Control of solvated crystallization of α-lactose (alpha-lactose) monohydrate

Abstract : We present a mathematical model of solvated crystallization of α-lactose monohydrate and discuss strategies to control the crystallization process in semi-batch mode with the goal to privilege the production of small particles in the range between 130 µm and 330 µm. We compare specific and unspecific cost functions leading to optimal strategies with significantly different effects on product quality. Control inputs are temperature, feed rate, and the choice of an appropriate crystal seed.