Abstract: The disclosure relates to improved methods for inhibiting the formation and deposition of sulfide and silica scale in aqueous systems. In particular, the methods include injecting a composition into an aqueous system or wellbore. The composition includes a sulfide scale inhibitor and a silica scale inhibitor. The sulfide scale inhibitor may be a copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and an anionic monomer. The silica scale inhibitor may be a copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and an alkoxylated monomer.

Abstract: Methods are provided to inhibit scale formation in oil or gas production systems. In one embodiment, the scale inhibiting treatment comprises: A) an AAA terpolymer and B) a polycarboxylate such as a polyepoxy succinic acid (PESA). The treatment can be added to these systems in the well area itself, to the well annulus and its associated tubes, casings, etc., to the oil or gas bearing subterranean formation, to injection conduits for injection of steam or fracking fluid to the subterranean formation, to the produced water, or to equipment in fluid contact with the produced water.

Abstract: A process of stimulating hydrocarbon recovery is described and claimed. This process includes introducing a gas, a liquified gas or a vaporized liquified gas, into an underground formation containing hydrocarbons such as crude oil and gas, permitting said gas to be absorbed by said hydrocarbons, and withdrawing said hydrocarbons containing the gas therein, wherein a pill of Hydrocarbon Recovery Fluid comprising surface functionalized nanoparticles is inserted into the underground formation containing hydrocarbons before, during or after the introduction of the gas, liquified gas or a vaporized liquified gas.

Abstract: There is a viscoelastic fluid. The fluid has one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of certain quaternary salts, certain amines, and combinations thereof; one or more anionic polymers/anionic surfactants; one or more of certain zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactants; and water. There is also a method of fracturing a subterranean formation. The viscoelastic fluid is pumped through a wellbore and into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation. There is also a method for gravel packing a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The current technology relates to mining processes and compositions which inhibit the growth of complex scale. More specifically it relates to a process for preventing/inhibiting and/or controlling gypsum scale in aqueous mineral ore slurries, and for inhibiting scale in relatively high solids content environments in industrial mining operations.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a wellbore servicing apparatus into a wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing apparatus contains a plurality of mobilized template-assisted crystallization beads and contacting a fluid comprising scale-forming ions with at least a portion of the template-assisted crystallization beads. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising contacting a fluid comprising scale-forming ions with a quantity of template-assisted crystallization beads in a vessel to form a treated fluid, wherein the template-assisted crystallization beds are mobile within the vessel and placing the treated fluid into a wellbore, a subterranean formation, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A symmetrically substituted cationic monomer and its corresponding cationic polyelectrolyte (CPE) (+) bearing two identical (diethoxyphosphoryl)propyl pendent groups on repeating pyrrolidinium units. Phosphonate ester hydrolysis in (CPE) (+) forms a pH-responsive cationic polyacid (CPA) (+). The (CPA) (+) is converted under pH-induced transformation into a polyzwitterion acid (±) (PZA) or a polyzwitterion/anion (±?) (PZAN) or a polyzwitterion/dianion (±=) (PZDAN) or a polyzwitterion/trianion (±?) (PZTAN).

Abstract: A method is disclosed to inhibit scale formation in aqueous systems whereby a threshold amount of a scale inhibiting agent, represented by an aminoacid alkylphosphonic acid, is added to the aqueous system. The aminoacid moiety can be represented by ?-species or by species having, at least, two or more carbon atoms between the carboxylic moiety and the amine group. These aminoacid based inhibitors exhibit unusually superior performance and system acceptability compared to leading state-of-the-art inhibitors.

Abstract: Provided are a water-treating agent which includes a specific nonionic polymer and a phosphorus compound and can exhibit the ability to inhibit the deposition of silica-based scale under wide ranges of water quality conditions and temperature conditions; and a method of treating water. The inhibitor for silica-based scale includes a nonionic polymer and a phosphorus compound, the nonionic polymer being: a polymer formed by the reaction of an unsaturated double bond and including units derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylamide, N-substituted (meth)acrylamide and N-vinyl lactam; and/or one or more polymers having an ether group and selected from the group consisting of alkyl alcohol/polyalkylene oxide adducts, aliphatic monocarboxylic acid/polyalkylene oxide adducts, and polyvinyl alcohol/polyalkylene oxide adducts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cross-linked scale control agent particle comprising: a scale control agent and a cross-linker. The scale control agent is cross-linked by the cross-linker. The present invention is also directed to a cross-linked organic-based crystalline inhibitor particle comprising: an organic-based crystalline inhibitor and a cross-linker. The organic-based crystalline inhibitor is cross-linked by the cross-linker. The present invention is also directed to the use of cross-linkers which can also act as benefit agents and to the use of capping and extension agents which act as further benefit agents The present invention is further directed to a particle comprising more than one cross-linked active agents; the active agent may be a combination of a scale control agent and an organic-based crystalline inhibitor.

