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Drop-interface coalescence rate in tertiary amine solvent extraction

Journal Article · · Sep. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6140143

An important requirement for economical application of solvent extraction technology is rapid and efficient phase disengagement. However, much progress toward a clear fundamental understanding of the factors that affect phase disengagement rate will be needed before a logical approach to the problem will be possible. In this paper, the conceptual framework for the study of drop-interface coalescence in collapsing liquid/liquid dispersions is developed and the details of the experimental setup employed in the initial work are presented. The method for determining the drop-interface coalescence rate requires measurement of the average volume of drops (v/sub f/) adjacent to the interface, their number (n) per unit area of interface, and dispersed-phase throughput (Q) per unit area. Recording videomicrography for measurement of v/sub f/ and n is employed while Q is found from the changing position of the major interface as the dispersion band collapses (batch mode). Experimental results are presented for the highly purified system 0.1 M trioctylamine in o-xylene vs 0.1 M HCl, 0.9 M LiCl. Successive batch phase-mixing runs (1:1 phase ratio) using this system produced highly reproducible results, attributed to the use of high-purity chemicals and noncontaminating cell construction materials. Wall effects were found to be negligible. The results indicated that the changing throughput observed in batch experiments is brought about not only by drop size growth rates, but also by drop packing behavior and the fact that drop-interface coalescence rate changes with time.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
6140143
Journal Information:
Sep. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Sep. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 18:14-15; ISSN SSTED
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English