Abstract: A device for separating and renewing phases of a diphasic liquid—liquid mixture, in which a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase are circulated in counter current in a liquid—liquid extraction device. The device is in the form of a straight hollow cylinder with one of the bases being either the wall of the device or being in contact with the wall of the device. The device also includes an input orifice for the phase the user wishes to trap, an output orifice that is smaller than the input orifice for the phase that the user wishes to trap, separated, and a third orifice of an intermediate size when compared to the size of the input and output orifices for evacuating a non-desired phase.

Abstract: A process and system for extracting a solute from a solid material, such as oil from oil-bearing foodstuffs, utilize a substantially tubular membrane filter to separate a mass of the extracting medium and the foodstuffs into a miscella and foodstuffs of reduced oil content. In a batch or continuous process, after each extracting stage, the mass from the extraction vessel is conveyed to a membrane filter, which has pores along its cylindrical walls suitably sized to allow a miscella to pass as the permeate, while causing the foodstuffs of reduced oil content to be conveyed axially along the tubes and out of its ends as the retentate. In a continuous process, extractor cells, or stages, consisting of an extraction vessel, pump, and membrane filter, are used in sequential stages, preferably using a miscella from the subsequent stage as the extracting medium. In a batch process, miscella storage tanks may be used to store miscella from the final stage for use in the next batch.

Abstract: In a chemical reactor, a gas and a liquid which are in trace volumes are used to produce air bubbles and thus increase the interface area between the gas and liquid, substantially enhancing the efficiency of reaction between the gas and liquid. The chemical reactor comprises the following: a sheath flow forming block which forms a plurality of alternating sheath flows with two mutually unmixable fluids; a plurality of inlet ports through which said two fluids flow into the sheath flow forming block; a contraction zone which simultaneously contracts a plurality of sheath flows formed in the sheath flow forming block; and reaction flow channels each of which is connected with said contraction zone and is smaller in width than the sheath flow forming block.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for performing a microfluidic process are presented. A microfluidic device conforms with a standard well plate format. The device includes a well plate comprising a plate and an array of wells formed on or in the plate, and a microfluidic structure connecting at least two of the wells. The device can rely exclusively on gravitational and capillary forces that exist in channels within the microfluidic structure when receiving fluid streams. Also disclosed is a microfluidic device having an array of microfluidic structures, each connecting at least two wells of a well plate, and connecting three or more wells in alternative embodiments. With the present invention, a large number of microfluidic processes or reactions can be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an installation for setting in adsorbed state, on a porous support, compounds contained in a product comprising a first step which consists in extracting the compounds by contacting the product with at least a solvent at supercritical pressure to obtain a mixture of extracts and solvent. The method is characterized in that it comprises a second step which consists in eliminating the water contained in the mixture of extracts and solvent, adjusting the temperature and pressure conditions so as to obtain, a first phase consisting of solvent in gaseous state and a second phase consisting of a mixture of liquids formed of solvent and extracts of the products; causing said two phases to trickle through a porous support adapted to adsorb the extracts; vaporizing the solvent contained in the second phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for, and method of, performing various liquid-liquid contacting operations such as solvent extraction, stripping, scrubbing, washing, re-extraction and reacting in a single, integrated column. The ability of the integrated column, which is based on the intermediate decanter, of the present invention, to perform the entire operation of solvent extraction plant in a single column has many technical, economical, ecological and operational safety advantages. Investment costs significantly decrease due to the decrease in the number of columns, decanters, and auxiliary equipment, spare parts, materials inventories and the requisite area for the plant relative to a standard prior art plant. Operating and maintenance costs also decrease due to less pumping between columns and less equipment in operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fractionating mixtures comprising separation elements which are series mounted and mounted in a closed loop. Said device is characterized in that the solvent used is a supercritical pressurized fluid, each of the separation elements is made of a membrane separation, it comprises means for injecting the solvent at a pressure which is greater than the critical pressure thereof and for maintaining the pressure in said loop at a value which is above critical pressure, and it further comprises means for injecting the diluent and for maintaining the pressure thereof at a value which is similar to the value of the pressure of the solvent (S) in each of the areas (I, II, III, IV).

