A New Technique for Accurate Crystal Size Distribution Analysis in an MSMPR Crystallizer

Abstract

The design of crystallizers using population balance techniques is critically dependent on a knowledge of the crystallization kinetics of the system under consideration.¹ Accurate experimental determination of nucleation and growth rates from continuous crystallizers presents many problems. Techniques based on the measurement of crystal size distributions (CSD) in a continuous mixed suspension mixed product removed (MSMPR) crystallizer rely on extrapolating the population density plot to zero size.² Large errors can result unless the size analysis is extended well into the sub-sieve size range, particularly if the crystal growth rate, and hence the slope of the population density plot, is a function of crystal size.³