ACUMER® 3100 Terpolymer

For Control of Boiler Sludge

All boilers, regardless of pressure, need the highest quality water treatment program available. Even
low-pressure boilers, which should have less stringent treatment requirements, frequently face inferior
water quality, inadvertent higher cycles of concentration, unpredicted load swings and, occasionally, insuf-
ficient attention to the unit. High-quality treatment programs demand the best dispersant available –
ACUMER 3100 terpolymer.

ACUMER 3100 water treatment terpolymer controls boiler deposits by keeping in suspension more of the
harmful foulants that can accumulate in boiler tubes. This highly effective proprietary terpolymer controls
both dried iron oxide and the more prevalent and difficult to control hydrated iron oxide in condensate
return and well water. The unique features of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer and the corresponding
benefits they provide in boiler service are presented below.

Feature Your Benefit Your Customer's Benefit

Superior inorganic Helps keep surfaces clean for Reduced downtime, lower fuel
particulate dispersant, maximum heat transfer and and maintenance costs.
especially for iron corrosion resistance through
oxide and hydroxy- effective boiler sludge control.
apatite.

Thermally and Can be used over a broad Single program for all
chemically stable. range of temperature, pressure range boilers.
pressure and pH.

Readily analyzed Easily monitored. Optimal economic dosage

at use concentrations. Allows close dosage readily maintained.
control.

©Rohm and Haas Company , 1999

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The typical physical properties of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1

TYPICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

(These do not constitute specifications)

Total Solids, percent 43.3

Active Solids, percent 39.5
Molecular Weight 4500
Brookfield Viscosity, cps. 200
Specific Gravity 1.2
Bulk Density, lbs./gal. (g/cc) 10 (1.2)
pH 2.5
Lbs (Kg) of NaOH (100%) to neutralize 0.13
1 lb (kg) of ACUMER 3100

CHEMISTRY AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

ACUMER 3100 terpolymer contains three functional groups: strong acid (sulfonate), weak acid (carbox-
ylate), and a nonionic that provide optimal dispersancy for most particulates under a broad range of operat-
ing conditions.

Among the three functionalities, ACUMER 3100 carboxylate groups are most strongly attracted to particle
surfaces, allowing strong dispersant adsorption to boiler sludge. ACUMER 3100 sulfonate groups are only
weakly attracted to the particle surface and retain some residual negative charge to provide repulsion of similar-
ly charged particles in the boiler circuit. This repulsion prevents sludge particles from aggregating into larger
particles which can settle and deposit on tube surfaces. ACUMER 3100 nonionic groups provide both stronger
adsorption and steric repulsion to other particles, depending on the exact boiler conditions encountered.

This multi-functional action contrasts sharply to other dispersants, such as polyacrylic acid (PAA) or
poymethacrylic acid (PMAA), having only carboxylate functionality which can become strongly attached to
certain sludge particles, leaving little residual negative charge available to provide dispersancy. Other poly-
mers, such as those containing both sulfonated styrene and maleic acid (SSMA), can provide better disper-
sancy than PAA or PMA on some particle substrates, but do not have the nonionic group which allows
ACUMER 3100 terpolymer to function on a broader range of particles.

PERFORMANCE RESULTS

Bench-Top Dispersancy Studies

Extensive testing of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer has shown that it provides unsurpassed control of boiler
sludge. The polymer makes it possible to easily transport iron with calcium- and phosphate-containing
sludges for removal during blowdown. The excellent performance of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer for dis-
persing iron oxide is shown in Figure 1. Acumer 3100 terpolymer outperforms SSMA, phosphinocarboxylic
acid, acrylic acid/acrylamide and methacrylic acid polymers. Table 2 contains additional data on the superi-
or performance of ACUMER 3100 for dispersing hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate and iron hydroxide
(hydrated iron oxide).

