Interface position adjuster for liquid-liquid distribution device

Abstract

Provided is an interface position adjuster for suppressing fluctuations in the interface position when flow rates of a light liquid phase, heavy liquid phase, or both phases fluctuate, or when a ratio of flow rates of both phases changes. In a liquid-liquid distribution device, an overflow plate serving as a weir is installed at a flow destination for a light liquid phase, a heavy liquid phase, or both phases.

Description

Interface position adjuster for liquid-liquid distribution device

[0001] The present invention relates to an interface position adjuster for use in a multi-stage or single-stage liquid-liquid distributor that performs forward extraction, washing, or stripping, or a combination of these operations, based on the partition reaction of substances contained in a liquid-liquid system having two immiscible liquid phases (a light liquid phase and a heavy liquid phase). The interface position adjuster is designed to suppress fluctuations in the interface position and constantly maintain a normal interface position by installing an overflow plate that acts as a weir upstream of the light liquid phase, the heavy liquid phase, or both.

[0002] Liquid-liquid systems consisting of two immiscible liquid phases are widely used in fields such as chemistry. For example, liquid-liquid partitioning (also known as liquid-liquid extraction or solvent extraction), which utilizes the difference in the partitioning of substances between two liquid phases to separate, purify, recover, or remove substances, is extremely important as a method for separating and refining metals and organic compounds, supporting key industries such as the metallurgical and chemical industries, and as a separation and recovery technology for rare metals, which are essential in the high-tech industry. Liquid-liquid partitioning is also an important technology in the bioindustry.

[0003] When forward extraction, washing, or stripping, or a combination of these, is performed using a multi-stage or single-stage liquid-liquid distributor that has a mechanism that combines a reaction zone (where the partition reaction is progressing) where a partition reaction proceeds due to the mixing of the light liquid phase and the heavy liquid phase, and a buffer zone (where no reaction occurs and acts as a buffer between the reaction zones) where the phase-separated light liquid phase and the heavy liquid phase are located above and below the reactor vessel via the reaction zone, fluctuations in the flow rate of the light liquid phase, the heavy liquid phase, or both, or changes in the flow rate ratio of the two phases can cause the position of the interface between the two phases in the reactor vessel to fluctuate. In other words, the volumes of the two phases placed in the vessel can gradually change during operation of the reactor.

[0004] The present invention provides a mechanism for suppressing fluctuations in the interface position and always maintaining a normal interface position by installing an overflow plate that acts as a weir at the upstream of the light liquid phase, heavy liquid phase, or both in the multi-stage or single-stage liquid-liquid distribution device.

[0005] An interface position adjuster according to one aspect of the present invention is an interface position adjuster used in a multi-stage liquid-liquid distribution device having a structure in which a reaction section in which a distribution reaction of a substance proceeds by phase mixing of a light liquid phase and a heavy liquid phase coexists within a container having tier partition plates that connect each tier above and below, and a buffer section in which the phase-separated light liquid phase and heavy liquid phase exist across adjacent tiers above and below the container via the reaction section, and is characterized by having an overflow plate that allows the light liquid phase or heavy liquid phase present in the buffer section to move to the adjacent tier only by overflow.

[0006] In addition, an interface position adjuster according to another aspect of the present invention is an interface position adjuster used in a liquid-liquid distribution device having a structure in which a reaction section in which a distribution reaction proceeds by phase mixing of a light liquid phase and a heavy liquid phase coexists with a buffer section in which the phase-separated light liquid phase and heavy liquid phase are located above and below the container via the reaction section, and is characterized by having an overflow plate through which the light liquid phase or heavy liquid phase in the buffer section can migrate only by overflow.

[0007] According to the present invention, in a multi-stage or single-stage liquid-liquid distribution device in which a reaction section in which a distribution reaction proceeds by phase mixing of a light liquid phase and a heavy liquid phase coexists with a buffer section in which the phase-separated light liquid phase and heavy liquid phase are located above and below the device vessel via the reaction section, by installing an overflow plate that acts as a weir ahead of the flow of the light liquid phase or the heavy liquid phase, or both, fluctuations in the interface position can be suppressed and the normal interface position can always be maintained.

