How does the FLLEX work?

When Liquid-liquid extraction is carried out in a test tube or flask the two immiscible phases are shaken together to allow molecules to partition (dissolve) into the preferred solvent phase. This is illustrated below:

Click here to see the AFRICA flow system.

Click here to see the FRX flow system.

In the FLLEX the two immiscible liquid phases flow together along a contacting pipe as shown below:

The FRX FLLEX system

The phases form alternate slugs in the contacting pipe. This is called “slug flow”. The internal diameter of the contacting pipe is 0.25mm. At this scale diffusion of molecules between the immiscible slugs occurs rapidly. Tests have shown that full partitioning of molecules into the preferred solvent phase occurs in less than 3 seconds.

FLLEX technology forms the basis of flow chemistry application in Log P and Log d studies.

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The Dolomite Centre provides design, development and manufacture of glass microfluidic devices and systems.