AWT-10 (Oct-10)

Association of Water Technologies, Inc.

Annual Convention & Exposition
The Grand Sierra Resort (Reno, NV)
October 20 to 23, 2010

Effects of Thermal Stress

on Silica-Silicate Deposit Control Agent Performance
Zahid Amjad, Ph.D. and Robert W. Zuhl, P.E.
Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.
9911 Brecksville Road
Cleveland, OH 44141

Carbosperse K-700
Water Treatment Polymers
2010, The Lubrizol Corporation. All rights reserved.

Abstract
Controlling silica-silicate fouling in industrial water systems operating with high silica containing
feed waters is very challenging and requires non-conventional deposit control agents. Several
laboratory evaluations were conducted to better understand the performance of a new
polymeric silica-silicate deposit control agent. The suitability of the new polymer for use in high
temperature applications as silica polymerization inhibitor and particulate dispersant (e.g.,
silica, magnesium silicate, iron oxide, clay) is evaluated by efficacy testing after polymer
exposure to thermal stress.
Keywords: silica polymerization, inhibition, particulate matter, iron oxide, clay, silica,
magnesium silicate, dispersion, fouling, thermal stability.
Introduction
Silica and silicate-based scaling that occurs in industrial water systems associated with the use
of silica-laden feed waters poses significant technical and operational challenges. The
systems affected by silica and silicate-based systems include cooling, reverse osmosis (RO)
process, and geothermal. The commonly occurring scales are amorphous silica, calcium
silicate, magnesium silicate, iron silicate, etc. These deposits generally accumulate on RO
membrane and heat exchanger surfaces, pipes, pumps, and other equipment surfaces
reducing heat transfer and RO membrane performance as well as causing increased operating
costs, premature equipment replacement, etc.
In evaporative cooling systems, water technologists must maintain silica at acceptable levels
(usually <180 mg/L in absence of silica/-silicate control agents) to avoid the formation silicabased deposits. This requires (a) operating systems at low cycles of concentration which
increases water consumption and/or (b) the incorporation of silica-silicate control agents in the
water treatment programs. In geothermal applications, silica-scale formation typically occurs
when brine is cooled in the course of brine handling and energy extraction. Factors
contributing to of silica-based deposits include variable fluid compositions, fluctuating plant
operating conditions, and the complex nature of silica polymerization reaction collectively
contribute to silica-silicate fouling problem. The composition and the amount of silica scale as
well as the rate at which it forms is dependent upon factors including mineral concentration of
feed water, pH, temperature, flow velocity, metallurgy, and system pressure.1,2
Once formed, silica-silicate based deposits are particularly difficult to remove from industrial
water systems. Both chemical and mechanical methods are used to remove silica-silicate
based deposits. However, strong chemical cleaners (e.g., ammonium bifluoride, hydrofluoric
acid) pose environmental challenges and require care to avoid damaging equipment whereas
mechanical cleaning is labor intensive.
Over the years, a variety of approaches have been proposed to combat silica-silicate fouling in
industrial water systems. These methods fall into six (6) categories:
1) Operating systems at low silica-silicate supersaturation.
2) Reducing silica concentration by precipitation processes in feed water.
3) Using additive(s) to prevent silica polymerization.
4) Inhibiting metal-silicate precipitation.
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5) Incorporating additive(s) into water treatment programs to disperse silica-silicate deposits.

