Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Production of Extracellular Matrix Fibers via Sacrificial Hollow Fiber Membrane Cell Culture
Published on: February 2, 2019
CFD simulation of copper(II) extraction with TFA in non-dispersive hollow fiber membrane contactors
Amir Muhammad1, Mohammad Younas1, Mashallah Rezakazemi2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, P.O. Box 814, University Campus, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan.
Abstract:
This study presents computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of dispersion-free liquid-liquid extraction of copper(II) with trifluoroacetylacetone (TFA) in hollow fiber membrane contactor (HFMC). Mass and momentum balance Navier-Stokes equations were coupled to address the transport of copper(II) solute across membrane contactor. Model equations were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics™. The simulation was run to study the detailed concentration distribution of copper(II) and to investigate the effects of various parameters like membrane characteristics, partition coefficient, and flow configuration on extraction efficiency. Once-through extraction was found to be increased from 10 to 100% when partition coefficient was raised from 1 to 10. Similarly, the extraction efficiency was almost doubled when porosity to tortuosity ratio of membrane was increased from 0.05 to 0.81. Furthermore, the study revealed that CFD can be used as an effective optimization tool for the development of economical membrane-based dispersion-free extraction processes.
Related Concept Videos
Distribution and Dispersion
Thin-Walled Hollow Shafts
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Introduction to Membrane Proteins
What are Membranes?

