On-Line Analysis of Barium Sulfate Precipitation

Reaction processes can be optimized using process analytical techniques. A thorough understanding of process variables can be obtained using on-line monitoring. This monitoring can be done with the Mettler-Toledo Lasentec probe, which uses Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) to obtain real-time data of particle size distributions. This presentation focuses on the study of the precipitation of barium sulfate in a double feed semi-batch stirred reactor. The effects of the impeller type, impeller speed, feed concentration and feed location on the particle size distribution were studied using the Lasentec probe. The results of the double feed semi-batch precipitation are compared to the results obtained using a single feed semi-batch precipitation of barium sulfate. An analysis of these results will be presented and compared to the previous literature found.