Separation Process Engineering, 5th Edition

Chapter 17

Crystallization from Solution

In crystallization from solution, the desired solute plus impurities are dissolved in a solvent. The thermodynamic conditions (temperature, concentration of solute, pH, antisolvent concentration) are changed to make the solution supersaturated. A defining characteristic of solution crystallization is mass transfer and growth kinetic effects including incorporation of the solute in the crystal structure dominate the process. The crystals that form are typically purer than the broth and often are very pure after solvent adhering to the crystals is removed. This very large separation factor often makes crystallization from solution attractive.

Why study crystallization from solution?

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