Online monitoring of transient L/L phase separation using locally resolved impedance measurements

Abstract Liquid–liquid extraction is one option for the downstream processing of bio-based products. The performance of the phase separation concerning sedimentation and coalescence behaviour is essential for an efficient process design. Since fermentation media usually are turbid the separation behaviour cannot be investigated using standard optical methods in a settling cell. In this study the successful use of impedance measurements as alternative to the classical optical methods is presented for a representative organic-aqueous and an aqueous two-phase system.