Patent ID: 7105089

Claim:
A liquid-liquid extraction system comprising: an outer chamber containing feed solution and having inlet and outlet ports fluidly connected to a feed solution reservoir, the outer chamber defining a containment region; and an inner chamber containing a liquid extractant within a flow region thereof, wherein the inner chamber has inlet and outlet ports and is fluidly connected to a liquid extractant reservoir, the inner chamber defined by a microporous membrane sleeve internally maintaining a frame; wherein at least the flow region of the inner chamber is positioned within the containment region of the outer chamber such that the microporous membrane sleeve establishes an extraction interface between contents of the inner and outer chambers, wherein the feed solution and extractant are essentially immiscible, and wherein the frame includes a central panel defining opposing major surfaces and a flow region, and further wherein the central panel forms a plurality of holes extending between the major surfaces in the flow region far allowing liquid passage between the major surfaces.