Abstract: The process and the continuously working installation are intended for the extraction or flushing out of a substance from a heterogenous system with a solid phase of fibrous or granular material by means of a liquid, which, in the course of the process, forms a liquid phase which is increasingly loaded with the substance to be extracted or flushed out. The solid phase (2) is advanced in the installation with conveyor means (9. 9', 9"). the liquid phase (4, 4', 4") passes through the installation substantially in the opposite direction to the solid phase. Elements (30, 31, 32, 30', 31', 32', 30", 31", 32") for compressing and decompressing the solid phase (2) are disposed along the path of the solid phase (2) through the installation which may consist of several treatment stages (5, 5', 5") connected in series. Means for drawing off at least a part of the liquid phase are foreseen in each of the compression zones.

Abstract: A laboratory device and method are adapted to subject a same rock sample to successive liquid treatments without any intermediary handling of the sample. The device combines a chamber comprising a first part fitted with an inlet for introducing a rock sample and liquid reagents into the chamber; a heater for regulating the temperature in the chamber and a plug fitted within an open port for protecting the chamber from an overpressure. The first part also comprises means for stirring the contents of the chamber including a liquid by introducing gas as bubbles into the liquid. A second part of the chamber is located under the first part and a selective filtering unit is interposed between the first and second parts of the chamber, the filter has a porosity selected for retaining organic material contained in the sample.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting liquid-liquid contact in a plurality of stages between heavy and light liquid streams is provided wherein said streams are capable of undergoing mass transfer with one another or constituents in either stream are capable of reaction therebetween and where either of said streams can be intercirculated or intracirculated through each stage.

Abstract: A process for producing nuclear grade zirconium and a liquid-liquid separation circuit for separating zirconium from hafnium are provided. The process employs an aqueous feed of ZrOCl.sub.2 in the presence of thiocyanate, an organic solvent and acid and a series of high mass transfer efficiency pulse columns in which are conducted the iron extraction, hafnium extraction, zirconium stripping, hafnium scrubbing and zirconium and hafnium thiocyanate recovery processes required to produce substantially hafnium-free nuclear grade zirconium. A feed zone mixer-settler separates thiocyanate and zirconium injection points and permits the prestripping of zirconium prior to the main stripping operation. All of the scrubbed solvent and the thiocyanate are regenerated. Higher concentrations, smaller flows, and compact equipment result in the present process requiring substantially reduced in-process inventories as compared to previously known Zr/Hf separation processes.

Abstract: The water filtration system according to the present invention includes a containment vessel(s) in which a filtration matrix is contained. The filtration matrix comprises a plurality of particles on which a regenerative membrane is formed directly on the surface. Through extensive experimentation, it has been found that the conditions suitable for reducing iron and manganese from water entering the vessel can be performed simply by controlling the amount of Fe.sup.3+ and pH in raw water entering the containment vessel. This is true even though the chemical characteristics of the underground water are changing.In one embodiment, the matrix comprises a plurality of polymeric particles selected from particles having specific gravity ranging from about 1.4 to about 2.7. Further, the particles have a nonuniformity coefficient no greater than about 2, and an average particle diameter ranging from about 1.0 mm to about 1.6 mm.

Abstract: A system for cleaning solids contaminated with solvent-soluble contaminants. The system comprises the use of at least two successive cleaning zones, each of which includes a slurry stage and a centrifuge separation stage, wherein the solids to be cleaned and the solvent used for cleaning flow in countercurrent relationship to each other between the successive zones.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for washing a solvent in the recessing of irradiated nuclear fuel. The solvent is washed with an aqueous solution in a mixer-settler having at least one stage which includes a mixing chamber and a settling chamber. The pH is measured by a sensor adjacent stirring means in the mixing chamber and is coupled to a controller controlling metering of the washing solution. The pH of the dispersion in the mixing chamber is measured and an amount of washing solution is added which influences the pH toward the desired operational value. Various recycling means and weir overflow means also influence pH control and the washing operation.

