Reaction Crystallizer Solid Holdup via Discharge Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for increasing solid holdup in reaction crystallizers are limited by solute solubility, require high equipment investment, and are complex to operate, leading to inefficient morphology and size distribution control of crystal particles.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a discharge pipe, clear liquid pipe, and gas collecting pipe connected to a clear liquid tank, with an inverted cone expansion segment and exhaust pump, allows for continuous liquid-solid separation, enabling solid particles to return to the crystallizer while maintaining a consistent liquid level, thus increasing solid holdup and improving crystal morphology and size distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the concentration of the feeding solution is increased to increase solid holdup, then the volume utilization efficiency of the equipment is improved, but the concentration is limited by the solubility of the solute and the local supersaturation degree requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the crystallizer into two interconnected vessels (crystallizer and clarifier) separated by a discharge pipe. This segmentation allows the feeding solution concentration to remain at optimal levels for crystal growth while solid particles are separated and returned, effectively increasing solid holdup without exceeding solubility limits in the feed solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge pipe acts as an intermediary device between the crystallizer and clarifier. It enables solid-liquid separation and solid particle return without requiring high feeding solution concentration, thus increasing solid holdup while maintaining adaptability to solubility constraints.
2Quantity of substance
If solid-liquid separation is performed outside the crystallizer and solids are returned to increase solid holdup, then the solid holdup is increased, but the equipment investment and operation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the crystallization process with solid-liquid separation by connecting two simple vessels (crystallizer and clarifier) via a discharge pipe. This integration achieves solid holdup increase without requiring complex external separation equipment, reducing both equipment investment and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge pipe serves multiple functions: it acts as both a liquid discharge conduit and a solid-liquid separation device, and also functions as a solid particle return pathway. This multi-functionality increases solid holdup without adding complex dedicated separation equipment.
3Quantity of substance
If solid particles are returned to the crystallizer through external separation to increase solid holdup, then the solid holdup is increased, but the operation cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where solid particles automatically return to the crystallizer through the discharge pipe driven by liquid flow and density differences. This eliminates the need for complex external separation equipment and manual operations, reducing operation cost and difficulty while increasing solid holdup.
4Speed
If the discharge pipe velocity is increased to improve liquid discharge, then the liquid flow rate is improved, but the liquid-solid separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically balances liquid velocity and separation efficiency by utilizing the discharge pipe's inclination angle and diameter design. The pipe is sized and angled to allow liquid to flow at sufficient velocity for discharge while maintaining conditions that promote solid particle settling, achieving both liquid flow rate and separation efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively increases solid holdup in reaction crystallizers with low equipment investment and operational costs, ensuring ease of continuous operation and improved crystal particle morphology and size distribution, while maintaining a simple and reliable design.
Implementation Method 1
an inverted cone-shaped expansion segment is disposed on an upper portion of the discharge pipe to reduce a liquid velocity and improve liquid-solid separation efficiency
Implementation Method 2
the gas collecting pipe collects a gas entering the discharge pipe and the clear liquid pipe
Implementation Method 3
the exhaust pump disposed on the gas collecting pipe discharges the gas out of the gas collecting pipe irregularly, thus ensuring that the liquid level therein is above the joint of the discharge pipe and the clear liquid pipe all the time
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for increasing solid holdup in a reaction crystallizer are disclosed. The device includes a discharge pipe, a clear liquid pipe, a clear liquid tank and a gas collecting pipe. A lower end of the discharge pipe is inserted into the crystallizer below the liquid level, while that of the clear liquid pipe is inserted into the clear liquid tank below the liquid level. By using the gas collecting pipe, the reaction crystallizer and the clear liquid tank are communicated all the time. When feeding, a liquid-solid mixture in the crystallizer automatically enters the discharge pipe and flows upward slowly therein, during which solid particles gradually settle down and automatically fall back into the crystallizer while the clear liquid keeps on flowing upward, enters the clear liquid pipe and thereby flows into the clear liquid tank. The clear liquid tank maintains a constant liquid level via overflowing.