Removing Scale in Sludge Lines

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What is the cause of the formation of scale in sludge lines and what is the most commonly the compositon of this sludge? What does the composition depend on?

How can I remove scale in sludge lines? 

Which chemicals are the best to use to reduce scale formation? 

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12 Answers

  1. I can recommend a product my company has developed and manufactured. There are different kinds of scales e.g. calcium, iron, silica etc...We have been able to remove all of these so far with this product.

    It is non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable, bio-degradable and cost-effective. 

    Please email me at andrew@waterandoilsolutions.com.au for more details.

  2. Hi Zyaad, good day to you, referring the matter to your question I am happy to meet and assist you visiting you at your office since we are based in Dubai. We are representing EnviroFluid Systems Australia and here is the link for our product suggested to you. https://envirofluid.com/worksafe-environmental-chemistries/limescale-calcium-removal/triple7-enviroscale-plus Ben Ohlmeyer has already sent you message and if you wish us to visit you let me know. My mobile phone is +971557-314151.

    Regards,

    Sohail Bhakhrani 

  3. It really depends on what your scale is composed of.  Only once you know what the compound is can you determine why it is forming and then look into methods to prevent it, e.g. controlling velocity, temperature, pH, etc.

  4. Sludge forms on fluid lines due to differential velocities and solids tend to drop out - and accumulate in the no-flow (boundary) area of the pipe.  Depending on how complex the sludge - our SpiroFlo device may be able to help - either as a standalone solution or in conjunction with chemical treatments.  We develop a swirling Vortex flow which disrupts contaminants that have dropped out in the boundary layer.  We use the existing pressures and velocities to induce the Vortex.  If chemicals are needed, the spinning Vortex pushes the heavier chemical treatment to the pipe wall and increases effectiveness. See our website www.spiroflo.com for more details.

  5. Hi Zyaad,  The sludge that forms on the inside of the pipes is CaO that also has formed CaCO3 component. Since CaOH (lime) is a slurry, the CaOH deposits on the walls of the pipes which in turn reduces the orifice over time. To Clean out the pipes - a mild acid would work or you could use Calcium Chloride with NaOH.  We've found this as a great replacement and it does not clog the pipes.

  6. Hi Zyaad
     
    To follow up on my initial post and to get you thinking before choosing the correct solution:

     

    • Scale deposition in sludge lines would normally occur when you have changes in temperature and pressure in the system flow rates can also have an effect.
     
    • The make up of sludge would determine the scale types that would deposit on the system surfaces.
    • The chemicals used for removal would depend on the scale type found in the system.
    • The chemicals used to clean the system and the products used to inhibit the scale would not be the same.

  7. Anaerobic sludge digestion releases Ammonium, Magnesium and Phosphate (MAP), which under certain conditions (pH, temp, ions conc., etc) can form Struvite in digesters and downstream dewatering facilities.   It can result in scaling in pipelines and on walls of process Equipment.

    A customer sewage plant was affected by a hard struvite form and they were unable to break it even by hand.

    For this reason BASF Water Solutions conducted specifc lab tests and finally proposed to use a combination of ANTIPREX MSA and BURST LX80 to destroy such formation.

    The plant followed BASF Water Solutions suggestion, making different test with Antiprex MSA and Burst LX80. After couple of trials they identified the best combnination to get excellent results.

    A solution made with 10 % of Antiprex MSA and 5% of Burst LX 80 was circulated about 16 hours.  After this time the solution was very dirty because all the struvite form was completely dissolved.

    After the test the pipe was washed and it was looking pretty clean.

     

    The benefits of this treatment are evident, Struvite has been successfully removed from the pipes with consequent reduction of employees involved to clean up such pipes, like in the past.

    In addition, the dosage of ANTIPREX AD 1020 XP, scale inhibitor which might help to avoid future Struvite formation, with consequent benefits for the plant –no need to stop the process with consequent cost saving.

    Antiprex AD 1020 XP has showed excellent results to clean the pipes and pumps at a dose rate of 80 ppm over 4 weeks. At a dose rate between 5 – 10 ppm Antiprex AD 1020 XP keeps pipes and pumps clean.

    Curative dose rate of ANTIPREX AD 1020 XP = 80 ppm

    Preventive dose rate ANTIPREX AD 1020 XP = 5 – 10 ppm

  8. Zyaad,

    The type of scale that builds up in Sludge lines is often  Magnesium Ammonium Orthophosphate Hexahydrate commonly known as Struvite. Hydropath Technologies out of the UK have a technology to prevent this build up and eliminate existing buildup. See Hydropath.com for contacts in your specific area.

    Never mind the chemicals, they are nasty acids and physical removal which can create other issues with your systems. HydroFlow is the way to go.

  9. Zyaad,

    The type of scale that builds up in Sludge lines is often  Magnesium Ammonium Orthophosphate Hexahydrate commonly known as Struvite. Hydropath Technologies out of the UK have a technology to prevent this build up and eliminate existing buildup. See Hydropath.com for contacts in your specific area.

    Never mind the chemicals, they are nasty acids and physical removal which can create other issues with your systems. HydroFlow is the way to go.

  11. Greetings,

    You may find the following links of interest https://envirofluid.com/case-studies/limescale-remover  and https://envirofluid.com/worksafe-environmental-chemistries/limescale-calcium-removal  . Triple7 products are stocked in Dubai and i would be glad to assist further if you could email me at ben.ohlmeyer@envirofluid.com 

    Best Regards,

    Ben Ohlmeyer

    1 Comment

  12. Hi Zyaad, a few variants here and we would have to know a bit more.

    To remove though, this is where we can help as we have technologies old and new that can treat this for you.

    Feel free to drop me a message on grant@semenergygroup.com and we can take a look at this for you in more depth.