The present invention is directed a multifunctional polymer capable of
inhibiting both calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate scale. The
multifunctional polymer contains at least one monomer unit from each of
four groups: dicarboxylic acids, mono-carboxylic acids, nonionic
monomers, and sulfonated or sulfated monomers. The polymer also inhibits
many other alkaline earth scales, such as calcium sulfate scale and
provides stabilization of minerals such as iron, zinc and manganese. The
polymer is especially effective in highly stressed systems that contain
high electrolyte concentrations and have a high number of cycles of
concentration.
