Control of mixing in continuous crystallisation of pharmaceuticals

Crystallisation is widely used for purification of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and advanced materials. It is well known that many mixing-induced crystallisation processes are strongly dependent on how mixing is performed. However, there is a very limited understanding of mixing phenomena in crystallisation processes. The aim of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of continuous mixing of miscible liquids involved in mixing-induced crystallisation. This knowledge will help to introduce rational design principles into development of mixing-controlled industrial crystallisation processes.

The project will take a combined experimental and modelling approach to investigate mixing processes in continuous static mixers under steady state conditions, using a suite of advanced characterisation techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and near-IR hyperspectral imaging. Microscale diffusion models and mesoscale mixing models will be developed to provide accurate quantitative description of mixing processes over a wide range of flow conditions applicable to industrial manufacturing conditions.

The project is a collaboration with CMAC industrial partners GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and Takeda.

The project will be based in CMAC, a world-class international hub for manufacturing research and training. The PhD researcher will benefit from the vibrant research environments in CMAC Doctoral Training Centre (www.cmac.ac.uk). The supervisors will be Prof. Jan Sefcik and Dr. Leo Lue in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering (CPE). CPE has a strong commitment to outreach and students are encouraged to take part in public engagement and communication. CPE is committed to equal opportunities and we hold a Bronze Athena SWAN award for our efforts to tackle gender inequality. The University of Strathclyde is situated in Glasgow, a vibrant and friendly city in Scotland with a wide range of cultural activities and the amazing natural beauty of Scottish Highlands and Islands nearby.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Information about the host department can be found by visiting:

www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/chemicalprocessengineering

www.strath.ac.uk/courses/research/chemicalprocessengineering/