Example: Single Stage Extractor

A single-stage extractor is used to extract component E from

a feed stream. The feed and solvent stream compositions
and flow rates are as follows:

Using the phase equilibrium diagram in Figure 11.2,

determine the compositions and flow rates of the extract
and raffinate.

Fig 11.2: Liquid-liquid equilibrium for a ternary.

All points on a tie line have the same temperature,

pressure, component concentration in one phase, and
component concentration in the other phase,

Hint
With the extract phase designated by L and the raffinate
phase by Q, the following component molar balances hold

The tie lines shown in Figure 11.2

represent liquid compositions at equilibrium
with each other.
Thus, point M represents the combined
composition of a mixture that separates into
two liquid phases at equilibrium with
compositions represented by points L and Q.
The compositions of the two phases
approach each other as the tie lines become
shorter.
At point P, the plait point, the tie line
vanishes, and the liquid compositions
become identical, forming a single phase.

Answer

Schematics of liquid-liquid extractors