Eutectic Freeze Crystallization

Abstract

Eutectic Freeze Crystallization is a new technology to separate salt and water from a process stream. A process stream is cooled to the eutectic temperature where both ice and salt crystallize, the solids can then be separated by their density difference. Eutectic Freeze Crystallization has the potential to be much more efficient than current separation methods. This study focusses on the settling behavior of the salt and ice inside the crystallizer. To get a better understanding of the behavior of the different solid particles, a potassium chloride – water mixture was observed under eutectic conditions in a 10L setup. The observations were used to identify the problems that occur during the process and to make recommendations for the eutectic freeze crystallization process.