Hard water causes the accumulation of scale depostits, leading to reduced energy efficiency and a shorter service life of heating systems, This study describes the physico-chemical mechanisms of calcium carbonate crystallization and the influence of surface properties on scale formation. An experimental setup was assembled with four segments of copper pipes to conduct scale deposition testes using drinking water with elevated hardness. The monitored parameters included: cold-water temperature around the pipe segment, hot-water temperature at the segment's inlet and outlet, as well as the electrical conductivity, pH and hardness of the cold water, and the flow rates in both the hot- and cold- water loops. Four types of pipes were compared: polished copper pipes, black-etched copper pipes, black-etched with hydrophobization and polished pipes with an integrated GENESIS filter, serving as an element for reducing water hardness. The results show that surface treatment and filtration significantly influence the rate of deposit accumulation and heat-tranfer efficiency. Modification of surface roughness and wettability represent a passive approach to mitigating crystallization fouling in heating systems.
|
