The effects of recycle on membrane extraction through a cross-flow rectangular module have been studied both theoretically and experimentally. Theoretical analysis of mass transfer in cross-flow device with and without recycle is analogous to heat transfer in cross-flow heat exchangers. Experiments were carried out with the use of a membrane sheet made of microporous polypropylene as a permeable barrier to extract acetic acid from aqueous solution by methyl isobutyl ketone. Theoretical predictions are in agreement with the experimental results. In contrast to a device without recycle, improvement in mass transfer is achievable if cross-flow membrane extraction is operated in a device of same size with recycle which provides the increase of fluid velocity, resulting in reduction of mass-transfer resistance. It is shown that recycle can enhance mass transfer, especially for large feed-concentration solution with high distribution coefficient operated under high reflux ratio.