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Published on: April 11, 2014
Crystallization of potash alum: effect of power ultrasound
N Amara1, B Ratsimba, A M Wilhelm
1Laboratoire de Génie Chimique (UMR CNRS 5503 INPT/UPS), Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Génie Chimique (ENSIGC-INPT), 18 chemin de la Loge, 31078 Toulouse, France.
Abstract:
The influence of power ultrasound on the crystallization of potash alum was investigated. Experiments have been carried out in a batch stirred vessel. It was found that ultrasonic waves decrease the supersaturation limits and modify the morphology of the crystals produced. The average crystal size decreases with an increase of ultrasonic power. To investigate also the action of ultrasound on already existing crystals, crystals produced in silent conditions were suspended in saturated potash alum solution at various ultrasonic powers. The results show that ultrasound has also an abrasive effect on potash alum crystals for high power inputs.
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