6) Effective control of other scales such as calcium carbonate to minimize the incorporation of
silica species in crystal matrix.
The success of each method depends on the feed water chemistry, system design, and
operating conditions. Although operating systems at low supersaturation levels is a common
practice, this approach may not be feasible due to water consumption costs and/or water
scarcity.
The second approach to minimize silica-based fouling involves reducing system silica
concentrations by pre-treating feed water. Commonly used chemicals for silica removal
include polyvalent metal hydroxides, i.e., Al(OH)3, Fe(OH)3, and Mg(OH)2. It has been
reported that these chemicals effectively remove both soluble and colloidal silica.3 In addition,
the amount of hydroxide required for removing silica increases but not in direct proportion with
increasing silica concentrations. Various processes involved in silica removal include chemical
reaction and/or adsorption.
The third approach or controlling silica fouling involves the use of additives that effectively
inhibit silica polymerization in aqueous solutions. Neofotistou and Demadis4 in their study on
the evaluation of polyaminoamide-based dendrimers as silica inhibitors for cooling water
applications reported that polymer performance as silica polymerization inhibitor strongly
depends on the branching present in the dendrimer. Amjad and Yorke5 reported that cationicbased copolymers are effective silica polymerization inhibitors. Similar conclusions were also
reported by Harrar, et al.6 in their investigation on the use of cationic polymers and surfactants
in inhibiting silica polymerization under geothermal conditions. Although these cationic-based
homo- and co-polymers showed excellent silica polymerization inhibition, they exhibited poor
silica-silicate dispersing activity.
The use of boric acid and/or its water soluble salts to control silica-based deposits in cooling
water systems operating at 250 to 300 mg/L silica has been reported. Silica inhibition
presumably originates from the ability of borate to condense with silicate to form borate-silicate
complexes which are more soluble than silica.7 The use of borate-based inhibitors to increase
silica solubility is limited because of the high use levels for boron-based compounds as well as
the associated costs and environmental impacts (effluent discharge limitations on boron).
Another approach that has been used for minimizing silica-silicate fouling industrial water
system involves the use of polymeric dispersants that impart negative charge via adsorption
onto suspended particles. Because most silica-based deposits consist of amorphous silica
and/or magnesium silicate, the ideal candidate must have two distinct properties. It must (a)
disperse both silica and magnesium silicate and (b) disperse scalant particles (e.g., calcium
carbonate, calcium sulfate) that can act as nuclei for silica-silicate deposits.8
The performance of a formulated product containing hydroxyl phosphono acetic acid and a
copolymer of acrylic acid:hydroxyl sulfonate ether in high hardness waters containing high
alkalinity and 225 mg/L silica, has been reported.9 The inspection of the heat exchanger
showed essentially no deposits in the presence of formulated product compared to heavy
scaling and silicate deposits in the control (no treatment). Momazaki, et al.10 reported the use
of a poly(acrylamide)based treatment program to control silica in recirculating cooling water
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systems. Gill and coworkers,11 in a study conducted using high silica water at above pH 9,
documented that a blend of phosphonate and a copolymer of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2methyl propane sulfonic acid can effectively extend the operating limits for silica from 120 to
300 mg/L.
The suitability of the silica-silicate deposit control agents for use in high temperature
applications is also of importance to water technologists. The effect of heat treatment on
polymer performance as a scale inhibitor and dispersant has been the subject of numerous
investigations. However, there is relatively little practical information available to water
treatment technologists pertaining to the thermal stability of low MW polymers used in high
temperature applications. Polymers used in high temperature applications should be able to
sustain performance where exposed to high temperature and pressure environments
associated with boiler and thermal desalination processes. McGaugh and Kottle12 studied the
thermal degradation of P-AA and later the thermal degradation of an acrylic acid-ethylene copolymer. They used infrared and mass spectrographic analysis to examine the degradation
processes that occurred in several temperature regions: 25 to 150C, 150 to 275C, 275 to
350C, and above 350C. Their results in air (minimal heating) suggest that dry P-AA
decomposes by forming an anhydride, probably a six-member glutaric anhydride-type structure