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution comprises contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: Microfluidic separators for separating multiphase fluids are described. Two or more microfluidic outlet channels within the device meet at an overlap region. The overlap region may be in fluid communication with an inlet channel. The inlet channel and each outlet channel are disposed within different layers of a three-dimensional device. Each channel is defined through the entire thickness of a stencil layer. A multiphase fluid flows through an inlet channel into an overlap region from where the separated phases can be withdrawn through the outlet channels.

Abstract: An apparatus (10′) for extracting biomass includes an extractor (11), evaporator (12), compressor (13) and condenser (14) connected in series by pipework (17) to define a closed loop extraction circuit. A transfer line (18) selectively supplies hot solvent vapor from the outlet side of the compressor (13) to the interior of the extractor (11), where the solvent vapor heats the biomass. This causes stripping of solvent from the biomass. The transfer line (18) includes control elements (19,20) for controlling the flow of solvent vapor.

Abstract: A molecule separator device for isolating molecules having at least two separable properties and within a solution. The device includes a housing, and at least two molecule collection media disposed within the housing, whereby each such medium captures molecules exhibiting a respective property. In one embodiment, a first membrane captures only molecules with an ionic and/or hydrophobic and/or affinity attraction property while a second membrane captures only such molecules that additionally fall within a particular molecular weight range. A preferred housing is cylindrical for acceptance within a centrifuge, and is constructed of a plurality of releasably-connected compartments. The collection media is sequentially situated and centrifugation of the housing drives the solution through the media.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic fluidic system includes a reagent source containing a reagent fluid and a sample source containing a sample fluid that includes a constituent. A reactor is operatively connected to the supply reagent source and the sample source. MHD pumps utilize a magnetohydrodynamic drive to move the reagent fluid and the sample fluid in a flow such that the reagent fluid and the sample fluid form an interface causing the constituent to be separated from the sample fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular system for separating components of a liquid sample. The system includes arrays of units that may be assembled in series to perform multiple separations on a liquid sample in a single step. Also, the modular nature of the system permits a device according to the present invention to be designed to perform different separation schemes on one or more liquid samples within a single device.

Abstract: Devices for performing liquid extraction of one or more constituents from one fluid to another fluid are provided. In operation, the fluids are separated by channel structures that stabilize the interfacial boundary between the fluids allowing, for example, countercurrent flow and exchange or other flow conditions incompatible with unassisted maintenance of laminar flow. Also provided are channel structures which aid in mixing the fluids. Thin membranes may be formed using liquid extraction devices according to the invention. A process for manufacturing such devices using DRIE is described.

Abstract: A fractionated sample collection process and device having at least one pressurized chamber used to gather and store liquid samples generated from a flow stream containing a mixture of highly compressed gas, compressible liquid, or supercritical fluid and a relatively incompressible liquid. A bank of multiple collection chambers is secured together in a frame to form a cassette unit. Each collection chamber may house a replaceable liner such as a test tube vial, to hold a fractionated liquid phase sample. After filling with sample, a collection chamber is returned to a clean state and ready for refilling with a new sample by manually or automatically replacing the liner.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising introducing a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow whereby the water coalescence is enhanced. The invention also includes an improved electrostatic apparatus for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a plurality of horizontally directed nozzles positioned to introduce a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow conditions.

Abstract: Spent pyrophoric reaction catalyst from a reaction mixture is removed safely, cheaply, and rapidly using a single plate pressure filter. After hydrogenation, the reaction mixture is decanted, the desired hydrogenation product is removed, and catalyst-rich material which settles at the bottom of the vessel is delivered to a single plate pressure filter fitted with a filter bag 40 of permeable material. The spent catalyst is retained in the filter bag 40 and stored under water awaiting recovery. The filter apparatus 1 comprises a container having a domed base 2, a generally cylindrical sidewall 3 terminating in an upper rim 4 closed by a lid 5 having lifting lugs 6. The lid 5 is fixed in pressure-tight engagement with the sidewall 3 by flange engaging screw clamps 7 and an embedded polytetrafluoroethene gasket 8. The filter bag 40 is held in position by a band 11 and may be readily released for removal of the spent catalyst material. The bag 40 may be reused.

