Counter-Current Liquid-Liquid Extraction Column With Static And Agitated Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-liquid extraction systems face inefficiencies in mass transfer and a tendency to form emulsions or entrainment, particularly when dealing with systems involving significant changes in physical properties, requiring complex apparatuses and extensive process controls.
Innovation Solution
A counter-current liquid-liquid extraction system comprising a mixer settler sub-system and a counter-current liquid-liquid extraction column with a mixing section and a static section, allowing for controlled liquid-liquid contact and phase separation within a single vessel, reducing the need for multiple columns and complex controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive or static extraction columns are used, then simple operation with no moving parts is achieved, but mass transfer efficiency is reduced due to limited mixing and droplet dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advantages of both static and agitated extraction columns by integrating a static packing section with an agitated mixing section in a single column. The static section provides simple operation with no moving parts, while the agitated section enhances mass transfer efficiency through controlled mixing, thus merging the benefits of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction column is divided into distinct sections: a static packing section and an agitated mixing section. This segmentation allows different functional zones to operate with different mechanisms, enabling the system to achieve both operational simplicity and high mass transfer efficiency simultaneously.
2Productivity
If agitated extraction columns are used, then mass transfer efficiency is improved through mechanical agitation, but device complexity increases due to moving parts and associated seals
Solution Approach 1:
The column is segmented into a static section that requires no moving parts and an agitated section that provides enhanced mixing. This segmentation limits the complexity of moving parts to only the necessary agitated section while maintaining simple operation in the static section, thus improving mass transfer without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical agitation is applied locally only in the mixing section where enhanced mass transfer is needed, rather than throughout the entire column. This localized application of agitation reduces the overall device complexity while still achieving high mass transfer efficiency in the critical mixing zone.
3Productivity
If multiple columns are used to handle systems with significant physical property changes, then mass transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and process control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple columns into a single integrated column that combines static and agitated sections. This allows the system to handle significant physical property changes and achieve high mass transfer efficiency without requiring multiple separate columns, thus reducing device complexity and process control requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single column is designed to perform multiple functions: the static section handles phases with stable physical properties, while the agitated section handles phases with significant physical property changes. This multi-functionality allows one column to replace what would traditionally require multiple columns, simplifying the overall apparatus.
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
This configuration provides adequate mass transfer efficiency and prevents emulsion formation, enabling effective extraction of aromatic compounds from organic streams and handling systems with varying viscosities and densities without the need for elaborate apparatuses or extensive process controls.
Implementation Method 1
Static extraction columns typically rely completely on the packing/internals and fluid flow velocities past the internals to create turbulence and droplets
Implementation Method 2
Liquid-liquid process towers and their columns are typically constructed to provide descending flow of a heavier liquid from an upper portion of the tower and ascending liquid flow of a lighter liquid from a lower portion of the tower
Implementation Method 3
tower packing which serves to obstruct the direct flow of the liquids. Packing also provides for increased contact between lighter rising liquids and heavier settling liquids, and better contact means higher efficiency of the mass transfer process
Implementation Method 4
Liquid-liquid extraction, which is also known as solvent extraction and partitioning, is a method to separate compounds based on their relative solubilities in two different immiscible liquids
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid-liquid extraction system (1) adapted for the flow of two or more liquids therein is disclosed. The system comprises a mixer settler sub-system (100) and a counter-current liquid-liquid extraction column (200). The sub-system (100) comprises one or more mixer settlers (110) connected in series, and the column (200) comprises either a mixing section (260) comprising an agitation means (261) and/or a static section (280) comprising an internal (281). The first outlet (131) of the mixer settler sub-system (100) is in fluid communication with the first inlet (221) of the column (200) and the second inlet (112) of the mixer settler sub-system (100) is in fluid communication with the second inlet (222) of the counter-current liquid-liquid extraction column (200). The invention further relates to a counter-current liquid-liquid extraction process for using said system 1. The present invention further relates also to the use of the system (5) or process in removing aromatic compounds from organic streams, in treating an oil stream of a refinery, or in a liquid-liquid extraction process having at least two feed streams of different viscosity, similar density, or low interfacial tension.