Abstract: A surface-cooled fluid bed crystallizer apparatus and method are disclosed wherein submerged heat exchanger surfaces (typically heat exchanger tubes or plates through which a coolant is passed) are bathed with a stream of gas bubbles (preferably air). The gas bubbles increase localized velocity at the heat exchanger surfaces, improves heat transfer, reduces crystallization on the heat exchanger surfaces and gently keeps the crystals in suspension, thereby avoiding unwanted nucleation as is characterized by the use of mechanical circulation devices. By continuously removing the depleted magma and crystals, the crystallizer can be operated in a continuous mode.

Abstract: A surface-cooled fluid bed crystallizer apparatus and method are disclosed wherein submerged heat exchanger surfaces (typically heat exchanger tubes or plates through which a coolant is passed) are bathed with a stream of gas bubbles (preferably air). The gas bubbles increase localized velocity at the heat exchanger surfaces, improves heat transfer, reduces crystallization on the heat exchanger surfaces and gently keeps the crystals in suspension, thereby avoiding unwanted nucleation as is characterized by the use of mechanical circulation devices. By continuously removing the depleted magma and crystals, the crystallizer can be operated in a continuous mode.