Rotating Helical-Web Crystallizer for Continuous Crystal Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batch processes for crystal growth from fluid crystallization media are time-consuming and costly, and existing continuous crystallizers with helical webs are limited in efficiency and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A continuous crystallizer with a horizontally mounted tube and a rotatable helical web, driven by a motor, allows for continuous crystal growth, featuring adjustable lances for measurement and substance addition, temperature control, and a gas-tight encapsulation for controlled environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If batch processes are used for crystal growth, then crystal quality can be maintained, but time consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous crystal growth by continuously feeding crystallization medium through the tube and continuously removing formed crystals, eliminating the batch process cycle. The helical web rotates continuously to convey the medium and crystals along the tube, enabling uninterrupted production while maintaining crystal quality through controlled residence time and steady-state operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including the rotatable helical web that can be driven at variable speeds, adjustable lance positions for adding substances or measuring parameters, and controllable inlet/outlet flow rates. These dynamic adjustments allow optimization of crystal growth conditions in real-time to maintain quality while improving throughput.
2Productivity
If existing continuous crystallizers with helical webs are used, then continuous operation is achieved, but efficiency and applicability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances versatility by incorporating multiple lances that can perform different functions: adding seed crystals, adding chemical substances, measuring temperature or concentration, or agitating the medium. The helical web design and tube configuration can be adjusted for different crystal types and viscosities, making the system applicable to diverse crystallization processes beyond what existing continuous crystallizers achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows adjustment of multiple parameters including helical web rotation speed, inlet flow rate, outlet removal rate, lance positions, and temperature profiles along the tube. These parameter changes enable optimization for different crystal growth requirements, improving both efficiency and applicability to various materials and conditions.
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
Enables efficient, continuous crystal growth with controlled conditions, suitable for delicate crystals and high viscosities, reducing time and costs while maintaining crystal quality.
Implementation Method 1
a helical web extending around a longitudinal axis of the tube and abutting the inside of the tube shell is provided, wherein the web is mounted in such a way that it can be rotated around said longitudinal axis of the tube
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a processing device in the form of a crystallizer or reactor comprising a tube, at the opposite end regions of which an inlet and an outlet are provided for a crystallization or reaction medium. A helixical web is provided which runs about a longitudinal axis of the tube and which rests against the inner face of the tube casing, and the web is mounted so as to be rotatable about the aforementioned longitudinal axis of the tube. The device also has a drive for rotating the web.