Solvent characterization using the dispersion number

When developing new solvent extraction processes, one often has to evaluate new solvents, new aqueous phases, or both for their ability to work in plant-scale equipment. To facilitate solvent characterization, a simple test is proposed based on the dimensionless dispersion number (NDi). It allows one to characterize the ability of the solvent to separate from a two-phase dispersion and to estimate process throughput for equipment for a given size. Several ways to carry out the NDi test are given, including a standard test procedure. The NDi test was applied to the performance of solvent extraction equipment with discrete process stages, the leaching of plasticizers from plastic tubing, and the development of a new solvent for the combined extraction of strontium and transuranic elements