Crystallization
Used for several purposes
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Production of one or several salt(s) starting from a solution
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Purification of a certain salt by re-crystallization
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Separation of certain salts in order to improve product value (for example: potash removal for cattle feed)
How does crystallization work ?
Crystallization is a complex process which consists in reducing the quantity of water contained in the product, while increasing the salt saturation of the solution. Once the saturation limit is reached, then crystals start to form.
IFC - Indirect Forced Circulation®
Advantages compared to FC/DTB/OSLO crystallizers:
• The IFC® crystallizer avoids the contact of large crystals with pump or circulator, however allowing them to re-circulate.
• D50 (medium size of the crystals) in IFC® is 2 to 3 higher than in a FC and the CV (distribution) is around 20% instead of 40% to 50% for FC (Forced Circulation) or DTB (Draft Tube Circulation).
• This technology allows to have a better control of the secondary germination.
• With a very partial destruction of fines, IFC® can make crystals as large as in a DTB but with much lower energy consumption, and particularly with a MVR (Mechanical Vapor Recompression) system.
• The fines content at the outlet of the dryer is around 3% (or less) instead of 10% or more for FC et DTB. This has huge impact on centrifuge and dryer performance
