The influence of stress and attrition on crystal size distribution

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Abstract
An important parameter influencing the crystal size distribution in mass crystallization from solution is the mechanical stress exerted on crystals in the crystallizer. This contribution presents the study of the influence of mechanical stress and attrition of the system potassium nitrate‐water in an FC‐crystallizer and in various draft‐tube crystallizers, fitted with different types of impellers. The intensity of stress is a newly defined variable which is used to describe the level of stress in crystallizers. The reduction of crystal size by attrition is described by the linear attrition rate. The influence of impeller design and crystal hold‐up on crystal size distribution and scale‐up rules is discussed.