Optimization of Parameters for Melt Crystallization of p-Cresol

Laboratory-scale experiments were carried out to evaluate the influences of operational parameters on the melt crystallization efficiency for p-cresol purification. The optimal crystallization conditions were determined: dynamic pulsed aeration at 90 L·h−1 and the cooling rate of 0.6-0.8°C·min−1, followed by sweating at 0.2-0.3°C·min−1 for 40 min. Results also demonstrate that the melt crystallization efficiency is sensitive to feed concentration, which highlights this technology for separation and purification of high purity products.