Modeling and optimal kinetics parameter set Estimation for a batch dextrose crystallizer

In this work a simulation model of a seeded batch cooling crystallizer to produce dextrose monohydrate from aqueous solutions is presented. The main aim of the work is to show the feasibility of predicting the crystallizer performance by a semi-empirical model based on a few number of adjusting parameters. The simulation model was implemented by using the gPROMS package. The population balance referred to the second crystal dimension, the linear growth rate accounted for the effect of impurities and nucleation was attributed to catalytic mechanism. The model allowed a satisfactory prediction of both the CSDs and DX concentration profiles, on the basis of 3 adjusting kinetic parameters.