Abstract: An aqueous two-phase protein partitioning system is disclosed which employs polyvinylpyrrolidone as the upper phase and maltodextrin as the lower phase and provides a low-cost system for protein partitioning. The system can also be employed with the amion derivatives of chlorotriazine dyes, which bind in a noncovalent manner with the PVP and serve as a ligand for the proteins to be separated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for the separation of solids entrained in fluid streams. The apparatus consists of a pipecross chamber which is divided into two regions by a perforated deflector/separator plate angularly disposed within the chamber. A shear jet is disposed perpendicular to the flow path and higher pressure fluid is thereby injected into the chamber to deflect and separate entrained solids. Embodiments are disclosed in which no deflector/separator plate is disposed within the chamber, separation being effected by the shear jet alone. In preferred embodiments the apparatus and method are used to protect a centrifugal pump impeller from damage by the solids. While conventional pipe joints and parts can be used, an alternate embodiment provides removable side plates and a removable deflector/separator plate for ease of installation and maintenance. Further enhancements include pipe elbow means having a jet in the direction of fluid flow through the elbow.

Abstract: A fluid particle separator comprises a tube having an output end open to atmospheric pressure for transporting axially migrated particles suspended in a carrier fluid. A physical barrier, such as a smaller diameter tube axially inserted near the output end of the tube, and resistance matched to the tube, allows separation of the axially migrated particles from the carrier fluid by being designed so that the pressure drop from its inlet to its outlet is substantially equal to the pressure drop in the remainder of the tube from the barrier to the tube output end.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting liquid-liquid contact in a plurality of stages between heavy and light liquid streams is provided wherein said streams are capable of undergoing mass transfer with one another or constituents in either stream are capable of reaction therebetween and where either of said streams can be intercirculated or intracirculated through each stage.

Abstract: Desired amino acids, e.g., phenylalanine, arginine, leucine, isoleucine, valine and/or histidine, are selectively countercurrently extracted from more complex, essentially cystine-free solutions of a plurality of amino acids, utilizing an organic phosphorus acid extractant, advantageously in solution in at least one alcohol, ether, ketone and/or aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Particles of a magnetic material coated with a hydrophobic surfactant are dispersed in an organic solvent extractant to produce a magnetic solvent extractant which can be used in solvent extraction processes. Phase separation of an organic phase, carrying the component to be separated, from the aqueous phase can be accelerated by applying a magnetic field to the organic phase. After removal of the organic phase, a magnetic field can be applied to the aqueous phase to remove any residual organic phase and thereby enhance the degree of separation.

Abstract: Apparatus and process useful in the separation of undesirable organics from various types of compositions including sludge. The apparatus comprises a contactor vessel, a sludge conduit for conveying sludge to the contactor vessel, and a sludge cutter for reducing the sludge conveyed by the conduit to reduced cross-section extrudates for deposition in the contactor vessel. The sludge cutter includes a foraminous member and can operate to roughen the surface of the extrudates to provide increased surface area for contacting with solvent. The sludge cutter is arranged to effect free fall of the reduced cross-section extrudates from the sludge cutter for initiating breakup of the extrudates into reduced length segments. A deflector preferably is positioned in the path of the free-falling extrudates to promote further breakup of the extrudates into relatively short segments or pellets.

Abstract: Extraction and separation method and apparatus using a supercritical fluid for extracting a specified component from a sample by a supercritical fluid and introducing the supercritical fluid containing the extracted component into a silica gel column coated with silver nitrate so as to separate the extracted component.By the combination of the extracting operation by a supercritical fluid under mild conditions and chromatography taking the advantage of the selectivity of the silica gel column coated with silver nitrate to olefins, the extract is obtained at a high concentration without producing denaturation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing particles to a fluid including the steps of adding fluid and particles to a container having impeller means therein, generating a current with the impeller so as to subject the particles to centrifugal and convective forces resulting in the formation of a well-defined and localized fluidized bed of particles, and maintaining the existence of the current through the fluidized bed so that the particles are thereby exposed to the fluid. The fluidized bed is located in a region removed from the impeller when the particles are more dense than the fluid, and the fluidized bed is located in a region near the impeller when the particles are less dense than the fluid. A method of exposing a first fluid to a second fluid, the second fluid being either a gas or a liquid immiscible in the first fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for caffeine recovery from supercritical carbon dioxide is disclosed. The process involves countercurrent extraction of caffeine from supercritical carbon dioxide with water at pressures in excess of 1,000 p.s.i. in an unpacked extraction column. The apparatus includes an unpacked extraction vessel having a distributor therein for distributing water throughout substantially the entire cross-sectional area of the vessel.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid contactor column 10 has a solvent input 16 and an aqueous phase input 22. Lighter phase liquid is discharged at 31 and heavier phase is moved by an air lift 26 to a receiver. The air supply line 28 to the air lift 26 includes valve 32 and a pressure sensing transducer 34 senses pressure in line 28 and sends electric signals to signal processing unit 52 which may for example close down operation of the column, or effect other changes to maintain operating characteristics of the column. The column could be pulsed by means which also send signals to unit 52, and could deliver to an external settler.

