Estimation of the metastable zone width has been explored by using models b
ased on the fact that metastable zone width is determined by the nucleation
mechanisms acting within a crystallizer. Calculations were carried out for
three organic systems and 28 aqueous inorganic systems at the various cool
ing rates and compositions. Both seeded and unseeded systems have also been
applied to the calculations. The models developed were verified with publi
shed experimental data. About 150-data points of metastable zone widths mea
sured from bench-scale crystallizer were compared To those obtained by the
model. Theoretical model could be used for the prediction of metastable zon
e width for various nucleation processes. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Sc
ience Ltd.