Problem: An aqueous feed of 1000 kg/h containing 30 wt% acetic acid and water is to be extracted using countercurrent multistages LLE system. The solvent is 99% isopropyl ether and 1 wt% acetic acid at rate 2500 kg/hr. The raffinate should contain 5 wt% acetic acid.
Q1. Estimate number of theoritical stages required.
Q2. The overall extraction efficiency has set at 80%, determine number of actual stages for this process.
Q3. Suggest method to improve the efficiency of LLE exctactor.