Outokumpu Technology Oy

Outokumpu Technology Oyj

Timo Saarenp{umlaut Over (aa)}

Launo L Lilja

Bror G Nyman

Stig-Erik Hultholm

Juhani Lyyra

Raimo Kuusisto

Petri Taipale

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the boundary surface between the two mutually separable solutions in liquid&mdash;liquid extraction at the discharge end of the separation part and for preventing the aeration of the solutions when discharging them from the separation part, so that the overflow height of the settled, lighter organic solution is maintained constant. In order to adjust the boundary surface in between the mutually separable solutions, the overflow height of the heavier aqueous solution is adjusted by conducting the settled aqueous solution from down upwards through tubular elements, in which case the height of these overflow pipes can be adjusted. The aeration of the solutions when discharging them from the separation part is prevented by conducting the solutions into transfer pipes through covered, shaft-like weir boxes that are deeper than the discharge end. The invention also relates to an apparatus whereby the boundary surface between the solutions is adjusted and the aeration prevented.

Method and apparatus for adjusting the boundary surface between two controllably flowing and mutually separable and for conducting both solutions out of the separation part

The method and apparatus according to the invention relate to conducting the dispersion of two phases, created in the mixing unit (,) of liquid&mdash;liquid extraction, from the mixing unit to the separation part (,), in which case the flow direction of the dispersion discharged from the mixing unit asymmetrically with respect to the separation part is turned to be symmetrical with respect to the separation part. In the last mixer (,) of the mixing unit, the orientation of the dispersion is turned to be parallel to the lengthwise axis of the separation part, by means of flow-turning members (,), the dispersion flow is discharged from the mixing unit at the height of the mixer bottom (,) and conducted to an uptake shaft (,) parallel to the lengthwise axis of the separation part, where the dispersion flow is turned upwards and made to be discharged symmetrically into the separation part.

Method and apparatus for conducting the two solutions of liquid-liquid extraction, mixed into dispersion, in a controlled fashion into the separation part

Growing community of inventors

Santiago, Chile

Timo Saarenp{umlaut Over (aa)}