Pressurized brine crystallization temperature tester LEPCT1300

The automatic LEPCT1300 instrument determines the brine crystallization temperature in a high-pressure, low-temperature environment. The instrument is equipped with a highly sensitive video camera with a set of special lenses that allow for the detection of crystals in the brine sample. This eliminates the labor-intensive and error-prone manual monitoring of crystallization events. It is possible to determine the following values:

1. FCTA (First Crystal Temperature Apparatus): This indicates the temperature at which the first crystal begins to form in the brine. This is an important indicator as it signifies the onset of crystallization.
2. TCT (True Crystallization Temperature): This is the temperature at which true crystallization of the entire brine volume occurs. It is a more stable and repeatable indicator than the first crystal temperature.
3. LCTD (Last Crystal Dissolution Temperature): This is the temperature at which the last crystals in the brine dissolve. It is important for understanding the temperature range within which crystals can exist in the solution.

The instrument comprises a high-pressure test cell, where a magnetically driven stirrer ensures thorough sample agitation and homogenization. The high-pressure cell is equipped with two viewing windows made of high-strength sapphire. A light source is directed through one window, and the video camera is directed through the other. This design allows for various types of experiments to be conducted. Data from the video camera can be saved at specified time intervals or upon the occurrence of programmed events. A temperature sensor is installed in close proximity to the sample and continuously measures the temperature. A double jacket with an integrated refrigerant circulation system is wrapped around the cell to provide and maintain sub-ambient temperatures. The fluid pressure inside the cell is controlled using a high-precision syringe pump. These parameters help in accurately determining the temperature characteristics of salt crystallization and dissolution in brine, which is especially important under the high-pressure and low-temperature conditions typical of such experiments.