Recovery of phenol from aqueous solutions using liquid membranes with Cyanex 923

The recovery of phenol from aqueous solutions using hydrophobic polypropylene membrane contactors with Cyanex 923 as an extractant was studied. The effect of the aqueous and organic flow rates on the overall mass transfer coefficient for extraction was determined. The experimental values of the overall mass transfer coefficient for extraction were found in agreement with the ones predicted from the conventional resistance in series model. Integration of the extraction and stripping stages was carried out using different volume phase ratios and stripping reagent concentrations. Concentration ratios of about 39-fold with 98% of phenol recovery could be achieved. The results were then compared with the ones obtained by applying the emulsion liquid membranes separation technique.