Abstract: A multistage countercurrent separation apparatus and method is described. Each stage includes a mixer zone and a settler zone, both of which have temperature control means to achieve a first temperature and a second temperature, respectively, in the mixer and settler zones. Solvents used in the process are selected so that they have at least one immiscibility transition temperature such that they form a single homogeneous phase at said first temperature and two heterogeneous phases at said second temperature. By carrying out the process, a solute or solutes introduced into the system may appropriately be efficiently concentrated or separated with minimal agitation. Furthermore, because emulsification by rapid agitation is avoided, the homogeneous phase quickly coalesces upon passing into the heterogeneous phase, thereby increasing the throughput which may be achieved by the extraction process.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improvements in processes and apparatus for effecting solvent extractions using liquefied gas or gases in the supercritical state as the solvents and specifically to continuous processes for carrying out such extractions at high pressures. Further, the present invention relates to an apparatus which is a long vertical cylinder of relatively small diameter, wherein the solvent gas and the material to be extracted are continuously circulated through the long vertical reactor.

Abstract: A process for the removal of difficult-to-remove acidic organic compounds from aqueous solutions using novel phosphine oxide mixtures in which mixtures (1) at least two phosphine oxides are present, the total number of carbon atoms in a first oxide being at least 15 and the difference in the total number of carbon atoms in the first and second oxides being present in an amount of at least 5% by weight and not more than 60% by weight or (2) at least four phosphine oxides are present, the total number of carbon atoms in an oxide having at least no. of C atoms being at least 15, said phosphine oxides being present in an amount of at least 1% by weight and not more than 60% by weight. Unexpectedly high extractability is achieved using the mixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating a substance from an aqueous solution and/or for concentrating it by using an organic extractant. In the method the substance to be separated is caused to pass from the aqueous solution to the extractant, whereafter this extractant is evaporated in direct contact with the aqueous phase into which it is desired to cause the substance to be extracted to pass.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction device and method for operating the same is disclosed. The device includes first and second conduits in flow communication with each other via a common wall having a large number of perforations. The second conduit includes an outer tube wall having a plurality of perforations leading to the outside of the device. When liquid in the first conduit is subjected to a pressure higher than that of the second conduit, and the pressure of the liquid in the second conduit is higher than that of the ambient pressure, liquid will be allowed to flow from the first conduit via perforations in the common wall into the second conduit so as to intermingle with the liquid in the second conduit. The resultant mixture in the second conduit is then ejected to the outside as a fine liquid jet via the perforations in the outer tube wall. The first and second conduits are constructed of a liquid-tight, elastically resilient material being non-swelling in contact with organic extraction solvents.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid extractant, and a process and apparatus for using the extractant to separate an organic liquid from an aqueous mixture. The extractant comprises a first fluid solvent which is a gas in its near-critical or supercritical state and a cosolvent. A preferred first fluid solvent is near-critical liquid carbon dioxide. Preferred cosolvents are 2-ethyl hexanol for ethanol extraction, and hexanoic acid for acetic acid extraction. Organic compounds such as monohydric alcohols, monoacids, ketones, ethers, aldehydes and esters can be recovered from dilute aqueous solutions more economically than possible by prior art processes of distillation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-stage mixer-settler for use in the lid-liquid countercurrent extraction process with tubular stages disposed at a distance from and parallel with one another in a horizontal plane with each stage including a settling chamber. A vertically mounted rotatable agitator is provided in the mixing chamber. In order to be able to use the tubular mixer-settler also for the separation of substances of value, a housing of the tubular mixer-settler is connected to act as a cathode and anodes are disposed in the settling chamber.

