The impact of process parameters on the performance of a wash column in an integrated suspension melt crystallization pilot plant

<b>Project:</b>
The development of efficient and environmentally friendly industrial purification technologies is becoming a key trend in the chemical industry. Suspension melt crystallization, also called freeze concentration, is gaining attention due to its high purification efficiency and low energy consumption, mainly when using renewable energy sources, as it only requires electricity. This technology could offer an alternative for dewatering processes such as desalination and wastewater treatment. Effective solid-liquid separation and crystal purification are essential to fully harness the benefits of suspension melt crystallization, typically achieved through continuously operated wash columns in an integrated plant. However, the complex operation of these columns and their integration with the suspension crystallization unit requires a deep understanding of how various process parameters influence the operating range and the purification efficiency. By a systematic experimental approach using a binary aqueous model substance system with sodium chloride, the performance of a mechanical piston-type wash column with a melt loop is determined regarding three process parameters: the wash front height, the melt loop temperature, and the compression time of the piston. Within stable operating conditions, the effects of the process parameters on the melt production rate and the purification efficiency are quantified and optimized for a high production rate with a high purification efficiency. The wash front height and the melt loop temperature significantly affect the purification efficiency, resulting in a value of about 99.9 % for both parameters on low values.

<h2>Dataset</h2>

<p>This dataset contains raw and processed data used in the analysis of wash column crystallization processes. It includes measurements from center point experiments (CP), operating point experiments (OP), and calibration data, with a focus on purification efficiency, particle size distribution (PSD), melt and suspension temperatures, and other process parameters. Data is provided as both raw values and as aggregated statistics with standard deviations. Graphs referenced in associated Excel Origin files are also included, with corresponding PNG images for each figure presented in the related publication.</p>

The experiments were conducted with different combinations of the following parameters and four center point experiments:
<ul>
<li>A: Wash front height → 1/3 to 2/3 of 24 cm total height</li>

<li>B: Melt temperature → 1 °C to 3 °C</li>

<li>C: Compression time → 1 to 5 s</li>
</ul>

<h3>Contents Overview:</h3>

<ol>
<li><strong>Raw Data:</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Center Point (CP) and Operating Point (OP) Experiments:</strong> Includes experimental values for conductivity, wash front position, melt temperature, suspension temperature, particle sizes (d50,3, d90,3–d10), pressures, and purification efficiency.</li>
<li><strong>Production rates:</strong> Contains raw measurement values of the production rates and effect calculation.</li>
<li><strong>Calibration Data:</strong> Contains raw measurement values with associated linear regression models for sensor calibration.</li>
<li><strong>Wash front position.m:</strong> Matlab code to evaluate the wash front position from mp4 files.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Figures Data (Processed):</strong>
<ul>
<li>Aggregated averages and standard deviations from raw data for graphical representation.</li>
<li>Figures are grouped by topic (e.g., center point experiments, PSD comparisons, purification efficiency effects, calibration).</li>
<li>Each graph is traceable to an Origin file and specific graph number, with matching PNG exports for publication use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Topics Covered:</strong>
<ul>
<li>Wash Front Tracking</li>
<li>Conductivity Profiles</li>
<li>Thermal Measurements (Melt/Suspension Temperature)</li>
<li>Particle Size Distribution (PSD)</li>
<li>Purification Efficiency and Operating Parameter Effects</li>
<li>Pump Frequency Influence on Operating Point B</li>
<li>Calibration Curves</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>

<h3>File Types:</h3>
<ul>
<li><code>.txt</code>, <code>.xlsx</code>, <code>.opju</code> (Origin project files), <code>.png</code> (graphs)</li>
</ul>

<h3>Use and Purpose:</h3>
<p>
This dataset supports the reproducibility of results from a study on optimization and performance analysis of wash column-based crystallization processes. It allows for further investigation of process parameter impacts on purification and crystal quality.
</p>