Abstract: A preparation method of ethylenediamine core, octamethylenephosphonic acid terminated, PAMAM dendrimer and application thereof is provided, wherein terminal amino groups of ethylenediamine core, 0 generation, PAMAM dendrimer is modified by methylene phosphonic acid. The ethylenediamine core, octamethylenephosphonic acid terminated, PAMAM dendrimer has an excellent performance to inhibit scales of CaCO3, CaSO4 and Ca3(PO4)2, a very high calcium tolerance, and excellent dispersing performance. The ethylenediamine core, octamethylenephosphonic acid terminated, PAMAM dendrimer is used as an antiscalant in industrial water treatment, and is suitable for the industrial water treatment of boiler, cooling, desalination, and oil production, etc., especially for the industrial water treatment under high calcium concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the prevention and removal of H2S and/or other sulfhydryl compounds and iron sulfide deposits from gas and/or liquid streams in industrial process systems. Formulations comprising aldehydes, aldehyde donors, and/or aldehyde stabilizers, excluding triazines, in combination with the reaction product of an amino acid and a hydroxymethylphosphine or hydroxymethylphos-phonium salt, and optionally a quaternary ammonium compound and/or one or more N-hydrogen compounds such as 5,5-dialkylhydantoin or amines, are rapidly and sustainedly scavenging H25 originating from process and/or microbial sources. The formulations possess high capacities for H25 removal and are relatively pH-insensitive.

Abstract: A surface active compound is supplied into contact with an oilfield production fluid that comprises a mixture of water and oil including water soluble organics. The surface active compound comprises at least one alkoxylate chain and at least one end group attached to each of the at least one alkoxylate chain. The surface active compound is supplied into the oilfield production fluid at a dosage rate that is effective to self-associate at interfaces between the water and oil and inhibit the water soluble organics in the oil from entering the water when the oilfield production fluid is depressurized.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of producing an aqueous powder composition for treating water comprise mixing sodium metabisulfite powder with amines, wherein the amines comprises liquid cyclohexylamine, and adding water to the mixture of sodium metabisulfite powder and liquid cyclohexylamine to catalyze the production of the aqueous powder composition.

Abstract: The calcium sulfate scale-inhibiting compositions are polyelectrolyte antiscalant compositions for the inhibition of calcium sulfate scale formation in desalination plant feed brine, such as that typically used with reverse osmosis desalination plants. In order to inhibit the formation of calcium sulfate scale, the polyelectrolyte antiscalant compositions are mixed at a concentration between approximately 1 ppm and approximately 50 ppm into the desalination plant feed brine. The polyelectrolyte antiscalant composition may be either poly[disodium 3-(diallylamino)propanephosphonate]-alt-(sulfur dioxide), poly[sodium 5-(diallylcarboxymethylammonio)pentanoate]-alt-(sulfur dioxide), or poly[sodium 5-(diallylcarboxymethylammonio)pentanoate].

Abstract: Water soluble or water dispersible terpolymers are employed in high pressure steam generating systems to control deposit formation and contaminant transport in the aqueous medium in such systems. The terpolymer may comprise repeat units formed from acrylic acid, allylalkoxylated ethers, and allylhydroxylated alkyl ether.

Abstract: Scale control agents comprising organic phosphonates, either alone or in mixtures with inorganic phosphonates and also optionally polymers, such as low molecular weight polymeric dispersants. The scale control agents may be applied to inhibit scale formation or deposition in highly acidic aqueous systems by adding these agents to such systems in amounts effective to inhibit metal sulfate scale formation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to inhibit scale formation in aqueous systems whereby a threshold amount of a scale inhibiting agent, represented by an aminoacid alkylphosphonic acid, is added to the aqueous system. The aminoacid moiety can be represented by ?-species or by species having, at least, two or more carbon atoms between the carboxylic moiety and the amine group. These aminoacid based inhibitors exhibit unusually superior performance and system acceptability compared to leading state-of-the-art inhibitors.

Abstract: Novel aminoacid alkylphosphonic acid compounds are disclosed. These compounds can be used in multiple applications, in particular in a scale inhibitor functionality in aqueous systems, including in marine oil recovery.

