Separation Processes - I

(CHE F244)
BITS Pilani Dr. Suresh Gupta
Associate Professor, Deptt. of Chemical Engg.
Pilani Campus
 BITS Pilani
Pilani Campus

Liquid-Liquid Extraction with Ternary

Systems
Liquid–Liquid Extraction
(Solvent Extraction)
• A liquid feed of two or more components is contacted
with a second liquid phase
• called the solvent
• which is immiscible or only partly miscible with one or more feed
components and
• completely or partially miscible with one or more of the other
feed components
• Thus, the solvent partially dissolves certain species of
the liquid feed
• effecting at least a partial separation of the feed components

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Liquid–Liquid Extraction
(Solvent Extraction)
• The solvent may be a pure compound or a mixture
• If the feed is an aqueous solution
• an organic solvent is used
• If the feed is organic
• the solvent is often water
• Important exceptions occur
• In metallurgy for the separation of metals and
• In bioseparations for the extraction from aqueous solutions of
proteins that are denatured or degraded by organic solvents
• In that case, aqueous two-phase extraction

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Liquid–Liquid Extraction
(Solvent Extraction)
• This method has grown in importance because of the
demand for
• temperature-sensitive products
• higher-purity requirements
• better equipment and
• availability of solvents with higher selectivity and
• Is an important method in bioseparations

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
Extraction over Distillation

• In general, extraction is preferred over distillation for:

• Dissolved or complexed inorganic substances in organic or
aqueous solutions
• Removal of a contaminant present in small concentrations
• A high-boiling component present in relatively small quantities in
an aqueous waste stream
• Recovery of heat-sensitive materials, where extraction may be
less expensive than vacuum distillation
• Separation of mixtures according to chemical type rather than
relative volatility
• Separation of close-melting or close-boiling liquids, where
solubility differences can be exploited.
• Separation of mixtures that form azeotropes.

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Solvent

• The key to an effective extraction process is a suitable

solvent
• Solvent should be
• Stable
• Nontoxic
• Inexpensive
• Easily recoverable
• Relatively immiscible with feed components(s) other than the
solute
• Different density from the feed to facilitate phase separation by
gravity

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Equipment for Solvent
Extraction
• Generally, centrifugal and mechanically agitated devices
are preferred
• Regardless of the type of equipment
• the number of equilibrium stages required is computed first
• Then the size of the device is obtained from experimental HETP
or mass-transfer-performance-data characteristic of that device
• In extraction, the dispersed phase, in the form of droplets
• is referred to as the discontinuous phase
• the other phase being the continuous phase

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Mixer-Settlers

• The two liquid phases are first mixed in a vessel by one

of several types of impellers
• then separated by gravity-induced settling
• Any number of mixer-settler units may be connected
together to form a multistage, countercurrent cascade
• During mixing, one of the liquids is dispersed in the form
of small droplets into the other liquid
• The dispersed phase may be either the heavier or the
lighter phase

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
Spray Columns

• The simplest and one of the oldest extraction devices

• Either the heavy phase or the light phase can be
dispersed
• The droplets of the dispersed phase are generated at the
inlet, usually by spray nozzles
• Because of lack of column internals, throughputs are
large
• depending upon phase-density difference and phase viscosities

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
Packed Columns

• Axial dispersion in a spray column can be reduced, but

not eliminated, by packing the column
• This also improves mass transfer by breaking up large
drops to increase interfacial area and promoting mixing
in drops by distorting droplet shape

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
Plate Columns

• Sieve plates reduce axial mixing and promote a

stagewise type of contact
• The dispersed phase may be the light or the heavy
phase
• The heavy phase is continuous, flowing at each stage
through a downcomer, and then across the tray like a
liquid in a distillation tower

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Columns with Mechanically
Assisted Agitation
• If interfacial tension is high, the density difference
between liquid phases is low, and/or liquid viscosities are
high, gravitational forces are inadequate for proper
phase dispersal and turbulence creation
• In that case, mechanical agitation is necessary to
increase interfacial area per unit volume
• Thus decreasing mass-transfer resistance
• For packed and plate columns, agitation is provided by
an oscillating pulse to the liquid, either by mechanical or
pneumatic means

