Convex Phase Splitter for Liquid Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid-liquid extraction processes face challenges in achieving efficient separation of phases due to turbulence and flow interruptions in settler systems, leading to reduced extraction efficiency and increased settler area requirements.

Innovation Solution

A phase splitter with a convexly curved liquid-facing face that prevents recirculating flow patterns, allowing for higher specific flow velocities and reducing entrainment, thereby increasing throughput and yield, is introduced. This splitter is designed to be part of an organic launder splitter assembly and can be adapted for various liquids with different characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional vertical liquid-facing face splitters are used, then phase separation is achieved, but recirculating flow patterns and turbulence occur, reducing extraction efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidrecirculating flow patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a convexly curved liquid-facing face to the phase splitter body, replacing the conventional vertical flat surface. This curvature is designed to prevent recirculating flow patterns and turbulence at the liquid interface, thereby improving extraction efficiency while maintaining effective phase separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If higher flow velocities are used to increase throughput, then productivity improves, but turbulence and co-mixing of phases increase, reducing separation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The convexly curved surface design allows the settler to operate at higher specific flow velocities while preventing turbulence and co-mixing. The curvature smoothly directs flow, maintaining laminar conditions that preserve separation efficiency even at increased throughput rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If larger settler area is used to reduce flow velocity and improve separation, then separation efficiency improves, but equipment size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidsettler area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The convexly curved liquid-facing face enables the settler to achieve effective phase separation in a more compact configuration. By preventing recirculating flows and turbulence, the curved design allows for reduced settler area while maintaining separation efficiency, thereby reducing equipment size and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Productivity

If conventional splitters are used, then phase splitting is achieved, but entrainment of droplets occurs, reducing yield

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveyieldVSAvoidentrainment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The convexly curved liquid-facing face minimizes droplet entrainment by smoothly directing liquid flow and preventing turbulence at the phase interface. This design reduces substance loss through entrainment while maintaining effective phase splitting, thereby improving yield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 convexly curved phase splitter reduces settler area requirements and allows for higher flow velocities, enhancing extraction efficiency and throughput by minimizing recirculating flow and entrainment, particularly in solvent extraction processes for non-ferrous metals like copper, uranium, and rare earths.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate body having a generally convexly curved liquid-facing face when viewed in transverse cross-section along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

The curve of the liquid-facing face preferably defines an apex which, in use, may be positioned at the interface between an organic phase and an aqueous phase of a liquid stream to be split

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamics:

Implementation Method 3

followed by a quiescent settling stage, usually in the form of a gravity settling basin (settler) that allows the phases to separate by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9308473B2Phase splitter

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 HATCH PTY LTD

AI summary

A phase splitter (14) for splitting phases of liquids, the phase splitter (14) characterized by an elongate body (16) having a generally convexly curved liquid-facing face (28) when viewed in transverse cross-section along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body (16).