Conical Feed Launder for Solvent Extraction Settlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solvent extraction settler arrangements for hydrometallurgical processes require a distribution fence and uptake channel to distribute the dispersion uniformly, leading to inefficiencies and potential phase separation issues.
Innovation Solution
A conical feed launder with multiple feed pipes along its length, extending alongside the settler, ensures uniform mass flow distribution without the need for a distribution fence or uptake channel, minimizing droplet formation and allowing the heavier phase to return to the mixing unit, while the air-tight construction prevents oxidation and evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single feed point is used to feed dispersion to the settler, then the feeding device structure is simple, but the mass flow distribution becomes non-uniform requiring additional distribution fences and uptake channels
Solution Approach 1:
The single feed point is segmented into multiple feed points along the settler width. The feeding device includes multiple nozzles distributed across the width of the settler, each receiving dispersion from the mixing unit and injecting it at a different location. This segmentation achieves uniform mass flow distribution without requiring additional distribution fences or uptake channels, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving flow uniformity.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional distribution fences and uptake channels are used, then the dispersion can be distributed, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding device merges the functions of dispersion distribution and phase separation into a single integrated structure. The multiple nozzles are positioned to both distribute dispersion uniformly across the settler width and facilitate phase separation, eliminating the need for separate distribution fences and uptake channels. This merging reduces infrastructure requirements while maintaining distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes dispersion uniformly across the settler, facilitates phase separation, and controls flow patterns. The multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated distribution fences and uptake channels, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the required dispersion distribution uniformity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the feed launder is open, then the construction is simple, but oxidation and evaporation of reagents occur increasing make-up costs
Solution Approach 1:
The feed launder is designed as a closed tube structure that creates an inert environment for the dispersion flow. This closed construction prevents contact between the reagents and atmospheric oxygen, eliminating oxidation losses. It also prevents evaporation of volatile reagents by sealing the system. The tube structure maintains these benefits while remaining manufacturable using standard piping techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides uniform dispersion distribution across the settler, reduces the need for additional infrastructure, minimizes phase separation, and lowers reagent make-up costs by preventing oxidation and evaporation.
Implementation Method 1
The conical shape and the inclined bottom of the feed launder ensure that the heavier solution phase, which may separate from the dispersion already in the feed launder, flows back to the first end of the feed launder and further to the mixing unit
Implementation Method 2
The air-tight construction eliminates oxidation of the reagent, thus lowering make-up costs
Implementation Method 3
The air-tight construction also decreases evaporation of the reagent, thus also lowering make-up costs
Data Source
AI summary
A solvent extraction settler arrangement comprising a mixing unit for preparing a dispersion from mutually immiscible solutions and a settler having a feed end and a discharge end. The settler is arranged to separate solution phases from a dispersion fed from the feed end while the dispersion flows towards the discharge end. The arrangement further comprises a feeding device located at the feed end for feeding the dispersion prepared by the mixing unit to the settler. The feeding device comprises an elongated feed launder having a first end for receiving the dispersion from the mixing unit, and a second end. The feed launder extends alongside the feed end of the settler. The feed launder has a form of a conical tube with a cross-section converging towards the second end and an inclined bottom ascending towards the second end. A plurality of feed pipes are arranged along the length of the feed launder at a distance from each other, each feed pipe having a third end opening to the inner space of the feed launder at the bottom to receive the dispersion from the feed launder and a fourth end opening to the settler to conduct the dispersion to the settler.