Abstract: A composition is provided for lowering a pH of a drilling fluid. The composition includes HCl, urea, complex substituted keto-amine-hydrochloride, an alcohol, an ethoxylate, and a ketone. A method of using the composition includes adding the composition to a drilling fluid for a well to assist in lowering a pH thereof. Methods are also provided for performing hydraulic fracturing of an oil or a gas well, for adjusting a pH of a drilling fluid, for adjusting and maintaining a pH of a process fluid, for solubilizing calcium carbonate in an aqueous suspension or dispersion of calcium carbonate, for removing a foulant in a fluid-handling element, and for adjusting a pH and lowering a salt level of turf.

Abstract: A composition includes an anionic polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition includes a polysaccharide residue present in an amount from approximately 5% to approximately 90% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and a residue of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer present in an amount from approximately 10% to approximately 75% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilizing composition comprising following components (A) a polymer having the following formula: wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol, (B) a chelating agent, (C) a poly-alpha-hydroxyacrylic acid or an alkaline salt thereof or the corresponding polylactone thereof, and (D) optionally a polycarboxylic acid polymer or an alkaline salt thereof. The invention also relates to a process for the treatment of a fiber material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizing composition comprising following components (A) a polymer having following formula wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol, (B) a chelating agent, and (C) an alkaline earth metal compound. The invention also relates to a process for the treatment of a fiber material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of a fibre material comprising the step of contacting the fibre material in an aqueous medium with a chelating agent and a polymer having following general formula wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol. The invention also relates to a composition comprising a chelating agent and the above polymer.

Abstract: Use of copolymers comprising alkylene oxide units, which copolymers comprise incorporated randomly or blockwise by polymerization (a) 50 to 93 mol % of acrylic acid and/or a water-soluble salt of acrylic acid, (b) 5 to 30 mol % of methacrylic acid and/or a water-soluble salt of methacrylic acid and (c) 2 to 20 mol % of at least one nonionic monomer of the formula I where the variables have the following meaning: R1 hydrogen or methyl; R2 a chemical bond or unbranched or branched C1-C6-alkylene; R3 identical or different unbranched or branched C2-C4-alkylene radicals; R4 unbranched or branched C1-C6-alkyl; n 3 to 50, as additive to phosphate- and/or phosphonate-comprising aqueous systems in industrial technical plants.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to inhibit scale formation in aqueous systems whereby a threshold amount of a scale inhibiting agent, represented by an aminoacid alkylphosphonic acid, is added to the aqueous system. The aminoacid moiety can be represented by ?-species or by species having, at least, two or more carbon atoms between the carboxylic moiety and the amine group. These aminoacid based inhibitors exhibit unusually superior performance and system acceptability compared to leading state-of-the-art inhibitors.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the deposition of silica and silicate compounds on surfaces in water systems by treating the water with an effective amount of an alkoxylated amines or imidized polymer from alkoxylated amines either alone or in combination with acrylic acid or maleic acid homo- or co-polymers and phosphonates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation for use in the treatment of corrosion and metal sulphide scale deposits in aqueous systems, said formulation comprising a tetrakis (hydroxyorgano) phosphonium salt (THP+ salt) and a primary, secondary or tertiary alcohol having an acetylenic bond in the carbon backbone. The invention also provides the use of such a formulation for treating corrosion of mild steel, copper or aluminium, and a method for treatment of an aqueous system containing or in contact with a metal sulphide scale while concomitantly inhibiting the corrosion of surfaces in contact with said aqueous system, which method comprises the addition to said aqueous system of a scale and corrosion inhibiting amount of such a formulation.

Abstract: Alkyl phosphonates prepared from amino acids suitable for use in inhibiting scale. The phosphonates are obtained as reaction mixtures where the level of alkyl phosphonation is deliberately controlled to provide only partial alkyl phosphonation of the amino acid. The resulting alkyl phosphonates exhibit improved environmental properties compared to the fully substituted species, while still exhibiting acceptable efficacy in the control of scale. The compositions possess advantages over existing phosphonates in that they exhibit higher biodegradation by method OECD 306. They also offer lower toxicity to marine life compared to the fully substituted species and are not expected to bioaccumulate.

Abstract: A biofilm reducing agent (BRA) and a mineral deposit distorting agent (MDDA) are admixed to irrigation water in amounts sufficient to substantially eliminate biofilm formation in the emitters (14) of an irrigation system (10) and produce amorphous mineral deposits in the emitters that are easily washed away by the irrigation water as it flows through the emitters (14). The BRA may be an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of chlorine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxy peracitic acid, iodine, bromine, hydrogen dioxide, chlorate salts, chlorite salts and hypochlorite compounds and mixtures thereof. The MDDA is a phosphonate selected from the group comprising AMP, ATMP, HEDP, EDTMPA, HMDTMPA, DETPMPA, BHMPTMPA, PBTC, HPA, PCA, NTMP, and DTPMP.