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Columns with Mechanically
Assisted Agitation
• Now, the most prevalent agitated columns are those that
employ rotating agitators, driven by a shaft extending
axially through the column
• The agitators create shear mixing zones, which alternate
with settling zones

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Columns with Mechanically
Assisted Agitation

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Comparison of Industrial
Extraction Columns

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

General Design
Considerations
• Liquid–liquid extractors involve more variables than
vapor–liquid operations
• because liquids have more complex structures than gases

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
Operative factors

• Entering feed flow rate, composition, temperature, and pressure

• Type of stage configuration (one- or two-section)
• Desired degree of recovery of one or more solutes for one-
section cascades
• Degree of feed separation for two-section cascades
• Choice of solvent(s)
• Operating temperature
• Operating pressure (greater than the bubble point)
• Minimum-solvent flow rate and actual-solvent flow rate as a
multiple of the minimum rate for one-section cascades or reflux
rate and minimum reflux ratio for two-section cascades
• Number of equilibrium stages
• Emulsification and scum-formation tendency

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Operative factors

• Interfacial tension
• Phase-density difference
• Maximum residence time to avoid degradation
• Type of extractor
• Extractor cost and horsepower requirement

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Distribution Coefficient

• Solvent selection is a compromise among all the

properties
• However, initial consideration is usually given to
selectivity and environmental concerns, and second to
capacity and cost
• The distribution (partition) coefficient for solute A
between solvent S and carrier C is given by

• where II is the extract phase, rich in S, and I is the

raffinate phase, rich in C

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Distribution Coefficient

• Similarly, for the carrier and the solvent, respectively

• The relative selectivity of the solute with respect to the

carrier is obtained by taking the ratio

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Distribution Coefficient

• For high selectivity, βAC should be high

• For high solvent capacity, (KA)D should be high
• For solvent recovery, (KS)D should be large and (KC)D as
small as possible to minimize solvent in the raffinate and
carrier in the extract

BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

5.1 Introduction to Extraction Processes

“When separation by distillation is ineffective or very difficult e.g. close-boiling

mixture, liquid extraction is one of the main alternative to consider.”

What is Liquid-liquid extraction (or solvent extraction)?

Liquid-Liquid extraction is a mass transfer operation in which a liquid
solution (feed) is contacted with an immiscible or nearly immiscible liquid
(solvent) that exhibits preferential affinity or selectivity towards one or
more of the components in the feed. Two streams result from this contact:
a) Extract is the solvent rich solution containing the
desired extracted solute.
b) Raffinate is the residual feed solution containing little solute.

28
5.1 Introduction to Extraction Processes

Liquid-liquid extraction principle

When Liquid-liquid extraction is carried out in a test tube or flask the two
immiscible phases are shaken together to allow molecules to partition
(dissolve) into the preferred solvent phase.

29
5.1 Introduction to Extraction processes

An example of extraction:

Extract
Acetic acid in H2O Organic layer contains most of acetic acid in ethyl
acetate with a small amount of water.
+
Raffinate
Ethyl acetate Aqueous layer contains a weak acetic acid
solution with a small amount of ethyl acetate.

The amount of water in the extract and ethyl acetate in the raffinate depends
upon their solubilites in one another.

30
5.2 Single-stage liquid-liquid extraction processes
Triangular coordinates and equilibrium data

Each of the three corners

represents a pure component A, B,
or C.
Point M represents a mixture of A,
B, and C.
The perpendicular distance from
the point M to the base AB
represents the mass fraction xC. The
distance to the base CB represents
xA, and the distance to base AC
represents xB.

xA + xB + xC = 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.4 = 1

Equilateral triangular diagram xB = 1.0 - xA - xC

(A and B are partially miscible.)
yB = 1.0 - yA - yC

31
5.2 Single-stage liquid-liquid extraction processes
Triangular coordinates and equilibrium data

Each of the three corners

represents a pure component A, B,
or C.
Point M represents a mixture of A,
B, and C.
The perpendicular distance from
the point M to the base AB
represents the mass fraction xC. The
distance to the base CB represents
xA, and the distance to base AC
represents xB.

xA + xB + xC = 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.4 = 1

Equilateral triangular diagram xB = 1.0 - xA - xC

(A and B are partially miscible.)
yB = 1.0 - yA - yC

32
Liquid-Liquid phase diagram where components A and B are partially
miscible.

Liquid C dissolves completely in A or in B.

