Growth rate of potash alum crystals: comparison of silent and ultrasonic conditions.

The influence of power ultrasound on the growth rate of potash alum was investigated. The experiments on growth of potash alum crystals were carried out in a stirred double jacket tank in silent conditions as well as in the presence of power ultrasound (20 kHz) at 32 degrees C, with different initial crystal sizes. It was observed that the mass growth rate of potash alum was faster under ultrasound compared to that under silent conditions. The shape was not modified by ultrasound but the size of crystals, which are grown under ultrasound, are smaller and with higher density compared to those grown under silent conditions.