Abstract: A method for treating feedwater is provided. The method includes steps of introducing a treatment composition into a feedwater stream to provide a treated feedwater stream containing scale inhibitor at a concentration of at least about 0.1 ppm, and combining the treated feedwater stream with a detersive composition. The scale inhibitor can include a phosphate scale inhibitor, a carbonate scale inhibitor, or a combination of a phosphate scale inhibitor and a carbonate scale inhibitor. The detersive composition can be provided as a cleaning composition, a rinse agent composition, or a drying agent composition. A treatment composition and an apparatus for treating feedwater are provided.

Abstract: A method and composition for processing natural water such as seawater, brackish, and estuarine water wherein the water is concentrated with or without heating comprising adding to the water (I) a water-soluble polymeric phosphonate and (II) a water-soluble polycarboxylate to control scale formation and deposition. Optionally a water-soluble poly[isopropenylphosphonic acid] can also be utilized as component (I) without the addition of component (II).

Abstract: A composition for treating water contained in enclosures, such as swimming pools, spas, whirlpool tubs and cooling towers, which includes at least one boron compound, cyanuric acid, at least one mineral remover and at least one clarifier is provided. A composition and method for treating salt water contained in enclosures using halogen generators to generate sterilizing halogen in situ, wherein the method includes adding to the water effective amounts of a composition having at least one boron compound, cyanuric acid, at least one mineral remover and at least one clarifier, such that they are present in the water simultaneously is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of an effective amount of a non-oxidising water-soluble biocide in the improvement of sludge quality by reducing the sludge tendency towards bulking, wherein the biocide comprises an alkyl-substituted phosphonium compound, an alkyl-substituted phosphine, an alkyl-substituted phosphine condensate, or a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel multiple quaternary ammonium salts and their derivatives represented by the formula: wherein each R1, R?1, R2, R?2, R3, R?3, R4 or R5 is independently selected from the group consisting alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and —CH2—CH(OR6)—CH2N+R1R2R3; wherein one or more R6 group is selected from the group consisting of: and wherein An? is an anion. This invention also pertains to novel multiple quaternary ammonium salts and their derivatives represented by the formula: wherein each R1, R?1, R2, R?2, R3 or R?3 group is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and —CH2—CH(OR4)—CH2N+R1R2R3; wherein one or more R4 group is selected from the group consisting of: and wherein An? is an anion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating boiler and condensate water by the addition of an effective amount of a hydroxyamine-acid ester treatment reagent or an all-in-one treatment composition comprising a hydroxyamine-acid ester. Modification of a hydroxyamine to a hydroxyamine-acid ester generally reduces the odors of the amine while providing a means to formulate the composition into a solid form. The ester typically decomposes at conditions in the boiler to release the hydroxyamine to treat the boiler water. Other components used to treat boiler water and condensate related problems may be formulated with the hydroxyamine-acid ester to form the all-in-one treatment composition.

Abstract: A method of treating mine drainage water including the step of adding a scale control agent to the mine drainage water and, optionally, adding an oxidizing agent to the mine drainage water and/or precipitating and settling the metals in their hydroxide form from the water. The treated water may be safely returned to the environment.

Abstract: Solid free-flowing compositions of a magnesium salt of bis(hexamethylene)triamino penta(methylenephosphonic) acid are disclosed. The compositions exhibit desirable scale inhibitor properties and can be used in water treatment. In addition, a method of scale control is disclosed using the magnesium phosphonic acids under ambient conditions of relative humidity of at least 30% as can apply under subtropical or tropical conditions of high relative humidity. The preferred molar ratios of magnesium to phosphonic acid are in the range of from 1:1 to 3:1.

Abstract: The invention is a water treatment composition comprising at least one phosphonamide and blends thereof and a method to treat water. As phosphonamides are generally odorless, and typically solids, phosphonamide and phosphonamide blend compositions are generally odorless, conveniently processed and manufactured, and safely used without risks of exposure to odors and vapors associated with the corresponding amines. Advantageously, phosphonamides blended with amino-phosphate esters provide useful treatment compositions. The inventive compositions are generally used to treat water contained in water flow systems such as boilers and cooling towers.

Abstract: A method of treating mine drainage water including the step of adding a scale control agent to the mine drainage water and, optionally, adding an oxidizing agent to the mine drainage water and/or precipitating and settling the metals in their hydroxide form from the water. The treated water may be safely returned to the environment.

