discuss sludge and scale formation
Answers
Explanation:
In boilers, water evaporates continuously and the concentration of the dissolved salts increases progressively. When their concentrations reach saturation point, they are thrown out of water in the form of precipitates on the inner walls of the boiler. If the precipitation takes place in the form of loose and slimy precipitate, it is called sludge. On the other hand, if the precipitated matter forms a hard, adhering crust/coating on the inner walls of the boiler, it is called scale.
Sludge is a soft, loose and slimy precipitate formed within the comparatively colder portions of the boiler and collects in areas of the system, where the flow rate is slow or at bends. Sludge’s are formed by substances which have greater solubility in hot water than in cold water, e.g., MgCO3, MgCl2, CaCl2, MgSO4, etc.