OptimEXT™ integrates liquid-liquid extraction with high-performance solvent recovery distillation, delivering up to 99% solvent recovery and 60% lower energy consumption versus conventional methods, for chemical, pharmaceutical, and specialty applications.

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>700	>99%	>70%
Proven references	Solvent recovery	Solvent saving

What is OptimEXT™?

OptimEXT™ is Sulzer's newest integrated separation solution, combining liquid-liquid extraction with solvent recovery to achieve new heights of performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The system is built on proven extraction platforms, primarily the well-known Kühni™ agitated column (ECR), seamlessly integrated with Sulzer's high-performance distillation units. This enables maximum solvent recovery, minimal waste, and dramatically lower energy consumption compared to standalone distillation. OptimEXT™ is the solution of choice when conventional distillation is uneconomical, technically unsuitable (azeotropic systems), or when process conditions demand selective separation of closely related components, heat-sensitive compounds, or APIs.

Key Innovation / USP

OptimEXT™ integrates liquid-liquid extraction and solvent recovery into a single, continuous process loop, reducing complexity, footprint, and energy demand. At its core is Sulzer's Kühni™ column, an advanced agitated liquid-liquid extraction technology designed for reliable scale-up from pilot to industrial operation. Its shaft-top support design accommodates a broad range of sealing options, while the adaptable compartment geometry ensures stable and efficient performance across varying hydrodynamic conditions.

How OptimEXT™ works: integrated liquid-liquid extraction and solvent recovery

1. Selective liquid-liquid extraction with Kuhni column
The feed stream enters Sulzer's Kühni™ agitated extraction column (ECR), where it contacts a countercurrent solvent phase. Multiple agitated compartments with turbine mixers generate controlled droplet size distribution and maximize interfacial area for mass transfer. The geometry adapts along the column height for optimal hydrodynamics.

2. High-efficiency solvent recovery and recycling
The loaded solvent passes directly to Sulzer's high-performance solvent recovery distillation unit, where the target compound is separated and the solvent is recovered for immediate recycle, eliminating losses, minimizing waste, and reducing energy consumption by up to 60% vs. standalone distillation.

Proprietary technology callout
At the heart of OptimEXT™ is the Kühni™ column, Sulzer's proprietary agitated extraction column with over 50 years of industrial track record. Specialized turbine-type impellers and calming grids ensure precise control over droplet size and residence time, delivering superior separation even in challenging systems.

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Explore the applications of OptimEXT™

Product Recovery & Purification — Maximize product yield and purity in chemical, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemicals applications.

By-Product Recovery — Recover valuable components from waste streams, creating additional value, minimizing losses and improving sustainability.

Energy & Utility Savings — Reduce operational costs and improving efficiency by cutting down on steam, electricity, and cooling requirements.

fcc — Provide efficient, selective separation of closely related components, overcoming challenges such as azeotropes, thermal degradation, and poor phase separation.

Oil refinery plant — Minimize hazardous impurities, reduce waste and emissions, and support green manufacturing goals.

greener process oil — Reduce equipment footprint, simplify operations, and replace less efficient separation methods.

Why engineers choose OptimEXT™ for liquid-liquid extraction

Solvent recovery
Up to 99% solvent recovery, eliminating material losses and reducing waste vs. traditional distillation.

Energy
Up to 60% lower energy consumption, reduced steam, electricity, and cooling requirements.

Azeotrope & thermal separation
Solves azeotropic, thermally degradable, and close-boiling separations conventional distillation cannot.

CAPEX & footprint
Compact Kühni™ column design minimizes footprint, structural steel, and foundation costs.