A NEW CONTINUOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTION PROCESS WITH BOTTOM GAS INJECTION WITHOUT MECHANICAL AGITATION

摘要

A new continuous process for solvent extraction, in which the organic and aqueous phases flow countercurrently in a horizontal vessel and the liquid-liquid emulsion is created by gas jets injected at the bottom, has been developed. The gas jets are at certain intervals along the countercurrent flow paths of the liquids with settling zones on either side of the mixing zone. The phases disengage in the settling zone and flow in opposite directions. The system is simple, having no mechanical moving parts, and yet provides good contact between the phases with minimal backmixing. The gas can be recirculated in a closed loop, thus eliminating solvent loss and mist problems.