Abstract:
In a solid-liquid countercurrent contact process solid particles pass at a controlled rate continuously in serpentine fashion through a series of contacting chambers formed by perforated plates 3 having staggered openings, the size of the perforations being less than that of the particles, while liquid passes in a generally reverse direction through the perforated plates under a pulsating action such that a series of fluidized beds is intermittently produced. The solvent may be of lower density than the solid (as shown) or of greater density (not shown). The rate of flow of the particles may be controlled by weirs 8, Fig. 1, or star valve 23, Fig. 3. Applications specified are treatment of liquids with solid absorbents, leaching of ores, solvent extraction of various sub stances, for example vegetable oil-bearing seeds and mineral oil-bearing sands, washing and regeneration of absorbents, and catalytic and chemical treating and refining operations.