A flow cell for in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction studies of scale formation under Bayer processing conditions

The design, construction, and commissioning of a stainless steel flow cell for in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction studies of scale formation under Bayer processing conditions is described. The use of the cell is demonstrated by a study of Al(OH)(3) scale formation on a mild steel substrate from synthetic Bayer liquor at 70 degrees C. The cell design allows for interchangeable parts and substrates and would be suitable for the study of scale formation in other industrial processes.