(22c) Design Practice for Packed Liquid Liquid Extraction Columns

Counter current extraction columns with structured or random packing and related internals are used today as preferred technology for particular given operational conditions. Sulzer Chemtech has more than 20 years of industrial experience with the specific technical challenges during the design of these static columns. Especially, when the separation tasks require moderate number of theoretical stages and volumetric phase ratios are between 0.5 …5 the advantages of packed columns are impressive.

Based on the experience of Sulzer Chemtech this presentation gives an review about: • The preferential application area of this kind of extractors • Today's approach to design industrial packed columns • Most used packing types • Related column internals • Limits of the technology and trouble shooting approach

The principle steps of a scale up from a column pilot test is illustrated. Different packing types used for this unit operation, like Sulzer SMV and Sulzer SMVP as well as the Nutter Ring are characterized according to their specific field of application. Some design criteria of the related internals are discussed and most common route causes of troubles during operation will be outlined.