Continuous Crystallization of Paracetamol Using NiTech COBC
Scale-up from Batch to Continuous Crystallization with In-Process Monitoring
Program Overview
- Demonstrating the capability of continuous processing for crystallization
- Driving the culture to adapt to new instruments and tools
For many applications, particle size control during a crystallization process is key to a product’s quality and processability. This particle size control can be challenging to scale-up due to changing reactor geometry and mixing when increasing reactor size. One option to facilitate scale-up is to develop a continuous crystallization process where scale-up can be achieved by running a process for an extended period, alongside many other process intensification benefits.
While many technologies for continuous crystallization exist, the NiTech continuous oscillatory baffled crystallizer (COBC) is a tubular crystallizer/reactor which offers close to plug flow conditions and therefore close control of temperature and mixing. The COBC was demonstrated at Nalas for the continuous crystallization of paracetamol (acetaminophen) with controlled crystal growth via a seeded crystallization process and monitored in-situ using ParticleTrack™ with FBRM® and EasyViewer particle size analyzers.
In this presentation, Nalas Engineering and NiTech will cover the COBC operation, scale-up from batch to continuous, and show representative data for the continuous crystallization of paracetamol.
About the Presenters
Daniel Ward
Senior Research Chemist II, Nalas Engineering Services
Daniel has been with Nalas Engineering for 5 years, working in areas such as process development, scale-up, and crystallization. He previously received his PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where he specialized in crystallization and polymorphism of energetic materials.
Will Davies
CEO, NiTech Solutions
Will has 30 years’ experience in the international chemical and oil & gas industries, where he has held a variety of executive roles, focusing on the development and commercialisation of new technologies within large organisations and start-ups. Will has a degree in industrial chemistry, a PhD in polymer physics and MBA from University of Edinburgh Business School.
