Types of scale inhibitors

Scale inhibitors are a type of chemical agent used to prevent and control the formation of scale in water, such as salt deposits such as calcium and magnesium. According to the main mechanism of action and composition, scale inhibitors can be divided into the following types:

Corrosion inhibitor: Corrosion inhibitors form protective complexes by coordinating with metal ions, thereby inhibiting the precipitation of metal salts. Common corrosion inhibitors include organic phosphates (such as ATMP, HEDP), organic polyesters (such as PAPE, PBTCA), etc.

Chelating agent: Chelating agents reduce their activity in water by forming stable complexes with metal ions, thereby reducing the occurrence of salt precipitation. Common chelating agents include EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid), etc.

Dispersant: Dispersant can disperse small particles into water, preventing them from coalescing and settling. Dispersants charge particles and repel each other through the action of surfactants or adsorbents, preventing their aggregation. Polyacrylamide (PAA) and polymer dispersants are common dispersants.

Crystal retarder: Crystal retarders regulate the crystal morphology and size by altering the salt crystallization process, thereby reducing the formation of scale. Common crystal retarders include nucleation agents, crystal morphology regulators, etc.

Interface active agent: Interface active agent reduces surface tension in water, promotes dispersion and dissolution between water and sediment particles, and prevents their deposition. Non ionic surfactants and cationic surfactants are commonly used surfactants.

It should be noted that different scale inhibitors may have different application conditions and effects. In practical applications, suitable scale inhibitors should be selected based on water quality characteristics and specific needs, and used correctly according to the instructions and professional recommendations.