POLYMERIC ADDITIVES EFFECT ON CRYSTALLIZATION OF CALCIUM-OXALATE SCALES

Laboratory studies concerned with the effects of polymeric additives o n the crystallization of calcium oxalate dihydrate and calcium oxalate monohydrate are described and the results obtained are discussed. The se compounds are major components of scales formed in some Australian sugar mills. The studies involved the measurement of crystallization i nduction periods and rates, in the presence and absence of additives. Crystal morphologies were also examined. A range of experimental condi tions were employed, from studies in pure solutions of the lattice ion s to those more directly comparable with the mill operation.