Fields of Application
Liquid-liquid extraction is a complex separation
process. An additional component
has to be introduced as extractant, which
makes other subsequent separation steps
necessary. Therefore, liquid-liquid extraction
is mostly used when separation of
components by distillation is either uneconomical,
or even impossible. Some
examples are:
• Simultaneous separation of various
components with widely differing boiling
points
• Separation of high-boiling products or
pollutants which are present in only low
concentrations
• Separation of components with similar
boiling points or components forming
azeotropes
• Separation of mixtures with thermally
sensitive components
• Selective separation of single components
out of a multi-component mixture
• Separation of components from electrolytic
solutions