Vertical Mixer-Settler Layout for Compact Solvent Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solvent extraction devices require a large installation scale due to the need for multiple mixer-settler stages, leading to reduced operational efficiency and increased initial investment costs.
Innovation Solution
A vertical solvent extraction device and system with a mixer and settler configuration that reduces installation scale by utilizing a vertical structure, incorporating a mixing container, settling container, and connection tubes, along with features like diaphragms and buffers to enhance separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional horizontal mixer-settler configuration is used, then the separation process can be implemented, but the installation area becomes excessively large (at least three times the height in length)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal mixer-settler configuration to a vertical configuration, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of the separation device. This dimensional change allows the same separation function to be achieved in a compact footprint, reducing the installation area from a horizontal spread of at least three times the height to a vertical structure with significantly reduced ground occupancy.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple mixer-settler stages (5-100 stages) are connected in series, then the separation performance improves, but the device complexity and initial investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mixer and settler functions into a single integrated vertical device, combining what were previously separate horizontal units into one compact structure. This merging maintains the essential separation functionality while eliminating the need for multiple discrete stages connected in series, thereby reducing device complexity and initial investment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical configuration allows nested arrangement of functional components within the same vertical space. The mixer and settler sections are arranged vertically one above the other, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate multiple functional zones within a compact footprint, effectively nesting the separation process stages.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mixed solvent inlet is formed at the top of the settling container, then the structure is simple, but the separation efficiency is reduced due to poor density-based layering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the mixed solvent inlet at a specific height (0.3-0.7 times the settling container height) rather than uniformly at the top. This localized positioning optimizes the flow distribution and density-based layering in the critical separation zone, enhancing separation efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the mixed solvent inlet from the top (0 height) to an intermediate height (0.3-0.7 times the container height). This parameter change optimizes the hydrodynamic conditions for density-based separation, allowing lighter and heavier phases to layer more effectively as they exit the mixer section.
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 vertical configuration allows for improved separation efficiency between aqueous and organic solvents, reducing the installation scale and operational costs while maintaining high separation performance.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller, which mixes the first solvent and the second solvent to thereby extract a metal ion from the second solvent into the first solvent
Implementation Method 2
a settler, which separates the mixed solvent to thereby separate the first solvent and the second solvent, based on a density difference
Data Source
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AI summary
A solvent extraction device comprises a mixer including a mixing container, a first solvent inlet, a second solvent inlet, a mixed solvent outlet, and an impeller, wherein the impeller mixes a first solvent and a second solvent having different densities to produce a mixed solvent, a settler including a settling container, a mixed solvent inlet, a first solvent outlet, and a second solvent outlet, and configured to separate the mixed solvent based on a density difference and a connection tube configured to connect the mixed solvent outlet with the mixed solvent inlet, wherein the settling container of the settler includes an upper surface, a lower surface formed opposite to the upper surface, and a side surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, and the mixed solvent inlet is formed on the side surface of the settling container or in an interior of the settling container.