Crystal size distribution dynamics in a classified crystallizer: Part I. Experimental and theoretical study of cycling in a potassium chloride crystallizer

Cycles in particle size and slurry density were experimentally observed in a mixed suspension, potassium chloride crystallizer equipped with a fines dissolver and having nonrepresentative product withdrawal. Cycling behavior was achieved with a product crystal elutriator but was also observed with changes in the orientation of the product removal tube, indicating that instability was induced by product classification. Simulation of the unstable runs with a dynamic model showed crystal size distribution (CSD) limit cycles of similar period using nucleation kinetics and process conditions measured experimentally. The computer simulation showed no tendency towards cycling for the stable runs.