Solvent separation method

摘要

Provided is a method for separating solvent-containing water, which is produced in the process for producing an ashless coal, into a solvent and water readily without using any adsorbent or the like (a solvent separation method). The solvent separation method comprises: a solvent-containing water supply step of supplying the solvent-containing water into a pressure vessel for solvent separation purposes (11); and a temperature retention step of retaining the temperature of the solvent-containing water that has been supplied into the pressure vessel for solvent separation purposes (11) at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 100 to 180˚C inclusive). In the pressure vessel for solvent separation purposes (11), water in the liquid form moves downward and the solvent moves upward due to the difference between the density of water and the density of the solvent at the predetermined temperature. In this manner, the solvent-containing water can be separated into the solvent and water.