Crystallization Principle and Objectives

Crystallization is the (natural or artificial) process for the formation of solid crystals from a uniformsolution.

More than 80% of the substances used in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, agrochemicals, food and
cosmetics are isolated or formulated in their solid form. Crystallization is in general the last chemical purification
step in the production of ingredients.

Since the properties of a solid material (polymorphism) can dramatically affect the process or the product’s
compliance and effect (dissolution rate for example), monitoring and controlling the isolation of solids for the
various applications through crystallization is of paramount interest.

Crystallization is also a chemical solid-liquid separation technique, in which mass transfer of asolute from the
liquid solution to a pure solid crystalline phase occurs.

Crystallization Technologies
Draft tube baffle technology:
This type of crystallization is especially designed for low viscosity products when a narrow crystal size distribution is
expected. 
Super saturated product enters into a chamber containing the massecuite (mixture of solids and solution).
Instantaneously, the product crystallizes around the crystals that are already inside the vessel so that the solution
reaches the saturation point. Inside the chamber, a stirrer creates a high circulation flow in order to give a good
repartition of the crystals in the massecuite.

On the side of the vessel, baffles create a quiet zone where an upward flow brings the smallest crystals out of the
vessels. They are re-melted and put back in the vessel.

Forced circulation crystallization:

The design of such a crystallization unit is very similar to a forced circulation evaporator. A vertical tubular heat
exchanger is only preferred due to the high viscosity of the massecuite.

This type of crystallization unit is designed for the crystallization of salts out of effluent.

Crystallization Plant
A complete crystallization plant includes a crystallization unit, centrifuge, vacuum group and condenser. The
installation requires the integratation of crystallization technologies into a well adapted thermic scheme.

As with evaporation, it is also possible to organize different steps of crystallization in a multiple-effect crystallization
unit to be combined with mechanical vapor compression or thermo-compression.

Browse the crystallization technology developed by Novasep for food applications.

Discover our :

 Chromatography technology
 Ion exchange technology
 Applexion® NRS process
 Adsorption technology
 Filtration technology
 Evaporation technology
 Crystallization technology