Repository logo
 
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

Multi-criteria design optimization study of solvent extraction in mixer–settler units

Use this identifier to reference this record.
Name:Description:Size:Format: 
ART_GPinto_2009_GRAQ.pdf95.84 KBAdobe PDF Download

Advisor(s)

Abstract(s)

Solvent extraction is considered as a multi-criteria optimization problem, since several chemical species with similar extraction kinetic properties are frequently present in the aqueous phase and the selective extraction is not practicable. This optimization, applied to mixer–settler units, considers the best parameters and operating conditions, as well as the best structure or process flow-sheet. Global process optimization is performed for a specific flow-sheet and a comparison of Pareto curves for different flow-sheets is made. The positive weight sum approach linked to the sequential quadratic programming method is used to obtain the Pareto set. In all investigated structures, recovery increases with hold-up, residence time and agitation speed, while the purity has an opposite behaviour. For the same treatment capacity, counter-current arrangements are shown to promote recovery without significant impairment in purity. Recycling the aqueous phase is shown to be irrelevant, but organic recycling with as many stages as economically feasible clearly improves the design criteria and reduces the most efficient organic flow-rate.

Description

Keywords

Solvent extraction Mixer–settlers Modelling Multi-criteria optimization Pareto curves

Citation

Research Projects

Organizational Units

Journal Issue

Publisher

Elsevier

CC License

Altmetrics