The present invention relates to a counter-current extraction process involving a plurality of mixing and separation stages for fractionating a phospholipid-containing feed material into two or more fractions enriched in one or more phospholipids, comprising (a) contacting the phospholipid-containing starting material under agitation with an extractant comprising an aliphatic alcohol selected from C1 to C3 alcohols; (b) separating the obtained emulsion into a phospholipid-enriched extract from a residual raffinate.

This disclosure relates to an annular centrifugal extractor with Solid Separation Part to Separate Solid Particles Present in Solvent Extraction Fluid. In order to remove solid particles from the solution, a solid separation part/rotating bowl is attached to rotating bowl in such a way that solid particles settle inside the solid separation part. This solid separating centrifugal extractor contains two parts: (I) upper part which acts as a liquid-liquid separator to separate aqueous and organic solution used in solvent extraction operation and (II) bottom part which acts as a solid separator to separate solid particle present in solvent extraction liquids. The bottom rotating rotor is coupled with upper rotating rotor by threading arrangement. Both the rotating rotors are confined within a stationary cylinder. Dispersion with solid particles entering inside the rotating bowl is deflected towards the wall of the rotating cylinder by deflecting baffle by centrifugal sedimentation.