Introduction

The device of the invention is a single-module annular geometry contactor that allows the transport of a solute between two liquid phases consisting of a feed solution and a receiving solution by means of a liquid membrane solution confined in the annular geometry compartment made by a pair of coaxial hollow fibres.

Technical features

The annular contactor is provided with a shell with the ends and has at least one treatment unit for the transport of a solute between two phases consisting of a feed solution and a receiving solution by means of a membrane solution, confined in the annular geometry compartment made from a pair of coaxial hollow fibers. The feed solution, the receiving solution and the membrane solution, all countercurrent to each other, flow within a single module. A solute concentration or removal process can take place in the contactor if the receiving solution flows inside the first fiber with a smaller diameter (the source solution outside the second fiber with a larger diameter) or outside the second fiber (the source solution within the first fiber).

Possible Applications

• The proposed device can be used with all possible solutions aqueous and with polar and apolar solvents that meet the specifications indicated by the manufacturer of the materials and fibers used.

Advantages

• Scalable and flexible;
• Can be used both as a separation and purification system and as a selective pre-concentration system;
• Quick target compound transfer process and savings in the volume of solvent used.