Abstract: Mixer-settler apparatus of the reverse liquid flow type having at least one assembly which includes one or more mixers in series, each being fitted with stirrers and pumps, at least one settling tank in which liquids separate, and at least one submerged chute extending into the settling tank from a pump to convey the mixture of liquids from the pumps to the settling tank. The chute is constructed of enlarged dimensions which extend over a major portion of the width of the tank to facilitate a pre-settling action within the chute, and the chute extends a substantial distance into the settling tank to allow extended pre-settling time.

Abstract: The solid component of a slurry comprising a first liquid is driven into a second liquid by an enhanced gravitational field by rotating the slurry in contact with a zone comprising the second liquid. The liquids may be miscible. The product is a slurry of the solid in the second liquid.

Abstract: A multi-stage tubular mixer-settler for use in liquid-liquid countercurrent extraction includes lengths of tubing disposed in a horizontal plane parallel with and spaced alongside and apart from one another. The lengths of tube each include a settling chamber. The mixing chambers associated with the settling chambers are in each length of tube and are provided with a rotary agitator disposed vertically in the mixing chamber. In order to require a smaller quantity of washing phase flow during extraction and to achieve a high throughput for satisfactory hydraulic conditions in the extractor, each mixing chamber is likewise configured as a horizontal portion of tube fitted flush with the settling chamber. The feeds of the two phases to be blended discharge into the free end face of each mixing chamber. Mixing and settling chambers are in each length of tube and are isolated from each other by a vertical partition wall provided with an aperture in the region of the interface between the phases.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of constituents present in a substance by means of an extraction fluid constituted by a supercritical fluid or a pressurized liquid. According to this apparatus, in an exterior (3) contacting takes place between the substance and the extraction fluid in order to dissolve the constituents in fluid. The fluid leaving the extractor is then treated to separate the extracted constituents. The fluid is expanded at a pressure p.sub.1. Firstly, the less volatile constituents are separated in a liquid-gas separator (41), the separated gas is then liquefied in gas separator-liquefier (13) and the thus liquefied gas is rectified in column (19) to concentrate the extracted constituents in the liquid phase. The extraction fluid can be carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solid substances from liquid mixtures of substances, wherein the liquid substances contained in the mixture are separated from the solid substances by countercurrent extraction with a solvent which, during the extraction process, is in a liquid or supercritical state and which, under standard conditions, is gaseous. The solvent is fed to a cylindrical extraction chamber at the lowest point of the extraction chamber. The solvent leaves the nozzles with a Reynold's number of 40,000 and flows upward in the extraction chamber with a Reynold's number of 2,700 to 8,000.

Abstract: A liquid extraction process involving countercurrent flow of aqueous and organic liquid phases with gas dispersion in the organic phase is carried out in a pulsed column with for example a knitted bed, and the organic phase is discharged into the bed via a tube which physically supports the bed and is used for (optional) reciprocation of the bed to pulse the phases.

Abstract: Sorbent sheet products are prepared comprising a coherent fibrous web that includes entangled blown fibers and liquid transport fibers intermingled with the blown fibers and an array of solid high sorbency liquid-sorbent polymeric particles uniformly dispersed and physically held within the web. The particles swell upon sorption of liquid, and the transport fibers cause increased and more rapid sorption of liquid by conducting the liquid from external portions of the web to internal portions of the web.

