Crystallization

What is Crystallization? The process of a forming solid phase from solution Feed to a crystallization system consists of a solution from which solute is crystallized (or precipitated) via one or more of a variety of processes

How do you characterize them? Shape (habit) Size distribution

Would nucleation occur or not? Crystals will grow but spontaneous nucleation is improbable A region in which a solution will nucleate spontaneously No crystallisation

1. Solution Crystallization

Suspension based (solid-liquid suspension): This required efficient solid liquid separation.

Applications Desalination of sea water

When? As the preferred separation technique (not, say, distillation) because the following considerations: Solute is heat sensitive Low or nil relative volatility exists between solute and contaminants, and/or azeotropes formed between solute and contaminants Solute (product) is desired in particulate form Comparative economics favor crystallization (i.e. low energy usage) Crystallization is often the initial step in a solid processing sequence that subsequently includes solid-liquid separation and drying equipment