Liquid A is only slightly soluble in B and B slightly soluble in A.
The two-phase region is included inside below the curved envelope.
An original mixture of composition M will separate into two phases a and b which are on the
equilibrium tie line through point M.
The two phases are identical at point P, the Plait point.
33
Equilibrium data on rectangular coordinates

The system acetic acid (A) – water

(B) – isopropyl ether solvent (C). The
solvent pair B and C are partially
miscible.

xB = 1.0 - xA - xC

yB = 1.0 - yA - yC

Liquid-liquid phase diagram

35
5.3 Single-Stage Equilibrium Extraction

Derivation of lever-arm rule for graphical addition

An overall mass balance: V LM 5.1

A balance on A: Vy A  Lx A  Mx AM 5.2

Where xAM is the mass fraction of A in the M stream.

A balance on C: VyC  LxC  MxC M 5.3

36
EX 5.2 An original mixture weighing 100 kg and containing 30 kg of isopropyl
ether (C), 10 kg of acetic acid (A), and 60 kg water (B) is equilibrated and the
equilibrium phases separated. What are the compositions of the two equilibrium
phases?

Solution:

Composition of original mixture is xc= 0.3, xA = 0.10, and xB = 0.60.

37
Liquid-liquid phase diagram

1. Composition of xC = 0.30, xA
= 0.10 is plotted as point h.
2. The tie line gi is drawn
through point h by trial and
error.
3. The composition of the
extract (ether) layer at g is yA
= 0.04, yC = 0.94, and yB =
1.00 - 0.04 - 0.94 = 0.02
mass fraction.
4. The raffinate (water) layer
composition at i is xA = 0.12,
xC = 0.02, and xB = 1.00 –
0.12 – 0.02 = 0.86.

38
5.2 Single-stage liquid-liquid extraction processes

Single-state equilibrium extraction

We now study the separation of A from a mixture of A and B by a solvent C in a single equilibrium stage.

An overall mass balance: L0  V2  L1  V1  M 5.9

A balance on A: L0 x A0  V2 y A2  L1 x A1  V1 y A1  Mx AM 5.10

A balance on C: L0 xC 0  V2 yC 2  L1 xC1  V1 yC1  MxC M 5.11

x A  x B  xC  1.0

39
To solve the three equations, the equilibrium-phase-diagram is used.

1. L0 and V2 are known.

2. We calculate M, xAM, and xCM by using
equation 5.9-5.11.
3. Plot L0, V2, M in the Figure.
4. Using trial and error a tie line is drawn
through the point M, which locates the
compositions of L1 and V1.
5. The amounts of L1 and V1 can be
determined by substitution in Equation
5.9-5.11 or by using lever-arm rule.

40
Ex 5.4 A mixture weighing 1000 kg contains 23.5 wt% acetic acid (A) and 76.5 wt%
water (B) and is to be extracted by 500 kg isopropyl ether (C) in a single-stage
extraction. Determine the amounts and compositions of the extract and raffinate
phases.

Solution Given: L0  1000 kg and V2  500 kg

Given: L0  V2  1000  500  M  1500 kg
x A0  0.235, xB 0  0.765 and y A2  1.0
L0 x A0  V2 y A2  MxAM
(1000 )(0.235)  (500 )(0)  (1500 ) x AM
x AM  0.157

Given: xc 0  1  x A0  xB 0  1.0  0.235  0.765  0

L0 xC 0  V2 yC 2  MxC M

(1000)(0)  (500)(1)  (1500) xC M

xCM  0.33
41
V2 (0,1) = (yA2, yC2)
V1 (0.1,0.89) = (yA1, yC1)

M(0.157,0.33) = (xAM, xCM)

L1(0.2,0.03) = (xA1, xC1)

M
L0(0.235,0) = (xA0, xC0)

42
From the graph: xA1 = 0.2 and yA1 = 0.1;

L1 x A1  V1 y A1  Mx AM

L1 (0.2) V1 (0.1)  (1500 )(0.157 )

