Prediction models for metastable zone width in cooling crystallization process of anhydrous myo- inositol

Abstract

Accurately predicting the metastable zone width is beneficial for controlling the cooling crystallization to increase particle size. In this work, the transformation temperature between anhydrous inositol and dihydrate inositol was determined to be 301.2 K. In industry, only stable anhydrous inositol is required, so the metastable zone width was measured in the temperature range from 308.2 K to 353.2 K. A novel prediction model for metastable zone width was proposed. Cooling rate, stirring linear velocity, saturation temperature and transformation temperature were considered. Fitted with sufficient data, three predictive equations used for different temperature ranges were obtained. The experimental values were in good agreement with the predictive values. Under the guidance of the prediction equations, the particle size and flowability of the obtained anhydrous inositol significantly increased. The results provide guidance for the preparation of large particle inositol and provide reference for the prediction of metastable zone width in other systems.