MECHANISMS OF INITIATION OF INCRUSTATION

Initation of incrustation by crystallization mechanisms is studied. An experimental technique was developed by which nucleation of a crystal line phase on a solid surface is investigated at controlled local supe rsaturation without the interference of particle deposition. Experimen ts were carried out with different substances and surface materials. T he results show that the solid surface may catalyze primary nucleation and hence promote the initiation of incrustation, but this was record ed only at quire high supersaturation. Collision of crystals with the solid surface in a supersaturated solution may initiate incrustation a t a reasonably low supersaturation and can be of substantial industria l importance.