Approaches to the predictive estimation of crystallisation kinetics

The design and modelling of crystallisation processes without recourse to e xperimental results is still very difficult since nucleation, attrition, ag glomeration, and growth all influence one another and largely determine the product properties. Nevertheless, simplified models exist for all partial steps. These can predict the mechanism predominating at given supersaturati on for a range of sub stances. The models presented permit calculation of t he rate-determining kinetics over a wide range or, given a knowledge of the metastable range, permit prediction of a maximum rate of agglomeration, nu cleation, and growth. This can be considered in estimation of the expected particle sizes. Based on the kinetics and giving due consideration to the d emonstrated mutual interactions, the order of magnitude of important operat ing parameters for desired product properties, such as the optimum supersat uration, can be determined.