Abstract: An improved extraction apparatus comprises (a) an elongated trough-like vessel; (b) first and second inlets for introducing relatively heavy and light materials, respectively, into the vessel; (c) first and second outlets for removing relatively light and heavy materials, respectively, from the vessel; (d) a plurality of horizontally spaced parallel plate assemblies located in the vessel to provide for material separation based on material density and to provide the relatively light and heavy materials to be removed from the vessel; and (e) a plurality of agitation devices, at least one device being located in each space between the parallel plate assemblies to facilitate contact between the materials present in the space.Improved methods for extraction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blood collection device is provided with a phase partitioning device which includes a standpipe connected to a reservoir filled with a sealant material having a specific gravity intermediate the specific gravities of separated light and heavy phases of blood. Components of the heavy phase of blood enter the reservoir during phase separation and centrifugation to force sealant upwardly in the standpipe and out into the tube above the line of separation.

Abstract: A process for solubilizing asphaltic precipitates when extracting water from a hydrocarbon stream with a glycol-water stream by adding a solvent comprised of a bulk aromatic hydrocarbon and an oil-soluble alcohol dispersant to the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: A continuous extraction apparatus and a continuous extraction process for extracting an extractable component of a liquid or particulate feed material with an immiscible liquid solvent for the extractable component thereof, which apparatus and process are both especially useful for extracting glycerine from soap, utilize an extraction column with oscillatably movable contact promoting means therein which move in a horizontal plane and have openings therein through which the immiscible feed and the extracting liquid, in different phases, may pass during oscillations, at which time the contact promoting means make repeated contacts with the different phases to renew contact surfaces of the liquids and to bring them into intimate contact with each other, whereby extraction of extractable material from the feed by the extracting liquid is promoted.

Abstract: Sedimentation field flow fractionation apparatus having a rotor-mounted fractionation column, has detectors positioned to observe the fluids from the column while still in the rotor. Designs include parallel reference and fractionation columns having their outflows compared in a rotor-mounted fluid flow density balance. Optionally weired channel columns provide a free fluid surface for more efficient resolution. Horizontal rotational axes are preferred. Rotor-mounted fluid flow density balances are also provided which are suitable for detecting liquid density changes in the other applications, such as liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering a product fluid from a filter, wherein a wash fluid is passed through the filter so as to yield a mixture of product fluid and wash fluid. The mixture is then phase separated in a phase separator into a first phase substantially comprising product fluid, and a second phase substantially comprising wash fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful for effecting liquid-liquid extraction by contacting a first liquid medium with a substantially immiscible heavier second liquid medium. Each mixer-settler unit includes a vertically extending settling tank having a top and a bottom with an outlet for the first liquid medium near the top and an outlet for the second liquid medium near the bottom. An elongated extraction column extends generally vertically upwardly through the settling tank bottom. The extraction column is open at its top with the top of the extraction column below the top of the settling tank. A diverter surrounds and extends downwardly along a top portion of the extraction column. The diverter has a closed top and an open bottom with an annulus being between the diverter and the portion the extraction column surrounded by the diverter. The dispersion flows from the pumping and mixing means upwardly through the extraction column and out its top.

Abstract: A continuous extraction apparatus and a continuous extraction process for extracting an extractable component of a liquid or particulate feed material with an immiscible liquid solvent for the extractable component thereof, which apparatus and process are both especially useful for extracting glycerine from soap, utilize an extraction column with oscillatably movable contact promoting means therein which move in a horizontal plane and have openings therein through which the immiscible feed and the extracting liquid, in different phases, may pass during oscillations, at which time the contact promoting means make repeated contacts with the different phases to renew contact surfaces of the liquids and to bring them into intimate contact with each other, whereby extraction of extractable material from the feed by the extracting liquid is promoted.

Abstract: A fluid collection device is provided which includes a container for receiving a liquid, such as blood, which is centrifugally separable into relatively light and heavy phases, and a phase partitioning device in the container. The partitioning device includes a bag filled with a thixotropic gel-like sealant having a specific gravity between the specific gravities of the separated light and heavy phases. During centrifugation, the components of the cellular phase cause collapse of the bag and the flow of sealant through an outlet in the bag. The sealant flows to the interface between the two phases during centrifugation and provides a barrier between the separated phases.

