Transparent PVC Mixer Settler for Teaching & Research
2026-10-16
Transparent PVC Mixer Settler for Teaching, Research and Extraction Process ValidationLiquid-liquid extraction is widely used in chemical engineering, hydrometallurgy, chemical separation, and process development. From university teaching laboratories to research facilities and pilot-scale studies, understanding the mixing and separation behavior of two liquid phases is essential for evaluating extraction processes.1. How Does a Mixer Settler Work?
Mixer settler is widely used in the separation and purification of metals in hydrometallurgical solvent extraction processes. It consists of a mixing chamber that continuously feeds and stirs, and a clarification chamber that relies on gravity to separate liquid phases.
In practice, multi-stage series connection is often used to achieve deep separation of targets. Under certain process conditions, the mass transfer efficiency of the mixing chamber is related to the mixing intensity of the stirring paddle and the contact time of the two phases, while the clarification effect is related to the viscosity, density, surface tension, droplet diameter, clarification area, etc. of the two-phase liquid. Clarification about time.
Mixed mass transfer process
The extraction agent and material liquid enter the submersible chamber or manifold from the bottom of the extraction tank in a certain proportion, and are sucked into the mixing chamber by the wheeled stirring paddle and sheared, mixed and dispersed. At this time, the two-phase liquid is fully mixed, so that the solute is transferred from one phase to the other. The liquid is transferred to another phase of liquid, thereby completing the mixed mass transfer process.
Two-phase Separation process
The mixed liquid overflows from the mixing chamber to the clarification chamber. Due to the different densities of the two phases, the separation of the two phases is completed under the action of gravity. The separated two-phase liquid flows out through the light and heavy phase weirs respectively or enters the next stage.
A transparent PVC mixer settler provides a practical solution for laboratory teaching, scientific research, and preliminary extraction process validation. Its transparent structure makes internal liquid behavior easier to observe, while its one-piece construction without welded joints helps reduce potential leakage points in the equipment body.
KAIMINA has supplied transparent PVC mixer settler equipment for university laboratory teaching, demonstrating its practical value in educational and experimental environments.
By observing these two stages, students and researchers can better understand the relationship between mixing, mass transfer, and phase separation.
For multistage extraction studies, several mixer settlers can be connected in sequence to investigate staged extraction processes and the behavior of successive extraction stages.2. Key Applications of Transparent PVC Mixer Settlers
- University Teaching and Laboratory Demonstrations
For universities and technical colleges, transparent mixer settlers provide an intuitive way to demonstrate liquid-liquid extraction principles.
Students can observe the equipment structure, liquid movement, and phase separation during suitable experiments. This helps connect theoretical concepts with practical equipment operation and supports teaching in chemical engineering, separation technology, and related disciplines.
- Scientific Research and Laboratory Experiments
In research laboratories, transparent mixer settlers can support experimental studies of liquid-liquid extraction and phase separation.
Researchers may use suitable configurations to investigate the effects of mixing conditions, flow rates, phase ratios, and settling behavior on extraction performance. The transparent structure facilitates visual observation of the process, complementing measurements and analytical results.
- Extraction Process Validation and Preliminary Testing
Before moving toward larger equipment or a more complex extraction system, engineers may need to evaluate whether a proposed extraction process is technically feasible.
A laboratory mixer settler can be used for preliminary process validation, helping investigate phase behavior, separation characteristics, and operating conditions with representative liquids.
The results can inform subsequent experimental work and equipment selection. However, laboratory findings should be evaluated carefully before being used to predict industrial-scale performance.
- Hydrometallurgy and Chemical Separation Studies
Mixer settlers are used in liquid-liquid solvent extraction processes for the separation and purification of selected chemical components and metals.
A transparent laboratory unit can help demonstrate extraction principles and support selected experimental studies in hydrometallurgy and chemical separation, provided that the process liquids are compatible with PVC and the equipment's operating limits.3. Why Choose a Transparent PVC mixer settler?One of the main advantages of transparent extraction equipment is the ability to observe internal processes that would otherwise be hidden inside an opaque vessel.
MCG-0.3LVisual observation of mixing: The mixing chamber helps illustrate liquid movement and dispersion during agitation.
Observation of phase separation: The settling chamber allows users to observe liquid layers and the phase interface when the selected liquids produce visible separation.
Better understanding of equipment structure: The transparent body helps students and researchers identify the mixing and settling sections and understand their respective functions.
Support for experimental investigation: Visual observations can help identify changes in phase behavior and guide further testing, alongside appropriate measurements and analytical methods.
Transparency is particularly valuable when the objective is to understand process behavior, demonstrate operating principles, or investigate preliminary extraction conditions.4. One-Piece PVC Construction Without Welded JointsThe equipment features a one-piece PVC body without welded joints, offering an additional practical advantage for laboratory applications. Reduced potential leakage points.5. Suitable for Different Laboratory Environments
The transparent PVC mixer settler can be considered for a range of laboratory environments, including:✅
University teaching laboratories and chemical engineering departments✅
Scientific research institutes and separation process laboratories✅
Chemical process development and experimental facilities✅
Hydrometallurgy and solvent extraction research laboratories✅
Laboratory-scale extraction studies and preliminary process validation✅
Educational equipment suppliers and laboratory system integrators
The appropriate configuration depends on the experimental objectives, required processing capacity, number of stages, liquid properties, and operating conditions.
PVC is not suitable for every solvent or chemical system. Chemical compatibility, temperature limits, pressure conditions, and the suitability of all wetted components should be confirmed before use.6. A Practical Solution for Teaching and Process DevelopmentFrom classroom demonstrations to preliminary extraction studies, a transparent PVC mixer settler helps make liquid-liquid separation processes easier to observe and investigate.
Its key advantages include a transparent structure for visual observation, a one-piece body without welded joints, and suitability for selected laboratory teaching and experimental applications.
For universities, research laboratories, and process development teams, it offers a practical way to explore mixer settler operation before considering more advanced or larger-scale equipment.7. Common Lab-scale PVC mixer settler
| Model |
Mixer volume (ml) |
Settler volume (ml) |
Mixing flux (L/h) |
Motor Power(W) |
Diameter of Inlet/outlet (mm) |
Single Dimension (L*W*H,mm) |
| MCG-0.3L |
300 |
900~1200 |
1~5 |
20 |
Ø10 |
325*80*100 |
| MCG-0.5L |
500 |
1500~2000 |
3~10 |
20 |
Ø12 |
434*96*116 |
| MCG-1L |
1000 |
3000~4000 |
5~20 |
20 |
Ø12 |
580*116*149 |
| MCG-2L |
2000 |
6000~8000 |
10~40 |
60 |
Ø16 |
715*145*176 |
| MCG-5L |
5000 |
15000~20000 |
20~100 |
90 |
DN15 |
936*194*240 |
| MCG-10L |
10000 |
30000~40000 |
40~200 |
120 |
DN20 |
1380*250*300 |
KAIMINA provides laboratory mixer settler solutions for teaching, scientific research, and liquid-liquid extraction process studies. Contact us to discuss your application, experimental objectives, and equipment configuration.For more information about our mixer settler systems, please contact us for technical support and quotation.