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic structures and their use are provided for performing operations using electrokinetic or pneumatic force for moving sample components through and between levels. The devices have flow systems comprising microstructures including reservoirs, channels and vias, where each of the levels or lamina has a plurality of microstructures, and where the microstructures may communicate between levels.

Abstract: A frit for use in multi-layer microfluidic separation devices is provided. The frit comprises a polymeric membrane that may be securely bonded within the device and minimizes lateral wicking. A secure bond is ensured by treating the polymer to match its surface energy to that of the materials to which it is bound. Treatments include plasma treatment, irradiation and the application of acids.

Abstract: A microfluidic device has features that reduce the speed of flow of higher speed diffusing molecules. The features are used to separate various components of a mixture in the microfluidic device. The channel is sized to ensure laminar flow of the mixture to promote only diffusive mixing of the components. Wells extend from the channel. Components having higher diffusing velocities are slowed by the wells as the mixture proceeds through the channel. The result is that slower speed diffusing components exit the channel prior to the lower speed diffusing components. The device is formed by use of photolithographic techniques or other techniques capable of forming such features.

Abstract: Discloses is apparatus for extracting biomass from a biomass supply, including a hollow vessel in which is established a countercurrent flow of biomass in the form of liquid or particles of biomass entrained in a liquid and solvent. The vessel includes an outlet for a solvent/extract mixture at a first vessel side and an outlet for biomass at a second vessel side. The solvent/extract mixture outlet is coupled to a closed loop circuit that includes at least a separator which encompasses a condenser having first and second stages connected in series with the second of such stages operating at a lower temperature than the first stage and both stages supplying substantially uncontaminated solvent to the hollow vessel.

Abstract: A material contaminated with a solvent is treated with a hydrofluorocarbon to remove the contaminant. The hydrofluorocarbon can be tetrafluoroethane.

Abstract: A method and cell for reducing the size of a solvent extraction process in which a series of cells are arranged in an extraction process. The process includes the use of conventional settlers at the beginning and at the end of the extraction process with at least one reduced-size extraction cell in the middle of the extraction process.

Abstract: An efficient and safe method and apparatus for collecting exhaust gasses in an open-air sample collection container in a supercritical fluid chromatography system is claimed. The invention uses a vacuum force to evacuate the gaseous phase and vapors separated from liquid mobile phase in a sample collection device. The invention is portable to use on a series of collection containers, such as test tubes or wells in a titration place. Embodiments are claimed for capture of gasses and vapors either internally or externally to a collection container. The invention removes the gasses from the collection container that are then safely vented to a waste collector, thereby creating a safer environment for the laboratory and properly removing and disposing potentially hazardous chemicals instead of venting these chemicals into the environment.

Abstract: A separation system comprising a stationary phase, a double stranded conductive polymer system contacting the stationary phase and means to place a mobile phase carrying a component to be separated from the mobile into contacting relationship with the polymer system whereby the component is captured by the polymer. The double stranded polymer is comprised of a -conjugated polymer and a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: A process and system for extracting a solute from a solid material, such as oil from oil-bearing foodstuffs, utilize a substantially tubular membrane filter to separate a mass of the extracting medium and the foodstuffs into a miscella and foodstuffs of reduced oil content. In a batch or continuous process, after each extracting stage, the mass from the extraction vessel is conveyed to a membrane filter, which has pores along its cylindrical walls suitably sized to allow a miscella to pass as the permeate, while causing the foodstuffs of reduced oil content to be conveyed axially along the tubes and out of its ends as the retentate. In a continuous process, extractor cells, or stages, consisting of an extraction vessel, pump, and membrane filter, are used in sequential stages, preferably using a miscella from the subsequent stage as the extracting medium. In a batch process, miscella storage tanks may be used to store miscella from the final stage for use in the next batch.

