What are the steps to making solvent extraction?

Solvent extraction is a separation process that uses two immiscible liquids to separate components of a mixture. The steps involved in solvent extraction are as follows:

1. Choosing the right solvent. The solvent should be immiscible with the feed solution and should selectively dissolve the desired component. The solvent should also be non-toxic, non-flammable, and have a low boiling point.

2. Contacting the feed solution with the solvent. The feed solution and the solvent are brought into contact with each other in a mixer or extractor. The mixer can be a batch or continuous type.

3. Separation of the extract and raffinate. The extract and raffinate are separated from each other by gravity settling or centrifugation. The extract contains the desired component dissolved in the solvent, while the raffinate contains the remaining components of the feed solution.

4. Recovery of the desired component. The desired component is recovered from the extract by evaporation of the solvent. The solvent can be recovered and reused.

Solvent extraction is a widely used process in the chemical industry for the separation of components of mixtures. It is particularly useful for the separation of components that are difficult to separate by other methods, such as distillation.