| abstract |
This invention relates to an improved method for inhibiting the formation and deposition of silica arid silicate compounds in a water system. In particular, the method includes adding to the water system a relatively low molecular weight organic, anionic polymer. The polymer preferably has an acrylic acid or methacrylic acid functionality and is preferrahly selected from one or more of homopolymers of acrylic- acid, a methacrylic acid/polyethylene glycol ally) ether copolymer, a homopolymer of methacrylic acid, an acrylic acid/polyethylene glycol allyl ether copolymer, and an acrylic acid/1 -allyloxy-2-hydroxypropane sulfonic acid copolymer, homopolymers of maleic anhydride, copolymers of maleic anhydride and polyethylene glycol allyl ether, and combinations thereof. |