Management of inorganic contaminants begins at the digester and plays a critical role in controlling the problems such contaminants can create throughout the pulp mill. Water optimization and process changes can result in the accumulation of tenacious scale deposits in critical areas. In addition, many pulp mills have modified their washing and bleaching processes due to changing environmental regulations. All of these changes have created an ideal environment for increased scaling problems, reduced brightness ceilings, escalating energy costs, imbalances in organic levels, and increased operating costs.