The effect of green polymers on calcium oxalate crystallisation

Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) is recognized as major components of scale formed on the radiator tubes in many sugar mill. The formation of these compounds during the concentration of juice reduces the heat transfer coefficient of the evaporator station. The deposits are often found to be compact and hard in nature rendering current cleaning methods either costly and ineffective. The crystallization of sparingly soluble salts is also of primary importance in biological systems. Urolithiasis, the formation of urinary calculi, is one of the oldest documented diseases known to men. Calcium oxalates are the main components of pathological deposits in the urinary tract. The medical community is seeing a renewed interest in the regulation of these species. In this study, the effects of green polymers on crystallization of calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaC2O4.H2O, COM) have been investigated in aqueous solutions. Carboxymethylated inulin or carboxymethylinulin which has a three different number of carboxylate group has been used as additive. The effect of carboxymethylinulin on the rate of precipitation of COM was determined by recording the decrease of solution conductivity as a function of time. It?s observed that polymer concentration and number of carboxylate group are important parameters in prevention of crystallisation. Keywords: Calcium oxalate crystallisation, inulin, inhibitors, polymers.