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 FIGURE 1. IRON OXIDE DISPERSANCY
BOILER WATER CONDITIONS, pH - 10.6

Test Conditions:
Polymer (active) = 3 ppm Fe2O3 - 700 ppm
Settling Time = 4 hours Ca+2 as CaCO3 = 200 ppm

TABLE 2.
POLYMER PERFORMANCE FOR DISPERSING BOILER SLUDGE*

Dispersancy, NTU
Hydroxy- Calcium Hydrated
Polymer apatite Carbonate Iron Oxide

Acumer 3100 65 104 20

Polyacrylic Acid 40 25 10
Polymethacrylic Acid 25 13 6
Phosphinocarboxylic Acid 27 18 6
Acrylic Acid/Acrylamide Copolymer 22 18 13

* These tests compared to 10-15 ppm active polymer at pH11 in 200 ppm Ca+2 as CaCO3 and used 700 ppm
hydroxyapatite, 700 ppm calcium carbonate or 10 ppm Fe(OH)3 as Fe+3. Settling time is 1 hour.

Thermal And Hydrolytic Stability

ACUMER 3100 terpolymer is highly resistant to breakdown in aqueous solution under conditions of high
temperature, pressure, and pH. Hydrothermal stability studies of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer in synthetic
boiler water show no significant breakdown at 250°C/490°F (600 psig or 42 kg/cm2). However, consider-
able breakdown of the polymer does occur at 300°C/570°F (1200 psig or 84 kg/cm2) and, thus, is not recom-
mended for boiler pressure above 900 psig or 63 kg/cm2 (280°C/530°F).

In contrast, thermogravimetric analysis of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer, as the sodium salt, shows that the onset of
degradation does not occur until about 370°C (698°F). Please note that thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) may not
simulate boiler conditions and this result is only provided for comparison to other boiler chemicals evaluated by TGA.

Samples of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer stored at pH 13.5 show no loss in performance even after storage for
six months at ambient temperature.

– 3 –
FORMULATING PHOSPHATE-BASED PROGRAMS

Calcium phosphate's extremely low solubility product enables phosphate added to boiler water to efficiently
precipitate calcium as calcium phosphate while preventing problem precipitates (calcium silicate, calcium
carbonate, and calcium sulfate). With proper boiler water alkalinity and phosphate concentration, the pre-
ferred hydroxyapatite precipitate can be formed and subsequently dispersed by ACUMER 3100 terpolymer
and removed during blowdown. Since phosphate can also precipitate magnesium (an adherent sludge),
control of the boiler water chemistry ensures that it precipitates as the more easily conditioned magnesium
silicate or magnesium hydroxide.

The type of phosphate used generally depends on the feed point within the boiler system and the alkalinity
of the boiler water. If the product is fed directly to the steam drum, orthophosphate is preferred. If the phos-
phate is added to the feedwater, a polyphosphate is preferred to avoid precipitation reactions from occurring
in the feedwater line.

The formulations listed in Table 3 are for phosphate-based boiler water treatment programs based on SHMP
(sodium hexametphosphate); as indicated in the foregoing discussion, they should be added to the feed-
water line. These formulations are not intended for commercial use “as is” but rather should be considered
starting-point formulations, requiring additional development, modification, and adaptation to specific
operating conditions.

TABLE 3
STARTING-POINT FORMULATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF
BOILER SLUDGE DEPOSITS BASED ON
ACUMER 3100 TERPOLYMER

BW-87-1 BW-87-2 BW-87-3

Weight Percent Weight Percent Weight Percent
Ingredients Percent Active Percent Active Percent Active

Deionized Water 82.49 — 77.29 — 72.69 —

Ucon 50 HB 51001 0.01 — 0.01 — 0.01 —
ACUMER 31002 7.50 3.0 7.50 3.0 7.50 3.0
Sodium hexameta- 10.00 10.0 15.00 15.0 20.00 20.0
phosphate3
(food grade)
Totals 100.00 13.0 100.00 18.0 100.00 23.0
Ratio of SHMP/
ACUMER 31004 3.3/1 5.0/1 6.7/1

Dose formulation at 15 to 50 ppm into feedwater to maintain 30 to 60 ppm residual PO4 in the boiler
circuit. pH of boiler water should be above pH10.

1Union Carbide Company

2Rohm and Haas Company
3FMC Corporation
4SHMP/ACUMER 3100 is the ratio of sodium hexametaphosphate to active ACUMER 3100

(expressed in acid form).