Abstract: An indexer part, removal processing part, interface, and dry processing part are disposed adjacent to each other in a row. That is, the removal processing part that performs removal processing of an organic matter by using a removal liquid is disposed adjacent to the indexer part loading and unloading a substrate with respect to the exterior of an apparatus. The interface that gives and receives a substrate between the removal processing part and dry processing part is interposed between the removal processing part and the dry processing part that performs dry processing of a substrate after passing through the removal processing. This enables to provide a substrate processing apparatus that can completely dry the substrate after a reaction product removal processing.

Abstract: This invention provides an ultra-micro simulated moving bed apparatus employing valve devices, each of which is applied to each unit column and comprises an eluent valve that opens or closes a first communication passage connecting an eluent feeding cul-de-sac passage with the circulation passage, an extract valve that opens or closes a second communication passage connecting an extract draw-out cul-de-sac passage with the circulation passage, a feedstock mixture valve that opens or closes a third communication passage connecting a feedstock mixture feeding cul-de-sac passage with the circulation passage, and a raffinate valve that opens or closes a fourth communication passage connecting a raffinate draw-out cul-de-sac passage with the circulation passage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for determining presence and concentration of analytes by exploiting molecular binding reactions and differential diffusion rates. Analyte particles and binding particles are allowed to diffuse toward each other, and slowing of the diffusion front is detected when they meet. From the position of the diffusion front, presence and concentration of analyte particles can be determined. One embodiment provides a competitive immunoassay in a microfluidic format. This diffusion immunoassay (DIA) relies on measuring the concentration of labeled antigen along one dimension of a microchannel after allowing it to diffuse for a short time into a region containing specific antibodies. A simple microfluidic device, the T-Sensor, was used to implement a DIA to measure the concentration of phenytoin, a small drug molecule. Concentrations of analyte over the range of 50 to 1600 nM can be measured in less than a minute.

Abstract: Device for separating and renewing phases of a diphasic liquid-liquid mixture comprising a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase circulating in counter-current in a liquid-liquid extraction device, wherein said separation device is in the form of a straight hollow cylinder (1) in which one of the bases comprises the wall (2) of the extraction device or is positioned in contact with this wall, said cylinder comprising:

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for, and method of, performing various liquid-liquid contacting operations such as solvent extraction, stripping, scrubbing, washing, re-extraction and reacting in a single, integrated column. The ability of the integrated column, which is based on the intermediate decanter, of the present invention, to perform the entire operation of solvent extraction plant in a single column has many technical, economical, ecological and operational safety advantages. Investment costs significantly decrease due to the decrease in the number of columns, decanters, and auxiliary equipment, spare parts, materials inventories and the requisite area for the plant relative to a standard prior art plant. Operating and maintenance costs also decrease due to less pumping between columns and less equipment in operation.

Abstract: A device allowing rapid and gentle concentration of cells at essentially unit gravity using solvent flow, under hydrostatic pressures equivalent to as little as ≦1 cm of water, through capillary-pore walls, more or less vertical, of a construct serving as both the separation device and receptacle for accumulating cells. The device can be used in a batch or continuous mode. The device contains a solid lower end fabricated with a shape to facilitate collection of the desired cells in an appropriate volume, and a more or less vertical active wall, extending upward from the solid lower end and providing an appropriate surface area with pores having a diameter appropriate for retention of the desired cells and outward passage of all smaller cells or solvent.

Abstract: A method and system for extraction of chemicals from an groundwater remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating groundwater contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.

Abstract: Methods for isolating taxol and derivatives thereof with high purity are described. The methods include a supercritical fluid and a cosolvent extraction step, a liquid—liquid separation step, and a column chromatography step. An apparatus for isolating Taxol and derivatives thereof that allows the method steps to be performed online also is described.

