GEA Crystallization Technologies

GEA is a global technology supplier and plant constructor in the field of solution crystallization and similar concentration technologies.

GEA's expertise covers all basic crystallizer types required in crystallization processes from solution, such as pressurized circulation or continuous solution mixing product removal (MSMPR) crystallizers, turbulent (DTB) crystallizers and fluidized bed (OSLO) crystallizers. For this reason, GEA is able to meet the special requirements of all its customers according to the desired product crystal purity and size. GEA regularly provides all pre- and post-process basic operations such as pre-concentration (multiple effect, mechanical vapor compression, incineration and other evaporator configurations), concentration (thickening, filtration or centrifugation), drying, solids handling and packaging. Throughout history, mankind has benefited from areas where salt could be easily obtained from rocks, salt water or through sun-assisted evaporation for nutritional purposes. For example, salt was produced on the shores of the Nile delta and Ostia (near Rome). This and many other production sites demonstrate that crystallization from solution is one of the oldest basic processes carried out by humans. While crystallization in solar ponds continues to be applied in regions with good sun exposure, it has not reached widespread use due to low production rates and mediocre product purity. As our world develops in today's industrial age, demand for crystalline chemicals is increasing in variety, quantity and quality. This has led to a need for crystallization technologies aimed at improving the methods and equipment used in crystallization processes. Modern crystallizers have high energy efficiency, require less human labor and production capacities can exceed 100 tons per hour. Requirements specific to a crystallizer vary according to the nature of the product and its intended use: For example, pharmaceutical and food products require higher purity ratios, while fertilizer crystals need to be larger in size. Crystal size and final moisture content are not of such great importance in crystallization systems that produce an intermediate compound. There are cases where the main product of the crystallizer is the solvent: crystallization is used to separate compounds that impair solvent purity.

One common feature of all crystallization systems is their ability to separate crystals from the mother solution, regardless of the final use of the solvent or crystal.

This ability is a function of crystal size and can also be used in separation equipment. Centrifugation is the most efficient separation method if average crystal sizes are sufficiently large. The crystal size developed in the crystallizer of any compound depends on its chemical and physical properties as well as the properties of the solvent. Similarly, crystal size also depends on the equipment used in crystallization and the operating method of that equipment. The crystallizer used can contribute to the development of crystal size within physical and energy limits by controlling the nucleation, attrition and growth rates of crystals and by destroying smaller crystal fragments already present in the crystallizer. GEA offers different crystallization processes for specific products. The basic processes applied are: surface cooling and vacuum cooling crystallization for products whose solubility is temperature-dependent, and evaporative crystallization for products whose solubility is temperature-independent. More advanced processes are reaction crystallization, for example ammonium sulfate and salt precipitation crystallization. In the GEA laboratory and pilot production facilities located in Germany (Ettlingen and Duisburg) and France (Montigny), not only the basic information required for the design of crystallization plants is developed, but also the most suitable processes for our customers. Our chemical laboratories are able to define physical properties such as metastable zone width (supersaturation) required by the crystallizer designer, supersaturation elimination rates, viscosity, density of a composition series, system solubility, mixed crystal formation and the chemical composition of solutions and minerals. In our research and development facilities, there is equipment that clearly represents most types of crystallizers and can simulate special designs anticipated by our customers. These process designs can be tested in small pilot plants that simulate specific process requirements and samples can be produced for further testing or market research. In cases where materials are too sensitive to be sent to our facilities or require special handling (for health and safety reasons), our team can perform the necessary tests or research at our customer's facility. Information on our system solutions that can be used for all product varieties, from table salt and fertilizers to lithium products used in batteries, can be provided upon request.

İlker Damar / Dr. Robert Buchfink - Sales Manager - Industrial Applications - GEA Turkey

Dr. Robert Buchfink / Sales Support & Quotation Management - APC Chemistry