Advanced Seeding Techniques Optimize Crystallization Results

Mettler Toledo has announced the publication of the latest installment in its industry-leading white paper series. This free, downloadable paper entitled “Recent Advances for Seeding a Crystallization Process: A Review of Modern Techniques” explores crystallization experiments that, coupled with advanced seeding techniques and real-time in situ process feedback, provide results which significantly improve yields and reduce manufacturing costs.

Seeding has become a critical and widely-used step to optimize crystallization behavior, process efficiency, and product quality.

However, a non-ideal seeding protocol can result in inconsistent filtration rates, drying times, yields, bulk density, flow properties and particle size distribution-any of which can disrupt downstream processing, potentially resulting in costly rework or even expensive product loss.

The addition of in situ particle monitoring helps researchers choose optimal seeding conditions based on parameters such as temperature, mass, and particle size distribution.

In reported experiments, heightened process control helped establish efficient, repeatable crystallization processes that achieved important goals such as more predictable manufacturing outcomes, purer products, enhanced consumer safety, and lower overall production expenses.

The white paper details both general seeding theory and use of inline particle measurement tools such as Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM®), Particle Vision and Measurement (PVM®), and ATR-FTIR (ReactIR™) which allowed real-time process monitoring.

Results include significantly improved fine particle counts which eliminated the need for post-crystallization milling. In practical application, this benefit has been shown to shorten production schedules for faster time-to-market, an essential ingredient in cost-effective chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing in today’s highly competitive global marketplace.

For more detail on how optimized seeding can help produce the kind of crystallization results that reduce manufacturing costs, enhance results, and improve safety, download the white paper free at www.mt.com/ac-seeding.