L1  0.5V1  1,177 .5 (1)

From the graph: xC1 = 0.03 and yC1 = 0.89;

L1 xC1  V1 yC1  MxC M

L1 (0.03) V1 (0.89)  (1500 )(0.33)

L1  29.67V1  16,500 (2)

Solving eq(2) and eq(3) to get L1 and V1;

L1  914 .86 kg and V1  525 .28kg

x A1  0.2, y A1  0.1, xC1  0.03 and yC1  0.89 Answer

43
5.3 Equipment for Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Introduction and Equipment Types

As in the separation processes of distillation, the two phases in liquid-liquid

extraction must be brought into intimate contact with a high degree of
turbulence in order to obtain high mass-transfer rates.

Distillation: Rapid and easy because of the large difference in

density (Vapor-Liquid).
Liquid extraction: Density difference between the two phases is not
large and separation is more difficult.

Mixing by mechanical
Liquid extraction equipment agitation

Mixing by fluid flow themselves

44
Mixer-Settles for Extraction

Separate mixer-settler Combined mixer-settler

45
Plate and Agitated Tower Contactors for Extraction

Perforated plate tower Agitated extraction tower

46
Packed and Spray Extraction Towers

Spray-type extraction tower Packed extraction tower

47
5.4 Continuous multistage countercurrent extraction

Countercurrent process and overall balance

An overall mass balance: L0  VN 1  LN  V1  M 5.12

A balance on C: L0 xC 0  VN 1 yC N 1  LN xC N  V1 yC1  MxC M 5.13

L0 xC 0  VN 1 yCN 1 LN xCN  V1 yC1 5.14

Combining 5.12 and 5.13 x CM  
L0  VN 1 LN  V1
L0 x A0  V N 1 y AN 1 L N x AN  V1 y A1
x AM   5.15
Balance on component A gives
L0  V N 1 L N  V1

48
5.4 Continuous multistage countercurrent extraction

Countercurrent process and overall balance

1. Usually, L0 and VN+1 are known and the

desired exit composition xAN is set.
2. Plot points L0, VN+1, and M as in the
figure, a straight line must connect these
three points.
3. LN, M, and V1 must lie on one line. Also, LN
and V1 must also lie on the phase envelope.

49
Ex 5.5 Pure solvent isopropyl ether at the rate of VN+1 = 600 kg/h is being used to
extract an aqueous solution of L0=200 kg/h containing 30 wt% acetic acid (A) by
countercurrent multistage extraction. The desired exit acetic acid concentration in
the aqueous phase is 4%. Calculate the compositions and amounts of the ether
extract V1 and the aqueous raffinate LN. Use equilibrium data from the table.

Solution: The given values are VN+1 = 600kg/h, yAN+1 = 0, yCN+1 = 1.0, L0 = 200kg/h, xA0
= 0.30, xB0 = 0.70, xC0 = 0, and xAN = 0.04.

In figure below, VN+1 and L0 are plotted. Also, since LN is on the phase
boundary, it can be plotted at xAN = 0.04. For the mixture point M, substituting
into eqs. below,

L0 xC 0  VN 1 yCN 1 200(0)  600(1.0)

xCM    0.75
L0  VN 1 200  600
L0 x A0  VN 1 y AN 1 200(0.30)  600(0)
x AM    0.075
L0  VN 1 200  600

50
Using these coordinates,
1) Point M is plotted in Figure below.
2) We locate V1 by drawing a line from LN through M and extending it until
it intersects the phase boundary. This gives yA1 = 0.08 and yC1 = 0.90.
3) For LN a value of xCN = 0.017 is obtained. By substituting into Eqs. 5.12
and 5.13 and solving, LN = 136 kg/h and V1 = 664 kg/h.