at temperature up to 150C. At 350C there is drastic un-measurable change and strong unsaturation absorption. Mass spectrographic analysis showed that carbon dioxide was the
major volatile product at 350C.
Masler13 investigated the thermal stability of several homopolymers [i.e., polyacrylic acids
(PAAs), polymethacrylic acids (PMAAs), polymaleic acid (PMAs)] used for deposit control in
boiler water treatment applications. It was demonstrated that under the experimental
conditions employed (pH 10.5, 250C, 18 hr) that PAA, PMAA, and PMA all underwent some
degradation. In terms of molecular weight (MW) loss, PMAA lost slightly less MW than PAA
which lost considerably less than PMA.
Additionally, PAA and PMAA had minimal
performance changes whereas PMA displayed a substantial loss in performance.
Several years later, Zuhl and Amjad14 using a similar test method showed that polymer
performance as dispersants of hydroxyapatite and iron oxide is affected both by temperature
level and exposure time. More recently, Amjad and Zuhl15 reported that heat treatment has a
significant effect on a polymers inhibitory properties. Heat treatment of co- and ter-polymers
has been shown to cause (a) a decrease calcium phosphate inhibition and (b) a slight increase
calcium carbonate inhibition. It is generally understood that exposing deposit control polymers
to thermal stress causes varying degrees of performance loss depending up the temperature,
exposure time, pH, concentrations, and the presence of oxidizing agents.
Although, the mechanisms of silica-silicate inhibition, deposition, dispersion, etc., have been
studied in great depth, no unified understanding of various processes involved in silica-silicate
deposition has been fully developed. In previous papers, we reported the results of laboratory
experiments designed to determine the efficacy of various commercially available polymeric
additives touted as silica polymerization inhibitors and metal-silicate dispersants.16 It was
shown that acrylic acid based homo- and co-polymers commonly used as deposit control
agents are ineffective as silica polymerization inhibitors. The results of earlier studies also
reveal that low level of metal ions (e.g., Al, Fe, cationic polymeric flocculant) exhibit marked
adverse effects on silica inhibiting polymer performance.17
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It is generally accepted that lowest limit of amorphous silica saturation level in industrial water
systems is 1.2x. Based on the previously published data, it can be assumed that a
conservative maximum treated silica saturation level in cooling water systems is 2.2x. In the
present study, for the purposes of evaluating silica polymerization inhibitors, we selected a
more challenging water chemistry with a silica saturation level extended to 3.0x.
The present study is primarily concerned with the thermal stability of commercially available
silica-silicate deposit control agents. Polymers were exposed to high temperatures (i.e., 110 to
300C) and then evaluated for their efficacy as silica polymerization inhibitors and particulate
(e.g., silica, magnesium silicate, iron oxide, and kaolin clay) dispersants. It is hoped that the
data presented in this paper will enable the water technologists to select polymers that meet
treatment program objectives for systems operating under stressed conditions (high pH, high
temperature, high silica supersaturation, etc.).
Experimental
Reagent grade chemicals and distilled water were used throughout the study. Silica stock
solutions were prepared from sodium metasilicate, standardized spectrophotometrically, and
stored in polyethylene bottles. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride solutions were
prepared from calcium chloride dihydrate and magnesium chloride hexahydrate, and were
standardized by titrating with standard ethylenediammine tetraacetic acid.
Table 1 summarizes the descriptions, compositions, and acronyms of the polymeric
commercially available additives evaluated in the present study including a new proprietary
copolymer blend (CP7 or Carbosperse K-XP229 copolymer). The results herein are
reported on a 100% active inhibitor basis.
Polymer Heat Treatment
Polymer solutions were prepared containing 10% polymer (as active solids) at pH 10.5 using
sodium hydroxide to neutralize the polymer. Sodium sulfite was added as an oxygen
scavenger. A known amount of polymer solution was retained for characterization and
performance testing. The balance was charged to a stainless steel tube. The headspace was
purged with nitrogen followed by tightening the fittings. The tube was then placed in the oven
maintained at the required temperature [either 110C (35.5 psig), 150C (84 psig), 200C
(241 psig), 250C (390 psig), or 300C (1,271 psig)]. After 20 hr, tubes were removed from the
oven, cooled to room temperature, and the solutions transferred to vials for characterization
and performance testing.
Silica Polymerization Inhibition Test Method
Reagent grade chemicals and distilled water were used in accordance with Lubrizols Silica
Polymerization Inhibition Test Procedure,18 schematically shown and discussed below.

