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