Characterization of Crystallization Kinetics from Batch Experiments

Abstract

The process analysis of various types of batch crystallizers operated in various modes is presented in Chapter 5. In this chapter, the techniques that are available to characterize crystallization kinetics of a crystallizing system in a batch crystallizer are discussed. In recent years there has been an increasing recognition of the importance of crystallization kinetics in assessing the design and performance of crystallizers. The characterization of crystallization kinetics in an environment typical of that encountered in industrial situations is therefore of utmost importance. Numerous techniques have been devised to measure and analyze crystal growth and, to a far lesser extent, nucleation. The experimental techniques developed to extract crystallization parameters as depicted in Figure 53 are based on phenomenological models and are closely related to those used in chemical reaction engineering. The classical approach to establish crystallization kinetics involves the isolation of the nucleation and growth processes and the determination of their kinetics separately by direct and/or indirect methods under different hydrodynamic conditions.