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Silica Polymerization Inhibition Experimental Protocol

Distilled Water
+ Sodium Silicate
+ Inhibitor Solution

Adjust to
pH 7.0

Sample and
Filter through 0.22 micron

+ Calcium and
Magnesium
Solution

Re-Adjust to
pH 7.0

Analyze
for SiO2

Silica polymerization experiments were performed in polyethylene containers placed in doublewalled glass cells maintained at 40C. The supersaturated solutions were prepared by adding
known volumes of stock solution of sodium silicate (expressed as SiO2) solution and water in
polyethylene containers. After allowing the temperature to equilibrate, the silicate solutions
were quickly adjusted to pH 7.0 using dilute hydrochloric acid [HCl]. The pH of the solutions
was monitored using Brinkmann/Metrohm pH meter equipped with a combination electrode.
The electrode was calibrated before each experiment with standard buffers. After pH
adjustment, a known volume of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride stock solution was
added to the silicate solutions. The supersaturated silicate solutions were re-adjusted to
pH 7.0 with dilute HCl and/or NaOH and maintained constant throughout the silica
polymerization experiments.
Experiments involving inhibitors were performed by adding inhibitor solutions to the silicate
solutions before adding the calcium chloride and magnesium chloride solution. The reaction
containers were capped and kept at constant temperature and pH during the experiments.
Silicate polymerization in these supersaturated solutions was monitored by analyzing the
aliquots of the filtrate from 0.22-m filter paper for soluble silica using the standard colorimetric
method.18 The silicate polymerization inhibition values were calculated according to the
following equation:
[SiO2] sample --[SiO2] blank
%SI =
------------------------------------------- x 100%
[SiO2] initial
--[SiO2] blank
Where:
SI
[SiO2] sample
[SiO2] blank
[SiO2] initial

=
=
=
=

Silica Inhibition (%) or %SI

Silica concentration in the presence of inhibitor at 22 hr
Silica concentration in the absence of inhibitor at 22 hr
Silica concentration at the beginning of experiment

Particulate Dispersion Test Methods

Particulate dispersion experiments for silica, magnesium silicate, iron oxide, and kaolin clay
were conducted in accordance with test procedures described previously.16 All the particulate
matter used in the present study were commercial materials. Polymer performance as a
particulate suspension dispersants was studied by monitoring transmittance (%T) readings at
known time (t) intervals were taken using a colorimeter (Brinkmann PC/910) equipped with a
420 nm filter. The results as % dispersed (%D) were calculated from %T readings as a
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function of particulate matter dispersed compared to a control (experiment run without

dispersant). Therefore, greater dispersion was indicated by higher %D values. The %D was
calculated using the following equation:
% Dispersed (%D) = (100 [Te x (1/%Tc) x 100])
Where:
%Te
%Tc

= Percent transmittance of the experimental solution in the presence of

dispersant at time t
= Percent transmittance of the experimental solution in the absence of
dispersant at time t (control)
Results and Discussion

Silica Polymerization Inhibition

Polymer Concentration Effect
As discussed in previous papers,16, 17, 19, 20 it is very important to understand the relationship
between polymer dosage and silica polymerization inhibitor performance particularly at the
high silica saturation level (3.0x) test conditions. Figure 1 shows silica concentration as a
function of time at varying CP6 dosages (as active polymer) and indicates (a) that CP6 dosage
strongly affects silica polymerization inhibitor performance and (b) that both 50 and 75 ppm
CP6 dosages provide similar performance. The silica conc. (soluble silica) values for CP6 in
Figure 1 converted to % silica inhibition values are summarized in the table below and
indicate that the inhibitory effect of CP6 increases dramatically as dosage increases to 50 ppm
and incrementally improves thereafter:
CP6 Dosage:
Silica Inhibition:
Performance Assessment:

