A new method to obtain kinetics information of batch crystallization from aqueous solutions

Abstract

The objective of this work was implemented to calculate the data of the kinetics of crystallization based on a single batch experiment. An automatic measurement system was implemented for this purpose. The equipment used to study the kinetics of crystallization consist of a 2 liters glass crystallizer with cooling jacket and agitation speed control. An automatic control unit was developed that allows the programming and control a a cubic thermal profile and monitors the variables of interest in the crystallizer. The following parameters are determined with respect to time: mass and crystal number, mean size of crystals, suspension density, supersaturation grade, nucleation rate and linear crystal growth rate. This method was used to study the KNO3, kinetics of crystallization. The relationship obtained for the growth rate G as a function of supersaturation grade (Delta C) and temperature (T), is given in th following equation: G(KNO3) = 9.85 x 10(-7) exp (30000/RT) Delta C.