Parallel Extraction Towers with Diaphragm Pulsation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid-liquid extraction apparatuses face challenges with low liquid-liquid contact efficiency, high installation restrictions due to tall extraction towers, and complex mechanisms, which hinder efficient extraction and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tower liquid-liquid extraction apparatus with parallel arranged towers, connected via piping for series liquid channels and diaphragm chambers with adjustable pulsation, utilizing a modified diaphragm pump for efficient pulsation control and reduced height, facilitating easier installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the height of the extraction tower is increased to improve liquid-liquid contact efficiency, then extraction efficiency is improved, but installation restrictions increase and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is divided into multiple separate extraction towers arranged in parallel, each with a reduced height. The towers are connected through piping to form a series liquid channel system, distributing the extraction process across multiple segments rather than requiring a single tall tower.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a vertical arrangement (single tall tower) to a horizontal arrangement (multiple parallel towers connected by piping). This dimensional change allows the liquid to flow through multiple towers in series, achieving the required contact efficiency without increasing the height of individual towers.
2Productivity
If operating sections are added inside the tower to improve mass transfer, then extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm pump is extracted from the interior of the extraction tower and installed externally. This removes the operating mechanism from the tower, simplifying the internal structure and eliminating maintenance issues associated with internal mechanical components while still achieving pulsation for improved mass transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm pump acts as an external intermediary device that provides pulsation to the liquid flow through piping connections. This allows the pump to influence the extraction process without being physically integrated into the tower structure, maintaining simplicity while improving mass transfer efficiency.
3Productivity
If pulsation is applied to the entire column to improve contact efficiency, then liquid-liquid contact efficiency is improved, but flooding occurs and the operating range becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
Pulsation is applied locally at the inlet of each extraction tower rather than uniformly throughout the entire column. The diaphragm pump creates pulsation at the liquid supply point, which then propagates through the packing material. This localized approach improves contact efficiency without causing the flooding that occurs with full-column pulsation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying pulsation to the entire column volume, the system applies pulsation partially at the inlet region. This partial action is sufficient to generate the desired mixing and contact effects throughout the tower while avoiding the excessive action that leads to flooding and narrow operating ranges.
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 apparatus enhances liquid contact efficiency and residence time while reducing installation height, offering flexible pulsation control and broader operational range, improving extraction efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm pump installed outside the treatment tower is used to provide pulsation to the tower... the internal fluid of the treatment tower is reciprocated
Implementation Method 2
Liquid-liquid extraction process is a process in which desired substances are extracted by transferring solutes dissolved in the solvent to other solvents for separation and purification
Implementation Method 3
each extraction tower has a heavy liquid supply portion on the top side of the tower and a heavy liquid discharge portion on the bottom side of the tower, and, has a light liquid supply portion on the bottom side of the tower and a light liquid discharge portion on the top side of the tower
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-tower liquid-liquid extraction apparatus having two or more extraction towers arranged in parallel. Each tower has a heavy-liquid supplying port at the top and a heavy-liquid discharging port at the bottom. Additionally, each tower has a light-liquid supplying port at the bottom and a light-liquid discharging port at the top. The heavy-liquid channels of the extraction towers are connected in series. Furthermore, at least two of the extraction towers are connected to respective diaphragm chambers through their respective piping. These diaphragm chambers have a closed space, part of the wall of which is formed by a diaphragm whose volume is changed by an operating drive section. The piping between each extraction tower and its respective diaphragm chamber is equipped with a pressure-regulating chamber and an on/off valve to regulate the internal pressure.