15 ppm
14%
Poor

25 ppm
52%
Fair

50 ppm
84%
Excellent

>75 ppm
>90%
Excellent

Polymer Composition Effect

Our most recent AWT paper16 presents silica polymerization performance data for a wide
variety of polymers (containing different functional groups) at both 25 and 350 ppm dosages.
The previously published data clearly indicate that several representative well known
homopolymers (P1 and P3) and copolymers (CP1, CP2, CP3, & CP5) used in water treatment
programs as deposit control agents for mineral scales and suspended matter are poor (<10%
inhibition) silica polymerization inhibitors whereas copolymer blends CP6 and CP7 provide
significantly better (>90% inhibition) performance. These and other data led us to conclude
that polymer composition is the most significant factor explaining the performance differences
we observed; the compositions for C6 and CP7 contain <50% carboxylic monomer groups
whereas the composition for all polymers (e.g., P1, P3, CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4, & CP5) tested
are dominated (>50%) by carboxylic monomer groups.
The thermal stability of the deposit control polymers is an important consideration in several
types of industrial water systems including geothermal plants, boilers, and high temperature
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cooling water systems were silica and/or silicate deposit may occur. In an earlier paper,19 we
reported the effects of thermal treatment (i.e., a variable temperature [150, 200, and 230C],
pH 10.5, and 20 hr) on the silica polymerization inhibition performance of the polymers herein
designated as P3, CP3, CP5, and CP6. The results of that study clearly show that the
polyacrylate (P3) and copolymers CP3 and CP5 (promoted as silica-silicate deposit control
agents) performed poorly (<5% inhibition) as silica polymerization inhibitors when exposed to
150 and 200C whereas CP6 retained >95% of is performance (vs. no thermal stress).
In this study, to understand the impact of thermal treatment on the performance of CP7 as well
as the other polymers discussed, we conducted a series of experiments involving exposing the
polymer to thermal stress (variable temperature [200, 230, 250, and 300C], pH 10.5, and 20
hr) before evaluating the silica polymerization inhibitor performance. Figure 2 presents
comparative silica polymerization inhibition data before and after thermal stress at 50 ppm
polymer dosages.
Figure 2 silica polymerization inhibition data for polymers in the absence of thermal stress
show that the copolymer blends (i.e., CP6 & CP7) are effective but the other polymers
evaluated are ineffective inhibitors under the high silica saturation level (3.0x) test conditions.
More specifically the %SI values obtained for the homo- (i.e., P1 & P3) and copolymers (i.e.,
CP2, CP3, & CP5) are <20% compared to >80% obtained for the copolymer blends (CP6 &
CP7). These data clearly show that the deposit control polymers containing greater than 50%
carboxylic acid monomer groups (i.e., P1, P2, CP2, CP3, & CP5) exhibit poor performance as
silica polymerization inhibitors. By contrast, the copolymer blends (CP6 and CP7) that contain
less than 50% carboxylic acid monomer groups are significantly better silica polymerization
inhibitors and a significant improvement over current silica inhibitor technology.
Figure 2 silica inhibition data for polymers after thermal stress indicate the following:
1) The homopolymers (P1 & P3) and copolymers (CP2, CP3, & CP5) are ineffective (<10%)
silica polymerization inhibitors.
2) The two copolymer blends (CP6 & CP7) are very effective (80%) silica polymerization
inhibitors after thermal stress at 200C.
3) Thermal stress above 230C for CP6 causes a significant reduction performance.
4) Thermal stress above 250C for CP7 causes a reduction in performance. However, the
silica polymerization inhibition values for CP7 after thermal stress at 250 and 300C were
greater than 70% and greater than 60%, respectively.
Figure 3 takes a closer look at the silica polymerization inhibition performance of CP6 and CP7
after thermal stress as a function of polymer dosage in the range of 10 to 50 ppm. The post
thermal stress results shown in Figure 3 indicate that (a) both CP6 and CP7 experience a
modest (<15%) performance reduction (suggesting some degradation of the polymer functional
groups) and (b) CP7 is a more effective silica polymerization inhibitor than CP6 at lower
dosages both before and after thermal stress. Collectively, the results discussed above and
data shown in Figures 2 clearly show that CP7 is a superior silica polymerization inhibitor over
a wide range of dosages and after thermal stress. Thus, CP7 because of its superior thermal
stability at high temperature may be a suitable candidate for high temperature silica control
applications.

