Minimizing the Use of Chemicals to Control Scaling in Sea Water Reverse Osmosis ― Improved Prediction of the Scaling Potential of Calcium Carbonate; Unesco-ihe Ph.d. Thesis

A comprehensive and detailed study on the scaling potential of calcium carbonate in seawater reverse osmosis systems (SWRO), this book provides a new approach for calculating the degree of supersaturation and the pH of the SWRO systems concentrates with the assistance of the feed-water pH and the inorganic carbon constituents. Furthermore, the book highlights the weakness in the present supersaturation indices and membrane manufacturers programs. Finally, the research suggested that SWRO concentrate is much lower undersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate than previously thought. This was confirmed by comprehensive pilot testing where acids and antiscalants used to prevent calcium carbonate scaling were completely eliminated from the pilot plant.

Dr Tarek Waly has 13 years experience in management, consultancy, sales, marketing and research in the water and wastewater treatment field. He is currently a lead R&D engineer at DOW Chemicals. He obtained his MSc from the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in Delft, and his Doctorate degree from the Delft University of Technology in Delft, The Netherlands.