On-Line Analytical Techniques for Monitoring Crystallisation Processes of Organic Speciality Chemicals

Abstract

In order to examine on-line batch crystallisation processes a new integrated batch process engineering laboratory has been established providing facilities for the on-line measurement and control of:

•	reactant supersaturation via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy;
•	crystal size via acoustic attenuation spectroscopy;
•	particle perfection and polymorphic form via X-ray diffraction;
•	crystallisation on-set and meta-stable zone width via UV vis spectroscopic turbidometric measurements.

These facilities are complemented via assessment of reactant mixing as measured via laser doppler anemometry and simulated using multi-phase computational fluid dynamics. An overview of the planned research programme and material systems to be examined are presented:

Key Words:

• Crystallisation
• on-line analytical techniques
• batch processing
• process mixing scale up