Modelling and simulation of inorganic precipitation with nucleation, crystal growth and aggregation: a new approach to an old method

Galbraith, S.C., and Schneider, P.A. (2014) Modelling and simulation of inorganic precipitation with nucleation, crystal growth and aggregation: a new approach to an old method. Chemical Engineering Journal, 240. pp. 124-132.

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Abstract

A process model is developed to simulate the recovery of inorganic mineral phosphates through precipitation, incorporating nucleation, crystal growth and aggregation mechanisms. The model includes a detailed description of solution thermodynamics, nucleation, growth and aggregation kinetics, a population balance and dynamic mass conservation. A discretised population balance (DPB) is used to describe changes to the particle size distribution (PSD) caused by nucleation, growth and aggregation. A sigmoid function is incorporated into the DPB to produce a better description of small-particle dynamics. The model is applied in the context of nutrient removal and recovery, with specific focus on a recovery pathway for phosphorus based on chemical precipitation. The model is used here to simulate a mixed suspension, mixed product removal (MSMPR) reactor and explore the relationship between operating conditions and thermodynamics. A validation for the solution thermodynamics portion of the model is also performed and the model is found to successfully predict solution pH.

Item ID: 33018
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1873-3212
Keywords: nutrient recovery; struvite; population balance model; thermodynamics; aggregation; precipitation kinetics
Date Deposited: 30 Apr 2014 09:47
FoR Codes: 09 ENGINEERING > 0904 Chemical Engineering > 090409 Wastewater Treatment Processes @ 33%
09 ENGINEERING > 0904 Chemical Engineering > 090410 Water Treatment Processes @ 33%
09 ENGINEERING > 0907 Environmental Engineering > 090701 Environmental Engineering Design @ 34%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9611 Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water > 961101 Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water for Urban and Industrial Use @ 75%
97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970112 Expanding Knowledge in Built Environment and Design @ 25%
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