Fluid-dynamics scale-up problems in the DTM crystallizer

Abstract

Scale-up of a crystallizer is an extremely difficult and unsolved issue up till now, mainly because of the complexity of occurring phenomena from kinetic and fluid-dynamics point of view. In this paper the attempt was made to deal with this problem with the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The expectations of the mentioned process and possibilities from fluid-dynamics point of view were discussed with aid of primary circulation time. Consideration involved full and partial geometrical similarity as well as two selected scale-up criteria, i.e.: constant unit power input and propeller tip speed. In general, geometric similarity is not recommended for scale-up.