The dynamics of extraction processes: Part III. The determination of steady state and transient concentration profiles

Abstract

Techniques for determining concentration profiles during the transient and final steady state operation of a eountercurrent extraction column are described and evaluated. The column is mechanically agitated and the stages are separated using Teflon sieve trays. The paper discusses numerical procedures for analyzing the behaviour of such columns, and the errors introduced by the measurement techniques studied. Mass transfer coefficients for the column under study are reported, and there is a discussion of the effect of concentration (or position along the column) on their value.