This paper studied the extraction of copper using membrane contactors as an alternative to conventional SX process. The relevant process parameters as type and concentration of extractant solvent, the strip solution, operating time and pH were investigated. Furthermore, a mathematical model was developed from a system of partial differential equations resulting from the mass balance in the membrane contactor system, using as the solution methodology of Integral Technique Coupled (CIEA). The experimental studies conducted in this study showed that use of membrane contactors in liquid-liquid extraction of copper is a promising and viable technology, with the potential to replace the method of solvent extraction by direct contact adopted currently yielding 100% extraction LIX 84I copper using 20% (v/v) as extractant, kerosene as solvent and H2SO4 strip solution in an operation time of 80 minutes. The results obtained by mathematical modeling and simulation of the physical problem analyzed in this study were compared with experimental results and shown to be satisfactory, demonstrating the ability of CIEA in treating problems of mass transfer in membrane systems with contactor.
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