Hollow fiber membrane contactors for the liquids extraction: Numerical simulation by using CFD

This work presents numerical simulation using CFD for liquids extraction process carried out in a hollow fiber membrane contactor (HFC). Simulations were based on solving the conservation equations for solute in the membrane contactor. Simulations were performed for extraction of caffeine by subcritical carbon dioxide in a three-fiber module. Simulation results compared with the experimental data obtained from literature to validate mass transfer model. Simulation results showed the average deviation of 13% with experimental data. Effect of membrane physical properties investigated in order to estimate optimum conditions. Simulations showed that membrane parameters greatly affect the extraction efficiency.