What do modern desalination plant plumbing and 1 BC Roman cooking pots have in common?
However, archaeological excavations revealing centuries of human history have shown us: Ancient civilizations lived with a dilemma that we are still trying to solve: the buildup of scale left by water on metal objects.
This same handicap has persisted since mankind’s first use of technology, but thanks to researchers around the world, it will soon be a thing of the past. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). They have spent the last two years developing A coating on a metal surface that prevents water from building up deposits.
“Ancient civilizations lived with dilemmas that we are still trying to solve.”
How will such deposits accumulate?
As water cools or evaporates, its dissolving capacity decreases and undissolved inorganic salts tend to separate from the liquid and adhere to walls and surfaces. These scales accumulate and Pipes become less efficient over time Due to flow loss, internal pressure changes and other negative factors.
Solutions in Development: Nanotextured Surfaces
Research by MIT scientists nanoscale texturing Apply lubricant to the inside of the pipe. The lubricant remains trapped between the nanotextured layers And capillary action prevents the water from flowing out, and the minerals left behind by the water don’t slide down and accumulate.
“This innovation reduces waste accumulation by up to 10 times and improves the efficiency of water treatment plants.”
Advantages of nanotextured surfaces
Thanks to this innovation, accumulation of residues Reduced by up to 10x, increased efficiency For example, in a water treatment plant. It also acts as a barrier to refrigeration and condensation within the heat exchanger.
On the other hand, the resulting more homogeneous flow makes the maintenance of gas and oil facilities cheaper, minimize environmental impact, According to MIT, a small amount of lubricant ensures optimal operation of the pipeline for the life of the material.
A solution can mean the end of the problem Humans have lived for hundreds of years.