Growth of ice in a saltwater drop falling in an organic phase

Data on the ice formation rate are presented for a salwater drop suspended by drag forces in a flowing cold organic liquid. The effects of refrigerant undercooling, salt concentration, drop size, and time were studied. Ice formation rates in drops of 3 wt % sodium chloride solution were two to three times lower than in pure water drops. A parallel plate model was used to correlate the data and predict ice formation rates for other drops and refrigerants. Dispersing drops of brine or fruit juices in a countercurrent cold organic refrigerant is a method of desalination (or freeze concentration) that deserves further study.