Modelling and simulation of particle size distribution of precipitates in continuous tubular crystallizers

Abstract

This paper presents a population balance model for describing the temporal evolution of the particle size distribution of a precipitate produced in a laboratory scale tubular crystallizer, including nucleation, growth and agglomeration of crystals. The quadrature method of moments is used to calculate the moments of the crystal size distribution. The gamma probability density function with the sixth order Laguerre polynomials are used to reproduce the particle size distribution from moments. A sensitivity analyses is carried out by simulation that can be helpful when designing a crystallizer. Influence of the design and process parameters on the particle size distribution of product is analysed.