Laser-Induced Crystallization: new generation of continuous crystallizers

Purpose and goal

This project has two major outcomes: i) we have significantly increased our understanding of fundamental phenomena in laser-induced crystallization and ii) we have obtained detailed information on the process conditions with which we will define control methods for process control in our future efforts to come up with a new generation of crystallizers. The results obtained in the project are of great relevance for our future plans to build a prototype of a new generation of crystallizers.

Expected results and effects

We have formulated a comprehensive numerical framework for fully understanding the dynamics (growth and collapse) of a vapour bubble resulting from application of a laser to a supersaturated solution. We now understand the conditions under which crystals are most likely to form. We believe that laser-induced crystallization is a promising technology for future generations of crystallizers in the chemical industry (e.g. production of pharmaceutical products and micro- and nano-sized chemicals).

Planned approach and implementation

We have used the VOF framework to resolve the bubble formation, growth and collapse with great resolution. We have implemented an advanced model for evaporation of the superheated liquid. Due to the incredibly fast bubble dynamics we paid special attention to stability, integrity of the bubble and accuracy of the simulations. We validated our framework with studies of cavitation bubbles from the literature.