Table of Contents

Preface, Notation I. Basic Principles 1. Prospects of Melt Crystallization General Introduction The Method of Melt Crystallization Energy Efficiency, Environmental Impact Process Options Some Alternative Techniques 2. Basic Principles in Crystallization Introduction Crystal Structure, Morphology Crystal Growth, Mechanisms 3. Thermodynamic Limits Solid-Liquid Equilibria Product Purity Recovery Prediction of Eutectic Compositions Prediction of Miscibility in the Solid Phase Methods to Improve Recovery Conclusions 4. Kinetic Limits Incorporation of Impurities into Crystals Effective and Integral Distribution Coefficient Purification Efficiency in Dependence on Process Conditions Purity Attainable by One Single Crystallization Operation 5. Further Purification Scope of Techniques Washing Sweating Recrystallization II. Process Options 6. Layer Growth Normal Freezing Operation Principle Multistage Operation Continuous Layer Growth 7. Suspension Growth Growth, Kinetics Proper Crystal Size Agglomeration, Breakage Approach to Technical Crystallizer Crystallizer Configuration Crystallizer Cascades 8. Crystal-Melt Separation The Washing Operation Countercurrent Separation Columns Based on Gravity Transport The Kureha Continuous Crystal Purifier Wash-Columns Based on Forced Transport Two-Stage Crystal-Melt Separation Comparison between the Two Types of Wash-Columns 9. On the Choice of the Process Option Crystal Layer Processes Suspension Growth Processes Flow Diagrams for Suspension Growth Comparison between Layer and Suspension Growth 10. Melt Crystallization Feasibility Applicability Collection of Physical Data Orientating Tests Laboratory-Scale Experiments Pilot Plant Tests Technological Study III. Technical Equipment, Applicability 11. Technical Equipment for Crystal Layer Growth Survey of Commercially Available Equipment Commercial Static Layer Growth Processes Commercial Dynamic Layer Growth Processes 12. Technical Equipment for Suspension Growth Survey of Commercially Available Equipment Installations with Gravity Transport Columns Installations with Forced Transport Columns 13. Technical Applicability Scope of Technique Para-Xylene Acetic Acid Acrylic Acid Cyclohexane para-Dichlorobenzene Maleic Anhydride Phenol Caprolactam Naphthalene para-Chloronitrobenzene 4,4-Diphenylmethanediisocyanate (MDI) Survey of Technical Applications 14. Technical Implementation of Melt Crystallization Introduction Increase of Product Purity Increase of Recovery Replacement of Solution Crystallization by Melt Crystallization Recovery of Solvents 15. Related Fields of Application Introduction Freeze Concentration Dry Fractionation of Fats and Fatty Acids Dewaxing of Oils Use of Wash-Columns Outside Melt Crystallization 16. Status of Development, Future Outlook