The separation and purification of fermentation broths are critical steps in biological fermentation and pharmaceutical chemical production. Fermentation broths contain a complex mixture of impurities, including proteins, sugars, and inorganic salts, alongside the target products. They are also prone to emulsification. Although organic solvent extraction remains a mainstream separation technology, equipment selection directly affects separation efficiency, product recovery, and solvent consumption.

The CWL-M series centrifugal extractor from Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction utilize a centrifugal force field to achieve rapid mixing and separation of two phases. They are suitable for liquid-liquid extraction systems involving fermentation broths, which are prone to emulsification, have small density differences between phases, and require continuous operation. The equipment can improve separation efficiency and product recovery while meeting the energy-saving and continuous production requirements of industrial-scale manufacturing.

Working Principle and Process Flow

The core principle of the CWL-M centrifugal extractor is to use the centrifugal force field generated by the high-speed rotation of the drum to complete mixing, mass transfer, and phase separation between the two phases within a short period. After the mixture enters the drum, the heavier phase moves toward the drum wall, while the lighter phase moves toward the center. The clarified phases are then discharged separately, enabling continuous liquid-liquid separation.

In fermentation broth purification, the CWL-M centrifugal extractor is typically integrated into the following process chain:

Fermentation Broth → Multistage Countercurrent Extraction → Washing → Stripping → Concentration/Crystallization

After pH adjustment, the fermentation broth enters the extraction section, where it undergoes multistage countercurrent contact with an organic solvent in the CWL-M centrifugal extractor at a predetermined phase ratio. The target product transfers into the organic phase. The loaded organic phase then enters the washing section to remove co-extracted impurities. Subsequently, the target product is transferred back into the aqueous phase during stripping, while the organic phase is regenerated and recycled.

Compared with traditional batch stirred tanks, the CWL-M centrifugal extractor completes liquid-liquid mixing, mass transfer, and phase separation within a much shorter period. Extraction, washing, and stripping can be continuously integrated, with a small interstage liquid hold-up. This makes the equipment particularly suitable for heat-sensitive or readily degradable fermentation products.

Key Advantages of CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor

1.Thorough Phase Separation, Suitable for Emulsified Systems
The centrifugal force field replaces gravity settling, resulting in clearer boundaries between the aqueous phase, interfacial layer, and organic phase. This reduces the accumulation of emulsified layers and mutual phase entrainment, helping improve product recovery and reduce the downstream treatment load.

2.High Mass Transfer Efficiency and Strong Single-Stage Extraction Performance
The centrifugal force field enhances contact between the two phases, accelerating mass transfer. The single-stage extraction efficiency is higher than that of traditional gravity-settling equipment. To achieve the same recovery target, fewer stages or more flexible phase ratio conditions may be required.

3.Lower Solvent Losses
The fully enclosed structure reduces the evaporation and loss of organic solvents, improving the operating environment while lowering the cost of extractant replenishment. This is particularly beneficial for selective extractants with high prices.

4.Supports Continuous Operation
The equipment starts up quickly and can be shut down conveniently. It supports stable, continuous operation, and operating parameters can be adjusted according to changes in feed concentration and phase ratio, resulting in better product batch-to-batch consistency and compatibility with industrial production schedules.

5.Flexible Material Selection and Operating Condition Adaptability
Materials such as PP/PFA, special alloys, or 304/316L stainless steel can be selected according to the corrosiveness of the process liquids. The equipment can accommodate acidic fermentation broths and pharmaceutical chemical solvent systems, covering a wide range of liquid-liquid extraction applications.

Application Scenarios of CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor

The CWL-M centrifugal extractor is suitable for the extraction of organic acids from fermentation broths, including lactic acid, succinic acid, and citric acid. It can also be used in extraction processes involving antibiotics, fermentation-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients, and pharmaceutical intermediates. For fermentation products requiring a combination of extraction, washing, and stripping, multistage configurations can be employed to balance product yield and purity. The fully enclosed structure also helps control solvent evaporation and personnel exposure.

Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction provides the CWL-M series centrifugal extractor, ranging from laboratory-scale models to industrial-scale equipment, and supports process development and selection testing for liquid-liquid extraction systems involving fermentation broths. For technical specifications and equipment information on the CWL-M series centrifugal extractor, please contact the Tiei Extraction for further consultation.
Email: sales@tieiextraction.com
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