Application and evaluation of novel acrylic based CaSO4 inhibitors for pipes

The precipitation of calcium sulphate scale on heat transfer surfaces widely occurs in numerous industrial processes. For the control of calcium sulphate scale and in response to environmental guidelines, the low molecular weight maleic anhydride copolymers (YMR-series polymers) were evaluated for their scale inhibition property towards CaSO4 scales in the artificial cooling water for steel (316L) and copper (90/10, Cu–Ni alloy) pipes using a pipe flow system at various temperatures. The relationship between deposited scale mass and temperature was deduced from experimental data. The effect of antiscalants on formation of CaSO4 was investigated with scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Several forms of hydrated calcium sulphate were created at high temperature. The results showed that the low molecular weight YMR-polymers were excellent calcium sulphate scale inhibitor in copper and steel pipe flow system showing inhibition up to 95% at 70°C. [Display omitted] •Novel low molecular weight maleic anhydride copolymers (YMR-polymers)•CaSO4 scale inhibition effect in artificial cooling water at various temperatures•Pipe flow system using steel (316L) and copper (90/10, Cu–Ni alloy) pipes•The antiscalant effect on CaSO4 was investigated with SEM.•YMR-polymers were excellent CaSO4 scale inhibitor showing 95% inhibition at 70°C.