extractievat

An extractievat is a process vessel used to carry out solvent extraction, a separation technique in which a solute is transferred from one liquid phase into another immiscible liquid. The vessel is typically a sealed tank equipped with mixing, heating or cooling, and features to aid phase separation. In batch operation, liquids are charged into the vat, a solvent is added, and the mixture is agitated to promote mass transfer. After reaching equilibrium, the mixture is allowed to settle so the two liquid layers separate by density; the raffinate and the extract can then be drained or pumped separately. In continuous configurations, the extractievat may be part of a mixer-settler or other extractor train, with streams moving countercurrently to maximize transfer. Solvent recovery is commonly performed by distillation or evaporation to reclaim the solvent for reuse.

Design and materials emphasize chemical compatibility and safety. Common construction uses stainless steel (such as 304 or 316) or glass-lined steel, with jackets or internal coils for temperature control, agitators, baffles, seals, and venting. Proper containment minimizes solvent losses and exposure to vapors, and equipment is designed to meet relevant safety regulations for flammable or toxic solvents.

Applications include production of essential oils and flavors, purification of natural products, isolation of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and other industrial separations where liquid-liquid extraction is advantageous.