Phase separation and mass transfer in a liquid‐liquid cyclone

Abstract

Abstract Liquid‐liquid phase separation and mass transfer studies were made in a 4‐in.‐diam. cyclone of conventional construction. The cyclone was tested with oil‐water volume phase ratios ranging from values of 1/3 to 9/1 and for total flows up to 24 gal./min., although most variables were studied at a feed rate of 10 gal./min. Kerosene or a white oil (vis. 9 centipoises at 77°F.) was used as the oil phase. Valve or line premixing was used to disperse the feed. Valve pressure drops were in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 lb./sq.in., and inlet drop sizes, where determined, were about 1 mm. The optimum cyclone geometry (volume, diameter of inlet, overflow and underflow lines) and the optimum split (overflow/underflow) were determined in terms of a phase‐separation efficiency E s . At optimum geometry and split a number of mass transfer runs were made in which monobutylamine solute was transferred from the kerosene to the water phase. These runs indicated that E s decreased but mass transfer efficiency increased as the feed rate or pressure drop across the mixing valve was increased.