Mitigation of silica nanoparticle scaling in water treatment (2017-2023)
Abstract
Coal seam gas is adsorbed to the surface of coal along fractures and cleats and is released when pressure is reduced by removal of groundwater, which has chemistry peculiar to the region from which it is extracted. Desalination of produced water is everely impacted by mineral scaling on reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. This project will develop new ways to mitigate scaling by considering silica and silica-rich nanoparticles in concert with cations and organics, with the aim of better managing cations so to facilitate nanoparticle lubrication. Expected outcomes include more productive use of assets, improved pre-treatment infrastructure to support RO operation and the environmental benefits of less chemical waste and higher water recovery.