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Suspended Matter Dispersion

Effective silica-silicate control agents must provide a combination of (a) silica polymerization
inhibition and (b) dispersion of silica-silicate based colloidal and/or particulate matter.
Accordingly, the following sections present screening test data for a several copolymers and
copolymers blends as particulate matter (silica, magnesium silicate, iron oxide, and kaolin clay)
dispersants.
Silica Dispersion
As previously discussed, the composition and quantity of a silica deposit and the rate at which
it forms is dependent on pH, temperature, the ratio and concentration of calcium and
magnesium, and the concentration of other polyvalent ions in the water. It has also been
reported that polymerized colloidal silica in the presence of polyvalent metal ions forms
flocculated silica. These precipitates can deposit on heat exchanger and RO membrane
surfaces resulting in poor system performance.
Figure 4 presents silica dispersion data in the presence of 1.0 ppm polymer dosages both
before and after exposure to thermal stress. The polymers in the absence of thermal stress
(at 23C) disperse silica to varying degrees and polymer performance strongly depends on the
polymer architecture. The new silica-silicate deposit control agent (CP7) provides silica
dispersion comparable to the best copolymers tested herein (i.e., CP2 and CP3).
Figure 4 also shows the influence of thermal stress on the silica dispersion performance of all
polymers as evaluated under standard test conditions. All polymers incrementally lose
dispersing activity depending upon the polymer architecture and the thermal stress. After
exposure to 250C thermal stress, CP3, CP5, and CP7 provide comparable silica dispersion
performance in the range of 40 to 45%.
Magnesium Silicate Dispersion
The precipitation and deposition of magnesium silicate on equipment surfaces poses serious
operational problems in industrial applications (e.g., recirculating cooling water systems,
geothermal plants, closed engine cooling systems) containing high silica and magnesium. It is
well documented that several magnesium silicate salts can potentially precipitate out in
aqueous systems depending on various factors including pH, temperature, magnesium, and
silica concentration, etc. Several investigators have reported that acrylic-acid containing
copolymers and non-polymeric additives such as borate compounds inhibit silica
polymerization/precipitation. However, no proven technology exists for the control of
magnesium silicate (except pH and concentration control). It is well known that the
magnesium silicate system is very pH dependent. Below pH 7, magnesium silicate
precipitation does not occur because silica is present essentially in an un-ionized form. As the
solution pH is increased (especially, above pH 9), magnesium silicate is very likely to form. In
addition, the magnesium silicate system is very complicated due to various species of different
compositions that can precipitate depending on the water chemistry (Mg, SiO2, pH,
temperature, etc.).

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Figure 5 presents magnesium silicate dispersion data collected under standard test conditions
for various polymers (e.g., 2.5 ppm polymer dosages) both before and after exposure to
thermal stress. The data in the absence of thermal stress (at 23C) indicate magnesium
silicate dispersion performance varies with polymer architecture. Furthermore, the new silicasilicate deposit control agent (CP7) provides the best magnesium silicate dispersion among
the copolymers tested which in order of performance (highest to lowest) were as follows:
CP7 > CP2 > CP1 > CP3 > CP6 > CP5.
The impact of thermal stress on the performance of polymers as magnesium silicate
dispersants was investigated. Figure 5 presents comparative performance data. Observations
include:
1) All polymers lose efficacy to varying degrees as magnesium silicate dispersants as the
thermal stress increases from 110 to 250C.
2) CP5 provides the lowest performance before and after exposure to thermal stress.
3) CP3 and CP5 (copolymers promoted as silica-silicate deposit control agents) experience
the greatest performance loss when thermal stress increases from 200 to 250C.
4) CP7 provides the best thermal stress tolerance profile among the copolymers tested.
Iron Oxide Dispersion
Figure 6 shows the iron oxide dispersion by several copolymers and copolymer blends both
before and after exposure to thermal stress as determined by a Lubrizols standard test
method (conditions include synthetic water, pH 7.6, 200 ppm iron oxide, 1 ppm dispersant).21
We also evaluated the impact of increasing polymer dosage above 1 ppm. Based on the data
presented in Figure 6 (see 23C @ 1 ppm and 23C @ 2 ppm) and data for other
experiments not shown herein for brevity, we conclude:
1) Polymer performance profiles vary as a function of dosage. As a general rule, polymer
type and architecture are the most significant factors impacting performance with the
greatest performance increases occurring when dosages are increased from 1 to 2 ppm
and incremental if any performance improvements with dosage increases above 2 ppm.
2) All copolymers except CP5 and CP1 provide greater than 70% dispersion at 1 ppm
dosages.
3) Increasing copolymer dosages from 1 to 2 ppm improves performance to varying degrees.
a) All but CP5 provided excellent (>80%) iron oxide dispersion.
b) CP7 and CP3 display comparable performance and improvement with dosage.
The impact of thermal stability on the polymer performance as iron oxide dispersants was
evaluated by conducting several experiments under similar experimental conditions. Figure 6
also shows the comparative data for polymers after thermal exposure (@ 110, 150, and
200C). It can be seen that all copolymers lose efficacy to varying degrees depending on the
polymer architecture and the thermal treatment. The data indicate that exposing the polymers
to 110C causes insignificant (<10%) iron oxide dispersion performance loss suggesting
minimal degradation of the functional groups and/or the loss in molecular weight. However,
the situation was much different when the polymers were exposed to higher temperatures.
Increasing the thermal stress to 200C causes all the polymers tested to lose some (from 5 to
60%) of their activity as iron oxide dispersants. It is evident CP7 outperformed and is a
significant improvement to all the polymers investigated.

