Liquid-liquid extraction - Column modeling

This article presents a procedure for sizing column-type liquid-liquid extraction equipment, the aim of which is to predict two quasi-independent parameters: the flow cross-section (diameter for columns) adapted to the process flow rates, and the actual length or number of stages required to achieve sufficient separation efficiency. The first depends essentially on the hydrodynamic characteristics of the phase system. The latter requires a good knowledge of thermodynamic equilibria and material transfer kinetics (see article and following).