Optical Flow Cell and Apparatus for Solubility, Salt Deposition and Raman Spectroscopic Studies in Aqueous Solutions Near the Water Critical Point

Published

February 1, 2002

Author(s)

Wilbur S. Hurst, M S. Hodes, Walter J. Bowers Jr., Vern E. Bean, James E. Maslar, P Griffith, K A. Smith

Abstract

A flow cell fitted with large diameter optical ports suitable for visual observation and Raman spectroscopic studies of aqueous solutions to temperatures of 500 C and pressures to 25 MPa is described. The cell uses commercially available compression fittings that have proven to be reliable and robust to cycles of assembly, temperature exposure and disassembly. A unique design is given for the construction of optical ports. The design of a heated cylindrical insert for salt solubility, salt deposition and salt nucleation studies in near-critical aqueous solutions is described. A method for in situ detection of the crystalline phase of salt deposited from aqueous solution at near-critical conditions and then surrounded by supercritical water is demonstrated for Na₂SO₄, using Raman spectroscopic observation.

Citation

Journal of Supercritical Fluids

Volume

22

Issue

No. 2

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

aqueous solutions, near-critical solutions, Raman, salt deposition, sodium sulfate, solubility

Citation

Hurst, W. , Hodes, M. , Bowers, W. , Bean, V. , Maslar, J. , Griffith, P. and Smith, K. (2002), Optical Flow Cell and Apparatus for Solubility, Salt Deposition and Raman Spectroscopic Studies in Aqueous Solutions Near the Water Critical Point, Journal of Supercritical Fluids (Accessed October 8, 2025)