Question

Find the separation factor if the ratio of weight fraction of solute in the extract to raffinate is 0.75. Also given the ratio of dilutant in raffinate to extract is 0.5.

(a) 1

(b) 1.25

(c) 1.5

(d) 1.75

The question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

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

Answer 1

Right option is (c) 1.5

The explanation: Distribution coefficient = the ratio of weight fraction of solute in the extract to raffinate * the ratio of dilutant in raffinate to extract

                         =0.75/0.5 = 1.5.