Scale buildup in thermal power plants, a common problem resulting from the use of hot water, has led a team of researchers to develop an innovative surface coating based on soft hydrogel that repels scale crystals and prevents their adhesion. This development could have a significant impact on the efficiency of these facilities.
Scale, composed mainly of calcium carbonate, is a phenomenon whose effect is much more detrimental in thermal power plants, where scale in heat exchangers and industrial membranes can cause considerable energy loss, estimated at least by 2% of annual world energy productionThe heat transfer and flow efficiency are reduced due to the decrease in heat transfer and flow efficiency.
A new coating based on soft hydrogel
To combat this problem, researchers from ETH Zurich in Switzerland and the University of California, Berkeley, have collaborated on the development of this soft hydrogel coating. The team began their research by examining how scale crystals deposit and adhere in dynamic aqueous environments at the microscopic level, which led to the development and testing of various coatings in the laboratory.
Experiments showed that lower polymer concentration and higher water concentration in the coating reduced the adhesion of calcium carbonate crystals. Drawing inspiration from nature, specifically the microstructures of shark skin, the researchers designed a coating with tiny ridges that make it difficult for microbes to adhere.
Tests revealed that the surface ridges must be smaller than the deposited particles to minimize the contact surface and thus the adhesive force. In experiments with scale crystals, it was observed that up to 98% of the crystals, approximately 10 micrometers in size, were removed by the flow of water over the surface coated with soft hydrogel, 66% more effective than on untreated rigid surfaces.
This coating, in addition to being more environmentally friendly and efficient than current methods that often involve the use of toxic chemicals, promises to be scalable. The researchers chose to publish their findings rather than patent the method, allowing others to use and further develop this innovative coating.
This discovery not only represents a breakthrough in improving the efficiency of thermal power plants, but also opens the door to applications in a wide range of industries that struggle with scale formation. By offering a greener and more efficient solution, this coating has the potential to transform industrial maintenance and contribute to environmental sustainability.
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Source: newatlas.com
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