Abstract
AbstractThe application of a liquid emulsion membrane (LEM) process in the recovery of zinc from aqueous solutions is discussed. The role of a stripping agent is very important in the LEM extraction process. Various stripping agents, such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric and methane sulfonic acids, were tested for the stability of membrane. Methane sulfonic acid outperforms the other acids as a strippant. Further importance was given to the stability of the liquid emulsion membrane during the extraction process. The important variables affecting the LEM permeation process of zinc in a mechanically agitated contactor (MAC), such as residence time for extraction, speed of agitation, organic diluents, surfactant concentration and internal strip acid concentration, were systematically investigated. Emulsion swelling and breakage that occurred during these investigations were also described. Finally, the static mixer (SM) device was shown to have a very good potential for LEM extraction of zinc as it outperforms MAC.
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