Pulsating, truncated plate column - for intimately contacting liquids, esp. in extraction of uranium

摘要

Truncated plate column is intended for bringing two liqs of different densities, or a fluid and a finely divided solid, into intimate contact. The liq. which fills the column is subjected to pulsations so as to create press. waves which considerably improve the mixing. The column comprises a vertical cylinder which is expanded at each end to form two chambers. The column is filled with perforated plates suitably sepd. from each other. Each plate is circular but is truncated by the removal of a segment to leave a free space between the cut edge and the cylinder wall. Successive plates are staggered leaving the free spaces. For two liqs., a pipe feeds the denser liq. into the upper chamber while a similar pipe feeds the lighter liq. into the lower chamber. Pulses are impressed on the liq. mass in the column by a lateral pipe from an oscillating piston system. The liqs. which circulate in opposite directions, are forced to follow a sinuous path between the plates. The vortex movements increase the contact path and facilitate the desired exchanges. Outlets are provided for the light and dense phases. Compared with known columns, outputs are improved and there is no risk of blockage. The column can operate equally well in the aq. or in the continuous solvent phase without changing the material of the plates.