Introduction

The triangular trigonometric scheme is usually used for multi-phase extraction calculations involving
a ternary system. The ternary system is one with three components. We can independently change the
temperature and pressure and two independent configuration variables for the whole system. A
ternary system is usually drawn in a two-dimensional longitudinal plot for constant states T and P. In
the laboratory, the soluble solvent is used as a solvent to extract acetone from the water and acetone
mixture. The extract is a stage rich in toluene and raffinate is a water-rich stage. The double-edged
curve is a plot using the balance of the extract, the comb lines and the neck tie as drawn to complete
the equilateral triangle of multi-stage extraction, which includes the triangular system. In the process
of obtaining data for the construction of tie lines, it is important to make the ratio of triangles such as
30% Toluene, 50% acetone and 20% water weight and put it in the instigator for 90 minutes. The
mixtures are then left to settle down to obtain two separating layers, two lifts and two extracts, and
then analyzed using a refractometer.

Theory
Separation by liquid-liquid extraction can be defined as the selective removal of one or more
components either from a homogeneous liquid mixture or from a solution, using a second liquid
or solvent, which is partially or wholly immiscible with the first.

A widely-used terminology describes the system in terms of:

F: Feed
S: Solvent
R 1: Raffinate
E 1: Extract

Each stream consists of two components. The feed stream consists of the required component
(solute) and solvent (diluent or feed solvent or raffinate solvent). The raffinate stream has the same
components as the feed, though the proportions are different. On the other hand, the extract stream
consists of the required component (solute or extracted component) and solvent (extracting solvent
or extractant). The difference between the extracted component (solute) and the extracting solvent
or extractant should be made clear at all times.

Since liquid-liquid extraction generally involves a 3-component system, a graphical representation

of the liquid mixtures is usually employed. There are two graphical systems, namely:
a) Rectangular coordinate
b) Triangular coordinate

The choice of which system to use is a matter of preference and convenience. However, it is
important to fix the basis for the representation. A common basis is mass fraction.
The individual components of the chosen ternary system are usually represented by symbols as
follows:

A = Solvent
B = Diluent
C = Solute

However, one might come across with literature assigning the symbols differently. Confusion shall
not arise so long as the apex for the solute is at the top while the bottom apexes are for either
solvent or diluent.

The curve on the diagram is called binodal (solubility) curve of the ternary system. The curve,
which is essentially a combination of diluent-rich and solvent-rich curves, separates the upper
region of stable single phase mixture from the lower region of unstable mixture which tends to
separate to give extract and raffinate.

The compositions of extract E and raffinate R are connected by tie-lines having different slopes
(i.e. not parallel). The tie lines get shorter as they get away from the x-axis, and eventually they
converge to a point P (plait point). The point P is not normally the highest part of the curve.

The number of theoretical stages can then be determined graphically by constructing tie lines E1-
R1, E2-R2, and so forth, as outlined in Figure 2. The height equivalent to one theoretical stage
(HETS) is determined by dividing the effective column height with the number of theoretical
stages. In a pulsed liquid-liquid extractor, changing the pulsation frequency will somehow affect
the HETS values. From the plot of HETS vs. pulsation frequency one might be able to see how
external energy could improve the efficiency of the extractor.