Countercurrent separation process and apparatus
US4954260A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 1989 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D11/0484
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A multistage countercurrent separation apparatus and method is described. Each stage includes a mixer zone and a settler zone, both of which have temperature control means to achieve a first temperature and a second temperature, respectively, in the mixer and settler zones. Solvents used in the process are selected so that they have at least one immiscibility transition temperature such that they form a single homogeneous phase at said first temperature and two heterogeneous phases at said second temperature. By carrying out the process, a solute or solutes introduced into the system may appropriately be efficiently concentrated or separated with minimal agitation. Furthermore, because emulsification by rapid agitation is avoided, the homogeneous phase quickly coalesces upon passing into the heterogeneous phase, thereby increasing the throughput which may be achieved by the extraction process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.