– 4 –
The following graphs are designed to help determine the formulation and feed rate that will give 30-60 ppm
residual PO4 and about 12-18 ppm active ACUMER 3100 terpolymer in the boiler circuit under a variety of
feedwater contaminant loadings and cycles of concentration.

Selecting The Appropriate Formulation

For a low-medium pressure boiler and assuming that feedwater iron contamination is less than 0.1 ppm, the
best formulation can be determined from Figure 2 based on feedwater calcium concentration and anticipated
number of cycles of concentration.

FIGURE 2. FORMULATION SELECTION AS A FUNCTION OF FEEDWATER

HARDNESS AND CYCLES OF CONCENTRATION

Graph assumes <0.1 ppm Fe in feedwater, and boiler pressure of 200-400 psig (14-28 Kg/cm2). If feedwater
≥ 0.2 ppm Fe, use next lower SHMP/ACUMER 3100 ratio. For higher boiler pressure, use next lower
SHMP/ACUMER 3100 ratio.

– 5 –
 Example 1:

A 300 psig (21 Kg/cm2) boiler operating at ten cycles of concentration and having 0.05 ppm iron in the feed-
water has a normal feedwater calcium concentration of about 2 ppm (as CaCO3). What is the appropriate
phosphate program formulation to use?

From Figure 2 based on 2 ppm Ca+2 in the feedwater and ten cycles of concentration, Formulation BW-87-2
should be selected.

Determining Feed Rate

Figure 3 can be used to determine formulation feed rate based on the cycles of concentration of the boiler.

FIGURE 3. BOILER FORMULATION FEED RATE AS A FUNCTION OF

CYCLES OF CONCENTRATION

Example 2:

Formulation BW-87-2 has been selected for the boiler operation given in Example 1. What is the correct
feed rate needed to maintain about 12-18 ppm ACUMER 3100 terpolymer and 30-60 ppm residual phos-
phate in the boiler circuit?

From Figure 3, at ten cycles of concentration, about 50 ppm of Formulation BW-87-2 should be added to the
feedwater line.

– 6 –
Determining ACUMER 3100 And Residual Phosphate In Boiler Circuit
The amount of active ACUMER 3100 terpolymer and residual phosphate in the boiler circuit can be calcu-
lated knowing the formulation concentration of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer, SHMP, cycles of concentration,
feedwater calcium levels, and formulation feed rate.

Example 3:

From Examples 1 and 2,

Cycles of concentration = 10
Feedwater calcium level = 2 ppm
Formulation BW-87-2 feed rate = 50 ppm
Active SHMP in Formulation BW-87-2 = 15%
Active ACUMER 3100 terpolymer
in Formulation BW-87-2 = 3%

Residual PO4 In Feedwater And Boiler Circuit

Feeding 50 ppm of Formulation BW-87-2 gives 7.5 ppm SHMP (50 ppm x 15 weight percent SHMP) in the
feedwater. About 2 ppm SHMP hydrolyze in the boiler to form sufficient PO4 to stoichiometrically combine
with 2 ppm Ca as CaCO3. Residual SHMP in the feedwater is thus 5.5 ppm (7.5 ppm - 2 ppm). About 1.1
ppm SHMP hydrolyze in the boiler water to form 1 ppm residual PO4. Thus, 5.0 ppm (5.5 ppm SHMP/1.1)
residual PO4 is in the feedwater.

Since the boiler is operating at 10 cycles of concentration, the residual PO4 concentration in the boiler is
50 ppm (10 x 5 ppm). This is within the recommended control limits of 30-60 ppm PO4 for the phosphate
program.

ACUMER 3100 Terpolymer Level In Feedwater And Boiler Circuit

Feeding 50 ppm BW-87-2 gives 1.5 ppm (50 ppm x 3% active) active ACUMER 3100 terpolymer in the
feedwater. At 10 cycles of concentration, there are 15 ppm (10 x 1.5 ppm) active ACUMER 3100 terpoly-
mer in the boiler. This is also within the recommended guidelines of 12-18 ppm ACUMER 3100 terpolymer
in the boiler circuit.

– 7 –
TOXICITY

Toxicity data is not available on ACUMER 3100 terpolymer. Data for a similar material are presented in
Table 4.

