Mass and heat transfer from drops in liquid‐liquid extraction

TLDR

The study considers systems where the rate is limited by either mass or heat transfer coefficient, or where both coefficients are significant. The authors investigate mass and heat transfer rates in liquid–liquid extraction across practical variable ranges. They develop theoretical and experimental correlations for mass transfer, including overall coefficient, transfer area, and effective driving force, to support design. A simple correlation for the overall mass transfer coefficient for liquid drops moving through another liquid, with a probable error of 20%, is presented and shown to be valid for both transfer directions and useful for extrapolating performance between systems.

Abstract

Abstract Mass and heat transfer rates in extraction are studied theoretically and experimentally for the practical range of the variables involved. For the particular but typical case of liquid drops moving through another liquid a simple correlation for the over‐all mass transfer coefficient is presented, which holds with a probable error of 20%. Included are systems in which the rate is limited by either coefficient, as well as systems in which both coefficients are significant. The correlation, valid for both directions of transfer with either phase dispersed, is useful for the extrapolation of performance from system to system in a given piece of equipment. Also, together with correlations for transfer area and effective driving force, it is part of the information needed for design.