Modelling of interfacial mass transfer in microfluidic solvent extraction: Part I. Heterogenous transport

Abstract

An investigation of molecular diffusion of solutes across water/oil interfaces in a Y-Y-shaped microchannel with an integrated guide structure is presented. Finite volume numerical simulations were compared with experimental literature data. Analytical approaches including an infinite composite medium model, phase-specific mass transfer coefficient models, and a static transfer cell model were also assessed. An increase in accuracy for the mass transfer coefficient models was achieved by using local coefficients as opposed to length-averaged expressions. The static transfer cell model was shown to improve when based on the interfacial contact time, as opposed to the organic phase residence t..