[0008] An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, seen from the heavy liquid phase side, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from below the next stage and the light liquid phase is introduced from above the next stage.An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, seen from the light liquid phase side, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from below the next stage and the light liquid phase is introduced from above the next stage.An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, seen from the light liquid phase side, where the heavy liquid phase is discharged from below the equipment vessel and the light liquid phase is discharged from above the equipment vessel.An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, seen from the heavy liquid phase side, where the heavy liquid phase is discharged from below the equipment vessel and the light liquid phase is An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, viewed from the light liquid phase side, which discharges from above the equipment container.An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from above the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from above the next stage, viewed from the heavy liquid phase side (check valve type 1).An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from above the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from above the next stage, viewed from the light liquid phase side (check valve type 1).The heavy liquid phase is introduced from above the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from above the next stage. An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from above the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from above the next stage, viewed from the heavy liquid phase side (check valve type 2).An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from above the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from above the next stage, viewed from the light liquid phase side (check valve type 2).An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from below the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from below the next stage, viewed from the heavy liquid phase side (check valve type 1).A example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from below the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from below the next stage, viewed from the heavy liquid phase side (check valve type 1). An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from below the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from below the next stage, viewed from the light liquid phase side (check valve type 1) An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from below the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from below the next stage, viewed from the heavy liquid phase side (check valve type 2) An example of an interface position regulator with an integrated internal structure, where the heavy liquid phase is introduced from below the next stage and the light liquid phase is also introduced from below the next stage, viewed from the light liquid phase side (check valve type 2) Independently from the internal structure of the liquid-liquid distribution device,Example of an interface position adjuster for a heavy liquid phase arranged via a communication port or piping Example of an interface position adjuster for a heavy liquid phase with a flat overflow plate Example of an interface position adjuster for a heavy liquid phase with a flat overflow plate Example of an interface position adjuster for a heavy liquid phase with a cylindrical overflow plate Example of an interface position adjuster for a heavy liquid phase with a cylindrical overflow plate A system in which an apparatus vessel has the same zigzag flow path as in Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b) but does not have an interface position adjuster for a heavy liquid phase Distribution of the reaction section and buffer section in a steady state in the apparatus structure seen from the heavy liquid phase side shown in Figure 1(a) Distribution of the reaction section and buffer section in a steady state in the apparatus structure seen from the light liquid phase side shown in Figure 1(b)

[0009] The present invention relates to a mechanism attached to a multi-stage or single-stage liquid-liquid distributor that includes a reaction section where a distribution reaction of a substance proceeds through the phase mixing of a light liquid phase and a heavy liquid phase, and a buffer section where the phase-separated two phases are located above and below the reaction section. By installing an overflow plate that acts as a weir ahead of the flow of the light liquid phase, the heavy liquid phase, or both, fluctuations in the interface position can be suppressed, and the normal interface position can always be maintained.

[0010] 1(a) to 6 show examples of interfacial position regulators installed in a multi-stage or single-stage liquid-liquid distributor, and Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show examples of the structure of an interfacial position regulator for a heavy liquid phase, but variations of the interfacial position regulator are not limited to those shown in these figures. Furthermore, all of Fig. 1(a) to Fig. 6 show examples in which the interfacial position regulator of the present invention is applied to a liquid-liquid distributor having a zigzag flow path (a flow path formed by stacking two or more plates horizontally or at an angle from the horizontal) that is excellent for phase separation, but its application is not limited to those having a zigzag flow path.

[0011] Furthermore, the interface position regulator of the present invention is a mechanism attached to a multi-stage or single-stage liquid-liquid distributor that includes a reaction section in which a distribution reaction proceeds through the phase mixing of a light liquid phase and a heavy liquid phase, and buffer sections above and below the apparatus vessel where the two phases are separated via the reaction section, and can be applied to any type of liquid-liquid distributor. Therefore, it is not related to the method of phase mixing of the two phases. Here, a mechanically stirred liquid-liquid distributor is used as an example of a liquid-liquid distributor, but the interface position regulator of the present invention is not limited to mechanically stirred liquid distributors and can also be applied to devices that use a droplet jetting method or other method for phase mixing.

[0012] 1(a) and 1(b) show examples of mechanically agitated multi-stage liquid-liquid distributors in which an interface position adjuster 1 is integrated into the internal structure of the vessel, introducing a heavy liquid phase from below the next stage and a light liquid phase from above the next stage into a vessel with a zigzag flow path. Here, the next stage refers to the stage located in the direction of flow. In liquid-liquid distribution, a countercurrent contact method is commonly used, in which the heavy liquid phase and the light liquid phase flow from opposite sides (opposite stages). Therefore, the liquid transfer structure shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) is a countercurrent contact method. Therefore, since the flow directions of the heavy liquid phase and the light liquid phase are opposite, the next stage for the heavy liquid phase and the next stage for the light liquid phase are necessarily different stages.

