A variational applied approach for Cr (III) removal by Y-Y shaped microchannel; Experimental and CFD simulation studies

Abstract

The growing importance of metal separation methods and the shortcomings of conventional solvent extraction techniques, such as high energy consumption, long operation times, and large space requirements, have resulted in more attention toward the demand for applying new technology to improve these defects. Microfluidics can be a proper choice for this purpose owing to their high mass and heat transfer rate, low material consumption and small size. In this study, the solvent extraction of chromium (III) ion in a Polydimethylsiloxane Y-Y microchannel using MDEHPA as the extractant and corn oil as the organic solvent was studied. The surface response method (RSM) was applied to investigate the effect of operating parameters on extraction efficiency and obtain the optimal extraction conditions. Under these conditions, the extraction rate was 84.76%. Also, to accurately evaluate the mass transfer performance, the volumetric mass transfer coefficients (KLa) in the batch and microfluidic extraction in the obtained optimal conditions were calculated. The KLa for the microfluidic extraction system was much larger, indicating better mass transfer performance of the microfluidic devices. In addition, CFD simulations were performed to investigate the channel's internal flow and extraction efficiency. The results showed a suitable agreement compared to the experimental results.