Furfural, chemically known as furfuraldehyde (furan-2-carbaldehyde), is an important chemical raw material with extensive industrial applications. It serves as a selective solvent for separating unsaturated aliphatic compounds from saturated aliphatic compounds and is also a key intermediate for the production of various furan derivatives. Its downstream products span numerous industries, including petrochemicals, synthetic resins, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic fibers. In the production of lubricating base oils, furfural refining is a critical process step, used to separate saturated hydrocarbons from aromatic hydrocarbons and other impurities.
As a dedicated innovator in liquid–liquid extraction and separation equipment, Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction CWL-M series centrifugal extractor is bringing a technological revolution to the furfural industry, moving from conventional gravity settling to intensified centrifugal separation.
How Does the CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor Empower Furfural Extraction to Quality Improvement and Efficiency Enhancement？
The CWL-M series centrifugal extractor developed by Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction adopts a top-suspended structure and is specifically engineered for difficult-to-separate, easily emulsified, and high phase-ratio systems. For furfural extraction, its value enhancement can be demonstrated across three key dimensions:
1.Quality Improvement: More Thorough Separation, 20% Reduction in Solvent Consumption
In conventional processes, extractants (such as benzene or butyl acetate) are often lost with wastewater before sufficient recovery in mixer settlers. The CWL-M centrifugal extractor integrates mixing and separation within a high-speed rotating drum under a strong centrifugal force field, completing the process in seconds (with a residence time of only several tens of seconds). Even for challenging systems with a density difference as small as 0.03–0.05, the entrainment rate can be controlled below 0.1%. This significantly reduces solvent losses and directly lowers raw material procurement costs.
2.Efficiency Enhancement: Multi-Stage Configuration per Unit, Doubling Capacity Without Increasing Plant Footprint
In a technical upgrading project with an annual capacity of 5,000 tons of furfural, six sets CWL-M centrifugal extractors replaced a traditional 10-stage mixer-settler system. Key performance comparisons include:
Footprint: Reduced by 70%
Extraction efficiency: Single-stage efficiency increased to over 95%
Wastewater COD: Reduced solvent entrainment decreased the load on downstream distillation and wastewater treatment systems by 35%.
This enables “small equipment” to handle “large throughput,” not only reducing capital investment in infrastructure but also making the modernization and upgrading of aging facilities feasible.
3.Stable Operation: Adaptive Variable-Frequency Control for Complex Operating Conditions
Furfural feedstocks often fluctuate seasonally, with varying impurity content and composition. The CWL-M centrifugal extractor is equipped with a full variable-frequency drive (VFD) control system. Operators can adjust drum speed and separation factor in real time according to feed viscosity and phase ratio—without shutting down or replacing components. Furthermore, the top-suspended structural design eliminates dynamic balance issues associated with bottom cantilever support. Under high-speed operation, the system maintains low noise and minimal vibration, achieving continuous 720-hour operation with an industry-leading reliability rate.
As the furfural industry enters an era of shrinking margins, improving profitability through advanced equipment and maximizing output through technological innovation have become essential survival strategies. The CWL-M centrifugal extractor from Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction delivers higher separation precision, lower operating energy consumption, and a significantly reduced footprint—helping furfural producers overcome the “last mile” challenges in extraction quality upgrading.
If you are facing issues such as excessive solvent loss, difficulties in wastewater treatment, or saturated production capacity with existing equipment, welcome to contact Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction for professional support and customized solutions.
Email: sales@tieiextraction.com
Whatsapp: +86 19069612820
