Analysis of the effect of internal phase leakage on liquid membrane separations

A general physical model of a typical batch extraction system employing liquid surfactant membranes is developed. The model takes into account the continuous‐phase resistance and the interfacial resistance along with permeation through a composite emulsion globule. It also quantifies the loss in extraction efficiencies by leakage of the encapsulated phase due to membrane breakage. The physical model is easily adapted to apply to the case of transport facilitation wherein the solute is reacted in the internal phase to yield products incapable of permeating through the membrane phase. Experimental data on o‐chlorophenol extraction are satisfactorily correlated with the model.