(108a) Crystallization: Its Place In the History and Future of Separation and Purification Processes | AIChE

(108a) Crystallization: Its Place In the History and Future of Separation and Purification Processes

Authors 

Rousseau, R. - Presenter, Georgia Institute of Technology


Crystallization is unique among separation and purification processes, for it alone must meet criteria on morphology as well as purity and yield. The use of crystallization from solutions and melts, using technologies involving stirred tanks, circulating pumps, falling films, impinging jets, and fluidized beds, is ubiquitous throughout the chemical industry. It is found in the production of commodity and specialty chemicals, and it plays an important role in the formulation and efficacy of pharmaceutical compounds. Indeed, it could be argued that crystallization is the equal of distillation in being the workhorse of the chemical industry.

The prominence and utility crystallization has is due to the production of a solid with specific characteristics. There was little sophistication in its early use: e.g. salt crystals were simply harvested from brines and sea water whose evaporation left behind one of the staples of life. The purpose of this presentation is to review the developments that have contributed to bringing crystallization science and technology to its present status. Moreover, how crystallization may contribute to meeting future strategic industrial and societal needs will be examined.