Pilot-Scale Evaluation of Supported Liquid Membrane Extraction

Abstract
An evaluation of a solvent extraction system employing supported liquid membranes has recently been completed by Rockwell Hanford Operations. The focus was on a pilot-scale, tube and shell arrangement configured for continuous operation. The tube bundle consisted of 333 polypropylene-iiricroporous fibers with a total surface of 3.6 m2. Results are reported for the evaluation of operating parameters such as flow rates and corresponding aqueous pressure differences, solvent impregnation techniques, and test system durability. Chemical and physical test results, including permeability data, are also reported for the systems nitrate ion/nitric acid/tertiary amine and (nonradioactive) Group IA-IIA metal/nitric acid/ phosphoric acid extractant.