Hunter-Nash Method for Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE)

plot points

mixing point

operating point

count stages

feed mole fractions

(solute/solvent/carrier)

0.45/0.08/0.48

feed

solvent

raffinate

show grid

The Hunter–Nash method determines the number of equilibrium stages needed for liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). The desired raffinate (refined product) composition

R

N

, the feed

F

, and the solvent

S

mass flow rates are given.

Select a feed composition from the drop-down menu. Select the "plot points" tab to show how the points (feed, solvent, and desired raffinate) are plotted on the ternary phase diagram. For the "mixing point" tab, this option demonstrates how the lever rule is used to determine the mixing point

M

. Check the box "show

E

1

" to see how the composition of the extract in the first stage

E

1

is found. Select "operating point" from the list to see how the operating point

P

(in purple) is determined. Finally, select "count stages" to determine the number of equilibrium stages needed to reach the desired raffinate composition. For any of the displays, check "show grid" to display grid lines on the ternary diagram.