A direct optimization method to estimate nucleation and crystal growth
rate parameters from seeded batch cooling crystallization experiments
is evaluated. The experimental information applied comprises the conc
entration of the solution and the temperature as functions of time and
the final product size distribution. Parameters in kinetic equations
are determined by nonlinear optimization of a dynamic model of the exp
eriment, by which intermediate approximations of experimental data are
avoided. The optimization objective function includes both solution c
oncentration data and product size distribution data. Kinetics are est
imated for succinic acid crystallizing in aqueous solutions. Results f
rom several different cooling crystallizations are simultaneously supp
lied into one single optimization to determine seven parameters.