PROCESS FOR SEPARATING TWO NON-MISCIBLE ORGANIC LIQUIDS USING A FIBRE BED AS AN AID TO COALESCENCE

摘要

The invention concerns a process for the separation, by sedimentation, of at least one liquid organic component dispersed in a liquid containing mainly organic materials, this organic component and the remaining liquid exhibiting a difference in density. In order to reduce considerably the standing time, it is proposed that the liquid be passed before sedimentation through a fibre bed (1), that the organic component and the remaining liquid have different surface tensions with respect to the fibre bed (1), that the temperature of the liquid and the concentration of the organic component to be separated are such that, in the equilibrium state, at least two liquid phases form, and that the rate of flow of the liquid through the fibre bed lies below a maximum value dependent on the surface tension of the organic component with respect to the fibre bed (1) and on the difference in density and surface tension between the remaining liquid and the organic component.