Theoretical Studies on Copper Extraction by means of Polymeric Membrane Contactors

Solvent extraction of copper in hollow-fiber membrane contactors was investigated in this study. Extraction of copper is carried out conventionally using mixer-settlers. These contactors have some disadvantages such as consumption of high energy, dispersion of two phases and high operating costs. Membrane contactors can obviate the need for conventional contactors. The most favorable module used as membrane contactor is hollow-fiber module. These modules provide high surface area per contact volume. A known interface can be established between aqueous and organic phases for the purpose of mass transfer and extraction. Equilibrium is established at the aqueous-organic interface and depends on the hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the membrane. Investigations on copper extraction revealed that these contactors can be used as a new device for extraction of copper. Some authors have studied extraction of Cu2+ with a kerosene solution of di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) using hollow-fiber membrane contactors.