Numerical Modeling of Flow in a Vertical Cooling Crystallizer

Abstract

Simulations of the flow field and temperature distribution in a low grade vertical continuous cooling sugar crystallizer were carried out by numerically solving the Navier-Stokes equations in a cylindrical coordinate system. The model results indicate highly nonuniform massecuite cooling, primarily due to the massecuite’s large Prandtl number, and significant short-circuiting of flow between inlet and outlet. Modifications to the crystallizer design are proposed and demonstrated to be successful in improving the performance of the vessel.