MATHEMATICAL-MODELING AND STEADY-STATE ANALYSIS OF A SCHEIBEL EXTRACTION COLUMN

The steady-state behavior of a nine-stage Scheibel extraction column was modeled and simulated using a back flow stagewise model. Steady-state experiments were conducted, using the system water-acetone-toluene, for three phase ratios and three agitator speeds. The mathematical model was validated with the experimental concentration profiles by a single parameter fitting technique with an unconstrained optimization algorithm. Steady-stage analysis of the experiments was performed for a further control study. The calculated steady-state gain matrices were used for interaction analysis using different steady-state analysis methods, e.g. Bristol numbers, Condition numbers, Morari Indexes of Integral Controllability, and Niederlinski Indexes. The results indicate that both agitator speed and phase ratio have a substantial influence on the control structure. Dynamic analysis should therefore be performed to verify the optimum control method for this process.