Abstract: Methods for capturing analytes associated with surface-bound ligands are disclosed. The methods involve eluting analytes from surface-bound ligands with a first liquid to generate free analytes, and capturing the free analytes with a solid capturing material within the first liquid to generate a first liquid containing captured analytes. The first liquid may be a flowing liquid or a non-flowing liquid, and the surface to which the surface-bound ligand is attached may be a sensing surface, such as a biosensor, or a non-sensing surface. The captured analytes may be further consolidated at a location removed from the surface-bound ligand, eluted from the solid capturing material with a second liquid, and used for subsequent analysis or procedures.

Abstract: Process and equipment for the removal of crud from the interface between aqueous and organic layers in SX settlers in which at least one rotatable auger is positioned at or near the interface to remove crud continuously or intermittently from the interface.

Abstract: In order to remove a component from solid particle material by extraction, use is made of a column with one or more tubes which extend between the ends of the column, at least one filter being fitted in the wall of each tube. The particle material is fed in at a first end of the column and, forced by hydraulic pressure, moves along the abovementioned tubes to scraping means fitted at the second end of the column. Extraction liquid is fed into the column at the abovementioned second end and flows in countercurrent to the particle material in the direction of the abovementioned first end of the column. Extraction liquid with component from the particle material dissolved in said extraction liquid passes by way of the above mentioned filters into the abovementioned tubes and flows in countercurrent to the particle material to an outlet at the abovementioned first end. The particle material is scraped off at the abovementioned second end by the scraping means.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is an extracting structure for incorporating a substance contained in a first liquid into a second liquid. The extracting structure comprises: a channel for allowing the first liquid and the second liquid to flow therein in a form of a layered flow in which first laminar flows of the first liquid and second laminar flows of the second liquid alternately come in contact with each other, wherein the substance in the first laminar flow of the first liquid moves to the second laminar flow of the second liquid through the boundaries between the first laminar flows and the second laminar flows; and a separating section, connected to a lower stream side of the channel, for separating the second liquid from the first liquid. Further, disclosed also herewith is a separating structure for separating a second liquid from the mixture of a first liquid and the second liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for extracting toxins from biological tissues. The system comprises a lixiviator, an ion-exchange column, a diatomaceous silica-active carbon column, and a vacuum concentrator. Twenty to one hundred kilograms of raw material can be processed at one time when puffer fish ovaries are used as the starting material.

Abstract: Dilute solutions of fermentation sales may be concentrated by extracting water using low-miscibility, low-molecular-weight secondary and tertiary amines, e.g. triethylamine (TEA), diisopropyl amine (DIA), N,N-diethylmethylamine (DEMA), and mixtures thereof. At 30° C.-55° C., which corresponds to typical fermentation temperatures, these low-molecular-weight amines or their mixtures, can extract large amounts of water from dilute aqueous solutions containing fermentation salts. Thus, dilute fermentation salt solutions can be concentrated by selectively removing water. At these low temperatures, the amine phase contains 20-35% water and a much reduced quantity of fermentation salt. When the temperature is raised, water phases out of the amine, allowing the amine to be recycled and reused to extract additional water. Using this approach, about 82.

Abstract: The object is to provide a multistage liquid-solid fractional extraction apparatus in which a separation procedure of a large amount of mixture can be carried out exactly and effectively in a simple procedure by use of a partition difference in liquid chromatography. The multistage liquid-solid fractional extraction apparatus comprises multiple containers 3 capable of accommodating liquid and solid for a liquid-solid extraction, a liquid inlet part 1 and a liquid outlet part 2 equipped with in each container, a pipe 4 to carry liquid from the liquid outlet part of the forward container to the liquid inlet part of the backward container, an efflux protecting device (filter 5) for solid, which is equipped with at the above liquid outlet part, and along with these a stirring device to let solid in said container move in liquid by virtue of the density difference between solid and liquid when rotating or swinging the container 3.

