Stage efficiency based on dispersed phase concentration in a mixer-settlerextraction column

The stage efficiencies in a mixer-settler extraction column have been obtai ned for the extraction of iodine by heptane from the aqueous solution of I- 2-KI. The results were compared with the values estimated from the volumetr ic overall mass transfer coefficient that was calculated with the interfaci al area and the mass transfer coefficients of the dispersed and continuous phases. Good agreement between the observed and calculated stage efficiency was obtained. The stage efficiency based on the dispersed phase concentrat ion increases with increasing agitation speed and decreases with increasing flow rates of the continuous phase and the dispersed phase or with increas ing distribution ratio of solute.