LIQUID-LIQUID-EXTRACTION USING APHRONS

The performance of continuous countercurrent predispersed solvent extr action (PDSE) using liquid aphrons (LA) and colloidal gas aphrons (CGA ) has been studied for extraction of copper from aqueous acidic soluti on in LIX 622/kerosene and extraction of aqueous acetic acid in Alamin e 336/2-ethyl hexanol. The effect of LA dilution at various levels alo ng with the effect of relevant variables like LA, CGA and continuous-p hase flow rates, type of LA etc. on extraction efficiency has been stu died The results indicate that the twofold dilution LA type gives the best efficiency vs. fivefold and no dilution LA type, and that the mas s-transfer performance of PDSE is significantly better than convention al spray column. These results further indicate the potential for use of PDSE for other extraction applications.