Overall Mass Transfer Coefficients in a Hanson Extraction Column

The volumetric overall mass transfer coefficient Kc a in a pilot plant Hanson mixer-settler extraction column was measured. The experiments were carried out with the toluene- system, with acetone transferred from the continuous aqueous to the dispersed acetone-water toluene phase. The effects of agitation speed and dispersed and continuous phases flow rates on volumetric overall mass transfer coefficients were investigated and it was observed that the volumetric overall mass transfer coefficient increased with increase in agitation speed and reached a maximum, but after having reached to its maximum, it fell with further increase in agitation speed. Also it was found that Kc a increased with an increase in Q d , while it decreases with an increase in Q c . Also the experimental results of overall mass transfer coefficient were compared with data of various extraction columns and it was found that the correlation for continuous phase overall mass transfer coefficient in the literature, which can be applied for a Kuhni column, a RDC, an EC column and a PSE can be also applied for the present mixer-settler extraction column.