Liquid liquid extraction/solvent extraction is a technique for separating substances based on the different solubility or partition coefficients of substances in two immiscible or slightly soluble solvents. Here are some key information about solvent extraction:

  • Definition: Liquid liquid extraction, also known as solvent extraction, is a unit operation that uses the different solubilities of components in a system in a solvent to separate a mixture. It involves utilizing the difference in solubility or partition coefficient of a substance in two immiscible or slightly soluble solvents to transfer a solute substance from one solvent to another.
  • Principle: The basic principle of liquid liquid extraction is the distribution law, that is, at a certain temperature, the ratio of the concentration of a compound in two immiscible solvents is a constant, and this ratio is called the distribution coefficient. Through repeated extractions, most of the compounds can be extracted.
  • Extraction process: Mix the solution containing the target compound with the extraction solvent, stir or oscillate to make the two liquids fully contact, and the target compound is distributed into different phases according to the difference in solubility in the two solvents. After stopping stirring, since the two liquids are immiscible, they will naturally separate into two separate phases.
  • Selection of extractant: When selecting an extractant, it should be considered that it has the greatest solubility for the component to be measured, the smallest solubility for impurities, and is immiscible with the original solvent. The two solvents are easy to separate and there is no foam.
  • Extraction method and equipment: Extraction is usually carried out in a separatory funnel, and generally requires 4 to 5 extractions to achieve complete separation. If components with small distribution coefficients or components that are easily emulsified during oscillation are extracted from aqueous solutions, a continuous extraction equipment CWL-M centrifugal extractor can be used.
  • Precautions: Extraction solvents are often volatile and flammable, and are all chemically related substances, so care should be taken during operation.
  • Application: Solvent extraction technology is widely used in chemical, hydrometallurgy, food and other industrial fields, especially in the petroleum refining industry. It is particularly suitable for the separation of heat-sensitive substances and is easy to achieve large-scale continuous production. Solvent extraction is an irreplaceable and important separation technology in the fields of hydrometallurgy, atomic energy chemical industry, petrochemical industry, etc.

Liquid liquid extraction is an effective separation and purification technology that transfers solutes from one phase to another through physical or chemical effects. Its more efficient treatment effect and environmentally friendly operation form are widely used in many industrial and scientific research fields.
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