51
Stage-to-stage calculations for countercurrent extraction.

Total mass balance on stage 1 L0  V2  L1  V1 5.16

Total mass balance on stage n Ln1  Vn1  Ln  Vn 5.17

From 5.16 obtain difference Δ in flows L0  V1  L1  V2   5.18

Δ is constant and for all stages   L0  V1  Ln  Vn1  LN  VN 1  .... 5.19

x  L0 x0  V1 y1  Ln xn  Vn1 y n1  LN x N  VN 1 y N 1  ... 5.20

52
Stage-to-stage calculations for countercurrent extraction.

Δx is the x coordinate of point Δ

L0 x0  V1 y1 Ln x n  Vn 1 y n 1 L N x N  V N 1 y N 1
x    5.21
L0  V1 Ln  Vn 1 L N  V N 1

5.18 and 5.19 can be written as

L0    V1 Ln    Vn1 LN    VN 1 5.22

53
Stage-to-stage calculations for countercurrent extraction.

1. Δ is a point common to all streams passing each

other, such as L0 and V1, Ln and Vn+1, Ln and Vn+1, LN and
VN+1, and so on.
2. This coordinates to locate this Δ operating point are
given for x cΔ and x AΔ in eqn. 5.21. Since the end points
VN+1, LN or V1, and L0 are known, xΔ can be calculated
and point Δ located.
3. Alternatively, the Δ point is located graphically in the
figure as the intersection of lines L0 V1 and LN VN+1.
4. In order to step off the number of stages using eqn.
5.22 we start at L0 and draw the line L0Δ, which locates
V1 on the phase boundary.
5. Next a tie line through V1 locates L1, which is in
equilibrium with V1.
6. Then line L1Δ is drawn giving V2. The tie line V2L2 is
drawn. This stepwise procedure is repeated until the
desired raffinate composition LN is reached. The
number of stages N is obtained to perform the
extraction.

54
Ex 5.6 Pure isopropyl ether of 450 kg/h is being used to extract an aqueous
solution of 150 kg/h with 30 wt% acetic acid (A) by countercurrent multistage
extraction. The exit acid concentration in the aqueous phase is 10 wt%. Calculate
the number of stages required.

Solution: The known values are VN+1 = 450, yAN+1 = 0, yCN+1 = 1.0, L0 = 150, xA0 = 0.30, xB0 =
0.70, xC0 = 0, and xAN = 0.10.

1. The points VN+1, L0, and LN are plotted in Fig. below. For the mixture point M, substituting
into eqs. 5.12 and 5.13, xCM = 0.75 and xAM = 0.075.

2. The point M is plotted and V1 is located at the intersection of line LNM with the phase
boundary to give yA1 = 0.072 and yC1 = 0.895. This construction is not shown.

3. The lines L0V1 and LNVN+1 are drawn and the intersection is the operating point Δ as
shown.

55
56
1. Alternatively, the coordinates of Δ can be
calculated from eq. 5.21 to locate point Δ.
2. Starting at L0 we draw line L0 Δ, which
locates V1. Then a tie line through V1
locates L1 in equilibrium with V1. (The tie-
line data are obtained from an enlarged
plot.)
3. Line L1 Δ is next drawn locating V2. A tie
line through V2 gives L2.
4. A line L2 Δ is next drawn locating V2. A tie
line through V2 gives L2.
5. A line L2 Δ gives V3.
6. A final tie line gives L3, which has gone
beyond the desired LN. Hence, about 2.5
theoretical stages are needed.

57
Minimum Solvent Rate
• If solvent rate VN+1 is selected at too low value, a
limiting case will be reached
– With a line through ∆ and a tie line being the same
• A tie line is drawn through point L0 to intersect the
extension of line LNVN+1
• Other tie lines to the left of this tie line are drawn,
including one through LN to intersect the line
LNVN+1
• The intersection of a tie line on line LNVN+1 which
is nearest to VN+1 represents the ∆min point for
minimum solvent
• Usually tie line through L0 represents the ∆min

58
Homework No.9

1. A single-stage extraction is performed in which 400 kg of a solution

containing 35 wt% acetic acid in water is contacted with 400 kg of pure
isopropyl ether. Calculate the amounts and compositions of the extract
and raffinate layers. Solve for the amounts both algebraically and by
the lever-arm rule. What percent of the acetic acid is removed?

