Nucleation in continuous flow cooling sonocrystallization for coiled capillary crystallizers

Open-source multi-purpose sensor for measurements in continuous capillary flow

Abstract

Limited applicability and scarce availability of analytical equipment for micro- and millifluidic applications, which are of high interest in research and development, complicate process development, control, and monitoring. The low-cost sensor presented in this work is a modular, fast, non-invasive, multi-purpose, and easy to apply solution for detecting phase changes and concentrations of optically absorbing substances in single and multi-phase capillary flow. It aims at generating deeper insight into existing processes in fields of (bio-)chemical and reaction engineering. The scope of this work includes the application of the sensor to residence time measurements in a heat exchanger, a tubular reactor for concentration measurements, a tubular crystallizer for suspension detection, and a pipetting robot for flow automation purposes. In all presented applications either the level of automation has been increased or more information on the investigated system has been gained. Further applications are explained to be realized in the near future.

Article highlights

• An affordable multipurpose sensor for phase differentiation, concentration measurements, and process automation has been developed and characterized

• The sensor is easily modified and can be applied to various tubular reaction/process units for analytical and automation purposes

• Simple integration into existing process control systems is possible

Graphical abstract

Continuous Cooling Crystallization in a Coiled Flow Inverter Crystallizer Technology—Design, Characterization, and Hurdles

Continuous small-scale production is currently of utmost interest for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. For this purpose, equipment and process concepts in consideration of the hurdles for solids handling are required to transfer conventional batch processing to continuous operation. Based on empirical equations, pressure loss constraints, and an expandable modular system, a coiled flow inverter (CFI) crystallizer with an inner diameter of 1.6 mm was designed. It was characterized concerning its residence time behavior, tested for operation with seed crystals or an ultrasonic seed crystal unit, and evaluated for different purging mechanisms for stable operation. The residence time behavior in the CFI corresponds to ideal plug flow behavior. Crystal growth using seed crystals was demonstrated in the CFI for two amino acids. For fewer seed crystals, higher crystal growth rates were determined, while at the same time, secondary nucleation was observed. Feasibility for the interconnection of a sonicated seeding crystal unit could be shown. However, the hurdles are also identified and discussed. Prophylactic flushing combined with a photosensor for distinguishing between solvent and suspension phase can lead to stable and resource-efficient operation. The small-scale CFI technology was investigated in detail, and the limits and opportunities of the technology are presented here.