Print page

Print page

Separating phenol from water

Q: Is it possible to separate phenol from water using liquid extraction method?

A: Yes, the removal of phenol from water using solvent extraction is well known. There have been many published articles on the subject. I would recommend starting with the Handbook of Solvent Extraction by Lo, Baird and Hanson. An entire chapter covers the phenol extraction process. A possible solvent for this application is methyl isobutyl ketone. The extraction is somewhat unique in the very little ketone per feed is needed. Typical solvent to feed ratios are on the order of 0.05-0.1. This results in low required capital and low energy consumption in the distillation solvent recovery step. The low S/F makes for challenges in selecting the appropriate extraction equipment. The Karr Reciprocating Plate Extractor may be a nice option for this application where the solvent is dispersed.

Here are more of the latest questions on: Liquid Extraction

What are common test systems for liquid-liquid extraction?
In our department we have purchased pulsed liquid-liquid extraction equipment for experiment demonstration. I am interested to use it for doing research. Would you tell me which systems are important to be explored using this type of extraction?

What is a good model for solvent extraction of milk fat?
Is NRTL a good thermodynamic model for solvent extraction of milk fat using hexane?

Is there a catalyst that can separate glycerin?
In the production of bio-diesel and glycerol from the transetherification of jatropha oil with methanol in the presence of silica gel as the catalyst, I want to know if there is a catalyst that can separate the glycerin from the bio-diesel without the conventional method of allowing the heavier liquid to settle or the application of centrifugation?

Removing 2-butanone from water using liquid extraction
I am interested to know if it is possible to remove 2-butanone from water using some kind of liquid extraction method.

Separating phenol from water
Is it possible to separate phenol from water using liquid extraction method?

Back to Ask the Experts