Sample Problem #3:

A solution contains a valuable material M in water. M is recovered from the solution using solvent S. If 9 kg of
S is used per kg solution, and the distribution equilibrium X/Z = 3, where X = kg M/ kg water and Z= kg M / kg
S. What will remain in the solution after extraction using (a) single batch equilibrium stage and (b) two
successive batch equilibrium stages using fresh solvent for each step?

Answer:
Basis: 10 kg feed

Extract Solvent
1 kg M/ 9 kg S 9 kg S

Solution Extractor
Raffinate Raffinate
5 kg (M+water) 3 kg M/ kg water

Distributive Equilibrium= 3 = kg M/ kg Water

Kg M/ kg S

Required: % remaining in the solution after solvent extraction

Solution:

Solution + solvent = M
From distributive equilibrium: 3 kg M + 1 kg Water from raffinate + 1 kg water from extract= 5 kg feed (Lo)
5 kg (water + M) + 9 kg solvent = 14 kg mixture (Lo)
Mass of raffinate = 1 kg Water + 3 kg M= 4kg raffinate (L1)
Mass of extract = 9 kg S + 1 kg M = 10 kg extract ( V1)
Fraction of M in extract: 1 kg / 10 kg = 0.1 ( Ya1)
Fraction of M in raffinate: 3 kg / 4 kg = 0.75 ( Xa1)
Mass fraction of solute M in feed = required (Xao)

From the formula K = ya = L1 Lo Xao - 1

Xa V1 L1 xa1

= 0.1 = 4 kg (M + water) [ 14kg / 4kg ( Xao/ 0.75) –1]

0.75 10 kg (M+S)

Xa1 = 82.14 % ( fraction of M in the feed)

Fraction remaining in the solution= 0.8214-.75= 0.0714 = 7.14% fraction remaining in the feed