Industrial Crystallizers

Crystallization is a valuable product-isolation step in many processes, since it combines particle formation and purification in a single operation. However, this combination results in an ongoing compromise between product purity and particle-size distribution. By understanding the fundamentals and requirements of crystallization, you will learn how to manage your process to increase yield and purity, and to improve process efficiency. You will gain an insight into:

• The basic mechanisms and principles of crystallization.
• The selection, design, and operation of crystallizers and their supporting equipment.
• The measurement and analysis of crystal characteristics as a way to improve operation.

Engineers, scientists, and production personnel who are responsible for the design, operation, selection, or specification of evaporative crystallizers in the following industries will benefit:

• Inorganic/salt processing
• Chlor-alkali/caustic processing
• Polymer processing
• Specialty chemical, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical
• Fertilizers and agricultural chemicals
• Metals processing

Note: Since this course builds upon the knowledge gained in Evaporators: Designing, Evaluating, and Operating, we strongly recommend taking it prior to participating in the course.

Introduction

• Essentials of evaporative crystallizers
• The system
• Why crystallizers?
• Examples of industrial crystallizers

Crystals

• Understanding phase equilibrium
• Structure
• Habit

Crystallization

• Crystal kinetics
• Particle size distribution

Industrial Crystallizers

• Specifications
• Driving force generation
• Slurry handling
• Slurry removal
• Product collection

Operation and Troubleshooting

• Start-up
• Monitoring and control

Timothy Rittof

Timothy J Rittof is a senior technical fellow for HPD® Evaporation and Crystallization at Veolia Water Technologies, where he has more than 40 years of experience in the industrial evaporation and crystallization fields. He is responsible for the process development and design, equipment design, specification, and commissioning of industrial evaporation and crystallization systems worldwide. He holds a BS degree in chemistry and an MS degree in chemical engineering.

Elaine Andrysick

Elaine M. Andrysick, AIChE, joined Engineering Professional Development, University of Wisconsin-Madison, as a continuing engineering education specialist in 1988.  She is responsible for the development and delivery of high-value continuing engineering education short courses for practicing professionals in the areas of chemical and process engineering and laser material processing.  Also, she manages the University’s Laser Welding Certificate program.