Investigation of Novel Continuous Crystallization Flowsheets

Abstract

This thesis comprises the work of three interconnected projects, which are part of the PhD on the "Investigation of Novel Continuous Crystallization Flowsheets". In crystallization research and the industrial applications it is clear that a one process fits all solution does not exist. Product target specifications like purity or the right polymorphic form can be achieved in different process configurations, batch-wise or continuous, in cooling, anti-solvent or evaporative crystallizations, in different equipment, like stirred reactors, more advanced cystallizers, etc. However, only considering multiple factors and deliberating in detail may lead to a decision which process can be realized. Often, existing equipment can not be tailor-made for a specific process, hence, only operating parameters can be designed. A final decision is often only taken after a cost comparison of all options has been done. For this work three interdisciplinary topics were chosen to study in detail: 1. Seperation of enantiomers using the mechanism of preferential crystallization and Viedma ripening in a continuous crystallization process 2. Productivity analysis of continuous enantiomer resolution processes 3. Polymorph control in a continuous MSMPR crystallization process In each project, detailed in the following chapters, these processes are analyzed in their feasibility by exhaustive population balance models. A space of feasible operation parameters is studied to determine the performance and behavior of the process flowsheet, e.g. the concentration of the feed solution, crystallization temperature, and the residence time of the suspension. The results of different con- tinuous flowsheets based on mixed suspension mixed product removal crystallizers (MSMPRC) are presented. The novelty of the flowsheets are implementations of processing units operating continuous and in parallel to the main crystallization process, such as an optional milling unit, or recycle streams, in order to increase productivity and make the presented continuous process potentially outperforming the batch process.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Roger Davey (Supervisor) & Thomas Vetter (Supervisor)