Multiphase extraction of ephedrine from Pinellia ternata using bionic liquid-modified polymer

Multiphase extraction (MPE) was applied as a developed, convenient and efficient method in separation of ephedrine from Pinellia ternata. Firstly, in order to increase the adsorption efficiency, bionic liquid-modified polymer was created. Comparing the effects of all sorbents under variables conditions, the highest amount of 5.8 mg/g can be adsorbed on dual imidazole ionic liquid modified polymer (Im-Im-Poly) in methanol/water (70:30, v/v) solution at 25°C within 30.0 min. Then the Im-Im-Poly was applied in MPE, after 7 times repetition of extraction, around 1.0 mg/g of ephedrine from Pinellia ternata was detected. After washing by water, ethanol and methanol, and elution by methanol/acetic acid (99.0:1.0, v/v), ephedrine was successfully separated.

Numerical Modeling of Multiphase Extraction (MPE) Aiming at LNAPL Recovery in Tropical Soils

Subsurface contamination by light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) is a widespread global problem that requires appropriate techniques to remediate soil and groundwater. In this paper, the subsurface transport over multiple phases (STOMP) model was used to simulate LNAPL multiphase flow and transport during multiphase extraction (MPE) application in two Brazilian tropical soils (silty sand and oxisol) contaminated by diesel. The model was applied to a hypothetical contamination site, with the initial LNAPL thickness observed in well extraction. The first part consisted of the MPE system sensitivity analysis, varying the applied vacuum and tip tube position. The Van Genuchten α parameter and hydraulic conductivity were the properties that most affected LNAPL saturation and fluid extraction volumes. Suitable applied vacuum and tip tube position parametrization was imperative for the efficiency of LNAPL extraction. After the definition of an appropriate MPE system configuration, simulations demonstrated that the immobile LNAPL saturation affected fluid extraction and diesel oil concentrations in aqueous and gas saturation. The model applied is able to predict LNAPL contaminant behavior in porous media during MPE technique application.