Improved Scale Control through Turbulent Physical Conditioning
By Luke Scott B.Eng. Hons1, M.Eng. University of Wollongong, Published 2013

An extensive study of scaling, calcium carbonate polymorphs, and existing scale control mechanisms and methods has been made. Many methods appear to exploit the same mechanism: changing a portion of calcium carbonate scale in its tenacious calcite form to the more easily removed aragonite. However, the mechanism behind changing forms is not known, and is currently impossible to test. There are many postulates, but no definitive proofs.

Investigations were made into an existing scaling control system known as the Care-Free Conditioner to determine its impacts on calcium carbonate scale. The system suits remote areas that have ‘hard water’ problems and little access to expensive treatments. The device relies on turbulence, and does not use magnets or electric currents. Tests have been made on the conditioner’s effects on particle size and scale morphology. The Care-Free Conditioner significantly reduces suspended calcium carbonate particle size by up to 50%. X-Ray Diffraction tests prove the Conditioner’s ability to change up to 70.2% of scale from calcite to aragonite, if the calcium carbonate was dissolved during conditioning. It does not change the morphology of suspended solid particles.

The Care-Free Conditioner significantly reduces scaling problems in remote areas without expensive treatment by changing dissolved calcite to aragonite, and reducing suspended solid particle size. The new design generates substantially more turbulence than the old design.

This is the first time such findings have been achieved. These will contribute significantly towards the Care-Free Conditioner’s acceptance in the market, and in developing future Care- Free Conditioner designs.