Method of maintaining adequate seed crystal in preferential precipitation systems

Claim 2

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=25×(C.F.)×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor at which the feed solution will initially be concentrated, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing to the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 3

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier equal to about 55.6% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 4

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier equal to about 55.6% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 5

The method of claim 2 wherein step (c) further comprises the steps of circulating a slurry of seed crystals in said system to provide preferential surface area for precipitates, and removing a sufficient amount of seed crystal from said slurry to maintain a workable slurry, leaving in said slurry at least the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling and fouling.

Claim 6

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions beginning at an initial concentration factor of about 1, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier of at least 27.8% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 7

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions beginning at an initial concentration factor of about 1, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier of at least 27.8% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 8

The method of claim 4 wherein step (c) further comprises the steps of circulating a slurry of seed crystals in said system to provide preferential surface area for precipitates, and removing a sufficient amount of seed crystals from said slurry to maintain a workable slurry consistency, leaving in said slurry at least the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to maintain adequate seed crystal surface area.

Claim 9

The method of claim 4 wherein said percentage multiplier is between about 27.8% and about 55.6%.

Claim 10

The method of claim 4 wherein said percentage multiplier is about 55.6%.

Claim 11

In method for maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal in a a reverse-osmosis filtration system having at least one semipermeable membrane for selectively allowing the passage of solvents while obstructing the passage of solutes and employing a slurry of seed crystals in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier equal to about 55.6% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution of the reverse-osmosis filtration system; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 12

In method for maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal in a a reverse-osmosis filtration system having at least one semipermeable membrane for selectively allowing the passage of solvents while obstructing the passage of solutes and employing a slurry of seed crystals in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier equal to about 55.6% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution of the reverse-osmosis filtration system; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 13

In a method for maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in a reverse-osmosis filtration system having at least one semipermeable membrane for selectively allowing the passage of solvents while obstructing the passage of solutes and employing a slurry of seed crystals in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=25×(C.F.)×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor at which the feed solution will initially be concentrated, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing to the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 14

In a method for maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in a reverse-osmosis filtration system having at least one semipermeable membrane for selectively allowing the passage of solvents while obstructing the passage of solutes and employing a slurry of seed crystals in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=25×(C.F.)×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor at which the feed solution will initially be concentrated, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing to the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 15

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in a reverse-osmosis filtration system having at least one semipermeable membrane for selectively allowing the passage of solvents while obstructing the passage of solutes and employing a slurry of seed crystals in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier of at least 27.8% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 16

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in a reverse-osmosis filtration system having at least one semipermeable membrane for selectively allowing the passage of solvents while obstructing the passage of solutes and employing a slurry of seed crystals in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier of at least 27.8% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 17

The method of claim 10 wherein said percentage multiplier is between about 27.8% and about 55.6%.

Claim 18

The method of claim 10 wherein said percentage multiplier is about 55.6%.

Claim 19

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal crystal in brine concentrators, electrodialysis concentrators, desalinators or evaporators practicing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier equal to about 55.6% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution of the relevant system; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 20

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal crystal in brine concentrators, electrodialysis concentrators, desalinators or evaporators practicing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier equal to about 55.6% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution of the relevant system; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 21

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal in a brine concentrators, electrodialysis concentrators, desalinators or evaporators practicing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=25×(C.F.)×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor at which the feed solution will initially be concentrated, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing to the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 22

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal in a brine concentrators, electrodialysis concentrators, desalinators or evaporators practicing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=25×(C.F.)×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor at which the feed solution will initially be concentrated, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing to the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 23

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal in brine concentrators, electrodialysis concentrators, desalinators or evaporators practicing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier of at least 27.8% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 24

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal in brine concentrators, electrodialysis concentrators, desalinators or evaporators practicing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier of at least 27.8% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 25

The method of claim 15 wherein said percentage multiplier is between about 27.8% and about 55.6%.

Claim 26

The method of claim 15 wherein said percentage multiplier is about 55.6%.

Claim 27

In a method comprising maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in multi-stage solution concentration systems having a series of stages or units for concentrating solutions and practicing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the feed solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier equal to about 55.6% which is mutiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution of the multi-stage solution concentration system; and (c) introducing into said feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 28

In a method comprising maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in multi-stage solution concentration systems having a series of stages or units for concentrating solutions and practicing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the feed solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier equal to about 55.6% which is mutiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution of the multi-stage solution concentration system; and (c) introducing into said feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 29

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in multi-stage solution concentration systems having a series of stages or units for concentrating solutions and practicing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=25×(C.F.)×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor at which the feed solution will initially be concentrated, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing to the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 30

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in multi-stage solution concentration systems having a series of stages or units for concentrating solutions and practicing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=25×(C.F.)×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor at which the feed solution will initially be concentrated, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing to the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 31

In a method comprising maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in multi-stage solution concentration systems having a series of stages or units for concentrating solutions and practicing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier of at least 27.8% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 32

In a method comprising maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in multi-stage solution concentration systems having a series of stages or units for concentrating solutions and practicing preferential precipitation, and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal required to prevent scaling for the solution being concentrated at a concentration factor of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier of at least 27.8% which is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine an amount to be introduced to the feed solution; and (c) introducing into the feed solution the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 33

The method of claim 20 wherein said percentage multiplier is between about 27.8% and about 55.6%.

Claim 34

The method of claim 20 wherein said percentage multiplier is about 55.6%.

Claim 35

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=[1-(1/C.F.)]×100×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor to which the feed solution will have been concentrated at any point in the system, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine the amount of seed crystals to be maintained in the concentrating solution at the concentration factor then reached; and (c) maintaining in the concentrating solution the amount of seed crystals determined in step (b) above.

Claim 36

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a percentage multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=[1-(1/C.F.)]×100×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor to which the feed solution will have been concentrated at any point in the system, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine the amount of seed crystals to be maintained in the concentrating solution at the concentration factor then reached; and (c) maintaining in the concentrating solution the amount of seed crystals determined in step (b) above.

Claim 37

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising, substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=[1-(1/C.F.)]×100×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor to which the feed solution will have been concentrated when overloaded with seed crystals, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine the amount of seed crystals to be maintained in the concentrating solution at the point of overloading; and (c) removing from the overloaded concentrating solution the excess of seed crystal above the amount determined in step (b) above.

Claim 38

In a method comprising, maintaining an adequate amount of seed crystal required to inhibit scaling and fouling in solution concentration systems employing preferential precipitation and concentrating solutions at an initial concentration factor between 1 and 2, which said concentration factor increases during successive concentration steps, said method comprising, substantially precluding seed crystal deficiency in the system, and thereby scaling, when the concentration factor is less than about 2, and substantially precluding overloading of the system with seed crystals, and thereby minimizing pumping problems, when the concentration factor is at least about 2, by: (a) determining the minimum amount of seed crystal necessary to prevent scaling for the particular solution being concentrated at a relatively high concentration factor, C.F. MAX , of about 10 or greater; (b) providing a multiplier determined as follows: % multiplier=[1-(1/C.F.)]×100×[C.F..sub.MAX /(C.F..sub.MAX -1)] wherein C.F. is the concentration factor to which the feed solution will have been concentrated when overloaded with seed crystals, and wherein C.F. MAX is some relatively high concentration factor of about 10 or greater, which said percentage multiplier is multiplied by the amount determined in step (a) above to determine the amount of seed crystals to be maintained in the concentrating solution at the point of overloading; and (c) removing from the overloaded concentrating solution the excess of seed crystal above the amount determined in step (b) above.