precipitation and scale deposition while allowing the system to use high TDS water sources that would otherwise cause heavy scaling.
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 polymer composition effectively prevents scale formation in water-containing systems using high TDS water sources without harming the environment, maintaining system efficiency and reducing the need for frequent freshwater supply.
Implementation Method 1
The scale inhibiting polymer mixture comprises a water source and about 0.05 ppm to about 200 ppm of a polymer composition... The polymer composition comprises about 50 mol% to about 99 mol% of a first monomer comprising a carboxylic acid residue and about 0.01 mol% to about 45 mol% of a second monomer comprising one of a sulfonated acid residue or a second carboxylic acid residue
Implementation Method 2
The polymer composition comprises about 50 mol% to about 99 mol% of a first monomer comprising a carboxylic acid residue and about 0.01 mol% to about 45 mol% of a second monomer comprising one of a sulfonated acid residue or a second carboxylic acid residue... effectively prevents scale formation
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are polymer compositions useful for scale inhibiting applications. The polymer compositions include a plurality of monomers, which include at least one carboxylic acid and a sulfonated acid. The polymer compositions are used in polymer mixtures in water sources for inhibiting scale formation at relatively low dosages.