Liquid-liquid extraction is a technically sophisticated niche within separation technology. For decades Sulzer Chemtech has led with the development of extraction equipment and processes. In addition to our own established know-how, much research work has been done by universities using Sulzer Chemtech equipment.
When evaluating an extraction problem the whole range of equipment is considered, in order to find the most appropriate solution. This includes mixer-settlers (with pump-mix turbines), mixer-settler columns, packed columns (with and without energy input), agitated columns and more recently membranes.
AGITATED COLUMN ECR
| Among the agitated columns the Sulzer Chemtech column stands out. The main characteristics are: |
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Advantages
• high separation performance
• universal use
• high flexibility
• reliable scale-up
• universal use
• high flexibility
• reliable scale-up
Experience
• diameters from 30 to 3000 mm
• up to 160 agitated compartments
• over 600 columns installed world-wide
• up to 160 agitated compartments
• over 600 columns installed world-wide
PACKED COLUMN ECP
In packed ECP columns, the use of a structured packing allows an optimised phase dispersion, in combination with plug flow conditions and narrow droplet size distribution.
Although it is not always necessary, the column is often operated with some energy input (pulsed).
Although it is not always necessary, the column is often operated with some energy input (pulsed).
Advantages
• products with low density difference, low interfacial tension or having a tendency to form emulsions
• high specific throughput
• reliable scale-up
• high specific throughput
• reliable scale-up
MIXER-SETTLER COLUMN ECMS
| The mixing and settling are performed in completely different sections of the extractor which is used where the process requires a pure stagewise contact. Advantages • long residence time • extraction combined with reaction • step-wise phase contact |
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MIXER-SETTLER EMS
| The mixing and settling are performed in completely different sections of the extractor which is used where the process requires a pure stagewise contact. Advantages |
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APPLICATIONS
• purification of organic products in all industries (pharmaceutical, fine chemical, bulk chemical, food)
• phosphoric acid purification
• aromatics extraction
• waste water purification (e.g. removal of phenol, acetic acid, DMF etc.)
• phosphoric acid purification
• aromatics extraction
• waste water purification (e.g. removal of phenol, acetic acid, DMF etc.)
The KÜHNI mini-plant extraction column!
| Do you just have a small quantity of product for testing? Extensive research work has allowed us to develop a mini-ECR column with only 30 mm diameter, which keeps the same advantages as the traditional pilot columns. Its is now possible to test and optimise an extraction process with a few liters of product. This new development allows the attractive possibility to combine process development and equipment optimisation. The corresponding cost as well as the time to market are significantly reduced. Another very significant advantage is the reduction of the risks, when processing small amount of harmful product within an extractor of smaller volume, in a place which is easier to confine in a safe way. |
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Do not also forget to look at the page recent projects! There is an interesting one in the field of liquid-liquid extraction!
You can also request more information such as brochures, questionnaires etc.