Sample Problem #2:

There are 30 kg of solute in 100 L of H 2O. (a) What is the weight of solute that will be
extracted by 35 L of ether if the distribution coefficient is 4? (b) If a 3-stage
countercurrent extraction system is used, what is the weight of solute that will remain in
the raffinate?

Given:

V1 V2

Extractor 35 L ether

L0 L1
30 kg of solute in
100 L of water

(a) What is the weight of solute that will be extracted by 35 L of ether if the
distribution coefficient is 4?

Solution: K = mass of A/ mass of B 4 = 30 kg solute / 270 kg water

mass of A/ mass of C mass of A/ 126.805 kg of ether

* 35 L ether (1 m3 / 1000 L) (3623kg / 1 m3 ) = 126.805 kg

0.111 / 4 = mass of A / 126. 805 kg ether

mass of A = 126.805 kg ether (0.111)

mass of A = 3.522 kg solute

 (b) If a 3-stage countercurrent extraction system is used, what is the weight of solute
that will remain in the raffinate?

Given:

V1 Vn+1
35 L ether

Extractor Extractor Extractor

L0 L1
30 kg solute in
100 L water

Solution:
L0 + Vn+1 = M

100 kg + 126. 805 kg = 226. 805 kg

L0 xao + Vn+1 yn+1 = L1 xa1 + V1 y1

Assume x = mass fraction of solute

100 (0.30) = (100 – x) + (126.805 + x)

x = 100 (0.30) + 126. 805 (0)

100 + 126.805

x = 0.1322 (126.805)

mass of solute in the raffinate = 30 kg – 16.77 kg = 13.23 kg