Crystallization monitoring in supersaturated solution with a quartz crystal sensor Original Research Article

The degree of supersaturation is an important measure for the operation of crystallization processes, because it is directly related to the control of crystal size distribution and shape. A conventional technique utilizing solution composition and temperature has a variety of problems caused from the measurement error and the handling of analyzing samples. A monitoring system of the supersaturation using a quartz crystal sensor is proposed here, and its performance is examined applying different manipulations of coolant temperature. The experimental outcome and photographic examination indicate that the measurements of resonant frequency and resistance of the sensor can be used for the prediction of the formation and growth of solid crystal from the crystallization process. The monitoring system eliminates the intrinsic error source of the conventional system to give the improved measurement and on-line application availability.