Abstract
Solvent extraction of copper has been explored in a microfluidic chip (μSX). The transfer efficiency and rate of phase separation in μSX were compared to that achieved using conventional methods (bulk dispersion) both with and without fine silica particles present. Using the microfluidic approach, transfer elficiency was comparable to that achieved in conventional extraction. Phase separation is slow or totally arrested in bulk extraction, while instantaneous phase separation was achieved in μSX, even at high particle concentrations. Copyright © 2009 by ASME.