What is the optimal dosage of ATMP for different applications?

The optimal dosage of Amino Trimethylene Phosphonic Acid (ATMP) varies depending on the specific application:

1. Water treatment for scale inhibition

Cooling water systems:

In general, for preventing calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate scale formation in open - recirculating cooling water systems, the dosage of ATMP is usually in the range of 1 - 10 mg/L. When the water has a relatively high hardness (e.g., total hardness above 200 mg/L as CaCO₃) and alkalinity, a dosage towards the higher end of this range may be required. For example, if the cooling water has a calcium hardness of 300 mg/L and an alkalinity of 250 mg/L, a dosage of around 5 - 8 mg/L of ATMP might be optimal to effectively inhibit scale formation.

In closed - loop cooling water systems, where the water quality is more stable and less likely to be contaminated, the dosage can be lower, typically 0.5 - 3 mg/L. This is because there is less makeup water introduced, and the concentration of scale - forming ions does not change as rapidly as in open - loop systems.

Boiler water treatment:

For low - pressure boilers (operating pressure less than 2.5 MPa), the recommended dosage of ATMP is 3 - 15 mg/L. ATMP helps to prevent scale formation on the boiler heat transfer surfaces, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the boiler. In a low - pressure steam boiler with a water hardness of 150 - 200 mg/L as CaCO₃, a dosage of about 8 - 12 mg/L of ATMP can effectively inhibit scale.

For high - pressure boilers (operating pressure above 2.5 MPa), the water quality requirements are more stringent. The dosage of ATMP is usually in the range of 1 - 5 mg/L. In high - pressure boilers, even small amounts of scale can cause significant problems, so a precise and relatively low dosage is used to avoid any negative impacts on the boiler operation while still providing effective scale inhibition.

2. Oilfield applications

Scale inhibition in oil wells:

In oil production wells, especially those with high - salinity formation water, ATMP is used to prevent scale deposition in the wellbore, tubing, and surface facilities. The dosage can range from 10 - 50 mg/L. For example, in a well where the formation water contains high levels of calcium and barium ions (common scale - forming ions in oilfield brines), a dosage of 20 - 30 mg/L of ATMP may be needed to inhibit the formation of calcium sulfate and barium sulfate scales.

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR):

When used in EOR processes such as water - flooding, ATMP can be added to the injection water. The dosage typically ranges from 5 - 20 mg/L. In a water - flooding operation in a reservoir with a complex geology and potential for scale formation during the injection process, a dosage of around 10 - 15 mg/L of ATMP can help maintain the injectivity of the wells by preventing scale deposition in the reservoir pores and injection pipelines.

3. Detergent and cleaning agent formulations

Industrial cleaners:

In industrial cleaners used for removing hard - water stains and scale from metal surfaces, ATMP can be added at a concentration of 0.5 - 5% by weight. For example, in a heavy - duty metal cleaner designed to clean machinery parts with significant scale buildup, an ATMP concentration of 2 - 3% can effectively chelate the scale - forming metal ions and enhance the cleaning performance.

Household detergents:

In some high - end household detergents, especially those formulated for use in areas with hard water, ATMP may be added at a lower concentration, usually 0.1 - 1% by weight. For a laundry detergent targeted at hard - water regions, an ATMP concentration of about 0.3 - 0.5% can help prevent the deposition of calcium and magnesium salts on fabrics, improving the cleaning and softening effect of the detergent.

It should be noted that these dosage ranges are general guidelines. In actual applications, factors such as water quality (e.g., the type and concentration of scale - forming ions, pH value), system operating conditions (temperature, pressure, flow rate), and the presence of other chemical additives need to be comprehensively considered, and laboratory tests or on - site trials are often required to determine the most appropriate dosage.

If you plan to use ATMP in a specific application, I'd be happy to help you further customize the dosage recommendations based on more detailed information about your system.