Multi-stage centrifugal extractors for separating liquids of differing densities wherein recycling of portions of the separated liquids occurs at each stage

A multi-stage centrifugal extractor for separating two liquids of different densities by separating the liquids by centrifugal action so that the heavier liquid is directed outwardly with respect to the lighter liquid between the stages comprising, a decanter bowl having an outer portion and a central axis about which said bowl rotates, a shaft extending along said axis, each of the stages of the extractor including an agitator means mounted on said shaft, deflector plates mounted in spaced relationship from and on opposite sides of each of said agitator means and said deflector plates defining mixing chambers therebetween, a decantation chamber generally surrounding each of said mixing chambers, first passageways adjacent said outer portion of said bowl for communicating the heavier fluid to adjacent stages and second passageways adjacent said shaft for communicating the lighter fluid to adjacent stages in a direction opposite to said stages with which said first passageways communicate, means for communicating said decantation chamber with said mixing chamber at each stage whereby a portion of the liquid within the decantation chambers is recycled into said mixing chamber of the same stage, and said means for communicating said decantation chambers with said mixing chambers including an opening through one of said deflector plates and a pipe element mounted to said one of said deflector plates so as to be in communication with said opening.