Extraction, Liquid‐Liquid

Abstract

AbstractLiquid–liquid extraction, also known as solvent extracting, is a well‐established separation technique that depends on the unequal distribution of a solute between two immiscible liquids. The initial feed liquid containing the solute is brought into contact with a solvent that is selected to have a greater affinity for the solute. The partition of the solute can be enhanced by adding a chemical extractant to the solvent; this practice is widespread in the hydrometallurgical and nuclear industries. Most industrial extractors operate continuously with countercurrent flow of the two phases. In mixer–settlers, the phases are contacted as a well‐agitated dispersion of drops, which are the..