Liquid-Liquid Extraction System with Synchronous Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid-liquid extraction systems require multiple containers and complex setups for multistage extraction, leading to increased costs, complexity, and operational challenges, especially when high separation accuracy is needed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multistage by synchronous liquid circulation method, where the forward extraction, scrubbing, and backward extraction parts are integrated and operated simultaneously, utilizing liquid circulation to achieve multiple stages without increasing the number of containers, thereby simplifying operations and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple containers are arranged for multistage extraction to achieve high separation accuracy, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by circulating the organic phase through the same container multiple times in a closed loop system. The organic phase is pumped from the bottom of the extraction container, mixed with fresh aqueous feed, and returned to the top for repeated extraction cycles. This periodic circulation allows a single container to perform the function of multiple sequential containers, achieving high separation accuracy without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making the single extraction container serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same container is used for repeated extraction stages through circulation, replacing the need for multiple dedicated extraction containers. The organic phase acts as a universal carrier that repeatedly contacts different aqueous feeds in the same physical space, thereby reducing the total number of containers required while maintaining separation performance
2Measurement precision
If multiple containers are arranged for multistage extraction to achieve high separation accuracy, then separation precision is improved, but operating costs and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic circulation of organic phase through a single container eliminates the need to monitor and adjust multiple separate extraction stages. One circulation pump and one mixer control the entire multistage process, significantly simplifying operation compared to managing multiple containers with individual flow controls and level sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The single extraction container performing multiple stages reduces operational complexity by consolidating control functions. Operators need to manage only one container's circulation parameters rather than coordinating multiple containers, reducing training requirements, procedural complexity, and potential for operational errors
3Measurement precision
If multiple containers are arranged for multistage extraction to achieve high separation accuracy, then separation precision is improved, but labor costs increase due to monitoring and adjustment work
Solution Approach 1:
The automated periodic circulation system requires minimal manual intervention. Once the circulation pump and mixer are started, the system self-regulates through the closed-loop circulation, eliminating the need for operators to manually monitor and adjust each extraction stage, thereby reducing labor requirements for high-precision separation
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system is self-regulating through the closed-loop design where the organic phase automatically returns to the extraction container after each circulation cycle. The system maintains its own operation through continuous circulation without requiring external monitoring or adjustment, reducing the labor needed to achieve and maintain high separation accuracy
4Ease of operation
If the number of containers is reduced to 3-6 for simplified operation, then ease of operation is improved, but achieving equivalent separation accuracy becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic circulation mechanism allows the organic phase to repeatedly contact the aqueous feed multiple times within the same container. This repeated contact provides the equivalent of multiple extraction stages, achieving high separation accuracy with only 3-6 containers by leveraging time-based periodic action rather than spatial multiplication of containers
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamics by transforming the static multi-container configuration into a dynamic single-container circulation system. The organic phase continuously moves through the system, creating dynamic contact zones that replicate the function of multiple static containers, thereby achieving high separation accuracy with fewer containers while maintaining operational simplicity
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 approach allows for high separation efficiency equivalent to multiple containers with a significantly reduced number of containers, typically 3 to 6, while maintaining processing time and flow path length, thus enhancing cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The extraction and separation in the liquid-liquid system is a method of separating, refining, and concentrating metal ions, organic compounds, biopolymers, etc. according to the difference in distribution of substances between two liquid phases that do not mix with each other
Implementation Method 2
the organic phase is taken out every time the operation at each independently functioning part is finished. The organic phase is recirculated while being regenerated by repeating the work and operation of sequentially sending liquids using the circulation pump
Data Source
AI summary
A new system in which a forward extraction part, a scrubbing part, and a backward extraction part operate together and synchronously to produce specific substances by extraction and separation in a liquid-liquid system. The aqueous phase is circulated independently only in the forward extraction part one or more times, and the organic phase is circulated from the forward extraction part through the scrubbing part and the backward extraction part to the forward extraction part again in synchronization with the liquid circulation of the aqueous phase.