D. Verdoes

Improved procedures for separating crystals from the melt

Innovative separation techniques like melt crystallization have the potential to fulfil two important demands, namely: a significant reduction of energy consumption by the chemical industry, and the production of high quality products required by industry. Several industrial applications of melt crystallization have been realized but industry is still hesitating to fully commit its resources. One of the most important reasons is that the most promising application of melt crystallization, the suspension-based melt crystallization process, is still under development. For this reason this study had the objective to improve equipment design and to establish optimal process conditions for the separation of crystals from the melt, this being the essential step in crystallization from suspension. The ultimate aim of the study was to test a pilot-plant for the application of melt crystallization to an industrial problem. In this paper, background information on melt crystallization processes and possible solid-liquid separation techniques will be given. The content of the study is briefly discussed and experimental results are given.

Electrochemically induced co-crystallization for product removal

We demonstrate the potential of co-crystallization combined with electrochemistry for in situ product removal of carboxylic acids. Proof-of-principle is established using a cinnamic acid : 3-nitrobenzamide (HCA : NBA) co-crystal system. This technology can be applied in the bio-based production of essential “green” building blocks.