19-08-2014, 10:13 AM
Batch crystallization is widely used in the production of high value-added products, which are essentially characterized by the crystal size distribution (CSD). Kinetic parameter estimation for most batch crystallization processes is necessary because nucleation and crystal growth kinetic parameters are often not available.
Batch crystallization is widely used in the production of high value-added products, which are essentially characterized by the crystal size distribution (CSD). Kinetic parameter estimation for most batch crystallization processes is necessary because nucleation and crystal growth kinetic parameters are often not available.
The main objective of this study is to estimate the kinetic parameters for growth and nucleation. The batch cooling crystallization of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is studied. An approach to solve population balance equation along with mass and energy balance as well as growth and nucleation kinetics for a batch crystallization system using advanced process modeling tool - gPROMS has been discussed. Process conditions such as the initial seed distribution, initial crystallizer temperature, and concentration can all be implemented into the model. The evolution of the population density, crystal size and mass distribution, and suspension density can be evaluated during the entire batch cooling crystallization process.
Parameter estimation capability of gPROMS is used to get the unknown kinetic parameters for experiments carried out for batch cooling crystallization of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. The results of experiments are compared with those given by gPROMS simulations.