US 2026/0219183 A1 · DETECTION AND MONITORING OF SCALE FORMATION IN FLUID MIXTURES

Abstract

A method for detecting and monitoring scale formation in a fluid mixture involves combining two aqueous solutions with different ionic compositions, one rich in cations (e.g., Ca2+) and the other rich in anions (e.g., SO42−). Formation water (FW) with high calcium levels is mixed with seawater (SW) containing elevated sulfate concentrations. Different mixture ratios are then exposed to controlled environmental conditions that promote mineral precipitation. Light transmission is measured along the height of the fluid column over time using turbidity scanning. A localized decrease in transmission indicates scale formation. The process is assessed using the Transmission Stability Index (Tr-SI), which allows for real-time detection and analysis of scale nucleation and growth.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for detecting and monitoring scale formation in a fluid mixture, comprising:

mixing a first solution and a second solution to form the fluid mixture, wherein the first solution has a first Ca2+ concentration that is 10% or less of a second Ca2+ concentration of the second solution, and a first SO42− concentration that is 1000% or more of a second SO42− concentration of the second solution;
scanning along a height direction of the fluid mixture to measure light transmission values of the fluid mixture as a function of time and height position;
and
determining whether scale formation occurs in the fluid mixture based on the light transmission values.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

19/279,797Filed 24 Jul 2025

Priority

27 Jan 2025

Published

30 Jul 2026

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

G01N 21/534
Within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke: by measuring transmission alone, i.e. determining opacity
G01N 21/532
Within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke: with measurement of scattering and transmission
G01N 21/8507
Investigating moving fluids or granular solids: probe photometers, i.e. with optical measuring part dipped into fluid sample
G01N 21/8851
Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination: scan or image signal processing specially adapted therefor, e.g. for scan signal adjustment,…

Detection and monitoring of scale formation in fluid mixtures

Life of this patent

Detection and monitoring of scale formation in fluid mixtures

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20