[0013] Figure 1(a) is a view from the heavy liquid phase side, and Figure 1(b) is a view from the light liquid phase side. As such, even within a single device, the interface position adjuster 1 must have separate mechanisms for adjusting the interface position relative to the flow of the heavy liquid phase and the light liquid phase. Note that the flow of the heavy liquid phase is indicated by dotted arrows in Figure 1(a), and the flow of the light liquid phase is indicated by dotted arrows in Figure 1(b).

[0014] Usually, the heavy liquid phase mechanism and the light liquid phase mechanism are installed half in one device, but this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to install the light liquid phase structure in the center and install the heavy liquid phase structure on both sides of it.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1(a), the interface position adjuster 1 on the heavy liquid phase side requires the installation of an independent vertical overflow plate 17. The heavy liquid phase that exceeds the upper end of the overflow plate 17 located above the equipment vessel falls all the way to the bottom of the equipment vessel. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1(b), the interface position adjuster that introduces the light liquid phase from above the next stage simply requires the installation of an overflow plate 17 in a manner that extends above the existing stage divider plate. Note that this light liquid phase side overflow plate 17 not only serves the role of the interface position adjuster 1, but also serves to prevent the light liquid phase from passing through to the next stage.

[0016] Figures 1(c) and 1(d) show examples of a mechanically stirred single-stage liquid-liquid distributor in which an interface position adjuster is integrated into the internal structure of an equipment vessel having zigzag flow paths 15, 16, and discharges the heavy liquid phase from the bottom of the equipment vessel and the light liquid phase from the top of the equipment vessel. Figure 1(c) is a view from the heavy liquid phase side, and Figure 1(d) is a view from the light liquid phase side. In this way, the mechanism of the interface position adjuster 1 can also be applied to single-stage liquid-liquid distributors. Note that the flow of the heavy liquid phase is indicated by dotted arrows in Figure 1(c), and the flow of the light liquid phase is indicated by dotted arrows in Figure 1(d).

[0017] 2(a) and 2(b) show examples of a mechanically stirred multistage liquid-liquid distributor in which an interface position adjuster is integrated into the internal structure of the vessel, and the heavy liquid phase and the light liquid phase are introduced from above the next stage into the vessel having zigzag flow paths 15 and 16. Fig. 2(a) is a view from the heavy liquid phase side, and Fig. 2(b) is a view from the light liquid phase side. The flow of the heavy liquid phase is indicated by dotted arrows in Fig. 2(a), and the flow of the light liquid phase is indicated by dotted arrows in Fig. 2(b).

[0018] The heavy liquid phase shown in Figure 2(a) passes over the overflow plate 17 of the interface position adjuster, is retained at the top of the equipment container, and then overflows from there. A check valve 23 is installed in the mechanism for retaining the heavy liquid phase at the top of the equipment container. This check valve 23 has the function of preventing backflow when the equipment is stopped.

[0019] On the other hand, the light liquid phase side shown in FIG. 2(b) has a structure in which an overflow plate 17 is installed on the extension line of the tier partition plate 19, and is similar to the structure shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0020] The structures shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) can also be applied to a single-stage liquid-liquid distributor, but as they are similar to Figures 1(c) and 1(d), their description will be omitted. For the same reason, descriptions of single-stage liquid-liquid distributors will also be omitted for the structures shown hereafter.

[0021] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) have the same basic structure as Figures 2(a) and 2(b), but the check valve 23 is made more compact and simpler. The structure in Figure 3(b) is the same as the structure in Figure 2(b). The check valve in Figure 2(a) is Type 1, and the check valve 23 in Figure 3(a) is Type 2.

[0022] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show examples of a mechanically stirred multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor in which an interface position adjuster 1 is integrated into the internal structure of an apparatus vessel having zigzag flow paths 15, 16, and introduces a heavy liquid phase from below the next stage and a light liquid phase from below the next stage. Figure 4(a) is a view from the heavy liquid phase side, and Figure 4(b) is a view from the light liquid phase side. Here, Figure 4(a) is the same structure as that shown in Figure 1(a). Note that the flow of the heavy liquid phase is indicated by dotted arrows in Figure 4(a), and the flow of the light liquid phase is indicated by dotted arrows in Figure 4(b).

