High Throughput and High Efficiency Extraction Column

JGC's extraction column called WINTRAY displays the features of high performance and low cost and is applicable to all liquid ¿ liquid extraction systems such as organic compounds extraction. The requirements for extraction columns are: (1) High throughput (2) High efficiency and (3) Resistance to fouling. These qualities can be attained by newly installed columns or by replacing existing trays or packing in existing columns with the WINTRAY system. This new type of extraction column is characterized by its unique structure created by installing two different types of trays alternately each with a vertical plate having one or two openings (WINdows) resembling windows. In the new type of column a dispersing liquid (heavy liquid) accumulated on the trays forms into dispersion droplets while flowing out each opening in the form of a liquid column. These dispersion droplets are larger than those formed in conventional extraction columns and the volume of space available for the process of transition from the dispersion to the coalescence of the liquid droplets is smaller than that available in conventional extraction columns. This increases the frequency of dispersion and coalescence of liquid droplets in the extraction section. Consequently this new type of extraction column can satisfy the above-mentioned three requirements at the same time and in particular its throughput can be set at a rate two to five times higher than that of perforated tray towers or agitated type extraction columns both of which are typical forms of extraction columns presently in use.