This study investigates numerically the production of micro particles occurring in supercritical anti solvent crystallization process. The population balance equation is solved for dispersed phase coupled by CFD Eulerian one-fluid model (Mixture model). A mathematical model is developed in the case of a spray-crystallization process in which a solution of beta carotene-dichloromethane is injected simultaneously with carbon dioxide as antisolvent. The model considers for the main physical phenomena involved, i.e. hydrodynamics, mass transfer, phase equilibrium, crystallization kinetics. Unlike previous works, in this study we have considered the effect of particle-fluid interaction in our modelling. The Sauter mean diameter d32 is used as a bridge between a one-fluid model and a population balance model (PBM). The Sauter mean diameter values obtained numerically, favorably conformed with previous experimental data. Results emphasize the major role of the crystal–fluid intraction on the accuracy of achieved Sauter mean diameter.

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