Mass Ratio of Solvent in Raffinate Phase Calculator

Mass Ratio Formula:

\[ z = \frac{x_B}{x_A + x_C} \]

Mass Ratio of Solvent in Raffinate Phase (z):

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1. What is Mass Ratio of Solvent in Raffinate Phase?

Definition: The Mass Ratio of Solvent in Raffinate Phase is the ratio of mass of solvent in the raffinate phase to the mass of solute plus carrier liquid in the raffinate phase.

Purpose: This calculation is important in chemical engineering for liquid-liquid extraction processes where a ternary mixture is separated into different phases.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ z = \frac{x_B}{x_A + x_C} \]

Where:

\( z \) — Mass Ratio of Solvent in Raffinate Phase
\( x_B \) — Mass Fraction of Solvent in the Raffinate Phase
\( x_A \) — Mass Fraction of Carrier Liquid in the Raffinate Phase
\( x_C \) — Mass Fraction of Solute in the Raffinate Phase

Explanation: The mass fraction of solvent is divided by the sum of mass fractions of carrier liquid and solute to determine their relative mass ratio.

3. Importance of This Calculation

Details: This ratio helps in understanding the composition of the raffinate phase after separation and is crucial for designing and optimizing extraction processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass fractions of solvent, carrier liquid, and solute in the raffinate phase. All values must be ≥ 0 and the denominator (x_A + x_C) must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the raffinate phase?
A: In liquid-liquid extraction, the raffinate phase is the phase that remains after the solute has been extracted by the solvent.

Q2: What are typical values for these mass fractions?
A: Values depend on the specific system, but typically range between 0 and 1, with their sum in the raffinate phase being 1.

Q3: Why is this ratio important?
A: It helps quantify how much solvent remains in the raffinate phase relative to other components, which affects process efficiency.

Q4: Can the ratio be greater than 1?
A: Yes, if the mass of solvent in the raffinate phase is greater than the combined mass of carrier liquid and solute.

Q5: What if I get a division by zero error?
A: This occurs when both x_A and x_C are zero, which isn't physically meaningful as the raffinate phase must contain some mass.