Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p><jats:bold>Performance indices of various countercurrent extraction columns.</jats:bold> The permissible working range and the separation efficiency achievable therein are characteristic indices for the performance of extraction columns. An introductory account of the design principles, especially of columns supplied with mechanical energy, is followed by an illustrative discussion of the influence of operational and constructional parameters and of material properties on the loading range and the separation efficiency attainable therein. Then follows a section comparing the efficiencies of various columns as a function of loadability for a variety of material systems. These comparisons are valid only for certain parameters. Hence, the changes occurring on variation of these parameters are also considered qualitatively. In conclusion, the separation efficiencies of two newly developed columns are examined with a view to establishing whether the dependence upon loading has changed relative to conventional columns.</jats:p>