What is the difference between a mixer-settler extractor and an ultrasonic extractor?

There are obvious differences between mixer-settler extractors and ultrasonic extractors in terms of extraction principles, operating methods, application areas, advantages and disadvantages. Here's a detailed comparison of the two:

Mixer-settler extractor: It is mainly based on the solubility difference of substances in two immiscible (or partially miscible) solvents to achieve separation. In the mixer-settler, through stirring and mixing, the raw materials are dissolved in the solvent, and then left to stand, using the different solubilities of the substances in different solvents to achieve stratification and extraction. This method mainly relies on the distribution coefficient and diffusion rate of the substance in the solvent.

Ultrasonic extractor: Its working principle is to utilize the cavitation effect, mechanical effect and thermal effect of ultrasonic waves. When ultrasonic waves propagate in liquids, they will generate high-speed microjet and shock waves, thereby breaking the cell walls and increasing the contact area and dissolution rate of the target substance. This method can effectively accelerate the dissolution and diffusion process of substances in solvents.

Mixer-settler extractor: It usually requires manual or mechanical stirring to fully mix the raw materials and solvent, and then let it stand for a period of time until the material is separated in the solvent. The operation process is relatively simple, but it may take a long time to wait for the material to layer.

Ultrasonic extractor: The ultrasonic generator generates ultrasonic waves, introduces them into the extraction liquid, and uses the action of ultrasonic waves to accelerate the extraction process. The operation process is relatively automated and the extraction efficiency is high.

Mixer-settler extractor: Because of its easy operation and low cost, it is widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other fields. It is suitable for processing large-scale, low-concentration raw materials, such as extracting natural pigments, spices, etc. from plants.

Ultrasonic extractor: Because ultrasonic waves can break cell walls and improve extraction efficiency, they are widely used in laboratory research, traditional Chinese medicine extraction, environmental protection treatment and other fields. It is particularly suitable for processing high-concentration, difficult-to-dissolve raw materials, such as extracting active ingredients from Chinese medicinal materials.

Mixer-settler extractor: The advantage is that it is easy to operate and low in cost; the disadvantage is that the extraction efficiency is relatively low, and it may not be effective for some difficult-to-dissolve substances.

Ultrasonic extractor: The advantage is high extraction efficiency and automated operation; the disadvantage is that the equipment cost is high and may not be suitable for large-scale production.