Effects of copper based alloys on the nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate scale

The effects of copper based alloys on the surface tension, pH value, conductivity and oxidation–reduction potential of the working solution containing 0.001 mol/L CaCl2 and NaHCO3 were systematically investigated in this paper. By ways of evaporating the solution, the effects of the alloys on the nucleation and growth of the formed calcium carbonate scale on the steel plates at the same evaporation rate was studied. The crystal morphosis of the scale was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the surface tension and oxidation–reduction potential were decreased and the conductivity was increased after activated with the alloys. And the scale morphology showed obvious change after activated with copper based alloys. The diffraction peak intensity ratio of calcite to vaterite varied from 3.53:1 to 1:1.15. And the induction time was prolonged from 15 min to 45 min.