Crystal‐size distribution and its interaction with crystallizer design

Recent progress in understanding crystallization processes is reviewed, especially with regard to the problem of crystal‐size distribution (CSD) and its many interactions with the design, analysis, and operation of crystalizers. This subject is considered from both the researcher's and practitioner's points of view, and special attention is given to the impact of recent theories on crystallizer design and operation. A generalized theory for the analysis and prediction of CSD, based on population balance mechanics, has been developed and tested over the past decade. Predictive design of CSD is now a possibility with the design techniques presented here and using suitable bench‐scale data. Published evaluations of the reliability of design methods utilized in commercial practice would be a valuable asset to the science of crystallization.