59
Homework No.10

1. Pure isopropyl ether is to be used to extract acetic acid from 400 kg of

a feed solution containing 25 wt% acetic acid in water.
(a) If 400 kg of isopropyl is used, calculate the percent recovery in the
isopropyl solution in a one-stage process.
(b) If a multiple four-stage system is used and 100 kg fresh isopropyl is
used in each stage, calculate the overall percent recovery of the acid in
the total outlet isopropyl ether. (Hint: First, calculate the outlet extract
and raffinate streams for the first stage using 400 kg of feed solution
and 100 kg of isopropyl ether. For the second stage, 100 kg of
isopropyl ether contacts the outlet aqueous phase from the first stage.
For the third stage, 100 kg of isopropyl ether contacts the outlet
aqueous phase from the first stage. For the third stage, 100 kg of
isopropyl ether contacts the outlet aqueous phase from the second
stage, and so on.)

60
Homework No.9 (Solution)

1. A single-stage extraction is performed in which 400 kg of a solution

containing 35 wt% acetic acid in water is contacted with 400 kg of pure
isopropyl ether. Calculate the amounts and compositions of the extract
and raffinate layers. Solve for the amounts both algebraically and by
the lever-arm rule. What percent of the acetic acid is removed?

Solution Given: L0  V2  400  400  M  800 kg

x A0  0.35, xB 0  0.65 and y A2  1.0
L0 x A0  V2 y A2  MxAM
(400 )(0.35)  (400 )(0)  (800 ) x AM
x AM  0.175

Given: xc 0  1  x A0  xB 0  1.0  0.35  0.65  0

L0 xC 0  V2 yC 2  MxC M

(400)(0)  (400)(1)  (800) xC M

xCM  0.5 61
V2 (0,1) = (yA2, yC2)
V1 (0.12,0.87) = (yA1, yC1)

M(0.175,0.5) = (xAM, xCM)

L1(0.22,0.03) = (xA1, xC1)

M

L0(0.35,0) = (xA0, xC0)

62
From the graph: xA1 = 0.22 and yA1 = 0.12;

L1 x A1  V1 y A1  Mx AM

L1 (0.22) V1 (0.12)  (800 )(0.175)

L1  0.54V1  636 .36 (1)

From the graph: xC1 = 0.03 and yC1 = 0.87;

L1 xC1  V1 yC1  MxC M

L1 (0.03) V1 (0.87 )  (800 )(0.5)

L1  29V1  1,333 .33 (2)

Solving eq(1) and eq(2) to get L1 and V1;

L1  623 .12 kg and V1  24.49kg

x A1  0.23, y A1  0.12, xC1  0.03 and yC1  0.88 Answer

63
 V1 (0.12,0.88) = (yA1, yC1)

M(0.175,0.5) = (xAM, xCM)

L1(0.23,0.03) = (xA1, xC1)

M

Lever arm’s rule

L1(kg ) V M L1(kg ) 0.38

   0.44 L1(kg )  0.44 x800  352kg
M (kg ) L V M (kg ) 0.86

L(kg ) V M L(kg ) 0.38

   0.81 V (kg )  352 / 0.81  434.57kg
V (kg ) L M V (kg ) 0.47

64
The amount and composition of extract are

L1  325kg * x A1  0.23, xC1  0.03 and xB1  0.74 Answer

The amount and composition of raffinate are

V1  434 .57 kg * y A1  0.12, yC1  0.88 and yB1  0 Answer

*The correction of amount of extract and raffinate depends on the identification of

points on the graph. The value obtained from Lever’s arm rule is more reliable personally.

The percent of acetic acid removed is about

Answer
=(400x0.35-325x0.23)x100% = 46.6%
400x0.35

65
Homework No.10

1. Pure isopropyl ether is to be used to extract acetic acid from 400 kg of

a feed solution containing 25 wt% acetic acid in water.
(a) If 400 kg of isopropyl is used, calculate the percent recovery in the
isopropyl solution in a one-stage process.
(b) If a multiple four-stage system is used and 100 kg fresh isopropyl is
used in each stage, calculate the overall percent recovery of the acid in
the total outlet isopropyl ether. (Hint: First, calculate the outlet extract
and raffinate streams for the first stage using 400 kg of feed solution
and 100 kg of isopropyl ether. For the second stage, 100 kg of
isopropyl ether contacts the outlet aqueous phase from the first stage.
For the third stage, 100 kg of isopropyl ether contacts the outlet
aqueous phase from the first stage. For the third stage, 100 kg of
isopropyl ether contacts the outlet aqueous phase from the second
stage, and so on.)

