Carboxylic acids separation using hollow fiber supported liquid membrane

20-31The experimental and modeling studies for extraction of different carboxylic acids using hollow fiber supported liquid membrane operated in a recycle mode has been described here. Characterization of membrane has been carried out to find the pore size. Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), tri-n-octylamine (TOA) and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) are used as extractants for extraction studies. A generalized methodology for the extraction of carboxylic acids has been proposed. The extraction equilibrium studies for carboxylic acids are carried out to find the distribution coefficient (kd) and the equilibrium constant (Kex). A mathematical model has been developed by considering the mass transfer as well as the complexation and de-complexation reactions. The equilibrium results show that the extractants plays an important role in extraction of carboxylic acids, and thus influence the extraction of carboxylic acids. Almost 99% extraction of carboxylic acids has been achieved using 1% TOPO as an extractant. Effect on transport of carboxylic acids under various conditions, including acid concentrations, extractant concentrations, feed/strip flow rate, feed volume, scale up etc. has been investigated. Scale-up experiment show that flux obtained at both scales is the same and hence the rate of extraction is significantly faster in a module with high surface area