overview

INITIA® 770 is high performance polymer for use in severe service applications where multiple types of mineral scales and foulants are observed. INITIA® 770 has primary performance for calcium carbonate control in stressed waters where high pH/alkalinity, high calcium hardness and/or elevated temperatures drive calcite saturation to above 200-250X and where LSI values approach or exceed 3.0. INITIA® 770 also has exceptional functionality for the control of calcium sulfate which makes the technology an excellent choice for systems where acid pH control is utilized and other process water applications where sulfate scale control is required.

INITIA® 770 provides secondary functionality for the control of low levels of phosphate and transition metals such as iron and zinc and dispersion of common inorganic particulates. This additional functionality allows INITIA® 770 to be utilized in systems where ortho-phosphate concentrations in recirculating water may reach up to 2-4ppm due to degradation of phosphonates, phosphorous containing biocides, or where low levels of phosphate are present in the make-up water. INITIA®770 is highly stable in the presence of oxidizing biocides and can be utilized in systems where continuous residuals are maintained or in systems where aggressive shock feeding is employed.

 

 

INITIA® 770 delivers…

  • exceptional control of calcium carbonate in severe service applications
  • highly effective control of calcium sulfate
  • continued stability and efficacy in extreme conditions
  • stabilization of low levels of ortho-phosphate
  • control of low levels of transition metals such as iron and zinc

 

 

 

suggested applications

  • cooling towers
  • boilers (<400psi)
  • reverse osmosis
  • thermal desalination
  • mining
  • oilfield and natural gas
  • pulp and paper

 

 

 

typical properties

appearance dark amber liquid
solid content 46 – 51%
pH (as is) < 2.0
viscosity at 25 °C <200 cPs
density at 20 °C 1.18 + 0.04 g/ml
solubility in water complete
residual monomer < 0.1%

calcium carbonate inhibition

 INITIA® 770 has been evaluated using a wide range of specialized techniques to demonstrate efficacy for calcium carbonate inhibition. The evaluations include Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) evaluations, Induction Time experiments and Progressive Carbonate Failure Point evaluations.

QCM evaluations

 QCM testing involves the use of an oscillating quartz crystal at a high frequency. An undisturbed quartz crystal will oscillate at a highly consistent rate but will rapidly change frequency if disturbed by deposition at levels less than 1 μg/cm2 making QCM one of the most sensitive methods for examining the onset of mineral scale deposition. INITIA® 770 was compared to an untreated sample using a Stanford Research QCM 200 in an aerated water at pH 8.5-8.6, 50°C, and containing 400 mg/l Calcium (as CaCO3) and 400 mg/l Carbonate (as CO32-). The LSI of the water was calculated to be ~2.5. Graph 1 shows the change in frequency (F) while Graph 2 shows the change in mass per square centimeter (m) in μg/cm2. The results show INITIA® 770 to prevent deposition of calcium carbonate over the course of the evaluation versus and immediate and significant deposition in the untreated blank. These results are consistent with literature reported data for phospho- nates such as PBTC.

 

induction time experiments

The measurement of induction time provides insight into the inhibition characteristics of scale inhibitors. The delay of the onset of precipitation is a strong indicator of the overall efficacy of a given additive. INITIA® 770 was compared to an untreated sample and a Competitive ONE polymer in water with a bulk pH of ~ 9.0, Temperature of 50°C, and containing 400 mg/l Calcium (as CaCO3) and 400 mg/l Carbonate (as CO32). The LSI of the water was calculated to be ~3.0. In this experiment, the treated samples contained a typical dosage of 10 mg/l active polymer. The pH of the samples was continually measured and recorded where the observance of a downward inflection indicates the onset of calcium carbonate precipitation. Graph 3 shows that both INITIA® 770 and the Competitive ONE polymer indicate no significant pH change over a 20 hour period. The untreated blank sample (not shown) undergoes a dramatic decrease in pH in less than two minutes.

 

 

progressive carbonate failure point evaluations

Operation in severe service conditions has become more common given water conservation demands, availability of make-up waters, and the reuse of water from internal and external facility sources. Failure point evaluations are critical to understanding the limits of performance of a given additive in such applications.  INITIA® 770 was evaluated versus a Competitive ONE polymer at 10 mg/l active where 750 mg/l Calcium (as CaCO3) was titrated with 50 mg/l Carbonate (as CO32) additions until a failure point is observed at 50°C. Graph 4 shows that the untreated blank fails at between 50-100 mg/l carbonate added and the Competitive ONE polymer was effective to control calcium carbonate at up to 750 mg/l carbonate added. INITIA® 770 showed significantly improved results with up to 950 mg/l carbonate added before the onset of precipitation was observed. Graph 5 illustrates the improvement shown by INITIA® 770.

 

 

calcium phosphate stabilization

One of the advantages of INITIA® 770 and the Competitive ONE polymer is their ability to control other mineral scales such as calcium phosphate. Graph 6 compares the two polymers where INITIA® 770 stabilizes up to 4.5 mg/l of tricalcium phosphate versus the Competitive ONE polymer limit of 2.8 mg/l.  This improvement in the secondary benefit of INITIA® 770 allows the use of one product in applications where low or incidental levels of calcium phosphate are expected.

 

safety use and handling

Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for further information regarding the safe handling and use of INITIA® 770. This product should be stored in a cool/dry place and must be protected from freezing. Avoid storage at high temperatures (>90°F), direct sunlight, and exposure to surface, airborne or other common environmental contaminants such as debris, bacteria, yeast, and mold.