Key Features
- Rotating disc design
- Liquid-liquid extraction capability
- Borosilicate glass construction
- High extraction efficiency
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Rotating Disc Extraction Column
Rotating Disc Extraction Column
Rotating Disc Extraction Column
Advanced rotating disc extraction column for efficient liquid-liquid extraction processes.
Rotating Disc Extraction Column Overview
The Rotating Disc Extraction Column (RDC) is a continuous liquid–liquid extraction device designed to enhance mass transfer efficiency by impelling one liquid phase into fine droplets in another using mechanical agitation. The device features a central shaft carrying rotating discs between stationary baffles. As feed and extractant enter in countercurrent mode, the rotating discs disperse the phases, promoting intimate contact and rapid solute transfer. The glass construction allows full visibility of phase mixing and separation, making it suitable for laboratory and pilot scale systems. The transparent design helps monitor droplet behavior, phase clarity, and interface stability during operation.
Specifications
• Configuration: series of rotating discs and stationary baffles creating discrete extraction chambers
• Flow mode: countercurrent — heavy and light phases flow in opposite directions
• Materials: high-quality borosilicate glass for the column body; PTFE or corrosion-resistant wetted parts
• Operating temperature: ambient to moderate (depending on solvent)
• Pressure: near ambient to slight positive differential (lab-scale)
• Residence time: typically 20–30 minutes (adjustable via disc spacing and rotation speed)
• Capacity: lab to pilot scale (custom based on feed rate and required throughput)
• Utilities: drive motor for discs, feed pumps, phase separators, condenser if volatile components present
• Key design metrics: disc size & spacing, droplet coalescence control, minimal phase hold-up
The laboratory RDC uses glass construction to facilitate observation of droplet formation and liquid interface behavior, aiding design optimization.
Applications
• Liquid–liquid extraction and separation of solutes (e.g. organics, ions)
• Recovery of valuable compounds in pharmaceutical, chemical, or natural-product processes
• Solvent extraction, washing, stripping, and purification flows
• Process development and scale-up trials for multistage extraction
• Systems needing continuous operation with controlled residence time
Because the RDC maintains uniform mixing and avoids phase maldistribution, it is used where high separation performance, compact footprint, and operational consistency are required.
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