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Kaolin Clay Dispersion

Kaolin clay dispersion by various polymers was investigated by carrying out several
experiments under standard test conditions. Figure 7 presents clay dispersancy data in the
presence of 10 ppm polymer dosages both before and after exposure to thermal stress. The
data prior to thermal stress (23C) indicate good to excellent performance depending upon the
polymer architecture and suggest the following:
1) The clay dispersion provided by CP1 and CP3 are comparable and better than that for CP5
and CP6 which are very similar.
2) CP2 and CP7 provide the best and comparable clay dispersion performance.
Based on Figure 7 data, observations for polymers exposed to thermal stress up to 200C
include:
1) All polymers lose dispersing activity dependent upon the polymer architecture and the
thermal stress. In general, dispersancy activity reductions after 200 C thermal stress vary
from 5 to 40%.
2) CP7 as a clay dispersant after exposure to 200C thermal stress outperforms CP1, CP3,
and CP6 and is comparable to the performance of both CP2 and CP5.
Summary
When evaluating silica-silicate deposit control agents, water technologists should take several
performance properties into consideration including scale inhibition (e.g., silica polymerization
inhibition), particulate dispersion (e.g., silica, magnesium silicate, iron oxide, and clay
dispersion), and deposit control agent thermal stability. Exposing deposit control polymers to
thermal stress causes varying degrees of performance loss depending upon several factors
including the test conditions. The performance data presented herein have clearly shown that
a new copolymer blend CP7 is a superior silica polymerization inhibitor, excellent particulate
dispersant, and is resistance to performance loss caused by thermal stress.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Tina Dame for preparation of thermally treated polymer
samples and The Lubrizol Corporation for supporting the research and allowing us to present
the findings at the Association of Water Technologies Annual Convention.
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2.

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Oct-2007.
19. Amjad and R. W. Zuhl, An Evaluation of Silica Scale Control Additives for Industrial
Water System, Paper No. 08368, CORROSION/2008, NACE International, Houston, TX
(2008).
20. Z. Amjad and R. W. Zuhl, Laboratory Evaluation of Process Variables Impacting the
Performance of Silica Control Agents in Industrial Water Treatment Programs, AWT
2008 Annual Convention, Austin, TX, November (2008).
21. Z. Amjad, Dispersion of Iron Oxide Particles in Industrial Waters, Tenside Surfactants
and Detergents, 36, 50-56 (1999).

Additive
P-MA
K-732*
K-775*
K-798*
CCP-D**
CCP-A**
K-XP212*
K-XP229*

Table 1: Polymeric and Non-Polymeric Additives Evaluated

Composition
<2k MW poly(maleic acid) #
6k MW poly(acrylic acid) #
<15k MW poly(acrylic acid: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic
acid) #
<15k MW poly(acrylic acid: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic
acid: sulfonated styrene) #
5k MW poly(acrylic acid: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic
acid: non-ionic) #
Proprietary acrylic copolymer #
Proprietary copolymer blend
New proprietary copolymer blend

Acronym
P1
P3
CP1
CP2
CP3
CP5
CP6
CP7

Notes:
MW = Weight average molecular weight.
* Carbosperse K-700 polymer supplied by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.
** CCP = Competitive copolymer promoted as promoted as silica-silicate deposit control agent.
# Polymer containing >50% carboxylic monomers.

