Application of an Empirical FBRM Model to Estimate Crystal Size Distributions in Batch Crystallization

作者：Li Huayu; Kawajiri Yoshiaki^*; Grover Martha A; Rousseau Ronald W

来源：Crystal Growth & Design, 2014, 14(2): 607-616.

DOI：10.1021/cg401484d

Monitoring crystal size distributions in situ is a challenge in crystallization engineering. Such a capability provides comprehensive information on the crystallization, which can be used to improve the quality of products. We developed an empirical focused-beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) model to provide such estimates. By experimentally fixing the CSD as a system input and the chord-length distribution (CLD) from the FBRM as the output, we constructed the model as a linear transformation from CSD to CLD. A regularized least-squares algorithm, which considers the mass balances on solid and liquid phases, was used to estimate the CSD. The results of batch cooling crystallization experiments show that estimates of the evolution of CSD are in accordance with the general understanding of crystallization kinetics, and the CSD estimates of final product agreed with the CSD obtained from sieving. The simplicity and practicality of the model make it a significant enhancement to the use of FBRM in monitoring, simulating, and controlling crystallization processes.

• 出版日期2014-2