A design procedure and predictive models for solution crystallisation processes

Useful components and deficiencies of conventional crystallisation design procedures and models are identified. A systematic procedure consisting of a hierarchical decomposition into design of the product, task, flowsheet and individual crystalliser is presented. At each level the relevant specifications, variables and necessary knowledge are identified. For the flowsheet and crystalliser level a predictive crystallisation model is presented to design experiments, estimate kinetic parameters, and to analyse and optimise the: behaviour of design alternatives. Currently, the procedure is applicable to cooling, flash-cooling and evaporative crystallisation. The developed model is restricted to systems with little agglomeration. Validation of the proposed design procedure and models requires industrial case studies.