Solvent extraction performance of Ce(III) from chloride acidic solution with 2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid-2-ethylhexyl ester (EHEHPA) by using membrane dispersion micro-extractor

By using membrane dispersion micro-extractor, Ce(III) solvent extraction experiments were conducted. Cerium chloride solution with certain acidity was used as aqueous phase and 2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid-2-ethylhexyl ester (EHEHPA) kerosene solution as organic phase. The effects of system physicochemical properties and operational conditions, such as initial EHEHPA concentration, initial aqueous acidity, total flow rate and continuous phase flow rate, etc., on the extraction efficiency and the overall volume mass transfer coefficient were evaluated. As the total flow rate increased from 20 to 160 mL/min, the overall volume mass transfer coefficient was enhanced from 0.1 to 0.54 s−1. Under the optimal conditions, the Ce(III) extraction efficiency could reach 99.92% in 2.98 s. A mathematical model was set up to predict the overall volume mass transfer coefficient, and the calculation results agreed well with the experimental results, most relative error was within ±10%.

Graphical AbstractEquipment setup (a) Membrane dispersion micro-extractor setup (1—Continuous phase, 2—Dispersed phase, 3—Metering pumps, 4—Membrane micro-dispersive module, 5—Capillary tube, 6—Phase separating funnel, 7—Organic extract, 8—Aqueous raffinate); (b) SEM picture of the stainless steel sintered membrane surfaceFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide