Question

The separation is possible if the ratio of weight fraction of solute in extract to raffinate is 0.15. Also given the ratio of dilutant in raffinate to extract is 0.5.

(a) True

(b) False

I have been asked this question in an interview for job.

This interesting question is from Solvent Selection for Unit Operations in chapter Liquid Extraction of Mass Transfer

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) False

Best explanation: Distribution co-efficient = the ratio of weight fraction of solute in extract to raffinate * the ratio of dilutant in raffinate to extract

= 0.15/0.5 = 0.3 < 1 (Separation is not possible)