In the fine chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate production sector, the efficient separation of n-hexane and n-butyl ether has always been a key factor limiting product quality and production efficiency. The traditional reactor process faces bottlenecks in terms of efficiency, quality, cost, and environmental protection during long-term use. Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction Technology Co., Ltd., with its advanced centrifugal extraction technology, provides an efficient, energy-saving, and economical solution to this problem.

Centrifugal Extraction Process

Core Process Flow: Achieving Efficient Continuous Separation

1.Solvent selection and system construction
Based on the material characteristics, the optimal aqueous phase or polar extractant (such as specific alcohols, salt solutions, etc.) is selected. A highly efficient extraction system is established by utilizing the significant difference in distribution coefficients between the two phases in the extractant.

2.Multi-stage countercurrent centrifugal extraction

This is the core step of the process. The CWL-M series centrifugal extractor is used for multi-stage countercurrent operations:

  • Efficient mixing: The two phases are instantaneously and fully mixed within the high-speed rotating drum, with mass transfer efficiency far exceeding that of traditional extraction equipment.
  • Rapid phase separation: The powerful centrifugal force ensures that the light and heavy phases are completely separated in just a few seconds, with large processing capacity and no emulsion carryover issues.
  • Countercurrent design: Fresh extractant is brought into contact with the raw material rich in n-butyl ether in a countercurrent flow, allowing for stepwise purification. This minimizes the amount of extractant needed while achieving the highest recovery rate. The number of stages can be flexibly adjusted according to purity requirements (usually 3-6 stages are sufficient for most needs).

3.Phase separation and collection
At the outlet of the centrifugal extractor, the separated extract phase (rich in n-hexane) and raffinate phase (rich in n-butyl ether and extractant) are collected separately and directed to subsequent storage tanks.

4.Solvent recovery and recycling
To achieve green solvent recycling and economic efficiency, distillation units or stripping units can be integrated:
High-purity n-hexane is recovered from the extract phase via simple distillation.
n-Butyl ether is recovered from the raffinate phase, and the extractant is regenerated, returning to the system for recycling, significantly reducing operating costs.

Core Advantages of the CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor

  • Efficient Separation: Large processing capacity, with single-stage extraction efficiency reaching over 90%.
  • Continuous Operation: Automated control, reducing manual intervention and improving production stability.
  • Compact Design: Small footprint, suitable for retrofitting existing production lines and new projects.
  • Superior Materials: Contact parts can be made of stainless steel, Hastelloy, etc., offering excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Energy-saving and Environmentally Friendly: 40%-60% more energy-efficient than traditional extraction equipment, reducing solvent loss.
  • Safe and Reliable: Closed-loop operation reduces volatilization, enhancing production safety.

Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction is committed to providing the most advanced liquid-liquid extraction solutions for industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hydrometallurgy, new energy, and environmental protection, etc.
Email: sales@tieiextraction.com
Whatsapp: +86 19069612820