66
Solution a):
Given: L0  V2  400  400  M  800 kg
x A0  0.25, xB 0  0.75 and y A2  1.0
L0 x A0  V2 y A2  MxAM
(400 )(0.25)  (400 )(0)  (800 ) x AM
x AM  0.125

Given: xc 0  1  x A0  xB 0  1.0  0.35  0.75  0

L0 xC 0  V2 yC 2  MxC M

(400)(0)  (400)(1)  (800) xC M

xCM  0.5

67
V2 (0,1) = (yA2, yC2)
V1 (0.09,0.9) = (yA1, yC1)

M(0.125,0.5) = (xAM, xCM)

L1(0.17,0.03) = (xA1, xC1)

M

L0(0.25,0) = (xA0, xC0)

68
From the graph: xA1 = 0.17 and yA1 = 0.09;

L1 x A1  V1 y A1  Mx AM

L1 (0.17 ) V1 (0.12)  (800 )(0.125)

L1  0.71V1  588 .24 (1)

From the graph: xC1 = 0.03 and yC1 = 0.9;

L1 xC1  V1 yC1  MxC M

L1 (0.03) V1 (0.9)  (800 )(0.5)

L1  30V1  1,333 .33 (2)

Solving eq(1) and eq(2) to get L1 and V1;

L1  570 .18kg and V1  25.43kg

x A1  0.17, y A1  0.09, xC1  0.03 and yC1  0.9 Answer

69
Solution b):
Given: L0  V2  400  100  M  500 kg

First stage x A0  0.25, xB 0  0.75 and y A2  1.0

L0 x A0  V2 y A2  MxAM
(400 )(0.25)  (100 )(0)  (500 ) x AM
x AM  0.2

Given: xc 0  1  x A0  xB 0  1.0  0.35  0.75  0

L0 xC 0  V2 yC 2  MxC M

(400)(0)  (100)(1)  (500) xC M

xCM  0.2

70
V2 (0,1) = (yA2, yC2)
V1 (0.12,0.86) = (yA1, yC1)

M(0.2,0.2) = (xAM, xCM)

L1(0.17,0.03) = (xA1, xC1)

L0(0.25,0) = (xA0, xC0)

M

71
From the graph: xA1 = 0.17 and yA1 = 0.09;

L1 x A1  V1 y A1  Mx AM

L1 (0.17 ) V1 (0.12)  (800 )(0.125)

L1  0.71V1  588 .24 (1)

From the graph: xC1 = 0.03 and yC1 = 0.9;

L1 xC1  V1 yC1  MxC M

L1 (0.03) V1 (0.9)  (800 )(0.5)

L1  30V1  1,333 .33 (2)

Solving eq(1) and eq(2) to get L1 and V1;

L1  570 .18kg and V1  25.43kg

x A1  0.17, y A1  0.09, xC1  0.03 and yC1  0.9
Answer
% recovery in isopropyl solution is 96.93%
72
Problem
• An aqueous feed solution of 1000 kg/h containing
30 wt% acetone and 70 wt% water is being
extracted in a countercurrent multistage extraction
system using pure methylisobutyl ketone solvent
at 298 – 299 K. The outlet water raffinate will
contain 2.5 wt% acetone. Using a solvent flow
rate of 1300 kg/h, calculate the following:
– Weight percent of acetone and methylisobutyl ketone
in extract stream.
– The flow rates of exiting extract and raffinate streams.
– No. of equilibrium contact needed.
– Data:
Composition data (wt%) Acetone Distribution Data (wt%) or
tie line data
MIK Aceton Water Water phase MIK Phase
e
98.0 0 2.0 2.5 4.5
93.2 4.6 2.33 5.5 10.0
77.3 18.95 3.86 7.5 13.5
71.0 24.4 4.66 10 17.5
65.5 28.9 5.53 12.5 21.3
54.7 37.6 7.82 15.5 25.5
46.2 43.2 10.7 17.5 28.2
12.4 42.7 45 20.0 31.2
5.01 30.9 64.2 22.5 34.0
3.23 20.9 75.8 25 36.5
2.12 3.73 94.2 26 37.5
2.20 0 97.8