Main Factors Influencing the Crystal Size Distribution from a Batch Cooling Crystallizer

An experimental investigation was carried out with a view to characterizing the influence of some typical operating factors on the size distribution of the crystal product obtained from a batch cooling crystallization. Reference was made to K 2 SO 4 crystallizing from aqueous solutions, a system for which some data are available in the literature making possible some interesting comparisons. The obtained results indicate that a consistent improvement of the product size distribution can be achieved by limiting the stirring rate, by the use fo seeding, and by the presence of a draft‐tube, in that order; little in‐fluence seems to have the cooling medium temperature. Quite important is also the cooling policy adopted and in this sense a linear cooling curve lead to the best product quality.