Computational fluid dynamics modeling of uranium(VI) transport through hollow fiber supported liquid membrane

Abstract

ABSTRACT Uranium(VI) ions transport through hollow fibre supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) using TBP (tri-n-butyl phosphate) in n-dodecane as the extractant and 0.01 M HNO3 as strippant is modelled by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for once-through the mode of operation. The model solves the momentum transport equation for the feed on the lumen side and the stripping phase on the shell side. The species transport equation is solved for the feed on the lumen side, the liquid membrane phase within the pores of the lumen and the stripping phase on the shell side. The boundary conditions of flux continuity and concentration jump at the feed-liquid membrane and the liquid membrane–strip interfaces are implemented. The results obtained from the CFD model at different parametric conditions are compared with the experimental data and found a good agreement between them. Validated CFD model is used to have in-depth insights into mass transfer phenomena at different hydrodynamic and chemical conditions. The effect of geometry on mass transfer is also evaluated. Overall this study will give valuable input to the supported liquid membrane (SLM) processes using hollow fibre contactor in the optimization of process design, operation and scale-up.