The Liquid/Liquid Extraction Apparatus OperatiX - 11 demonstrates liquid-liquid extraction in counterflow operation with distillation for extract enrichment. This Liquid/Liquid Extraction Apparatus features a glass extraction column, a distillation unit with condenser, and PID-controlled heating. It supports continuous or discontinuous process modes and vacuum operation during distillation. Optional DAQ software enables measurement and calculation of results.

Liquid/Liquid Extraction Apparatus OperatiX - 11, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Process Mode | Liquid-liquid extraction in counterflow operation with distillation for extract enrichment |
| Phase Boundary Control | 2 valves for fine-tuning the phase boundary |
| Vacuum Measurement | Pressure gauge to measure the vacuum pressure |
| Fluid Delivery | 2 pumps for feed and solvent delivery |
| Process Switching | 2 three-way valves for continuous or discontinuous operation |
| Extraction Column | Glass, in two parts |
| Distillation Column | With condenser |
| Temperature Control | PID control of electrical heating |
| Vacuum Operation | Possible during distillation to reduce evaporation temperature |
| Tank Material | Stainless steel for feed, solvent, raffinate and extract; glass for top product tank (distillation) |
| Heat Transfer Aid | Raschig rings used in extraction and distillation columns |
Technical Data
Columns
Extraction (Liquid-Liquid)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 40mm |
| Height | 1000mm |
Distillation Unit
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 50mm |
| Height | 400mm |
| Bottom heater power output | 1.2kW |
Tanks
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Feed and raffinate | approx. 20L each |
| Solvent and extract | approx. 20L each |
| Top product (distillation) | 2.5L |
| Bottom tank (distillation) | approx. 5L |
Feed Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. flow rate | 1000ml/min |
| Max. head | 40m |
Solvent Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. flow rate | 2000ml/min |
| Max. head | 10m |
Vacuum Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Water circulation |
| Vacuum ports | 2 |
| Final vacuum | approx. 200mbar |
Measuring Ranges
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 2x 0~400°C |
| Flow rate | 2x 0.2~1.5l/min |
| Pressure | -1~1bar |
| Conductivity | 0~200mS/cm |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Liquid/Liquid Extraction Apparatus OperatiX - 11 is built around a glass extraction column in two parts, 40mm in diameter and 1000mm in height. A distillation unit is fitted with a packed column and a distillation bridge with a condenser in a heated round-bottomed flask, 50mm in diameter and 400mm in height. Two pumps handle fluid delivery: a feed pump rated at 1000ml/min with a 40m head, and a solvent pump rated at 2000ml/min with a 10m head. Two three-way valves allow switching between continuous and discontinuous operation. Two valves fine-tune the phase boundary within the extraction column. A water circulation vacuum pump with 2 vacuum ports supports vacuum operation during distillation, reaching a final vacuum of approximately 200mbar. PID control governs electrical heating, with a bottom heater power output of 1.2kW. Stainless steel tanks hold feed, solvent, raffinate, and extract, each approximately 20L, while the top product tank for distillation is made of glass at 2.5L capacity. A bottom tank for distillation holds approximately 5L. Raschig rings increase heat transfer surface area in the extraction and distillation columns.
Software
Software OperatiX - 11 (optional). DAQ software specially designed in National Instrument™, LABVIEW™ environment to measure and calculate the results of the apparatus. The software is optional; a set of electronic sensors is included when the software is used. The software can be run in any Windows™ environment.
Scope of Delivery
Q: What is the Liquid/Liquid Extraction Apparatus OperatiX - 11 used for?
A: It is used to demonstrate the separation of two liquid mixes through liquid-liquid extraction in counterflow operation, with distillation for extract enrichment.
Q: What carrier liquid, transition element, and solvent are suggested for the ternary system?
A: Rapeseed oil is suggested as the carrier liquid, ethanol as the transition element, and water as the solvent.
Q: Can the system operate under vacuum?
A: Yes, vacuum operation is possible during distillation to reduce the evaporation temperature, using a water circulation vacuum pump with a final vacuum of approximately 200mbar.
Q: Is data acquisition software available with this system?
A: Yes, Software OperatiX - 11 is available as an optional add-on, designed in National Instrument™ LABVIEW™ environment, and can run in any Windows™ environment.
Q: How is concentration measured in the ternary material system?
A: Density measurements are used to determine the concentrations of extract, top, and bottom products. A conductivity meter is included for alternative ternary material systems.