Liquid liquid extraction is a common separation technology in the production process of fine chemicals and Chinese medicine extraction. However, in actual operation, due to the nature of the aqueous feed, high-speed stirring of the equipment, temperature changes and other factors, the liquid system often emulsifies, resulting in reduced extraction efficiency, poor separation effect, reduced production and increased equipment maintenance costs. CWL-M centrifugal extractor has a certain demulsification function, this article will give you a detailed answer.

1.Basic principles of centrifugal extractor

The centrifugal extractor uses the principle of centrifugal force to separate two phases of liquid with density difference. In order to ensure efficient separation effect, the following requirements are imposed on the aqueous feed:

  1. The two phases are immiscible: This is the basic premise of liquid liquid extraction.
  2. The density difference between the two phases is at least 0.1: A sufficient density difference helps to achieve effective separation through centrifugal force.
  3. The separation liquid cannot contain solids: Solid particles will interfere with the separation process and reduce the separation efficiency.

2.Emulsification phenomenon and its causes

Emulsification refers to the phenomenon that under vigorous stirring, the originally immiscible "oil" and "water" phases are dispersed into fine particles to form a stable emulsion. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the following factors:

  1. Liquid materials composition sensitivity: Some materials or added solvents are very sensitive to shearing and are easily broken into fine particles.
  2. Mechanical force: The strong stirring of the centrifugal extractor drum will produce complex vortexes and turbulent areas, causing the liquid phase with weak shear resistance to be broken up and dispersed into the other phase.

3.Problems caused by emulsification

Emulsification can lead to the following problems:

  1. Poor separation effect: A strong charged film is formed on the interface of the droplets in the emulsion, which hinders the coalescence and stratification of the droplets and makes it difficult to separate them by centrifugal force.
  2. Low extraction efficiency: The light and heavy phases are entrained with each other, which greatly reduces the extraction efficiency.
  3. Reduced production volume: Emulsification affects the entire process and reduces production efficiency.
  4. Increased equipment maintenance costs: Frequent emulsification increases the frequency of equipment cleaning and maintenance, increasing operating costs.

4.Anti-emulsification sleeve equipment - the key to solving the problem

In order to solve the above problems, the CWL-M centrifugal extractor introduces an anti-emulsification sleeve equipment. This equipment effectively prevents the occurrence of emulsification in the following ways:

  1. Structural design: An anti-emulsification sleeve is added between the drum and the shell. The sleeve fits tightly with the bottom of the drum to automatically compensate for wear.
  2. Static mixing area: A static mixing area is formed between the anti-emulsification sleeve and the shell. The liquid entering the shell avoids contact with the high-speed rotating outer surface of the drum and directly enters the inside of the drum through the static mixing area.
  3. Elimination of eddy currents and turbulence: The application of the anti-emulsification sleeve eliminates the eddy currents and turbulence areas generated by the strong stirring of the drum, reduces the shearing effect of the liquid-liquid two phases caused by the high-speed stirring of the drum, and effectively prevents the occurrence of emulsification.

5.Advantages of anti-emulsification sleeve

  1. Simple and compact structure: The anti-emulsification sleeve equipment has a simple design and is easy to install and disassemble. It can be used by reserving a mounting position on the bottom flange of the shell.
  2. Low transformation cost: Compared with other solutions, the anti-emulsification sleeve has a lower cost but a significant effect.
  3. Easy operation and maintenance: The application of the anti-emulsification sleeve simplifies the operation process, reduces the frequency of cleaning and maintenance of the equipment, and reduces operating costs.

6.Other auxiliary measures

For some material systems that are particularly prone to emulsification, in addition to using anti-emulsification sleeve equipment, some auxiliary measures can be taken to further prevent the occurrence of emulsification, such as:

  1. Increasing the temperature: Properly increasing the temperature can reduce the viscosity of the material and reduce the emulsification phenomenon.
  2. Adding salt or electrolyte: Adding salt or electrolyte in appropriate amounts can destroy the charge balance in the emulsion and promote the aggregation and stratification of droplets.

CWL-M centrifugal extractor effectively solves the common emulsification problem in liquid liquid extraction process by introducing anti-emulsification sleeve equipment, and improves separation effect and extraction efficiency. This equipment is not only simple in structure and low in cost, but also easy to operate and maintain, and is currently an ideal choice for solving emulsification problems. Whether in the fields of fine chemicals or traditional Chinese medicine extraction, CWL-M centrifugal extractor can provide you with efficient and reliable separation solutions.

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