Maximizing Solvent Recovery and Sustainability with OptimEXT™

Introduction

In today’s process industries, sustainability and cost control are more important than ever. Solvents are essential for countless chemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial processes—but their loss and improper management can lead to significant environmental impact and increased operational costs. Sulzer’s OptimEXT platform offers a breakthrough in solvent recovery and sustainable manufacturing, combining advanced liquid-liquid extraction with state-of-the-art distillation to maximize recovery rates, minimize waste, and support your green goals.

The Environmental and Economic Impact of Solvent Recovery

Solvents are often among the most expensive raw materials in industrial processes. Their loss not only increases costs but can also contribute to environmental pollution if not properly managed. Efficient solvent recovery is therefore a win-win: it reduces operating expenses and helps companies meet ever-stricter environmental regulations.

How OptimEXT Delivers Superior Solvent Recovery

Integrated Extraction and Distillation

OptimEXT is designed to tackle the toughest separation challenges where conventional methods fall short. By integrating Sulzer’s proven extraction technologies—such as Kühni™ agitated columns, packed columns, and mixer-settlers—with high-performance distillation units, OptimEXT enables continuous, high-efficiency solvent recovery.

• Up to 99% Solvent Recovery: OptimEXT can recover nearly all valuable solvents from process streams, drastically reducing the need for fresh solvent purchase and disposal costs.

• Continuous Solvent Reuse: The recovered solvents are purified and ready for reuse in the process, supporting both economic and environmental objectives.

  
  

Advanced Process Design for Maximum Efficiency

Sulzer’s decades of engineering expertise ensure that OptimEXT solutions are tailored to your specific process requirements. The system’s modular design allows for easy integration into existing or new plants, while pilot-scale testing and advanced modeling guarantee reliable scale-up and optimal performance.

Sustainability Benefits of OptimEXT

Reduced Waste and Emissions

By recovering and recycling solvents, OptimEXT minimizes hazardous waste generation and reduces emissions to air and water. This not only helps companies meet regulatory requirements but also supports broader sustainability and corporate responsibility goals.

Support for Green Manufacturing

OptimEXT enables process industries to move toward greener, more sustainable manufacturing by:

• Lowering resource consumption

• Reducing the carbon footprint of operations

• Supporting circular economy principles through solvent reuse

  
  

Industry Examples

OptimEXT has proven its value across a wide range of applications, including:

• Chemical Manufacturing: Recovery of valuable solvents from reaction and purification steps, reducing both costs and waste.

• Pharmaceuticals: Purification and recycling of process solvents, ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance.

• Wastewater Treatment: Extraction and recovery of organic solvents from industrial effluents, minimizing environmental impact.

  
  

Conclusion

Sulzer’s OptimEXT platform is setting new standards for solvent recovery and sustainable process design. By maximizing recovery rates and supporting green manufacturing, OptimEXT helps industries reduce costs, minimize waste, and achieve their sustainability goals without compromising on performance or reliability.

Contact Us

Ready to advance your sustainability goals and cut operational costs?

Contact Sulzer today to discover how OptimEXT can transform your solvent recovery and support a greener future. Contact Sulzer | OptimEXT@sulzer.com