Population Balance Modeling with Size-Dependent Solubility: Ostwald Ripening

In this work, we present a detailed population balance model for Ostwald ripening. The model is based on a size-dependent growth rate expression incorporating the Gibbs Thomson relationship between particle size and solubility, and is solved numerically. The effect of parameters such as average initial particle size, initial width of the particle size distribution, and initial mass as well as solubility are investigated in simulations. This analysis focuses on understanding how the ripening phenomenon can be exploited in a crystallization process. The simulations are compared to the predictions of classical Lifshitz, Slyozov, Wagner (LSW) theory. Using our results, we assess the advantages and disadvantages of the full numerical simulation compared to the LSW model.