Effect of magnetic field on calcium sulfate crystal morphology

The shape of crystal morphology from magnetically treated calcium sulfate (CaSO4) solutions were investigated using microscopic methods. The motivation was to gain knowledge that may assist in unraveling the possible mechanisms involved in the reduction and/or elimination of scales from heat transfer surfaces exposed to magnetically treated fluids. Solutions of CaSO4 at different concentrations were prepared and subjected to magnetic fields of up to 0.1 T, under static and dynamic conditions. The resulting crystals were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM micrographs obtained show changes in the structure of the crystals. Crystals from magnetically treated solutions appear to have a larger surface in one plane relative to the other planes. It is concluded that subjecting a magnetic field to a supersaturated solution affects the direction of crystal growth, possibly increasing the growth rate in one direction and suppressing it in the other directions.