Abstract: A modular separation system wherein a separation unit is separate from a mounting device that accommodates the separation unit in a separation apparatus. The mounting device is an integral part of the separation apparatus. A method for fluid-fluid extraction of an analyte from a sample fluid to a receiving fluid in a separation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solvent exchange column for continuously exchanging styrene monomer with the solvent used to produce polybutadiene and a method of use therefor. The solvent exchange column includes an exchange plate support structure coupled to and supporting spaced apart exchange plates, wherein each of the exchange plates has holes located therein to allow a passage of fluid therethrough. The solvent exchange column further includes a vapor ventilation system for allowing the volatized solvent to exit the solvent exchange column.

Abstract: Multi phase extractor, comprising an extraction chamber, a washing chamber and a re-extraction chamber, said chambers each having inlets adapted to disperse and discharge a phase therein, and connecting channels adapted to convey a continuous phase from said extraction chamber to said washing chamber, from said washing chamber to said re-extraction chamber from said re-extraction chamber to said extraction chamber, and each of said chambers having drains for removing the phase discharged into it by said inlets.

Abstract: This invention provides microfabricated systems for extraction of desired particles from a sample stream containing desired and undesired particles. The sample stream is placed in laminar flow contact with an extraction stream under conditions in which inertial effects are negligible. The contact between the two streams is maintained for a sufficient period of time to allow differential transport of the desired particles from the sample stream into the extraction stream. In a preferred embodiment the differential transport mechanism is diffusion. The extraction system of this invention coupled to a microfabricated diffusion-based mixing device and/or sensing means allows picoliter quantities of fluid to be processed or analyzed on devices no larger than silicon wafers. Such diffusion-based mixing or sensing devices are preferably channel cell systems for detecting the presence and/or measuring the quantity of analyte particles in a sample stream.

Abstract: The multi-phase extractor comprises at least two chambers 1, 1a, 2, 2a which are connected at their upper and lower parts by connection ducts 4. Moreover, the chambers are equipped with dispersing devices 3, 4a, in order to produce a swarm of drops in a first and second dispersed phase. Furthermore, ports 8, 9, 10, 11, 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a are attached to the multi-phase extractor for the supply and removal of the first and second dispersed phases. The improvement resides substantially in the fact that the chambers 1, 2 comprise separation zones 6,7 located in the area of the inlet openings of the connecting ducts 4.

Abstract: Microfluidic separators for separating multiphase fluids are described. Two or more microfluidic outlet channels within the device meet at an overlap region. The overlap region may be in fluid communication with an inlet channel. The inlet channel and each outlet channel are disposed within different layers of a three-dimensional device. A multiphase fluid flows through an inlet channel into an overlap region from where the separated phases can be withdrawn through the outlet channels.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture to a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: A method for separating a lighter liquid from a heavier liquid according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise the following steps. First, the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid may be introduced into a settling tank and thereafter allowed to form a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. The first upper liquid fraction may comprise the lighter liquid with residual amounts of the heavier liquid contained therein. The first upper liquid fraction is then decanted into a trough. The first upper liquid fraction decanted into the trough is then allowed to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. The second lower liquid fraction may comprise the heavier liquid with residual amounts of the lighter liquid contained therein. The second lower liquid fraction is thereafter drained from the trough and allowed to form a third upper liquid fraction and a third lower liquid fraction.

Abstract: Claimed are a process and an apparatus for extracting a component dissolved in a liquid by means of liquid-liquid extraction using an extraction liquid which is immiscible or only partially miscible with the liquid, in which process the extraction liquid is dispersed in the liquid in a dispersion apparatus and then coalesced in a coalescer, after which the ex traction liquid, the specific weight of which differs by at least 5% from the specific weight of the liquid to be extracted in which the component to be extracted is to be found, is separated from the liquid by gravity in a phase separator in which process in order to obtain an efficiency per extraction stage of at least 0.9 at an average residence time of at most 15 seconds in the dispersion apparatus and of at most 300 seconds in the phase separator, at a linear velocity in the coalescer related to its cross-section of at least 30 m/hour: a.