Buhle Nxiwa

Eutectic Freeze Crystallization Operational Variables effects on Products Yield and Purity

Qualifications

2013 BSc Chemical Engineering (University of Cape Town)

Project Description

Eutectic Freeze Crystallization (EFC) is a novel and cost-effective separation technique for industrial brines. This process operates by simultaneous crystallization of ice and salt under sub-eutectic conditions. Scale-up of this process has not been successfully achieved due to challenges that still exist in the process, these include high capital costs, ice scale formation on the cooling side, complex operation and low products yield and purity. This study is aimed at understanding the effect operational conditions to elucidate their contribution to the products yield and purity. The model solution consists of sodium chloride (NaCl) with traces of other salts. In literature it has been reported that residence time and energy input, via agitation, affect the final product crystal size, there are therefore variables of interest in the study.