Semiempirical model of a batch crystallizer

An approach to simulate the operation of batch crystallization of brittle materials by means of a semiempirical model is proposed. The model is derived from an experimental plan specifically designed to reduce the correlation among the values of the unknown parameters to be determined. The experimentation was carried out by using a pilot-scale DT crystallizer, 13.5 L in capacity, with and without seeding. The examined system was the crystallization of potassium sulfate from aqueous solutions. The developed model, accounting for the first nucleation point, crystal attrition, and growth rate dispersion, gave satisfactory results. The work, thus, indicates an overall procedure to provide a prediction model for an existing batch crystallizer