Modeling, Simulation, and Influence of Operational Parameters on Crystal Size and Morphology in Semibatch Antisolvent Crystallization of α-Lactose Monohydrate

Abstract

This work summarizes the study of semibatch antisolvent crystallization of α-lactose monohydrate using ethanol as an antisolvent. The main objective of the work is to study the impact of operational parameters such as antisolvent flow rate, initial concentration of the solute, and the application of ultrasound on the crystal size and morphology. Mathematical modeling of semibatch antisolvent crystallization was formulated comprising a population balance equation (PBE) and material balance. The growth and nucleation kinetic parameters were estimated by fitting the model estimates to the experimental data. It was found that with an increase in antisolvent addition rate and initial lactose concentration the crystal morphology changed from polyhedral shape (α-lactose monohydrate) to curved needle/rod shape (β-lactose). The application of ultrasound led to the formation of smaller size crystals; however, no change in the morphology was observed. The work shows that there is a potential to engineer the shape, s...