Hydrodynamics and mass transfer in sieve-plate extraction columns

This paper presents and analyses experimental data related to hydrodynamic characteristics and mass transfer performance in extraction columns with perforated (sieve) plates, based on results obtained from literature sources. The hydrodynamic characteristics of columns with sieve-plates were flooding speed, dispersed phase hold-up, mean diameter and size distribution of drop diameters, as well as phenomena present during the formation of drops at the opening of the sieve-plate. Experimental determinations were made in cases of presence or absence of mass transfer between the phases. Empirical correlations for the content of the dispersed phase, the mean diameter of the drops in the regime where there is no drop formation, and the height of the coalescence zone are also described in this paper. The characteristics of mass transfer during the formation of dispersed phase drops, as well as the growth and coalescence of drops, were discussed based on literature data. The separation efficiency was determined using the Murphree model. The empirical correlations were used to predict the extraction efficiency, and they showed a good agreement with the experimental results.