Centrifugal extractor is a liquid-liquid separation equipment based on the centrifugal field, the core principle of a centrifugal extractor is to generate strong centrifugal force through a high-speed rotating drum, so that two incompatible liquids (such as organic phase and aqueous phase) can be mixed, transferred and separated in a very short time. Its technological breakthrough is to increase the separation efficiency of traditional gravity sedimentation equipment by several orders of magnitude, which is especially suitable for treating complex systems with small density difference, high viscosity or easy emulsification.

Core Mechanism Of The Extraction Process
At extraction stage，the two liquids realizes the directional transfer of the target substance through the countercurrent contact in the drum. Taking Shandong Liancui LC series centrifugal extractor as an example, its independent mixing chamber design ensures that the two phases of liquids are fully mixed before entering the separation zone, so that the target substance (such as metal ions, organic compounds) is transferred from one phase to another. For example, in the process of lithium extraction from salt lake brine, the loaded organic phase extracts lithium ions from the aqueous phase to the organic phase through contact with the lithium-containing solution. In this process, the non-annular gap mixing structure of the centrifugal extractor can avoid emulsification caused by excessive shearing, ensuring that the separation efficiency is stable at more than 95%.

The Scientific Logic Of The Stripping (Reverse extraction) Process
Stripping is the reverse process of extraction, and the target substance is dissociated from the loaded organic phase by introducing a stripping agent (such as dilute acid, brine). For example, in the lithium recovery process, after the stripping agent contacts the loaded organic phase, lithium ions are transferred from the organic phase to the aqueous phase to form a high-purity lithium salt solution, and the extractant can be recycled after regeneration. Shandong Liancui LC series equipment uses multi-stage countercurrent stripping technology to increase the lithium recovery rate to more than 98%, while significantly reducing the consumption of the extractant. The key to this process is to accurately control the centrifugal speed, temperature and residence time to avoid the formation of an emulsion layer and the resulting decrease in separation efficiency.

Technical advantages of industrial applications


 
High Separation Efficiency

The separation efficiency of the centrifugal extractor is 3-5 times higher than that of traditional equipment, such as reactor, mixer settler. For example, in the field of hydrometallurgy, Shandong Liancui's LC-650 model can process 5,000-60,000L/h per unit, supporting the needs of 10,000-ton projects, and can achieve a metal purity of more than 99% through multi-stage series connection.

Corrosion Resistance And Stability
Optional material SS304, SS316L and fluorine, which can withstand strong acid and alkali corrosion. For example, in the treatment of phenol-containing wastewater, the LC series equipment runs continuously for 1,000 hours without leakage, ensuring environmental protection standards.


Energy Saving And Environmental Protection 
The non-annular gap mixing structure reduces energy consumption by 40%, and the solvent recovery rate reaches more than 98%. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, a company uses the LC-550 model to recover organic solvents, and the annual emission reduction is equivalent to reducing 200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Energy Saving And Environmental Protection 
The non-annular gap mixing structure reduces energy consumption by 40%, and the solvent recovery rate reaches more than 98%. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, a company uses the LC-550 model to recover organic solvents, and the annual emission reduction is equivalent to reducing 200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.


Automation And Flexibility

The integrated intelligent control system can monitor parameters such as speed, flow, and temperature in real time to support continuous production. For example, in the preparation of ibuprofen, the ketal water washing and impurity removal efficiency is increased by 30% through online monitoring and feedback control.

Our LC series of centrifugal extractors have excellent performance in experimental, pilot and industrial applications with modular design, multi-channel shaft seal technology and independent mixing chamber structure. Our LC-20/LC-50 models are suitable for laboratory research and development, LC-150/LC-550 models support pilot scale-up, and LC-650 models meet the needs of 10,000-ton industrial production. For example, a hydrometallurgical enterprise uses LC-650 multi-stage series connection to achieve an annual processing capacity of more than 10,000 tons of metal recovery, reducing the overall cost by 25%.

Summary
Centrifugal extraction technology achieves efficient resource utilization and deep treatment of pollutants through the synergistic effect of extraction and back extraction. Shandong Liancui LC series of centrifugal extractors have become the core equipment for green chemical transformation with their technical advantages and rich cases. For enterprises pursuing high efficiency, environmental protection and sustainable development, LC series equipment is undoubtedly an ideal choice for process upgrades.