ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Kinetics of mineral scale removal/dissolution for effective cooling system maintenance

Mohamed Helmy Abdel-Aziz, Mohamed F. Hussien, El-Sayed Zakaria El-Ashtoukhy, Gomaa H. Sedahmed, and Iman El Gheriany

Chemical and Materials Engineering Department, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia

E-mail: mhmousa@alexu.edu.eg

Received: 8 September 2024  Accepted: 9 November 2024

Abstract:

Effective cooling system maintenance is crucial in industrial processes to prevent the accumulation of mineral scales, particularly calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which impairs heat transfer and flow efficiency. This study investigates the kinetics of scale dissolution using hydrochloric acid (HCl) as a descaling agent, focusing on key variables such as acid concentration, temperature, and solution flow rate. Synthetic CaCO₃ scales were utilized to simulate natural scaling conditions, and both batch and continuous systems were employed to evaluate dissolution rates. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to model the relationships between variables and optimize the descaling process. The study found that scale dissolution in HCl is diffusion-controlled, with significant contributions from factors like CO₂ bubble formation and surface-active agents like Triton X-100. The research provides a deeper understanding of the kinetics of scale removal, contributing valuable insights for optimizing cooling system maintenance and preventing costly operational disruptions in industrial settings.

Keywords: Scale dissolution; Descaling kinetics; Response surface methodology; Optimization; Industrial cooling systems

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-024-03812-9

Chemical Papers 79 (2) 761–774 (2025)