Evaluation of nonlinear chromatographic performance by frontal analysis using a simple multi-plate mathematical model

Area of Science:

• Chromatography
• Mathematical Modeling
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Nonlinear chromatographic performance analysis is crucial for separation science.
• Existing models like equilibrium-dispersive (E-D) and Thomas models have limitations in describing complex band broadening.
• Accurate modeling is essential for optimizing chromatographic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel multi-plate (MP) mathematical model for nonlinear chromatography.
• To demonstrate the MP model's ability to accommodate diverse band broadening mechanisms.
• To establish the correlation between the MP model and established chromatographic models.

Main Methods:

• Frontal analysis was employed to propose the multi-plate (MP) mathematical model.
• Experimental breakthrough curves from membrane affinity chromatography and reversed-phase liquid chromatography were utilized.
• The MP model's parameters were calculated from experimental data.
• Correlation analysis was performed between the MP model and E-D or Thomas models.

Main Results:

• The MP model provides parameters easily calculable from experimental data.
• A strong correlation was observed between the MP model and the E-D or Thomas models.
• The MP model effectively accommodates both diffusion-dominated and kinetic sorption processes.
• Experimental breakthrough curves from membrane affinity and reversed-phase liquid chromatography were well-described by the MP model.

Conclusions:

• The multi-plate (MP) mathematical model is a robust tool for evaluating nonlinear chromatographic performance.
• The MP model offers advantages in parameter calculation and accommodates various band broadening mechanisms.
• Mass transfer coefficients can be derived from the MP model's relationship with E-D and Thomas models.