Antiscalants

Membrane scaling occurs when sparingly soluble mineral salts such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, or silica precipitate and accumulate on the surface of RO membranes. This fouling reduces water flux, increases pressure requirements, forces more frequent chemical cleaning, and shortens membrane lifespan.

Efficient scale control is especially critical in both sea water and brackish water RO systems, where high ionic concentrations and concentration polarization in the concentrate stream elevate the risk of supersaturation and deposition.

By delaying nucleation, modifying crystal growth, and dispersing forming particles, a proper antiscalant helps maintain system performance, reduce operational expenditures (less energy, fewer cleanings), and extend membrane service life.

How to select the right Antiscalant

Selecting the correct antiscalant is pivotal to mitigate these effects. The ideal antiscalant is tailored to the specific feedwater chemistry (hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, silica content, chloride, etc.), operational conditions (temperature, flows, pressures, pH, etc.), and membrane compatibility.

Dose it accurately and monitor performance to adjust as needed to maintain low scaling while minimizing cost and maximizing membrane life.

How to choose the right Antiscalant

By considering these factors and selecting the appropriate antiscalant, water treatment plants can achieve efficient scale control, reduce operational costs through energy savings and reduced cleaning frequency, and prolong the life of RO membranes, ensuring consistent water quality for various applications.

Water Composition

Analyzing the recent composition of the feed water is essential to identify potential scaling minerals such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, silica, and others. This analysis helps in selecting an antiscalant formulation tailored to the specific contaminants present, and should be updated regularly.

Scale Formation Potential

Understanding the scaling tendency of the water source is vital. Waters with high concentrations of scaling ions like calcium and magnesium require stronger antiscalants to prevent scale buildup effectively.

Membrane Compatibility

Antiscalants should be compatible with the membrane material to avoid damage or reduced performance. Different membranes, such as those used in nanofiltration, may require specific antiscalant formulations.

Proper Dosing

Maintaining proper dosing levels of an antiscalant is crucial for its effectiveness. Overdosing can lead to unnecessary chemical usage and potential membrane fouling, while underdosing may result in inadequate scale inhibition.

pH and Alkalinity

Antiscalants often work optimally within a specific pH range. Understanding the pH and alkalinity of the water source helps in selecting an antiscalant that functions effectively under those conditions.

Dispersant Properties

Some antiscalants also act as dispersants, helping to keep scale particles in suspension rather than allowing them to settle on membrane surfaces. This property can aid in reducing fouling and improving overall system efficiency.

Operational Conditions

Factors such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate can influence the performance of antiscalants. Choosing a product that can withstand the operational conditions of the RO system is essential for long-term efficacy.

Our Antiscalants

Genesys BS

Genesys BS has been developed as an antiscalant for use in RO and NF systems using natural and process feed-waters with particularly high levels of barium sulphate and calcium carbonate. It is also effective against other common scaling species.

Genesys LF

Genesys LF is a general purpose liquid antiscalant & antifoulant for use in RO and NF systems. This concentrated phosphonate product is effective against a wide range of inorganic scaling species and also sequesters trivalent metal cations. Feed water source: Sea & Brackish water

Genesys LS

Genesys LS is a broad spectrum, low phosphorous antiscalant for use in potable sea-water RO and NF systems, both large and small. By inhibiting all scaling species, it allows systems to be designed and operated at high rates of recovery. Feed water source: Sea water

Genesys SW

Genesys SW is a broad spectrum, phosphorous free antiscalant for use in seawater RO and NF systems. It is highly effective at preventing the formation of inorganic scale. Feed water source: Sea water

Genesys CAS

Genesys CAS is an antiscalant for use in RO and NF systems operating with feed-waters containing high levels of Calcium sulphate. Genesys CAS is also effective against Calcium carbonate and other commonly found scaling species. Feed water source: Sea & Brackish water

Genesys MG

Genesys MG is an antiscalant for use in RO and NF systems with waters having a high magnesium content but is effective against calcium carbonate too. Feed water source: Sea water

Genesys SI

Genesys SI is an antifoulant for use in RO and NF systems operating on high silica feed waters and is also effective against all common scale forming salts. Feed water source: Brackish water

Genesys PHO

Genesys RC is a broad spectrum antiscalant and antifoulant for use in small and recycling RO and NF systems with less than 100 m3/day of feed water flow. Feed water source: Brackish water

Genesys RC

Genesys RC is a broad spectrum antiscalant and antifoulant for use in small and recycling RO and NF systems with less than 100 m3/day of feed water flow. Feed water source: Brackish water

Genesys WB

Genesys WB is a broad spectrum antiscalant for use in very small RO and NF systems using less than 30 m3/day feed water. It is particularly effective in preventing calcium carbonate formation and all commonly found scaling species. Feed water source: Brackish water

Genesys MP

Genesys MP is a broad spectrum liquid antiscalant, approved for use in large municipal RO and NF systems. It is effective in brackish and sea-water applications preventing inorganic scale, particularly calcium carbonate, iron and silica. Feed water source: Brackish water