Centrifugal contactor modified for end stage operation in a multistage system

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:867377

Jubin, Robert T ^[1]

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1. Powell, TN

A cascade formed of a plurality of centrifugal contactors useful for countercurrent solvent extraction processes such as utilizable for the reprocessing of nuclear reactor fuels is modified to permit operation in the event one or both end stages of the cascade become inoperative. Weir assemblies are connected to each of the two end stages by suitable conduits for separating liquids discharged from an inoperative end stage based upon the weight of the liquid phases uses in the solvent extraction process. The weir assembly at one end stage is constructed to separate and discharge the heaviest liquid phase while the weir assembly at the other end stage is constructed to separate and discharge the lightest liquid phase. These weir assemblies function to keep the liquid discharge from an inoperative end stages on the same weight phase a would occur from an operating end stage.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4925441
• OSTI ID: 867377
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

centrifugal
contactor
modified
stage
operation
multistage
cascade
formed
plurality
contactors
useful
countercurrent
solvent
extraction
processes
utilizable
reprocessing
nuclear
reactor
fuels
permit
event
stages
inoperative
weir
assemblies
connected
suitable
conduits
separating
liquids
discharged
based
weight
liquid
phases
process
assembly
constructed
separate
discharge
heaviest
phase
lightest
function
occur
operating
liquid phases
centrifugal contactor
extraction process
solvent extraction
nuclear reactor
liquid phase
reactor fuel
reactor fuels
separating liquid
extraction processes
stage operation
solvent extract
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