A Review of Operational Methods for Preventing Silica Scaling in Water Treatment Plants

Esfandiari, Kourosh; Arbabi, Ashkan; Saffarian, Hamed; Zarei, Ramin

doi:10.22112/jwwse.2025.525769.1455

A Review of Operational Methods for Preventing Silica Scaling in Water Treatment Plants

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

Kourosh Esfandiari ¹

Ashkan Arbabi ²

Hamed Saffarian ²

Ramin Zarei ²

¹ Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran, Behshahr, Iran

² Fanavar Eimen Lotus Co., Aq-Qala industrial estate, Gorgan, Iran

10.22112/jwwse.2025.525769.1455

Abstract

Water scarcity has driven the widespread adoption of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane processes for water purification. In reverse osmosis plants, water is pressurized and passes through a semi-permeable membrane and the impurities are separated and the pure water is generated. However, the formation of mineral scale on the membrane surface significantly reduces the technology's efficiency, shortens membrane lifespan, and increases operational costs. Silica, a common water impurity, precipitates due to the polymerization of silicic acid. Since silica scale removal is challenging and often requires strong, environmentally harmful chemical cleaners, preventing its formation is crucial. Preventive strategies include membrane surface modification, adjusting the pH and temperature of the feed water to increase silica solubility, reducing the concentration of other contributing minerals, pre-treating feed water to lower silica concentration, and using appropriate antiscalants to inhibit silica polymerization. This review article examines the latest operational research to compile practical solutions for experts managing reverse osmosis water treatment facilities.

Keywords

water treatment

membrane separation

reverse osmosis

silica scaling

antiscalant