STEPWISE MIXING INTENSITY REDUCTION AND MIXER/SETTLER SEPARATION PROCESS

摘要

A method for improving extraction and separation of a component from a fluid. The method comprises forming a multi-phase fluid system, the multi-phase fluid system comprising at least a first phase having at least one extractable component and a second phase having an attraction for the extractable component, mixing the multi-phase fluid system at a first mixing intensity, mixing the multi-phase fluid system at least at a second mixing intensity less than the first mixing intensity, and allowing the multi-phase fluid system to settle. In this process, the mixing intensity is reduced stepwise, resulting in lower entrainment of the extractable component in the fluid and faster separation of the phases.