Workflow for Process Synthesis and Development:  Crystallization and Solids Processing

Abstract

An integrated procedure for the identification and execution of the design tasks for processes containing crystallization and solids processing steps is presented as an illustration of workflow management for process synthesis and development. It integrates a number of stand-alone systematic design procedures into a coherent whole and includes crystallization system synthesis, crystallizer downstream processing, and bulk solids processing. Solid-liquid equilibrium phase diagrams are developed first as a basis for crystallization-based separation synthesis. Flowsheet alternatives for the separation process, as well as for the crystallizer downstream processing, are constructed based on the process objectives. Next, the design and operating policy of the crystallizer as well as the downstream units are optimized to produce the desirable crystal size distribution. This is followed by synthesis of the bulk solids processing steps and evaluation of operational problems to ensure plant operability. The design is finalized using additional information from pilot-plant tests and equipment vendors.

Development of a Computational Tool for the Analysis and Synthesis of Crystallization Processes

“…During the last decades this procedure was improved, i.e. by Ng. − Separation of nonelectrolytes via crystallization is generally based on two possible approaches: temperature change and composition change. When lowering the temperature, crystallization of a component simultaneously leads to a composition change along the solid–liquid equilibrium curve.…”

“…Examples will be presented for the use of graphical representations in binary, ternary, and higher systems. Approaches for the development of flowsheet alternatives based on ternary SLE diagrams are given by Ng − in detail.…”

Petri Net-Based R&D Process Modeling and Optimization for Composite Materials

“…Since 1990s, with the popularization of personal computer and internet technology and also the gradually perfection of informatization construction, the workflow technology R&D has become a new popular trend. Besides, the workflow technology [14][15][16][17][18] has been accepted since 21st century, and the standard, workflow engine, and other business production which are related to it are countless. While people are developing and spread the workflow production, the study of workflow theory is also well concerned, to prompt the maturity of this technology.…”

On the design of crystallization‐based separation processes: Review and extension

“…An important group of aspects to consider in crystallization processes, which affect the other operations, are the characteristics of the solids produced, especially the particle size distribution. This aspect has been analyzed, together with other factors, in the studies of Wibowo et al36 and Wibowo and Ng 37. These studies present a series of heuristics that allow prediction of operating problems in the design associated with the interactions between crystallization and downstream operations.…”