Predicting mass transfer in liquid–liquid extraction columns

In this work, the GEneralised Multifluid Modelling Approach (GEMMA) is applied to the simulation of liquid–liquid extraction in a Rotating Disc Column (RDC) and a Pulsed Sieve-plate Extraction Column (PSEC). A mass transfer modelling methodology is developed, in which the multiphase flows, droplet size distribution and dispersed phase holdup predicted with computational fluid dynamics are coupled to mass transfer correlations to predict the overall mass transfer. The numerical results for the stage-averaged dispersed phase holdup, Sauter mean droplet diameter and axial solute concentration in the RDC and PSEC agree with experimental observations. The proposed modelling method provides an accurate predictive tool for complex multiphase flows, such as those observed in intensified liquid–liquid extraction, and provides an alternative approach to column design using empirical correlations or pilot plant study.