Abstract: Treating a water system containing or in contact with a metal sulphide scale to inhibit, prevent, reduce, dissolve or disperse iron sulphide deposits. A solution of tris(hydroxyorgano)phosphines (THP) and tetrakis(hydroxyorgano)phosphonium salts (THP+ salts) and sufficient of a chelant (amino-carboxylates or amino-phosphonates) to provide a solution containing from 0.1 to 50% by weight of said THP or THP+ salt and from 0.1 to 50% by weight of said chelant, is contacted with the metal sulphide scale thereby to dissolve at least part of said scale in said solution.

Abstract: The invention is a water treatment composition comprising at least one phosphonamide and blends thereof and a method to treat water. As phosphonamides are generally odorless, and typically solids, phosphonamide and phosphonamide blend compositions are generally odorless, conveniently processed and manufactured, and safely used without risks of exposure to odors and vapors associated with the corresponding amines. Advantageously, phosphonamides blended with amino-phosphate esters provide useful treatment compositions. The inventive compositions are generally used to treat water contained in water flow systems such as boilers and cooling towers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrosion inhibitor for bathing waters which contain chlorides and sulfates, in particular sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate, that reduces the corrosion effect of such bathing water on metallic materials, in particular steels (structural steel) and brass. The corrosion inhibitor of the present invention is based on a composition comprising phosphates, zinc chloride and aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating boiler and condensate water by the addition of an effective amount of a hydroxyamine-acid ester treatment reagent or an all-in-one treatment composition comprising a hydroxyamine-acid ester. Modification of a hydroxyamine to a hydroxyamine-acid ester generally reduces the odors of the amine while providing a means to formulate the composition into a solid form. The ester typically decomposes at conditions in the boiler to release the hydroxyamine to treat the boiler water. Other components used to treat boiler water and condensate related problems may be formulated with the hydroxyamine-acid ester to form the all-in-one treatment composition.

Abstract: The invention is a water treatment composition comprising at least one phosphonamide and blends thereof and a method to treat water. As phosphonamides are generally odorless, and typically solids, phosphonamide and phosphonamide blend compositions are generally odorless, conveniently processed and manufactured, and safely used without risks of exposure to odors and vapors associated with the corresponding amines. Advantageously, phosphonamides blended with amino-phosphate esters provide useful treatment compositions. The inventive compositions are generally used to treat water contained in water flow systems such as boilers and cooling towers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating boiler and condensate water by the addition of an effective amount of a hydroxyamine-acid ester treatment reagent or an all-in-one treatment composition comprising a hydroxyamine-acid ester. Modification of a hydroxyamine to a hydroxyamine-acid ester generally reduces the odors of the amine while providing a means to formulate the composition into a solid form. The ester typically decomposes at conditions in the boiler to release the hydroxyamine to treat the boiler water. Other components used to treat boiler water and condensate related problems may be formulated with the hydroxyamine-acid ester to form the all-in-one treatment composition.

Abstract: The levels of iron sulfide present in a conduit, such as a pipeline, are reduced by contacting the conduit, on an inner surface, with a composition obtained from an aqueous solution containing at least one compound of Formula (I) 1

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of scale in waters having a high barium content and low pH comprises the addition of an aqueous solution of a phosphonate of formula: wherein Z=—CHR1PO3R2 R=H, CH3, C2H5 or M R1=H, CH3, CR3, C6H5, SO3H2 M=alkali metal or ammonium ion n=2-6, preferably 2-4 m=2-6, preferably 2-4 a=2-10, preferably 2-4 b=2-10, preferably 2-6 x=0-6, preferably 0-3 y=0-6, preferably 0-2 provided that when y=o at least one of n or m is greater than 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to corrosion inhibiting compositions for aqueous systems comprising (a) polyaspartic acid or salts therefore, and (b) a water soluble phosphonated oligomer. The compositions are effective corrosion inhibitors, but are also advantageous from an environmental standpoint because they are non-toxic, contain no heavy metals, and have little or no phosphorus. They also have significant calcium/hardness tolerance, are chlorine/bromine stable, and are effective corrosion inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the inhibition of tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate scales in aqueous systems involving adding to said aqueous system at least one copolymer comprising the following monomers in polymerized form: (I) 50-80% by weight of one or more weak acids; (II) 2-50% by weight of one or more strong acids; (III) 0-30% by weight of one or more monoethylenically unsaturated C4-C8 dicarboxylic acids; and (IV) 0-30% by weight of one or more monomethylenically unsaturated monomers polymerizable with (I), (II) and (III); wherein the total of monomers (I), (II), (III), and (IV) equals 100% by weight of copolymer. The invention is particularly suited to the inhibition of tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate scales which occur as a result of using low phosphate (STPP) containing detergent formulations.