Method for controlling scale formation and deposition in aqueous systems

Abstract

A method of inhibiting the formation and deposition of scale forming moieties in aqueous systems by adding water-soluble or water-dispersible polymers is disclosed. The method comprises adding to an aqueous system a polymer having repeat units characterized by the Formula I: Wherein E is the repeat unit remaining after polymerization of an ethylenically unsaturated compound; preferably, a carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, or amide form thereof or mixtures thereof. R1 is H or lower (C1-C4)alkyl. G is —CH2— or —CHCH3—; R2 is [Parenopenst]CH2—CH2—O[Parenclosest]n or [Parenopenst]CH2—CHCH3—O[Parenclosest]n where n ranges from about 1 to 100, preferably about 1 to 20. X is an anionic radical selected from the group consisting of SO3, PO3, or COO; Z is H or hydrogens or any water soluble cationic moiety which counterbalances the valence of the anionic radical X, including but not limited to Na, K, Ca, or NH4. F, when present, is a repeat unit having the structure of Formula II: wherein X and Z are the same as in Formula I. R4 is H or lower (C1-C4)alkyl. R5 is hydroxy substituted alkyl or alkylene having from about 1 to 6 of carbon atoms.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.