In the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA), an important sulfur-containing compound, is widely applied in drug synthesis, polymer modification, and other fields. However, its production process is complex and prone to multiple side reactions, resulting in wastewater with high 3-MPA content, elevated COD, and complex compositions, which pose significant challenges for environmental treatment.
At present, most enterprises still rely on advanced oxidation processes such as the Fenton method to directly treat such wastewater. This approach not only incurs high operating costs, but also suffers from reduced treatment efficiency and increased carbon emissions due to the excessive concentration of organic matter. A more optimal pathway is “recovery first, treatment later.” By applying liquid–liquid extraction to recover 3-MPA from wastewater, resource utilization can be improved while significantly reducing the load on subsequent biological treatment.
Traditional processes mostly rely on batch stirred tanks or extraction vessels, which suffer from cumbersome operation, incomplete phase separation, easy emulsification, and high solvent loss. To overcome these bottlenecks, Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction has launched the CWL-M series high-efficiency centrifugal extractor, providing a continuous, efficient, and low-consumption solution for the treatment of 3-MPA-containing wastewater.
- Continuous Extraction, Efficiency Leap
The CWL-M centrifugal extractor utilizes the powerful centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation to achieve thorough mixing and rapid phase separation of two immiscible liquids within an extremely short time. Compared with traditional equipment, it offers higher mass transfer efficiency, shorter residence time, and less organic entrainment—making it particularly suitable for continuous extraction of high-concentration, strongly corrosive wastewater such as 3-MPA.
Experimental results show that under optimal conditions (five-stage countercurrent extraction, O/A ratio of 1.5:1, total flow rate of 500 mL/min, rotation speed of 2800 r/min) using chloroform as the extractant, the residual 3-MPA concentration in the raffinate can be reduced to below 0.857%, far lower than the threshold for biological treatment, thereby effectively easing the pressure on subsequent treatment processes. - Process Optimization for Cost Reduction and Efficiency Enhancement
Studies also demonstrate that adjusting the feed pH to 1–2 and applying fine filtration can effectively prevent floc formation and equipment clogging. A five-stage countercurrent extraction achieves high recovery efficiency while balancing investment and operating costs. Controlling the total flow rate within 500 mL/min ensures stable phase separation and prevents interface shifting.
The CWL-M centrifugal extractor not only improves the recovery rate of 3-MPA but also realizes fully continuous and automated operation, reducing manual intervention and operational errors while significantly enhancing production stability and safety. - Green Production, A Promising Future
Through centrifugal extraction pretreatment, enterprises can not only recover valuable intermediates but also significantly reduce wastewater COD and treatment costs, while lowering carbon emissions—truly achieving the goals of “turning waste into value and green production”.
The CWL-M series centrifugal extractor from Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction has been successfully applied in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, environmental protection and other fields. With advantages such as compact structure, corrosion resistance, easy maintenance, and a high level of automation, they have become a reliable partner for enterprises pursuing green transformation. Choosing the CWL-M centrifugal extractor means more than selecting a piece of equipment—it means embracing a production path that is efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable.
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