Effectiveness of antiscalants in preventing calcium phosphate scaling in reverse osmosis applications

Antiscalants are well known to prevent the precipitation of carbonate and sulphate scales calcium in reverse osmosis (RO) applications, but according literature their inhibitory ability against phosphate is not clear. The objective this study was investigate if antiscalants, without acid addition, can scaling RO systems. Eight antiscalants from different manufacturers spanning a range concentrations were tested batch (in glass reactors) experiments inhibit formation synthetic concentrate corresponding 85% recovery (Ca2+ = 765 mg/L, PO43? 13–15 mg/L pH 7.6) groundwater Netherlands. Additionally, once-through lab-scale tests conducted where an element fed with performance evaluated rate flux-decline element. Without antiscalant substantial observed due deposition amorphous (ACP) on membrane. unable ACP incapable preventing formed particles, since each antiscalant, flux decreased at least 15% 3-h period. Briefly, available study, did provide acceptable inhibition applications.