Flux Prediction for Mixer Settlers - Scale up from a Beaker to the Plant

Einat shooster, Tenova Bateman Technologies, Yokneam, Israel

A correlation between phase separation in a beaker and the flux in industrial scale Bateman Reverse Flow mixer settlers (RFMS) was developed. It was demonstrated that the correlation provides a reliable method to predict RFMS flux from a phase separation beaker test.

TBT’s patented Bateman Reverse Flow Mixer Settlers (RFMS) are well established equipment in the solvent extraction industry. The industrial RFMS are generally designed based on prior long experience or from scale-up of pilot test work using authentic solutions and actual process conditions.

This study was undertaken as part of an effort to improve the efficiency of the RFMS and streamline the design process. Phase separation tests were performed in a 2 liter glass beaker with different solutions with varied physical properties. Results were analysis by four different methods and compared with the emulsion layer depth in a pilot mixer settler with 0.024 m² of settling area. These results were then correlated with data from operating commercial plan

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