The crystallization temperature of a brine is the temperature at which salt crystals begin to form. Salt crystals can cause many problems� including filtration plugging� density changes� and an increase in viscosity. Therefore� it is necessary to utilize brines that have a crystallization temperature below the lowest possible operating temperature.

The crystallization properties of a brine include three crystallization temperatures:

• First Crystal to Appear (FCTA) - the temperature where visible crystals first begin to form

• True Crystallization Temperature (TCT) - the maximum temperature reached after crystallization begins

• Last Crystal to Dissolve (LCTD) - the temperature where crystals dissolve