Reverse osmosis scale inhibitors are chemicals used in reverse osmosis (RO) systems to prevent and reduce membrane fouling during water treatment processes. The following are the functions and principles of reverse osmosis scale inhibitors:
Function:
Preventing membrane fouling: The active components in reverse osmosis scale inhibitors can react chemically or physically with dissolved substances in water, thereby preventing these dissolved substances from depositing and scaling on the membrane. Scale inhibitors can reduce the crystallization tendency of calcium, magnesium, and silicon plasma in water, reducing the risk of scaling.
Clean the surface of the membrane: Scale inhibitors have the function of cleaning the membrane surface, which can remove dirt and particles that have already been deposited on the membrane. This helps to maintain the permeability and efficient working state of the membrane.
Protective membrane materials: Some reverse osmosis scale inhibitors can also provide protective effects, reduce damage and aging of membrane materials, and extend the service life of the membrane.
Principle:
The principle of reverse osmosis scale inhibitors involves the following aspects:
Chelating effect: The active ingredients in scale inhibitors can form chelates with dissolved ions in water, making it difficult for these ions to crystallize and form solid deposits. Chelation can reduce the crystallization tendency of calcium and magnesium plasma in hard water.
Ion exchange effect: Some active ingredients in scale inhibitors have ion exchange function, which can exchange ions with mineral ions in water and prevent them from aggregation and crystallization on the membrane.
Dispersion effect: The dispersant in the scale inhibitor can change the surface properties of particles or colloids in water, making them less likely to deposit and adhere to the membrane surface.
Cleaning effect: Some scale inhibitors contain cleaning agent components, which can decompose and remove sediment and dirt on the membrane surface, restoring the permeability and performance of the membrane.
In summary, reverse osmosis scale inhibitors provide surface protection and cleaning by interfering with the crystallization and deposition process of dissolved substances in water, in order to extend the service life of reverse osmosis membranes and maintain their efficient performance.