The effect of magnetic and constant electric field antiscaling devices on the mechanism of CaCO3 scale formation

D.Phil. (Chemistry)The formation ofcalcium carbonate scale is a major problem in industry as well as in households. The scale that forms acts as an insulator, decreasing the effectiveness ofheat exchangers, be it a water cooling systems or a water heating system This raises the energy costs ofthat company and the costs of cleaning are expensive. Physical water treatment has been used for at least 50 years in the treatment ofwater with scale forming potential to reduce the formation ofthis scale. In thisthesis, tests were made on a magnetic and constantelectric field antiscaling device on the effect they have, ifany, on CaC03 scale formation. An attempt will be made to give a mechanism for any effect found. It is hoped that a contribution is made by this research in clearing up the misconceptions that abound in this controversial field ofphysical water treatment. Water with a high calcium bicarbonate content was exposed to the antiscaling devices and then calcium carbonate was forced to precipitate out ofsolution. This precipitation was followed by meauring the pH and the crystal structure ofthe precipitated calcium carbonate was studied. The most important results were that by exposing the calcium bicarbonate solution to an antiscalingdevice, the start ofprecipitation ofthe calcium carbonate was significantly delayed and the crystal structure of the calcium carbonate that formed was predominantly aragonite as opposed to calcite that usually formed