Why does the generation of turbulence during Mixer Settler Extractor mixing help stirring?

1. Enhanced Contact and Dispersion: Turbulence disrupts the interface between the immiscible solvent phases (usually an aqueous phase and an organic phase) and promotes their dispersion. The mechanical agitation mechanisms, such as impellers or stirrers, cause the phases to move relative to each other, breaking up the liquid-liquid interface into smaller droplets or finer layers. This increased contact between the phases is essential for the extraction process.

2. Increased Interfacial Area: Turbulence creates a highly convoluted and irregular interface between the two phases. This results in a significantly greater interfacial area compared to a calm or stagnant interface. The increased interfacial area provides more opportunities for solute molecules in one phase to come into contact with and transfer into the other phase.

3. Efficient Mass Transfer: Turbulence enhances the rate of diffusion and mass transfer by promoting molecular-level mixing. Solute molecules have a shorter diffusion path in a turbulent environment, allowing them to move from regions of high concentration to low concentration more rapidly. This efficient mass transfer is crucial for extracting solutes from one phase and transferring them to the other.

4. Prevention of Phase Separation: In the absence of turbulence, the immiscible phases would tend to separate quickly due to differences in density. Turbulence counteracts this separation by continuously mixing the phases, preventing them from settling and maintaining a homogenous mixture.

5. Optimized Extraction: The level of turbulence and the degree of agitation can be controlled and adjusted to optimize the extraction process. By varying the agitation speed and duration, it is possible to fine-tune the mixing conditions to suit the specific requirements of the extraction, such as the type of solutes, solvents, and the desired extraction efficiency.

In summary, turbulence is crucial in a Mixer-Settler Extractor because it facilitates efficient mixing and mass transfer between the immiscible solvent phases. It increases interfacial area, prevents phase separation, and enhances the chances for solute transfer, making it an essential element of the liquid-liquid extraction process.