How to Solve Fluid Crystallization Challenges

Under certain conditions, a liquid solution will begin to form solid crystals. This typically occurs under the right combination of environmental conditions and other factors, such as air contact. Crystallizing fluids are a persistent challenge in many life science OEM and laboratory research applications since they are difficult to process via conventional equipment. That's why it’s important to have a pump that can handle them with ease.

Why You Need a Pump to Handle Crystallizing Fluids

Pump users are increasingly facing crystallization issues not only with standard high-salt fluids, but also with more diluted solutions that usually don't form deposits. As a precaution, many industry professionals use buffer solutions in their equipment to maintain a stable pH value of the fluid being mixed in with the buffer.

However, this practice alone is not always sufficient. If crystallization were to occur within the pump, it could lead to an assortment of issues:

• Clogging and flow disruptions
• Costly, messy, and hazardous leaks
• Increased wear through abrasion
• Compromised efficiency, consistency, and accuracy
• Costly operational downtime and maintenance
• Pump stalling or breakage
• Reduced system lifespan

To solve these issues, we need to examine what causes fluids to crystallize in a pump.

Why Do Fluids Crystallize?

Temperature changes, pressure variations, contact from another element (like the inner pump materials), exposure to air, mechanical stress, and vibrations are all factors that can induce fluids to crystallize. Air has an especially accelerated tendency to dry out fluids and cause rapid precipitation.

Crystallizing fluids are a common cause of concern in many applications. Dialysis instruments process heavily concentrated dialysate that tends to crystallize very easily. Sodium hypochlorite, often metered for disinfectant and bleaching agents, is prone to becoming supersaturated in closed systems and crystalizes in cooler temperatures. Hardwater, saltwater, and saline solutions used in industrial, environmental, and medical applications are also more prone to crystallizing due to salt's strong ionic bonds.

While fluid crystallization can seem unavoidable, there are certain steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of this unwanted occurrence.

How Fluid Metering Solves for Crystalizing Fluids

Fluid Metering has developed some effective solutions to prevent and mitigate problems caused by crystallizing fluids. These include:

• Valveless Design - eliminates a common site for deposit buildup and clogs
• Secondary Flush Ports - allows users to flush a viscous or crystalizing fluid by either gravity-feeding or pressure-feeding it through the second set of ports. These ports create a liquid barrier between the crystal-forming chemical and the air to prevent air exposure. Many Fluid Metering products can be equipped with flush ports including Q Pump Heads and RH Pump Heads.
• Hydrophobic Piston Coating - reduces crystal adhesion to the piston
• Custom Seal and Ceramic Configurations - corrosion-resistant ceramics and seals to combat abrasive wear and tear
• Optimized Internal Geometry - minimizes the amount of dead volume where crystalizing fluids can precipitate and accumulate
• Consistent Flow - keeping the fluid in consistent motion avoids stagnation and reduces the risk of precipitates forming
• Routine Flushing - proper flushing with compatible solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol, clears residuals and prevents crystallization during downtime

These customized configurations have a proven success rate for mitigating seepage and eliminating crystallization.

Is Crystallization Clogging Your Path to Success?

Don't let crystalizing fluids form a barrier between you and desired outcomes! Get in touch with one of our engineering experts for the latest fluid handling advancements and customized solutions. We can help troubleshoot issues you’re currently having or give you a head start on your new application. For more information and to find pumps that meet your specific fluid needs, contact the engineering experts at Fluid Metering today.