Computational simulation of mass transfer in extraction of alkali metals by means of nanoporous membrane extractors

Theoretical study on extraction of alkali metals using a membrane contactor is carried out in this work. A novel model is built to simulate the flow and the concentration in a membrane extractor based on the finite element analysis. CFD model is applied by solving the 2D Navier–Stokes equations as well as mass conservation equations for steady state conditions in membrane extractors. The model predicts of the velocity field, the pressure and the concentration of alkali metal in the membrane module under laminar flow regime. The results of simulation were used for determination of concentration distribution and effect of extractant concentration on extraction efficiency and mass flux of cesium in the membrane extractor. Moreover, the simulation results for the extraction of cesium using the membrane extractor were compared with the experimental data in order to validate the proposed mass transfer model and showed great agreement.

► A novel approach in modeling and simulation of membrane extraction process.
► Extraction of cesium at ambient pressure and temperature.
► Developments in mass transfer mechanisms by means of hydrophobic membranes.