Philippine Handbook

in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

J8. SOLID-LIQUID EXTRACTION (LEACHING)

J8.1. TERMINOLOGY
Solid-liquid extraction or leaching generally refers to the removal of a component from a
solid using a solvent liquid.
The desired component, solute (a), is washed by the solvent (c) leaving the inert or insoluble
solid (b) undissolved. Two phases result, the overflow, V, which is a clear solution of the
solute and solvent and the underflow, L, which is the undissolved solid with some adhering
solution. At equilibrium, the solution adhering in the underflow has the same composition as
the overflow.

J8.2. TYPES OF SYSTEM

Systems in leaching may be divided into two: constant underflow (Type I) and variable
underflow (Type II). The solution being retained in the undissolved solid may vary at different
concentrations.

Figure J8 - 1. Type I System.

Figure J8 - 2. Type II System.

J8.3. SIMPLE MULTIPLE EXTRACTION

The number of theoretical equilibrium stages may be determined graphically by contacting
the resultant underflow with fresh solvent in each stage.
V0
L0

V0
L1

V0
L2

J8 - 1

V1

V2

V3

L3

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

The procedure is to determine the resultant mixture, , in each stage after which the
composition of the overflow and underflow is located using the underflow locus provided for
each system. Equilibrium is achieved when no mass transfer exist between the underflow
(inert + solution adhering to the inert) and the overflow (clear solution). The resulting
composition in the underflow is then mixed with another batch of fresh solvent.
yN+1

XC,yc mass fraction solvent

yA3
yA2

xA3

yA1

xA2

xA1
xA0
XA,yA mass fraction solute

Figure J8 - 3. Step in Multiple Extraction.

J8.4. COUNTERCURRENT MULTISTAGE OPERATION

V2
V1
L0

Vn
2

L1

n-1

J8 - 2

Vn+1
Ln

Ln-1

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

J8.4.1. Kremser Equation Constant Underflow

If the solvent or solution adhering to the undissolved solid is constant then the number of
theoretical equilibrium stages may be determined by the Kremser equation. This equation was
derived from the operating line equation. When the solution retained by the inerts is constant,
both the underflow Ln and overflow Vn are constant and the equation of the operating line is
straight.

y an 1 x an
y a2 x 1a
N 1
y n 1 y a2
log a n
x a x 1a
log

(J8 - 1)

where y = mass fraction in the overflow

x = mass fraction in the underflow
The subscript denotes the component and the superscript the equilibrium stage.
Note that this equation cannot be used for the entire cascade if L0 differs from the succeeding
underflows. Therefore the compositions of streams entering and leaving the first stage are
separately calculated by material balance. Kremser equation is then applied to the remaining
stages. In the material balance, the inert is excluded from the calculation. Also, remember that
the extract is the same concentration as the solution leaving with the underflow; i.e. y 1a x 1a .

J8.4.2. Graphical Method Variable Underflow

For variable underflows, the number of theoretical equilibrium stages may be determined
graphically using the Ponchon-Savarit Method. This method can also be adapted for systems
exhibiting constant underflow.
A. Ponchon-Savarit Method
Just like in the liquid-liquid extraction, the method makes use of the delta, , to relate the
streams passing in opposite direction.
Total Mass Balance:

L0 + Vn+1 = = V1 + Ln

(J8 - 2)

= L0 V1 = Ln - Vn+1

(J8 - 3)

J8 - 3

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

Theoretical stages are calculated after locating delta. Starting at V1, the underflow L1 is located
by drawing a line to the right angle. V2 is then located using the delta. The procedure is
continued until the last composition in the underflow is reached.
A modification of the Ponchon-Savarit method can also be used. The modifications are (1)
consider each stream a mixture of solid and solution and (2) use the ratio of solid to solution
in place of enthalpy.
The underflow, X, and overflow, Y, are redefined as
X = mass of solute per mass of solution; a/(a + c)
Y = mass of inert per mass of solution; b/(a + c)

XC,yc mass fraction solvent

yN+1

yA3

yA2
yA1

xN

xA3
xA2

xA1

xA0

XA,yA mass fraction solute

Figure J8-4. Steps in Ponchon-Savarit Method I.

J8 - 4

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

Stages are computed after the delta is located from the foue end streams. The procedure in
stepping off is the same as the previous method but the tie lines are vertical in this case.

XA2

XA1

Y mass C/ mass A + B

XN

XA0

YA3 YA2

YN+1

YA1

X mass A/ mass A + B

Figure J8-5. Steps in Ponchon-Savarit Method II.

J8 - 5

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

References:
Das, D.K. and R.K. Prabhudesai. 1999. Chemical Engineering License Review. 2nd edition.
Engineering Press. Austin, Texas.
Crokett, William E. 1986. Chemical Engineering. A Review for the P.E. Exam. John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. New York.
Foust, Alan S., L.A. Wenzel, C.W. Clamp, L. Maus, and L.B. Andersen. 1980. Principles of
Unit Operations. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
Perry, Robert H. and D.W. Green. 2001. Perrys Chemical Engineers Handbook. 7 th edition.
McGraw-Hill. Singapore.

J8 - 6

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

Solid-liquid Extraction
(Leaching)

Robyn Joy C. Alcanzare

University of the Philippines-Los Baos

J8 - 7

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

Table of Contents
J.8.1 Terminology
J.8.2 Types of System
J.8.3 Simple Multiple Extraction
J.8.4 Countercurrent Multistage Operation
J.8.4.1 Kremser Equation- Constant Underflow
J.8.4.2 Graphical Method Variable Underflow
J.8.4.2.1 Ponchon-Savarit Method

Figure J.8.2.1 Type I System

Figure J.8.2.2 Type II System
Figure J.8.3.1 Step in Multiple Extraction
Figure J.8.4.2.1.1 Step in Ponchon-Savarit Method I
Figure J.8.4.2.1.2 Step in Ponchon-Savarit Method II

J8 - 8

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

Nomenclature:
Symbol

Description

L
V

x1A

mass flow rate of feed

mass flow rate of solvent
resultant mixture of feed and solvent
mass fraction of species A in underflow from stage 1

SI
kg/s
kg/s
kg/s
[-]

Units
English
lbm/hr
lbm/hr
lbm/hr
[-]

y1A
zA
X
Y
N

mass fraction of species A in overflow from stage 1

[-]

[-]

mass fraction of species A in

mass ratio of species A in solution
mass ratio of species B in solution
number of theoretical stages

[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]

[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]

J8 - 9

Philippine Handbook
in Chemical Engineering

Solid-Liquid Extraction
by Robyn Joy Alcanzare

solid-liquid extraction, J8 - 1
countercurrent multistage operation, J8 - 2
graphical method, J8 - 3
Kremser equation, J8 - 3
Ponchon-Savarit method
simple multiple extraction, J8 - 1

J8 - 10