New techniques for crystallisation scale-up and optimisation of process operations
The successful scale-up and optimisation of crystallisation process operations relies on understanding and accurate quantification of the physics and chemistry involved, never an easy task. Process Systems Enterprise (PSE), recently released the gPROMS Advanced Model Library for Solution Crystallisation (AML:SC), following extensive prototyping on projects involving products from sugars and artificial sweeteners to terephthalic acid and pharmaceutical-grade lactose.
The library – believed to be the most sophisticated crystallisation modelling tool available – provides high-fidelity predictive modelling by combining a population balance approach with kinetic models of crystal growth, agglomeration and attrition. It can be used for batch, continuous and semi-continuous crystallisation processes.
Applications include improving crystal size distribution, increasing the median size of crystals, managing growth rates to minimise the number of entrained impurities, and reducing batch variability and batch times.
Models are typically validated against experimental data using gPROMS’ model-based data analysis facilities, to determine key parameters such as growth kinetic constants. An optional hybrid gPROMS-CFD multizonal interface makes it possible to couple gPROMS and computational fluid dynamics model to achieve predictive accuracy in cases where fluid dynamics have a significant effect on crystallisation.
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Process Systems Enterprise Ltd is based in London, UK. www.psenterprise.com
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