An Electrochemical Approach For The Protection Of Metal Surfaces From Formation Of Calcium Carbonate Using Bulk "Jar Tests"

This work describes the beneficial effects of an electrochemical treatment on scale adhesion and formation. Previous studies by the present authors have shown that an electrochemical treatment can be used to promote the adsorption of polyelectrolyte inhibitors at metallic surfaces. The objective of this project is to observe the effects of the inhibitor film, deposited electrochemically, on the scale formation. "Jar tests" have been carried out. Four techniques, namely SEM, AFM, optical microscopy and scale dissolution, have been used to quantify the deposition in the presence and absence of the inhibitor film. The electrochemical treatment in presence of Mg has shown some promising results to inhibit calcium carbonate scale. The mechanisms relating to the formation of the Mg/inhibitor-containing film adsorbed during the electrochemical treatment and the potential applications of the technique will be discussed.