Dimensioning of Solvent Extractors

In contrast to gas/liquid contactors the two-phase system in the mass transfer zone of solvent extractors has a well-defined structure, which is called drop regime. One phase, mostly the organic phase, is dispersed in droplets in the other (mostly aqueous) phase. Therefore, the dimensioning of solvent extractors should be less empirical than that of distillation and absorption colmnns. 

The above values for height and diameter are for the bed of hops within the extractor. The actual inner dimensions of the extractor are a little larger so that uniform flow of the solvent can be obtained at the entry and exit points and to allow for various fittings. In practice the vessel is as in Figure 8.5 (total volume 2 m, inner height 4100 mm inner diameter 800 mm). 

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