Solvent Extraction Systems
Selective separation technology for recovering valuable dissolved substances from industrial wastewater streams.
Overview
What is Solvent Extraction Systems?
Solvent extraction is a liquid-liquid separation technique used to selectively remove dissolved substances from wastewater by exploiting differences in solubility between two immiscible liquids. This proven technology is particularly effective for treating complex industrial effluents containing valuable or hazardous compounds.
The process involves contacting the wastewater with an organic solvent that preferentially dissolves the target substance. The loaded solvent is then separated and the dissolved substance is recovered through stripping or distillation, while the solvent is regenerated and recycled back into the process.
Spans Envirotech designs solvent extraction systems tailored to specific industrial applications, optimizing solvent selection, contactor design, and operating parameters to maximize recovery rates while minimizing solvent losses and energy consumption.
Process
How Solvent Extraction Works
Mixing & Contact
Wastewater and the selected organic solvent are intimately mixed in a contactor, enabling mass transfer of the target substance into the solvent phase.
Phase Separation
The immiscible phases are allowed to separate by gravity or centrifugal force, producing a loaded solvent and a treated aqueous phase.
Stripping & Recovery
The target substance is recovered from the loaded solvent through back-extraction, distillation, or crystallization for reuse or sale.
Solvent Regeneration
The stripped solvent is purified and recycled back to the extraction stage, ensuring economic viability and minimal environmental impact.
Benefits
Key Advantages
- Selective removal of specific contaminants or valuable compounds
- High recovery rates for dissolved metals, acids, and organics
- Low energy consumption compared to thermal separation methods
- Recyclable solvents reduce operating costs and waste generation
- Handles high-concentration streams that challenge biological treatment
- Continuous or batch operation modes available
- Scalable from pilot to full industrial capacity
- Reduces hazardous waste volumes significantly
Applications
Industries & Use Cases
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