Membranes

Membrane Antiscalants

The American Water chemicals (AWC) anti-scalants are designed to control scale formation and keep your membrane system clean, even under the most challenging circumstances. Our solutions can help you in reducing operating costs and frequency of cleaning. All our antiscalants are NSF approved for use in potable membrane systems and are compatable with all membrane types. Many even have FDA and food contact approval.

Our antiscalants control scales such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, strontium sulfate, calcium fluoride, iron hydroxide, iron phosphate, silica, and colloidal foulants and can disperse common foulants such as colloidal silica and natural organic matter.

What are RO Antiscalants?

RO antiscalants are added to a reverse osmosis membrane system to prevent or slow-down mineral scale formation on the membrane surface. To reduce wastewater, most systems run to as high recovery as possible and for this reason, the right antiscalant is critical for the consistent operation of a reverse osmosis system.

Mineral scale is formed when the dissolved minerals in water are allowed to concentrate to beyond their saturation limit, where they will start to come out of solution. This is similar to water spots on a window; the sprayed water appears clear but there are dissolved minerals in each drop. As that water evaporates the dissolved minerals stay behind and show themselves as a hard water spot.

In a reverse osmosis membrane system, water is forced through the membrane but the dissolved minerals cannot pass through so they stay behind. Imagine if each of those ‘spots’ stayed and were joined by more spots to form a large area of mineral scale. The scale on the membrane surface would prevent water from passing through, so it is essential to inhibit scale for RO systems to operate continuously.

Using the wrong antiscalant chemical can allow scaling and subsequent performance loss to occur quickly. However, by injecting the correct RO antiscalant at the correct dose rate, scaling problems can be eliminated completely. Modern scale prediction computer models such as  Proton® can determine the severity of scaling potential and recommend the optimal antiscalant and dosage.

RO Antiscalants typically require very low dosage rates and can work in conjunction with other chemicals fed upstream. RO Antiscalants are also generally safe to handle and will meet all of the environmental requirements for reverse osmosis chemicals fed to a water treatment plant.

What is a super-concentrate?

“Use a pail in place of a drum”

A super-concentrate antiscalant is a highly concentrated chemical solution designed to prevent the formation of scale deposits on the surfaces of reverse osmosis (RO) and other membrane systems. Super-concentrate antiscalants offer the same level of protection as standard formulations but in a much more compact form, reducing the volume needed for storage, handling, and transportation.

These advanced formulations are particularly beneficial for those who want to reduce their chemical dosages, costs and to looking to minimize their environmental footprint. The smaller packaging and reduced shipping requirements also contribute to lower logistical costs and a more sustainable water treatment solution, making super-concentrate antiscalants an ideal choice for industries focused on efficiency and sustainability.

Product Selection Guide

We distribute the exceptional American Water Chemicals antiscalants selected specificalyl for the Australian Market. Whether you’re a municipal desalination plant or mine site, we have you covered.

Scale Type
A-108
Vera Flux
A-110
A-119
A-120
Sulphate Scales





Carbonate Scales





Phosphate Scales





Silicate Scales




Iron Scales





Aluminium Scales





Phosphorous Free
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Notes:
.
Super Concentrate
.
.
.
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Moderate
Product Image
Product
Description
Product Link
AWC
A-108
CaCO3 and CaSO4 Inhibitor.
Designed for inhibition of calcium carbonate and sulphate scales with low to mid levels of calcium phosphate scale. Highly effective in water reuse membrane applications. Tolerant to ferric coagulant carryover.
Vera Flux Broad Spectrum Super Concentrate Inhibitor.
A broad-spectrum super concentrate antiscalant that provides exceptional protection with ultra low doses (use a cube in place of a drum) . Suited for systems running at moderate recovery (~80%) and provides good protection against calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate and calcium phosphate scales. Phosphate free.
AWC
A-110
Broad Spectrum and Silica Inhibitor.
Premium broad spectrum antiscalant that exhibits excellent control of silica and alumino silicate scales when in the presence of sulphate phosphate scales High strength formulation ensures low dose requirements and maximal protection.
AWC
A-119
Iron and Aluminium Inhibitor.
Premium antiscalant designed to inhibit iron, aluminium, and silica scales. The product continues working even in the presence of iron that would deactivate other scale inhibitors. In addition, the product prevents deposition of already precipitated particles in the membrane system.
AWC
A-120
Calcium Phosphate Inhibitor.
Scale inhibitor for extremely high levels of CaPO4, along with good iron and aluminum tolerance (up to 1.5ppm). Highly resistant to high calcium waters that can precipitate other antiscalants.

Need help solving your scaling problem?

Membrane Works can help provide advice and support for optimising your chemical treatment. Contact us today to learn more.