Method for solvent extraction with near-equal density solutions
AssigneeUT-Battelle, LLC
InventorsJoseph F. Birdwell, John D. Randolph, S. Paul Singh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed is a modified centrifugal contactor for separating solutions of near equal density. The modified contactor has a pressure differential establishing means that allows the application of a pressure differential across fluid in the rotor of the contactor. The pressure differential is such that it causes the boundary between solutions of near-equal density to shift, thereby facilitating separation of the phases. Also disclosed is a method of separating solutions of near-equal density.
Claims13
A method for separating a first fluid and a second fluid of near-equal density using a centrifugal contactor, said contactor comprising a hollow rotor, said rotor having an inner and outer wall, comprising the steps of:
- (a) flowing said fluids into a separator chamber of the rotor formed within a volume defined by said inner wall of said rotor and a height of said rotor, said separator chamber having an inner weir and an outer weir, each said weir defining at least one opening having an outer edge, said outer weir edge positioned radially outward of said inner weir edge;
- (b) rotating the rotor at a speed sufficient to cause said fluids to flow upward along the inner surface of the separator chamber, wherein said fluids separate as they move upward, wherein a less dense fluid of said fluids forms a layer radially inward from a more dense fluid of said fluids;
- (c) directing said less dense fluid to said outer weir opening;
- and
- (d) directing said more dense fluid to said inner weir opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.