A geometric method for the design of liquid extractors

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ie950687+· OSTI ID:367887

Minotti, M; Doherty, M F; Malone, M F ^[1]

---

1. Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering

A new design method for liquid extractors is developed using the geometric properties of the composition profiles in a multistage countercurrent arrangement. These profiles are found by solving the extractor model equations in the form of an initial value problem. An analysis of the fixed points or pinches in the profiles gives the minimum solvent flow requirement. Profiles at solvent flows above the minimum are guaranteed to be feasible and are to be used to find the equilibrium stage requirements and product distributions. The fixed points of the extractor model equations can be determined without performing stage-to-stage balances, and a comprehensive picture of the solutions and trade-offs in extractor design can thus be determined efficiently. This approach differs from the more classical techniques in that it is applicable to mixtures with more than three components, as illustrated in an example.

• OSTI ID: 367887
• Journal Information: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Journal Name: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 35; ISSN 0888-5885; ISSN IECRED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
CALCULATION METHODS
DESIGN
ENERGY BALANCE
EXTRACTION APPARATUSES
MATERIAL BALANCE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MIXTURES
SEPARATION PROCESSES