Prediction of Continuous Phase Overall Mass Transfer Coefficient in a Hanson Mixer-Settler

The volumetric overall mass transfer coefficients in a pilot plant Hanson mixer-settler extraction column of seven stages have been measured using toluene-acetone-water and butyl acetate- acetone- water systems. The effects of agitation speed and dispersed and continuous phases flow rates on volumetric overall mass transfer coefficients have been investigated and found to be significant. By using interfacial area, the overall mass transfer coefficients for continuous phase are determined from volumetric coefficients. An empirical correlation for prediction of the continuous phase overall mass transfer coefficient is proposed in terms of Sherwood and Reynolds numbers. The prediction of continuous phase overall mass transfer coefficients from the presented correlation is in good agreement with experimental results.