Perforated‐Plate extraction‐column performance and wetting characteristics

The type of surface of the perforated plate influences the performance of a perforated‐plate column. Pilot plant data on a 4‐in column for the system toluenediethylamine‐water at 20°C. show that when the water phase is dispersed and the direction of mass transfer is from the continuous toluene to the dispersed water phase polyethylene plates give a continuous stream of droplets and a higher efficiency, but that when the direction of mass transfer is from the dispersed water to the continuous toluene phase the metal plates give the higher efficiency.