There are many inorganic compounds which may be present in the deposit. A deposit analysis will identify those components which are most common in water formed deposits as well as any other components requested or deemed necessary by the customer or the chemist. These may include process or treatment components. This portion of the analysis is performed qualitatively. These inorganic ions, as well as any other inorganic ions can combine to form scale deposits.
Calcium carbonate is the most common type of scale deposit in cooling and boiler systems.
This type of deposit is most often caused by improper control of blowdown or bleedoff resulting in high levels of hardness and alkalinity. It is rare that a scale deposit will be composed exclusively of one type of scale. Often a deposit analysis will reflect varying concentrations of a number of scale compounds. The presence or absence of any type of scale is dependent upon the water quality, system type and operating parameters. Each deposit analysis must be interpreted on an individual basis.