[0023] In the structure shown in Figure 4(b), the light liquid phase passes over the overflow plate 17 installed on the extension line of the tiered partition plate 19 and is then guided to the bottom of the equipment vessel. In this structure, a check valve 23 is also installed, as in Figures 2(a) and 3(b). However, the check valve 23 in Figure 4(b) is upside down compared to the check valve 23 in Figures 2(a) and 3(b).

[0024] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) have the same basic structure as Figures 4(a) and 4(b), but the check valve 23 is more compact and simple. The check valve 23 in Figure 4(a) is Type 1, and the check valve in Figure 5(a) is Type 2.

[0025] The interface position adjuster may be an external structure that is independent from the internal structure of the liquid-liquid distributor and is disposed around the liquid-liquid distributor via a communication port or piping. For example, as shown in Figure 6, an interface position adjuster 1 for the heavy liquid phase may be installed in front of an apparatus container having zigzag flow paths 15, 16 via a communication port 24 or a communicating piping, but this is not limited thereto.

[0026] 7 and 8 show examples of the externally mounted interface position adjuster 1 for the heavy liquid phase, but this is not limiting. The structure of the overflow plate 17 shown on the right side of these figures, in which the height is variable, is not limited to external mounting, and can also be applied to the interface position adjuster 1 integrated with the internal structure of the liquid-liquid distributor shown in Figures 1(a) to 5(b).

[0027] First, FIG. 7 shows a structure in which an overflow plate 17 made of a flat plate is arranged, and in the right-hand diagram, the height of the flat plate can be changed by overlapping two flat plates and sliding them.

[0028] Also, Figure 8 shows a structure in which an overflow plate 17 made of a cylinder is arranged, and in the figure on the right, two cylinders are stacked and slid to change the height of the cylinders.

[0029] The effects of fluctuations in the flow rate of the heavy liquid phase and changes in the ratio of the flow rates of both phases were compared for a multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor having zigzag flow paths 15, 16 arranged above and below the vessel shown in Figure 9, and a distributor having an interface position adjuster 1 for the heavy liquid phase integrated into the internal structure shown in Figure 9. The structure of the distributor having the interface position adjuster 1 for the heavy liquid phase applied to the internal structure of Figure 9, as viewed from the heavy liquid phase side, is shown in Figure 1(a), and the structure as viewed from the light liquid phase side is shown in Figure 1(b). In the structure shown in Figure 9, the interface position adjuster 1 for the light liquid phase (overflow plate) is already installed.

[0030] As a result of the comparison, it was found that the device using the interface position adjuster 1 for the heavy liquid phase shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) was significantly less affected by fluctuations in the flow rate of the heavy liquid phase and changes in the ratio of the flow rates of both phases than the device not using the interface position adjuster shown in Figure 9.

[0031] For an apparatus in which an interfacial position adjuster 1 for the heavy liquid phase was attached externally to the internal structure shown in Figure 9, the influence of the interfacial position adjuster 1 on fluctuations in the flow rate of the heavy liquid phase and changes in the ratio of the flow rates of both phases was also investigated. The mechanism in which the interfacial position adjuster 1 for the heavy liquid phase was attached externally to the multistage liquid-liquid distributor shown in Figure 9 is shown in Figure 6. That is, a comparison was made between the structure having the external interfacial position adjuster shown in Figure 6 and the structure not having the external interfacial position adjuster 1 shown in Figure 9.

[0032] As a result of the comparison, it was found that the influence of fluctuations in the flow rate of the heavy liquid phase and changes in the ratio of the flow rates of both phases was clearly smaller in the device employing the interfacial position regulator 1 for the heavy liquid phase shown in Fig. 6 than in the device employing the interfacial position regulator 1 shown in Fig. 9. In other words, it was found that the influence of fluctuations in the flow rate of the heavy liquid phase and changes in the ratio of the flow rates of both phases was suppressed in the same way as in the integrated interfacial position regulator 1, even with an external interfacial position regulator.

