Countercurrent separation process and apparatus.

摘要

A multistage countercurrent separation apparatus and method is described. Each stage includes a mixer zone (M) and a settler zone (S), both of which have temperature control means to achieve a first temperature in the mixer zone and a seoond temperature in the settler zone. Solvents used in the process are selected so that they have at least one immiscibility transition temperature such that they form a single homogeneous phase at said first temperature and two heterogeneous phases at said second temperature. By carrying out the process, a solute or solutes introduced into the system may appropriately be efficiently concentrated or separated with minimal agitation. Furthermore, because emulsification by rapid agitation is avoided, the homogeneous phase quickly coalesces upon passing into the heterogeous phase, thereby increasing the throughput which may be achieved by the extraction process.