Rates of acetate extraction from simulated waste streams in chloromycetin production

The kinetics for extraction recovery of acetate ions from simulated waste streams in chloromycetin production by Aliquat 336 (a quaternary amine) and tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) in xylene were examined using a microporous membrane-based stirred cell. The waste stream typically contained 15.4% acetic acid, 8.8% sodium acetate, and 4.7% (w/w) NaCl. The stirred cell could give intrinsic rates for formation of the complex occurring at or near the organic-aqueous interface. It was shown that the extraction rate with TBP was higher than that with Aliquat 336. The effect of temperature (288-318 K) on the reaction rate with TBP was also examined and the activation energy (54.5 kJ/mol) was obtained.