Rotating Disc Extraction Column

Rotating Disc Extraction Column

The Rotating Disc Extraction Column (RDEC) is a high-performance glass process unit designed for continuous liquid-liquid extraction. It uses rotating discs to enhance mass transfer between immiscible liquid phases, achieving efficient separation with high throughput. This system is widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical industries where precise separation and extraction are critical.

How It Works

1. Feed Introduction
   Two immiscible liquid streams (organic and aqueous) enter the column, where one flows counter-currently to the other.
2. Rotating Discs
   The column contains rotating discs that continuously mix the liquids, increasing the interfacial area and improving mass transfer efficiency.
3. Phase Separation
   After sufficient contact, the liquids separate based on density difference, with the heavier phase collected at the bottom and the lighter phase at the top.
4. Continuous Operation
   Designed for continuous extraction, enabling consistent and reproducible product quality.

Materials of Construction

Component	Material
Column Body	Borosilicate Glass 3.3
Discs & Shafts	PTFE / Corrosion-Resistant Alloy
Seals	PTFE or Mechanical Seals
Supports & Connections	Corrosion-Resistant Alloy

Key Features

• High Mass Transfer Efficiency – Rotating discs maximize interfacial contact
• Continuous Operation – Steady-state extraction with reproducible results
• Corrosion-Resistant Materials – Suitable for aggressive chemical streams
• Modular Design – Can be customized for lab, pilot, or industrial scale
• Visual Monitoring – Transparent glass allows easy observation of the process
• Low Maintenance – Smooth surfaces and minimal moving parts reduce fouling

Applications

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
• Chemical Industry: Separation and purification of chemical intermediates
• Fine Chemicals: Efficient extraction of specialty compounds
• Research & Pilot Plants: Process development and scale-up studies

Benefits of Rotating Disc Extraction Column

• Enhanced Separation – High efficiency even at low phase ratios
• Flexible Operation – Suitable for a wide range of chemicals and solvents
• Reduced Solvent Usage – Efficient extraction minimizes chemical consumption
• Scalable Design – Adaptable from laboratory units to full-scale production
• Durable & Safe – Glass construction ensures chemical compatibility and visual inspection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use rotating discs instead of static packing?
A: Rotating discs improve mass transfer by continuously agitating the phases, leading to higher efficiency than static packed columns.

Q2: Can it handle corrosive solvents?
A: Yes, the column is constructed using borosilicate glass and PTFE, ensuring excellent chemical resistance.

Q3: What scales are available?
A: RDEC systems are modular, suitable for lab, pilot, and industrial-scale operations.

Q4: How is phase separation achieved?
A: Density difference allows natural separation after the liquids pass through the rotating discs, ensuring clean separation.

Contact Bhanu scientific glasses
Optimize your liquid-liquid extraction processes with our Rotating Disc Extraction Columns. Our experts provide custom designs, capacity scaling, and material selection guidance for your exact application.