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Figure 1: Silica Polymerization vs. Time

as a Function of CP6 Dosage (ppm)

Silica Conc. (mg/L

600
500
400
300
200
100
(550 mg/L silica, 200 mg/L Ca, 120 mg/L Mg, pH 7.0, 40C)

0
0

5
0 ppm

10
15 ppm

Time (hr)

15

25 ppm

20
50 ppm

25
75 ppm

Figure 2: Silica Polymerization Inhibition by Polymers

as a Function of Thermal Stress

% Silica Inhihition

(550 mg/L silica, 200 mg/L Ca, 120 mg/L Mg, pH 7.0, 40C, 50 ppm polymer)
100

80

23C

200C

230C

250C

60

300C
40

20

P1

P3

CP2

CP3

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CP5

CP6

CP7

Figure 3: Silica Polymerization Inhibition as a Function

of Polymer Thermal Stress & Dosage
(550 mg/L silica, 200 mg/L Ca, 120 mg/L Mg, pH 7.0, 40C)

100

% Silica Inhibition

CP6 @ 23C

80

CP6 @ 200C
CP7 @ 23C

60
CP7 @ 200C

40

20

0
0

10

15

25

35

50

Polymer Dosage

Figure 4: SiO2 Dispersion by Polymers vs. Thermal Stress

70

(600 mg/L SiO2, 105 mg/L Ca, 31 mg/L Mg, 353 mg/L Na, 600 mg/L Ca,
202 mg/L SO4, 58 mg/L HC03, pH 7.6, 1 ppm polymer, 5 hr)

% SiO 2 Dispersed

60

23C

50
110C

40
150C

30
200C

20

250C

10
0

CP1

CP2

CP3

CP5

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CP6

CP7

Figure 5: MgSiO3 Dispersion by Polymers vs. Thermal Stress

(1,500 mg/L MgSiO3, 105 mg/L Ca, 31 mg/L Mg, 353 mg/L Na, 600 mg/L Cl,
202 mg/L SO4, 58 mg/L HCO3, pH 7.6, 2.5 ppm polymer, 2 hr)

% MgSiO 3 Dispersed

60
50
23C

40

110C

30

150C
200C

20

250C

10
0

CP1

CP2

CP3

CP5

CP6

CP7

Figure 6: Fe2O3 Dispersion by Polymers vs. Thermal Stress

(200 mg/L Fe 203, 1 or 2 ppm polymer, 3 hr, pH 7.6, 100 mg/L Ca,
30 mg/L Mg, 671 mg/L SO4, 60 mg/L HCO3)
100
90

23C @
1 ppm

% Fe 2 03 Dispersed

80
70

23C @
2 ppm

60

110C @
1 ppm

50
40

150C @
1 ppm

30
20

200C @
1 ppm

10
0

CP1

CP2

CP3

CP5

15/16

CP6

CP7

Figure 7: Clay Dispersion by Polymers vs. Thermal Stress

90

(100 mg/L clay, 105 mg/L Ca, 31 mg/L Mg, 353 mg/L Na, 600 mg/L Cl,
209 mg/L SO4, 116 mg/L HCO3, pH 7.6, 10 mg/L polymer, 3 hr)

80

% Clay Dispersed

70
23C

60
50

110C

40

150C

30
200C

20
10
0

CP1

CP2

CP3

CP5

CP6

CP7

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. Cleveland, OH 44141-3247, U.S.A.

Phone: 1-800-380-5397 or 216-447-5000
FAX:
216-447-6315 (USA Customer Service)
216-447-5270 (International Customer Service)
216-447-5238 (Marketing & Technical Service)
http://www.carbosperse.com

Oct-2010
The information contained herein is believed to be reliable, but no representations, guarantees or warranties of any kind are made to its accuracy, suitability for particular
applications, or the results to be obtained therefrom. The information is based on laboratory work with small-scale equipment and does not necessarily indicate end product
performance. Because of the variations in methods, conditions and equipment used commercially in processing these materials, no warranties or guarantees are made as to the
suitability of the products for the application disclosed. Full-scale testing and field application performances are the responsibility of the user. LUBRIZOL ADVANCED
MATERIALS, INC. shall not be liable for and the customer assumes all risk and liability of any use or handling or any material beyond LUBRIZOLs direct control. The SELLER
MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Nothing contained herein is to be considered as permission, recommendation, nor as an inducement to practice any patented invention without
permission of the patent owner.
Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.
9911 Brecksville Road, Cleveland, OH 44141, P/216-447-5000, F/216-447-5238

2010, The Lubrizol Corporation. All rights reserved.

Trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation.

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