Modeling Investigation of Concurrent-flow Chemical Extraction Process

Abstract In this study, modeling investigation of mass transfer in concurrent-flow chemical extraction process is carried out. Continuum Model is used to describe mass transfer process. Concentration curves in organic droplet and aqueous liquid film are firstly calculated and rate-limiting step is determined to be mass transfer of solute in aqueous phase. Mass transfer performance in aqueous phase is further calculated. Volumetric mass transfer coefficient and volumetric mass transfer coefficient during mass transfer time before solute concentration decreases to 5%, are calculated for evaluating mass transfer characteristics. The effect of organic droplet size is studied. The result demonstrates that increase in aqueous/organic volume ratio significantly decreases mass transfer performance, decrease in droplet size enhances mass transfer process through both reducing mass transfer resistance and increasing contacting area.