Discussion

The experimental results are based on 7 runs in the table presented in Appendix A.
Appendix D is used to convert the runs taken based on the given flow rates into stroke rate. Using a
refractometer, the refractive indexes of extract and raffinate are measured and used to calculate the
solute compositions based on Appendix D and Appendix G. Refractive indexes are measured in 5
minutes intervals until the readings become stable over time. Tables 1 and 2 show the refractive
indexes of extract and raffinate, respectively.

The mass balance calculation is carried out around the mixer-settler, and the sample
calculations are included in the appendix. In the appendix, there is also a sample calculation for
separation efficiency.

The separation efficiency increases as the solvent to feed ratio increases, as shown in
in the graph. This follows the premise that a higher solvent to feed ratio results in more toluene
separation of acetone from water. More solvent reduces the time it takes for the solute to separate
from the carrier and increases the composition of the solute in the extract. The composition of
solute in extract is predicted to change as time passes. The experimental results, on the other hand,
reveal that the composition of the solute does not always increase with time [1]. This fluctuation
comes as a result of various systematic errors made during the experiment's performance.
Moreover, an increase in volumetric flowrate of the continuous phase, will increase the ratio of
solvent to dispersed phase. As a result, the separation rate efficiency will increase, resulting in a
bigger gap between the operating and equilibrium curves at constant conditions. Besides, the
experimental results don’t obey the theory that a higher flow rate reduces separation efficiency
because it takes longer to separate the feed into extract and raffinate. This could be related to
experimental errors made throughout the extraction process, as well as an increase in stirrer speed
in the procedure's final two cycles.

Human error and instrument error are the two types of errors. The observer's
carelessness in taking refractive index readings using a refractometer may result in inaccuracy in
measuring efficiency and flow rates. If the refractometer is not properly cleaned up by the observer
before operation, the refractive index taken for a specific sample may not be exact since it may mix
up with prior samples. The pipe used to pump feed and solvent into the feed and solvent tanks,
respectively, may not have been thoroughly cleaned before use. This makes the toluene pumped
into the solvent tank impure, resulting in a difference in the refractive index, particularly in extract.
As a result, the composition of acetone in the extract sample will be inaccurately measured.
Furthermore, parallax error can arise when the mixer settler speed is set or when the volumes of
solvent and feed are measured. This is due to the fact that the measuring scale and the indicator
used to achieve this measurement are separated by some distance. The reading may differ from
accuracy if the observer's eye is not properly aligned with the pointer and scale.

Faults in the machine that are categorised as instrument errors can cause the
experimental result to be skewed. Sediments can be seen in the settler section's heavy phase.
Sediments can alter refractive index readings, especially for raffinate, because heavy phase will flow
to the raffinate tank. Because the light and heavy phase levels are not equal, some of the heavy
phase is mixed up and flows into the extract tank, and vice versa. This can be done by adjusting the
valve (V13), however due to human mistake and machine defects, the light and heavy phase levels
must be regularly checked to avoid this error.

References
Inflibnet.ac.in. (2022). Shodhganga : a reservoir of Indian theses @ INFLIBNET.
[online] Available at:
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/9055/14/14_chapter
%207.pdf [Accessed 4 May 2022].