turn-key unit
The unit for the liquid/liquid extraction operates in a counter-current flow and is designed as a pulsed
column with sieve trays and packing material alternatively. The working principle of this unit is based
on the fact, that the two liquid phases are pressed through the holes of each sieve tray or through the
packing respectively, forced by the used pulsation, thus one phase will be dispersed into the other.
The large contact surface which will be formed by this specific design, makes the product exchange
between the two phases highly efficient.
During the return travel of the pulsator, the drops previously dispersed are agglomerating into a
homogeneous phase.
The light phase will be fed into the system at the lower end of the column, while the heavy phase is
entering the tower at the upper end.
Due to the gravitation, supported by the said pulsation, both phases are passing the column in
countercurrent way and are withdrawn at the opposite ends.
The feed streams are controlled by two adjustable feed pumps. The product withdrawal is managed by
two overflow systems, whereby the adjustable height of the heavy phase discharge line is controlling
the location of the main phase boundary inside the column. This allows the operator’s choice, whether
the heavy or the light phase should be used as the dispersed phase.
The Pulsed Extraction unit is suitable for mixtures with short settling periods (e.g. water - acetone -
toluene, water - acetic acid - iso-propylether etc.).