Multi-Stage Extraction Device for Fluid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction and separation methods for specific components from raw material fluids require lengthy treatment times and large device sizes due to prolonged retention times and the need for extensive separation headers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage extraction and separation method using an apparatus with stacked extraction sections and microchannels, where the raw material fluid and extracting agent with a specific gravity difference flow through microchannels, allowing for efficient extraction and subsequent separation in a settler, reducing retention times and device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mixed fluid is thoroughly separated into raw material fluid and extracting agent in the separation header, then the separation completeness is improved, but the retention time increases and the separation header volume must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the extraction system into multiple stages with multiple extraction sections connected in series. Each section performs partial extraction and separation, avoiding the need for a single large-volume separation header. The segmented approach allows continuous processing with reduced retention time while maintaining overall separation completeness through cumulative effect across stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-stage horizontal separation process to a multi-stage vertical arrangement of extraction sections. By stacking extraction sections vertically and connecting them through pipelines, the system achieves thorough separation without requiring a large-volume single separation header, thus reducing retention time while maintaining separation completeness.
2Reliability
If a large-volume separation header is used to allow thorough separation of mixed fluid, then the separation completeness is improved, but the device size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The separation function is segmented across multiple extraction sections rather than concentrated in a single large separation header. Each section handles a portion of the separation task, and the cumulative effect of multiple sections achieves thorough separation without requiring any single component to have large volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests multiple extraction sections within each other in a compact vertical arrangement. Each extraction section contains its own miniaturized separation capability, and they are nested together to form a compact overall structure that achieves thorough separation without large device volume.
3Reliability
If the retention time of mixed fluid is increased for thorough separation, then the separation completeness is improved, but the treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is segmented into multiple stages, with each stage performing partial separation. This allows the system to achieve cumulative separation completeness through multiple quick stages rather than requiring one long retention period, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-stage extraction sections operate continuously with fluid flowing from one section to the next without interruption. This continuous action maintains high productivity by eliminating idle retention time, while each stage contributes to the overall separation completeness through the continuous extraction and separation process.
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 method significantly shortens treatment time and reduces device size while maintaining high extraction efficiency, allowing for rapid and effective separation of specific components from raw material fluids.
Implementation Method 1
Through each flow passage in the flow passage structure body, the raw material fluid and an extracting agent are allowed to flow while being in contact with each other, and during a flowing process thereof, the specific component is extracted from the raw material fluid to the extracting agent
Implementation Method 2
The mixed fluid that has been discharged to the interior space of the separation header is separated in the interior space due to a specific gravity difference into the raw material fluid and the extracting agent
Data Source
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AI summary
An extraction and separation method is a method for extracting and separating a specific component from a raw material fluid and is provided with a separation and extraction step wherein the specific component is extracted and separated from the raw material fluid using an extraction device provided with plural stages of extraction units connected sequentially. The extraction and separation step has: an extraction step for extracting the specific component into an extraction solvent having a difference in specific gravity with respect to that raw material fluid from the raw material fluid while causing the raw material fluid and the extraction solvent to flow in a state of contact with each other in the extraction units for each stage; introduction step for introducing at least part of the fluid discharged from an extraction unit to the next stage extraction unit in a state wherein the raw material fluid and the extraction solvent are mixed; and a final separation step for separating the raw material fluid, after the specific component has been extracted in the fluid discharged from the extraction unit in a final stage, and the extraction solvent that has extracted the specific component.