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1. The Scale and Rust Problem
1. The Scale and Rust Problem
1.1 What is Limescale?
Scale mainly consists of calcium and magnesium - two minerals that by
themselves have a healthy effect on the human body. However, what is
good for living organisms quickly becomes a scale problem as it deposits
in the piping system, in machinery or on surfaces outside the piping
system. So-called hard water holds high concentrations of calcium: the
more calcium in the water, the harder the water and more problems.
1.2 The Formation of Scale
Scale builds up whenever hard water flows through a pipe. Liquid
calcium in untreated water crystallizes into a sticky structure (pic. 1).
These crystals adhere to each other, adhere to surfaces and immediately
produce solid scale deposits that have a very destructive effect.
1.2.1 Changes of water pressure
Scale grows in particular when the water pressure changes. This
happens when water changes direction in a bend or intersection which
then causes turbulence; or when it leaves the piping system through a
faucet. This drop in pressure enhances the formation of calcium crystals,
which form a sticky structure that deposits anywhere.
1.2.2 Increase of water temperature
Scale also particularly forms when the water temperature inside the
system increases such as on heating elements or in radiators. The hotter
the surfaces, the more scale problems will develop. These problems can
specifically be found on heating elements, with water heaters and heat
exchangers.
I. Hard Water and the Scale and Rust Problem
pic. 1
