a. What is the minimum solvent flow rate that can be used in countercurrent operation to remove 75 percent of the acetic acid in the process stream described in Problem 11.1?
b. How many countercurrent stages are required to remove 75 percent of the acid using a pure isopropyl ether solvent at a flow rate that is 150 percent of the minimum?

Problem 11.1

It is necessary to process 100 kg/min of a water stream containing 15 percent acetic acid by weight. How much acid can be extracted in a single equilibrium stage with pure isopropyl ether using

(a) 100 kg/min of solvent?

(b) 50 kg/min? Assume negligible solute transfer between phases.