Optimising hydrodynamic conditions for inhibiting scale deposition on metal surfaces in the presence of aspartic acid

ABSTRACT Scale deposition on heating surfaces is a major problem in process industries. Conventional scale inhibitor poses a serious detrimental effect on the environment. Hence, there is a necessity to explore chemical species that are equally effective and biodegradable. Poly (Aspartic acid) with high biodegradability find wide applications as a corrosion and scale inhibitor as it does not pose any harm to the environment. However, the inhibitory effect of Aspartic acid monomer against scale deposition is reported nowhere. The present work focuses on evaluating the anti-scaling properties of Aspartic acid monomers at different operating conditions and additive concentrations. Results obtained are analysed by estimating power requirement and the average shear rate at different Reynolds numbers. Aspartic acid showed a significant reduction in the scale formation process even at a very low concentration of 3–12 ppm. The performance of the Aspartic acid was consistent at high temperatures and degrees of turbulence. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT