Magnesium Silicate Scale

Definition

Glassy adherent deposits formed when magnesium and silica coexist under high pH and high temperature conditions.

In real systems these deposits are often mixed and hydrated rather than pure crystalline magnesium silicate. They are most likely in high pH cooling systems, high cycle operation with silica rich makeup, or boilers where hardness and silica control have failed. Like silica, they are glassy and difficult to remove once established.

Related concepts

Silica Scale · Hardness · Temperature Effect on Solubility

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry