Based on the information in Table 8.3 and the selection scheme in Figure 8.8, is the choice of an RDC appropriate for the extraction of acetic acid from water by ethyl acetate in the process described in the introduction to this chapter and shown in Figure 8.1? What other types of extractors might beconsidered?

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Table 8.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Extraction Equipment Class of Equipment Disadvantages Advantages Good contacting Large holdup High power costs High investment Large floor space Interstage pumping may be required Mixer-settlers Handles wide flow ratio Low headroom High efficiency Many stages available Reliable scale-up Continuous, counterflow Limited throughput with small density difference Cannot handle high flow ratio Low initial cost Low operating cost Simplest construction contactors (no mechanical drive) High headroom Sometimes low efficiency Difficult scale-up Limited throughput with small density difference Cannot handle emulsifying systems Cannot handle high flow ratio Continuous, counterflow Good dispersion Reasonable cost contactors (mechanical agitation) Many stages possible Relatively easy scale-up Handles low-density difference between phases Low holdup volume Short holdup time Low space requirements Small inventory of solvent High initial costs High operating cost High maintenance cost Limited number of stages in single unit Centrifugal extractors