Abstract
(Englisch)
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Batch crystallization of organic compounds from solution is a key process step in the production of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and food products. This is due on the one hand to its ability to achieve high product purity, and on the other hand to the fact that the obtained crystal size distribution (CSD) controls the processing and application properties of high value solid products. In spite of such importance, a great technological gap exists between crystallization and the other unit operations in chemical processes.The project aims at developing tools for the modelling of batch crystallization, for the on-line monitoring of CSD and supersaturation during the course of the process, and for the on-line optimisation and control of properties, such as purity, crystal habit or morphology, CSD, bulk density, filterability of the suspension and flow properties of the dry solids. The manipulated variables to be considered include the process temperature, the seeding policy, the mixing conditions, the fines dissolution. The ultimate goal is to increase efficiency and effectiveness of batch crystallization of organic compounds and of the related downstream steps (filtration and drying), thus reducing costs and energy consumption.The project brings together an ideal combination of Swiss partners, which are worldwide leaders in the production of fine chemicals (LO) and pharmaceuticals (RV), in the manufacturing of lab and process instrumentation (MTS), and in the research on crystallization and process control (ETHZ). It is worth emphasising that the consortium brings together research capabilities (ETHZ), instrument manufacturing (MTS), and final users (LO and RV), and that the project aims at achieving both theoretical results, and their immediate implementation into industrial practice.Moreover, this project will profit from the integration in an international network through the participation in the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) Programme, particularly i
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