Polysaccharides as Effective and Environmentally Friendly Inhibitors of Scale Deposition from Aqueous Solutions in Technological Processes

Abstract

In this paper, we consider natural and modified polysaccharides for use as active ingredients in scale deposition inhibitors to prevent the formation of scale in oil production equipment, heat exchange equipment, and water supply systems. Modified and functionalized polysaccharides with a strong ability to inhibit the formation of deposits of typical scale, such as carbonates and sulfates of alkaline earth elements found in technological processes, are described. This review discusses the mechanisms of the inhibition of crystallization using polysaccharides, and the various methodological aspects of evaluating their effectiveness are considered. This review also provides information on the technological application of scale deposition inhibitors based on polysaccharides. Special attention is paid to the environmental aspect of the use of polysaccharides in industry as scale deposition inhibitors.