Mass transfer coefficients in a hanson mixer-settler extraction column

Abstract

The volumetric overall mass transfer coefficients in a pilot plant Hanson mixer-settler extraction column of seven stages have been measured using toluene-acetone-water system. The effects of agitation speed and dispersed and continuous phases flow rates on volumetric overall mass transfer coefficients have been investigated. The results show that the volumetric overall mass transfer coefficient increases with increase in agitation speed and reaches a maximum. After having reached its maximum, it falls with further increase in agitation speed. It was found that the volumetric overall mass transfer coefficient increases with increase in dispersed phase flow rate, while it decreases with increase in continuous phase flow rate. By using interfacial area, the overall mass transfer coefficients for continuous and dispersed phases are determined from volumetric coefficients. An empirical correlation for prediction of the continuous phase overall mass transfer coefficient is proposed in terms of Sherwood and Reynolds numbers. Also the experimental data of the column investigated are compared with data for various extraction columns. Comparison between theoretical models and experimental results for the dispersed phase mass transfer coefficient shows that these models do not have enough accuracy for column design. Using effective diffusivity in the Grober equation results in more accurate prediction of overall mass transfer coefficient. The prediction of overall mass transfer coefficients from the presented equations is in good agreement with experimental results.