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Related Concept Videos

Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control01:16

Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control

In precipitation gravimetry, the precipitating agent should react specifically or selectively with the analyte. While a specific reagent reacts with the analyte alone, a selective reagent can react with a limited number of chemical species.
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
Precipitation Processes01:12

Precipitation Processes

The experimental conditions in a gravimetric analysis should be optimized to maximize the particle size and purity of the obtained precipitate. Ideally, the concentration of the precipitating reagent should be low with effective stirring to maintain low relative supersaturation for the growth of large crystals. In homogeneous precipitation, the precipitant is slowly generated by a chemical reaction in the solution to avoid local reagent excesses. For example, urea decomposes gradually to...
Colloidal precipitates01:09

Colloidal precipitates

The high insolubility of some precipitates can result in an unfavorable relative supersaturation. This can lead to colloidal particles with a large surface-to-mass ratio, where adsorption is promoted. For instance, in the precipitation of silver chloride, silver ions are adsorbed on the surface of the colloidal particles, forming a primary layer. This layer attracts ions of opposite charge (such as nitrate ions), forming a diffuse secondary layer of adsorbed ions. This electric double layer...
Washing, Drying, and Ignition of Precipitates00:52

Washing, Drying, and Ignition of Precipitates

After filtration, the precipitate is washed to remove coprecipitated impurities and any remaining mother liquor. Colloidal precipitates, such as silver chloride, are washed with an electrolyte (such as dilute nitric acid) to prevent the peptization of the precipitate. In the case of slightly soluble precipitates, the wash solution contains a common ion to reduce solubility. Lead sulfate, which is slightly soluble in water, is washed with dilute sulfuric acid. Similarly, wash solutions may be...
Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria01:10

Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria

Recrystallization is a purification technique used to separate impurities from solid compounds. In this technique, no chemical reactions occur. Instead, it exploits physical properties only, specifically, the solubility differences between the desired compound and impurities, either at a single temperature or at different temperatures, and under other selected conditions. The solid-solution equilibrium (solubility equilibrium) of each component in the solution represents a binary phase...
The Colloidal State01:29

The Colloidal State

The formation of a colloidal system is exemplified by an aqueous solution containing Cl− ions is introduced to another containing Ag+ ions, resulting in the precipitation of solid AgCl as extremely tiny crystals. Instead of settling out as a filterable precipitate, these crystals remain suspended in the liquid, showcasing a colloidal system.A colloidal system involves colloidal particles within the approximate range of 1 to 1000 nm in at least one dimension, dispersed in a medium called the...

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Flash NanoPrecipitation for the Encapsulation of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Compounds in Polymeric Nanoparticles
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Published on: January 7, 2019

Particle size distribution dynamics during precipitative softening: declining solution composition.

Jeffrey A Nason1, Desmond F Lawler

  • 1School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, 103 Gleeson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-2702, USA. jeff.nason@oregonstate.edu <jeff.nason@oregonstate.edu>

Water Research
|November 4, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Understanding particle size distribution in water treatment is key. This study shows initial saturation ratio and mixing intensity significantly impact flocculation rates and final particle size during calcium carbonate precipitation.

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Published on: August 14, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Water Treatment Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering

Background:

  • Particle removal is crucial for potable water treatment.
  • Precipitative coagulation (e.g., alum, iron) and lime softening are common methods.
  • Quantitative understanding of particle size changes during precipitation and flocculation is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate particle size distribution formation during calcium carbonate precipitation under conditions mimicking water softening processes.
  • To quantify the effects of initial saturation ratio, mixing intensity, and seeding on particle characteristics.
  • To provide insights for optimizing water softening practices.

Main Methods:

  • Extending previous work on homogeneous nucleation, precipitative growth, and flocculation.
  • Utilizing electronic particle counting techniques.
  • Simulating declining solution composition typical of actual softening processes.

Main Results:

  • Flocculation rate strongly depends on the initial saturation ratio.
  • Seeding precipitative softening benefits effluent particle size distribution.
  • Mixing intensity during precipitation significantly influences the final particle size distribution.

Conclusions:

  • Initial conditions like saturation ratio and mixing intensity are critical for controlling particle size in water softening.
  • Seeding offers a strategy to optimize particle size for improved water treatment efficiency.
  • Findings have direct implications for enhancing current water softening practices.