TABLE 4
ANIMAL TOXICITY

Acute Oral (LD50), rates > 5 g/kg

Acute Dermal (LD50), rabbits > 5 g/kg

Eye Irritation, rabbits moderate to severe

Skin Irritation, rabbits moderate to severe

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY

Duration NOEL*
Species of Study LC50 (mg/L) (mg/L)
(hours)

Bluegill 96 > 1000 > 1000

Trout 96 > 1000 560

Daphnia 48 > 1000 > 1000

Algae (EC50) 96 58 < 10

*NOEL = No Observed Effect Level

– 8 –
SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION

Caution: For Industrial Use Only! Keep Out of Reach of Children! Wear chemical splash goggles and
impervious gloves when handling. An approved respirator, suitable for the concentrations encountered,
should be worn.

FIRST AID INFORMATION

Contact With Skin Wash skin immediately with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and
launder before rewearing.

Contact With Eyes Flush eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and get
prompt medical assistance.

Vapors If inhaled, move victim to fresh air. If necessary, administer oxygen or artificial
respiration.

If Swallowed If victim is conscious, dilute by giving water to drink and then call a physician.
If victim is unconscious, call a physician immediately. Never give an uncon-
scious person anything to drink.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

Rohm and Haas Company maintains Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all of its products. These contain
important information that you may need to protect your employees and customers against any known health
and safety hazards associated with our products. We recommend you obtain copies of MSDS for our products
from your local Rohm and Haas technical representative or the Rohm and Haas Company. In addition, we rec-
ommend you obtain copies of MSDS from your suppliers of other raw materials used with our product.

Under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, workers must have access to and understand MSDS on all
hazardous substances to which they are exposed. Thus, it is important that appropriate training and information
be provided to all employees and that MSDS be available on any hazardous products in their workplace.

Rohm and Haas Company sends MSDS on non-OSHA-hazardous as well as OSHA-hazardous products to
both ”bill-to” and “ship-to” locations of all our customers upon initial shipment (including samples) of all of
our products. Updated MSDS are sent upon revision to all customers of record. In addition, MSDS are sent
annually to all customers of record.

PATENTS

The use of ACUMER 3100 terpolymer for deposit control is covered by Rohm and Haas U.S. patent
4,711,725.

ISO-CERTIFICATION

All ACUMER polymers are produced in ISO 9002-certified plants.

– 9 –
NOTES

– 10 –
NOTES

– 11 –
For additional information, a sample, a Material Safety Data Sheet or to have a technical representative call
for the nearest Rohm and Haas Office.

THE AMERICAS EUROPE ASIA/ PACIFIC

Corporate Headquarters France, Verneuil en Halatte Australia/ New Zealand

Rohm and Haas Company Phone: 33-3-44-61-78-78 Phone: 61-3-92724222
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Philadelphia, PA 19106
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Fax: 610-437-5212 Phone: 33-1-40-02-50-00 Phone: 86-10-6464-3450-60
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Canada
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Fax: 416-284-2982 Phone: 49-69-78996-0 Phone: 86-757-3363-3708
Fax: 49-69-7895356 Fax: 86-757-336-5478
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Philippines
Phone: 63-2-8925091/98
Fax: 63-2-8183908

Singapore/Malaysia
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Fax: 886-2-2713-3857

Internet Address: http://www.acumer.com or www.rohmhaas.com Thailand

Phone: 66-2-6791030
Fax: 66-2-6791039

Acumer is a trademark of Rohm and Haas Company, or of its subsidiaries or affiliates. The Company's poli-
cy is to register its trademarks where products designated thereby are marketed by the Company, its sub-
sidiaries or affiliates.

These suggestions and data are based on information we believe to be reliable. They are offered in good faith, but without guarantee, as con-
ditions and methods of use of our products are beyond our control. We recommend that the prospective user determine the suitability of our
materials and suggestions before adopting them on a commercial scale.

Suggestions for use of our products or the inclusion of descriptive material from patents and the citation of specific patents in this publica-
tion should not be understood as recommending the use of our products in violation of any patent or as permission or license to use any
patent of the Rohm and Haas Company.

FC-165c June 1999 Printed in U.S.A.