Antiscalant Dose Calculator for Construction

Inputs

Enter site conditions and product details. The calculator returns dosing rate, usage, optional dilution, and an estimated pump setpoint.

Feed flow rate

m³/h

Total feed flow being treated.

Operating hours

h/day

Use actual dosing runtime per day.

Target dose

mg/L

Often shown as ppm in datasheets.

Dose basis

Choose how the vendor dose is defined.

Active concentration (if active-basis)

%

Use 100% when dose is as product.

Product density

kg/L

Check vendor SDS or technical sheet.

Pump efficiency / slip

%

Set 100% when unknown.

Safety factor

%

Adds margin for uncertainty.

Dilute product to (optional)

% v/v

Example: enter 10 for a 10% solution.

Pump stroke volume (optional)

mL/stroke

Helps estimate strokes per minute.

Unit cost (optional)

per L

For budgeting and consumption planning.

Notes (optional)

Saved into CSV/PDF output when provided.

Outputs assume 1 ppm ≈ 1 mg/L for dilute water streams.

Example Data

Use these sample cases to confirm your inputs and units.

Case	Flow (m³/h)	Dose (mg/L)	Basis	Conc. (%)	Density (kg/L)	Efficiency (%)	Estimated setpoint (mL/min)	Daily usage (L/day)
A	50	3.0	Product	100	1.05	100	119.05	171.43
B	30	2.5	Active	45	1.10	95	79.62	114.66
C	12	4.0	Product	100	1.03	90	8.63	12.42

Example values are illustrative. Always verify chemical compatibility, vendor limits, and site water chemistry.

Formula Used

Step 1: Convert flow to liters per hour.

Q_L/h = Q_m³/h × 1000

Step 2: Convert dose to mass rate (as active).

m_active(g/h) = Dose(mg/L) × Q_L/h ÷ 1000

Step 3: Convert to commercial product when dose is specified as active.

m_product(g/h) = m_active(g/h) ÷ (C/100)

Step 4: Apply safety factor, convert mass to volume, and adjust for pump efficiency.

V_neat(L/h) = [m_product(g/h) × (1+SF/100)] ÷ (1000 × ρ)
V_set(L/h) = V_neat(L/h) ÷ (Eff/100)

Optional dilution: if preparing a diluted solution, the required solution feed is:

V_solution(L/h) = V_set(L/h) ÷ (D/100)

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the feed flow rate in m³/h and operating hours per day.
Enter the target dose in mg/L (often shown as ppm).
Select whether the dose is defined as product or active ingredient.
If dosing as active, enter the product active concentration percentage.
Enter product density and an efficiency value if the pump slips.
Optionally add a safety factor and a dilution strength for make-up mixing.
Click Calculate to view the results above the form.
Use Download CSV or Download PDF for recordkeeping and site reports.

Practical Guidance for Antiscalant Dosing

1) Purpose and application

Antiscalants are commonly applied to reduce scale formation on membranes, heat exchangers, and process piping. This calculator converts a target dose (mg/L) and plant flow (m³/h) into a practical pump feed rate (mL/min) and consumption (L/day). Use it during commissioning, chemical changeovers, and routine operations to keep dosing consistent across shifts and sites.

2) Input data that drives accuracy

The most sensitive inputs are flow rate and the vendor’s dose definition. Many technical sheets state dose as “product” while others specify “active ingredient.” When dosing as active, the product concentration (%) must be entered so the required product mass increases appropriately. Product density (kg/L) converts mass rate to volume rate for pump setup.

3) Understanding the outputs

The calculator first determines the active mass requirement (g/h), then converts to product volume (L/h) using density. Pump efficiency accounts for slip, wear, viscosity effects, or calibration differences. The mL/min setpoint is the most useful field value; daily and 30‑day totals support inventory planning and delivery schedules.

4) Dilution and dosing skids

If your system uses a day tank, you may dilute the neat product to a target solution strength (% v/v). The tool reports the required solution feed rate and dilution water demand so you can size mixing, verify transfer pump capacity, and estimate tank refill frequency. Keep dilution consistent to maintain stable pump calibration.

5) Controls, checks, and documentation

Validate the calculated pump rate with a measured drawdown test (volume over time) and adjust the efficiency factor to match reality. Apply a modest safety factor only when justified by variability in flow, product strength, or operating conditions. Download CSV/PDF outputs to capture setpoints, assumptions, and notes for QA/QC records.

FAQs

1) What does mg/L mean in daily operations?

It represents milligrams of chemical per liter of water. In dilute water systems, mg/L is commonly treated as ppm for practical dosing calculations.

2) When should I select “active ingredient” basis?

Choose it if the recommended dose is stated as active content. Then enter the product’s active concentration so the tool converts active demand into product feed rate.

3) Why does density matter?

The dose calculation produces a mass rate. Density converts that mass rate into a volume rate (L/h), which is what most dosing pumps are adjusted to deliver.

4) How do I estimate pump efficiency/slip?

Run a calibration test: collect discharged volume for a timed interval at a set dial position. Compare measured flow to expected flow, then enter the ratio as efficiency.

5) Should I always add a safety factor?

Not always. Use it when flow is uncertain, product strength varies, or scaling risk is high. Avoid excessive margins that increase chemical cost and handling needs.

6) What does the dilution option change?

Neat product consumption is the same, but the delivered solution flow increases. The tool reports solution feed and dilution water to support day-tank mixing and skid sizing.

7) How should I use the CSV and PDF exports?

Use them for shift handover, commissioning records, and audits. Save the setpoint, assumptions, and notes so future adjustments can be traced to specific operating conditions.