Struvite formation and the fouling propensity of different materials

Struvite (MgNH4PO4•6H2O) fouling was investigated to identify the impact supersaturation and material had on scaling rates. Tests were undertaken at three supersaturation ratios and with three different materials: stainless steel, teflon and acrylic. Impellers consisting of a clasp unit and two corrosion coupons that could be attached were used to mix centrate liquor and precipitation was initiated by the change in pH caused by degassing. Increasing the supersaturation ratio from 1.7 to 5.3 led to a doubling in the scaling rate of stainless-steel coupons. Experiments with acrylic and teflon coupons showed the influence of surface roughness upon scaling propensity. Coarsely roughened coupons following 40 h of mixing had a mass of 413 mg of struvite attached compared to smooth coupons that had a mass of 240 mg attached. Material did have an influence upon struvite fouling but this influence diminished with increasing surface roughness.