摘要 |
<p>Liquid-liquid extraction apparatus (14) includes an extractor unit (8, 9, 10) where a first liquid contacts a second liquid so a component is transferred from the first liquid to the second liquid. A separator (40) having an inlet (38) and a permeate outlet (44) includes a semi-permeable membrane which forms a barrier between the separator inlet (38) and the permeate outlet (44). The separator inlet (38) is connected to one of the outlets of the extractor unit (8, 9, 10), and the semi-permeable membrane is permeable to most of the liquid flowing from that outlet. The membrane is substantially impermeable to any other entrained liquid, so only one liquid flows through the membrane and out the permeate outlet (44) substantially free of any other liquid. A reject outlet opening into the separator on the same side of the membrane as the inlet permits removal from the separator liquid not passed by the membrane.</p> |