Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus | OperatiX – 01
The Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus OperatiX – 01 demonstrates cooling crystallization using a fluidized bed crystallization cell. This Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus circulates a saturated potassium sulphate solution and chills a bypass portion to induce crystal growth on seed crystals. It includes a stirred tank, heating circuit, and PMMA crystallization cell with integrated heater. Optional DAQ software enables measurement and calculation of results.
The Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus OperatiX – 01 shows how cooling crystallization solidifies and separates dissolved compounds from solutions. This Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus circulates a saturated potassium sulphate solution and chills a bypass portion through a crystallization cell to induce crystallization. It uses a fluidized bed process to grow crystals at seed crystals in the cell.
Product Overview
Crystallization makes it possible to solidify and separate dissolved compounds from solutions. This training tool was created to show how cooling crystallization works. In a circuit with a tank, a pump distributes a saturated potassium sulphate solution. The solution is heated using a heating circuit above saturation temperature to stop early crystallization. Two heat exchangers link the two circuits.
A tiny portion of this undersaturated solution is delivered as a bypass through the crystallization cell. This portion of the solution is chilled by chilling water using two heat exchangers, causing it to crystallize. The solution enters a state of oversaturation and metastability when the temperature is lowered.
The crystallization cell is a tube whose inlet and outflow both have porous filter material installed. The detachable cell can be opened to let seed crystals be added. The porous filter media are chosen in a way that prevents crystals from escaping outside of the cell. In the cell, the flow conditions result in a fluidized bed. At the seed crystals, the dissolved potassium sulphate crystallizes from the metastable solution. Crystals develop. Weighing the crystals before and after the experiment, along with timing, can both be used to calculate the growth rate.
A saturated potassium sulphate solution can be made in a stirred tank with a heat exchanger. Sensors are used to record and regulate the temperatures in the two tanks as well as the temperature needed for crystallization in the bypass, a key control point on this Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus.
For analyzing the experiments, instruments including a drying chamber, a balance, a screening machine, and a microscope are advised. There is no potassium sulphate present.
Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus OperatiX – 01, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Process | Crystallization from solutions in fluidized bed |
| Solution Preparation | Stirred tank for preparation of a saturated solution |
| Undersaturated Solution Circuit | Tank, 2 heat exchangers for heating, and pump |
| Oversaturated Solution Bypass | Crystallization cell and 2 heat exchangers for cooling |
| Crystallization Cell | Removable and fillable, PMMA |
| Heating Circuit | Pump, tank, heater, and thermostat |
| Bypass Flow Adjustment | Using valves |
| Temperature Monitoring | Measurement and control in stirred tank, undersaturated solution tank, and crystallization cell |
Technical Data
Tanks
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Stirred tank | approx. 25L |
| For undersaturated solution | approx. 25L |
| Heating circuit | approx. 32L |
Pump (heating circuit)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. flow rate | approx. 6L/min |
| Max. head | approx. 9m |
Pump (solution)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. flow rate | approx. 21L/min |
| Max. head | approx. 38m |
Crystallization Cell
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Diameter | approx. 40mm |
| Height | approx. 80mm |
| Heater power output | approx. 2kW |
Measuring Ranges
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 3x -100~400°C |
| Flow rate | 1x 1~7L/min |
Key Features
- Crystallization Process: fluidized bed crystallization from solutions
- Solution Preparation: stirred tank, approx. 25L, with heat exchanger
- Undersaturated Solution Circuit: tank (approx. 25L), 2 heat exchangers, pump
- Bypass System: oversaturated solution bypass with crystallization cell and 2 cooling heat exchangers
- Crystallization Cell: removable, fillable, PMMA construction, approx. 40mm diameter, 80mm height
- Heating Circuit: pump, tank (approx. 32L), heater, and thermostat
- Flow Control: bypass flow rate adjustable via valves
- Temperature Monitoring: sensors across stirred tank, undersaturated solution tank, and crystallization cell
- Cell Heater: approx. 2kW power output, integral to this Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus
- Software: optional DAQ software for measurement and calculation
Experiments
- Fundamental principle of cooling crystallization
- Investigation of the factors influencing crystal growth
- Oversaturation
- Saturation time
- Solute supply flow (continuous mode)
Construction and Design
The Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus OperatiX – 01 is built around a stirred tank of approximately 25L for preparing a saturated potassium sulphate solution. A circuit for undersaturated solution includes a tank of approximately 25L, two heat exchangers for heating, and a pump rated at approximately 21L/min maximum flow rate and approximately 38m maximum head. A heating circuit includes a pump rated at approximately 6L/min maximum flow rate and approximately 9m maximum head, a tank of approximately 32L, a heater, and a thermostat. A bypass delivers a portion of the undersaturated solution through a crystallization cell, made of PMMA, approximately 40mm in diameter and 80mm in height, cooled by two heat exchangers. The crystallization cell is removable and fillable, with a heater power output of approximately 2kW, and porous filter material installed at both the inlet and outflow. Valves adjust the flow rate in the bypass.
Software
Software OperatiX – 01 (optional). Designed in National Instrument™, LABVIEW™ environment to measure and calculate the results of the apparatus. The software is optional; a set of electronic sensors is included when the software is used. The software can be run in any Windows™ environment.
Scope of Delivery
- 1 Experimental unit
- 1 Instruction manual
Q: What is the Continuous Cooling Crystallization Apparatus OperatiX – 01 used for?
A: It is used to demonstrate cooling crystallization, showing how dissolved potassium sulphate solidifies and separates from a solution using a fluidized bed crystallization cell.
Q: What is the crystallization cell made of?
A: The crystallization cell is made of PMMA and is removable and fillable, allowing seed crystals to be added.
Q: How is the crystal growth rate calculated?
A: The growth rate is calculated by weighing the crystals before and after the experiment and timing the process.
Q: Is data acquisition software available with this system?
A: Yes, Software OperatiX – 01 is available as an optional add-on, designed in National Instrument™ LABVIEW™ environment, and can run in any Windows™ environment.
Q: What instruments are recommended for analyzing the experiments?
A: A drying chamber, a balance, a screening machine, and a microscope are advised for analyzing the experiments.
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