Abstract: A horizontal flow-through apparatus for countercurrent chromatography consisting of a horizontal multi-layer helically coiled column coaxially carried on a flanged spool which is rotated around its own axis in a frame which is simultaneously rotated by a motor about the same main axis. The column assembly rotates at a rate twice that of the rotary frame in the same direction, the arrangement being such that the inlet and outlet flow tubes are twist-free. The effluent through the outlet tube of the column is continuously monitored by a UV monitor and then fractionated into test tubes by a fraction collector. The apparatus is driven by the motor, which is drivingly connected to the frame on the main axis, and the column assembly is driven by gearing via a countershaft journalled in the frame and having a toothed pulley drivingly coupled by a toothed belt to a fixed toothed pulley coaxial with the column.

Abstract: Bis-crown-ether derivatives having such configuration that the two crown rings may easily overlap spatially, holding a potassium or the like ion between them, and ion-selective membranes used for said bis-crown-ether derivatives as neutral carrier, which are useful as an ion sensor and are superior to the ion-selective membrane containing valinomycin.

Abstract: An improved cascade weir type extraction zone is described in which at least one of the weir means is disposed above the associated tray. This improved extraction zone is of particular utility in lube oil processing operations.

Abstract: A novel vertical decanter is provided comprising a vertical cylindrical vessel with separate inner and outer coaxial concentric conduits that pass down through the central axial flanged inlet in the upper head of the vessel. The mixture of soot-water dispersion and first liquid organic extractant i.e. naphtha is passed through the inner conduit and is discharged through a first horizontal radial nozzle located below the interface level. Simultaneously, the second liquid organic extractant i.e. liquid organic by-products from an oxo or oxyl process is passed through the annular passage between the inner and outer conduits and is discharged through a second horizontal radial nozzle located above the interface level. Adjusting means are provided to vary the discharge height of the second horizontal radial nozzle, up or down should there be a change in location of the interface level.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a multistage column for countercurrent extraction of two liquids of different specific density therein. The column is comprised of a housing in upright position provided at its upper end with an upper inlet and upper outlet and, at its lower end, with a lower inlet and lower outlet, the upper inlet and lower outlet permitting specifically denser liquid to be introduced into the column and to be taken therefrom, and the lower inlet and upper outlet permitting specifically less dense liquid to be introduced into the column and to be taken therefrom. Arranged centrally within the housing so as to extend vertically downward therein is a shaft and a plurality of stirring means which are spaced apart from each other are secured to the shaft, perpendicularly with respect thereto. A plurality of annular stator collars are mounted within the region of the inside wall of the housing, the individual stator collars being arranged downstream of, and spaced apart from, each other.

Abstract: A horizontal flow-through apparatus for two-phase countercurrent chromatography consisting of a horizontal multi-layer helically coiled column carried on a flanged reel which is rotated about its own axis and simultaneously revolved around a stationary central parallel horizontal pipe at the same angular velocity and in the same direction to prevent twisting of its inlet and outlet flow tubes, which extend through the stationary central pipe. The multi-layer array can retain a large volume of the stationary phase against a high flow rate of the mobile phase, enabling the separation of the sample components to be completed in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting a dispersed phase from a moving mixed phase which ontains two substantially mutually insoluble liquids of different densities which form a dispersed phase and a continuous phase. The apparatus includes a pipe passing through the wall separating the mixed phase from its environment and having a funnel-shaped end which projects into the mixed phase and has a conical, inner wall. The funnel-shaped end presents an opening for capture of the dispersed phase, with the funnel shaped end being oriented such that the width or diameter of the opening is at right angles to the direction of movement of the dispersed phase.

Abstract: An improved tray means and an extraction zone utilizing the tray means are disclosed. The tray means comprises a tray deck, a channel means, and a weir means. The tray deck and channel means cooperate to form a fluid conduit through which fluid flows from beneath the tray deck to the weir means. The tray means is useful in cross flow liquid-liquid extraction zones, with particular applicability to extractive purification of lube oils.

Abstract: An extraction vessel is provided with an inlet channel and an outlet channel. The inlet channel is adapted for introduction of carbonaceous material in molten lead into the extraction vessel which is at least partially filled with molten lead. Solvent introduced into the extraction vessel extracts the carbonaceous material floating upwardly in the vessel. From the vessel extracted solids are removed separately through the outlet channel. Solvent and extracted material is removed from the extraction vessel by means of a conduit.