Correlation of crystal growth rates in supersaturated solutions

Author

Josef Frank Palme, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

6-30-1955

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Chemical Engineering

First Advisor

George C. Keeffe

Second Advisor

Jerome J. Salamone

Third Advisor

C. L. Mantell

Abstract

This investigation has shown that crystals of copper sulfate and magnesium sulfate when grown in supersaturated solutions exhibit a growth rate according to the following equation:

R_L = 5.0 (ΔCD_m)^1/ρU V_s^.292

where, R_L, is the growth rate in Microns/min, is the change in concentration, D_m, the diffusivity coefficient, , density of solution, U, viscosity and V_s, solution velocity past the crystal.

The equation shown demonstrates that a mass transfer process is taking place from the solution to the crystal surface, and that within the velocity range studied, there was no effect shown by the interface orientation rate.

In a crystallizer where there is a mixture of crystals, the larger crystals will grow faster than those of a smaller size due to its higher relative solution velocity.

Crystal growth is dependent upon the other factors described in conjunction with the formulae, and the analogy between these factors is described in the main paper.

Recommended Citation

Palme, Josef Frank, "Correlation of crystal growth rates in supersaturated solutions" (1955). Theses. 2359.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2359