Detection of secondary nucleation
Motivation
In boiling crystallization secondary nucleation creates fines that induce problems in centrifuges and result in loss of capacity and production.
Implementation
A Pixact Crystallization Monitoring (PCM) system is used to measure crystal size distribution and monitor the fraction of fines in the suspension. The fraction of fines is continuously reported to the DCS and actions to control the supersaturation can be taken immediately.
Benefits
PCM enabled more accurate control of supersaturation than any traditional method used in the factory. As a result, secondary nucleation was eliminated improving the CV considerably.
Process parameters
| Crystalline product | Food ingredient |
| Size distribution | 20…600µm |
| Solids concentration | Up to 50 w-% |
| Temperature | 20-70°C |
| Pressure | Atm / Vacuum |
| Other remarks | FDA compatible |