Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, Vol.48, No.2, 118-122, 2015
Liquid-Liquid Extraction Performance of Multi-Stage Loop Extraction Column
In this paper, a novel multi-stage loop extraction column (MSLEC) is proposed based on the principles of a jet loop contactor and droplet-film alternate flow. The experiments under different U-c and U-d were carried out to investigate the flow structure, hydrodynamic performance and mass transfer efficiency of the MSLEC in liquid-liquid extraction. The results showed that the flow structure in the MSLEC formed the alternating droplet-film flow of the dispersed phase. Meanwhile, the plug-flow for the dispersed phase and the circulation-flow for the continuous phase achieved parallel flow. The hydrodynamics and mass transfer efficiency of extraction tower using Super Mini Rings (SMREC) were measured under the same conditions as a control. The hydrodynamic performance in the MSLEC was enhanced by 52% and the mass transfer efficiency was enhanced by 24% on average.
Keywords:Multi-Stage Loop Contactor;Mass Transfer;Hydrodynamic Performance;Droplet-Film Alternate Flow;Liquid-Liquid Extraction