The Alshami Research Group aims to advance the development of new formulations that will inhibit the formation of different types of mineral scaling in various water-based industries. Mineral scaling, the formation of sparingly soluble salts, is one of the most persistent problems in blue economy sectors, imposing operational and economic problems caused by heat, mass, momentum transport resistances, fouling, and unit operation shutdown. Applying small-scale inhibitors is the ideal and effective way to prevent scale formation. The ultimate goal is to propel the advancement of synthesis and testing, optimizing formulations for increased efficiency in different extreme environments and thermodynamic conditions. We also aim to develop formulations with anti-biofouling properties for testing in real-field RO plants.
One of the ways of replicating and simulating the conditions observed in real-world well scenarios is by simulating the scaling process using an experimental flow.
The Alshami research group monitors scaling in a dynamic flow loop setup, enabling them to show the relationship between scale formation and various factors experienced in the real world, such as flow rate, fluid concentration, temperature, and brine pH. They also assess the performance of different antiscalants, measuring their effectiveness in scale inhibition. The research findings have the potential to significantly improve pipeline operations and reduce the economic burden associated with scale deposition.
Also, since the brine, commonly used in several industries, contains diverse salts, multiple scale types will probably form on various sections of membranes in contact with the brine. Unfortunately, there has been insufficient focus on comprehending the intricate phenomenon of multiscale action, a prevalent reality in many industries. The Alshami research group is dedicated to monitoring multiscale formation and inhibition kinetics.
By gaining a deeper understanding of these processes, the group aims to garner sufficient data and model the dynamics of scale formation and inhibition.
The ability to predict the timing of scale induction and inhibition is crucial, and this predictive capability would empower industries to apply the optimal amount of inhibitor precisely when needed and under the right conditions. Consequently, this proactive approach would prevent scale formation and accumulation altogether, offering substantial cost savings to industries that currently expend millions of dollars annually on scale treatment.