The Role of Water Chemistry on Preventing Silica Fouling in Industrial Water Systems

Controlling silica-silicate fouling is extremely challenging in industrial water systems operating with high silica containing feed waters.  Conventional deposit control additives do not effectively inhibit silica and/or magnesium silicate formation.  The removal and cleaning of equipment surfaces fouled by silica-silicate based-foulants is expensive as well as poses safety and environmental issues. This study focuses on silica scale formation and inhibition using a new silica-silicate control agent.  The role of water chemistry (e.g., Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, TDS, pH) on the effectiveness silica-silica control agents is discussed.