Assessing the effect of catalytic materials on the scaling of carbon steel Original Research Article

The present study investigated the efficacy of catalytic materials, i.e., tourmaline, zinc and aluminum, in mitigating calcium carbonate scaling of carbon steel material. Artificial hard water (480 ± 20 mg/l) was used to re-circulate in the system loop for 3 days of fouling test. Tests were carried out at various solution temperatures (27, 40, and 70 °C) and flow rates (800, 1200, and 1600 ml/min). Different measurements and characterization methods were carried out. The results showed consistently lower deposition of scales when the catalytic materials were incorporated in the system (i.e., treatment case), with as much as 21% reduction compared to the no-treatment case, depending on the solution temperature and flow rate. There was more corrosion activity observed in the no-treatment case compared to the treatment case. Furthermore, the scales at the no-treatment case showed pointed, sea-urchin-like structure, while those of the treatment case were dull, star-like structures and with thicker crystals than those at no-treatment case. In this study, we have shown the potential of catalytic materials in reducing scaling formation on non-heated carbon steel surface.