[0033] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) show the distribution of the reaction section and buffer section in a steady state for an apparatus employing an interfacial position regulator 1 for a heavy liquid phase with an integrated internal structure, with the heavy liquid phase side shown in Figure 1(a) and the light liquid phase side shown in Figure 1(b). Figure 10(a) shows the distribution of the reaction section 14 and buffer section 13 on the heavy liquid phase side, and Figure 10(b) shows the distribution of the reaction section 14 and buffer section 13 on the light liquid phase side. As shown in Figure 10(a), it was found that the interfacial position regulator 1 functions separately from the reaction section. In other words, the interfacial position regulator 1 for a heavy liquid phase does not contain the light liquid phase that is mixed in an emulsion state.

[0034] It has been found that by applying the interface position adjuster of the present invention to multi-stage and single-stage liquid-liquid distribution devices in which phase mixing and phase separation occur simultaneously, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the interface position within the device container and always maintain a normal interface position, even if the flow rate fluctuates or the ratio of the flow rates of the heavy liquid phase and the light liquid phase changes.

[0035] The present invention significantly improves the efficiency and stability of liquid-liquid distribution devices, and is expected to bring about innovation in a wide variety of industrial fields that utilize two-liquid phase systems, such as metallurgy, chemistry, biology, and semiconductors.

[0036] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...interface position adjuster 12...mixer 13...buffer section 14...reaction section 15...zigzag flow path on the light liquid phase side 16...zigzag flow path on the heavy liquid phase side 17...overflow plate 19...stage partition plate 23...check valve 24...communication port

Claims

1. An interface position adjuster for use in a multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor having a structure in which a reaction section in which a distribution reaction of substances proceeds through phase mixing of a light liquid phase and a heavy liquid phase coexists within a vessel equipped with stage dividers that connect the upper and lower stages, and a buffer section in which the phase-separated light liquid phase and heavy liquid phase exist across adjacent stages above and below the vessel via the reaction section, characterized in that the interface position adjuster for a multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor is equipped with an overflow plate that allows the light liquid phase or heavy liquid phase present in the buffer section to migrate to the adjacent stage only by overflow.

2. An interface position adjuster for a multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor as described in claim 1, characterized in that the light liquid phase overflows from the upper end of the overflow plate and is then introduced into the next stage from above the next stage.

3. An interface position adjuster for a multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor as described in claim 1, characterized in that the light liquid phase overflows from the upper end of the overflow plate and is then introduced into the next stage from below the next stage.

4. An interface position adjuster for a multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor as described in claim 1, characterized in that the heavy liquid phase overflows from the upper end of the overflow plate and is then introduced into the next stage from below the next stage.

5. An interface position adjuster for a multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor as described in claim 1, characterized in that the heavy liquid phase overflows from the upper end of the overflow plate and is then introduced into the next stage from above the next stage.

6. An interface position adjuster for a multi-stage liquid-liquid distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said interface position adjuster is integrated with the internal structure of said liquid-liquid distributor.

7. An interface position adjuster for a multi-stage liquid-liquid distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the interface position adjuster is arranged independently from the internal structure of the liquid-liquid distribution device via a communication port or piping.

8. An interface position adjuster for use in a liquid-liquid distributor having a structure in which a reaction section in which the distribution reaction proceeds by the phase mixing of a light liquid phase and a heavy liquid phase coexists with a buffer section in which the phase-separated light liquid phase and heavy liquid phase are located above and below the container via the reaction section, the interface position adjuster for a single-stage liquid-liquid distributor being characterized by having an overflow plate through which the light liquid phase or heavy liquid phase in the buffer section can move only by overflow.

9. An interface position adjuster for a single-stage liquid-liquid distributor as described in claim 8, characterized in that the light liquid phase overflows from the upper end of the overflow plate and is then introduced further into the vessel from above.

10. The interface position adjuster for a single-stage liquid-liquid distributor according to claim 8, wherein the light liquid phase overflows from the upper end of the overflow plate and is then introduced from below into the vessel.

11. The interface position adjuster for a single-stage liquid-liquid distributor according to claim 8, wherein the heavy liquid phase overflows from the upper end of the overflow plate and is then introduced from below into the vessel.

12. The interface position adjuster for a single-stage liquid-liquid distributor according to claim 8, wherein the heavy liquid phase overflows from the upper end of the overflow plate and is then introduced from above the device vessel.

13. An interface position adjuster for a single-stage liquid-liquid distribution device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the interface position adjuster is integrated with the internal structure of the liquid-liquid distribution device.

14. An interface position adjuster for a single-stage liquid-liquid distribution device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the interface position adjuster is arranged independently from the internal structure of the liquid-liquid distribution device, via a communication port or piping.

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