Method and apparatus for measuring scaling capacity of calcium oxalate solutions using an electrochemically controlled pH change in the solution proximate to a piezoelectric microbalance
US6375829B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/0426
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for measuring the rate of calcium oxalate scale formation in a continuously flowing solution having a pH of from about 2 to about 3 comprising measuring the rate of deposition of calcium oxalate scale from the solution on to a quartz crystal microbalance having a top side comprising a working electrode in contact with the solution and a second, bottom side isolated from the solution, wherein the pH of the solution proximate to the microbalance is measured using a pH measuring module and is controlled electrochemically at from about 3.5 to about 9 and wherein the working electrode is coated with or made of a conductive material on which the intensive evolution of hydrogen gas proceeds at potentials more negative than those necessary to achieve a pH of 3.5-9 proximate to the microbalance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.