[Effect of emulsion on chromatographic process]

The types and features of concentration wave of the chromatographic process in which the mobile phase was emulsion were studied theoretically by the method of characteristics and the concept of multi mobile phase chromatography. When the mobile phase is an emulsion, solute is partitioned between the inner and outer phases of the emulsion as well as simultaneously adsorbed on the stationary phase resulting in the great difference of concentration profiles from the case in which the mobile phase is homogenous. The various profiles and mechanisms of concentration wave of the chromatographic process in which the partition relationship between the inner and outer phases of the emulsion and the adsorption isotherm on the stationary phase were both Langmuir-like were analyzed and discussed with corresponding examples, and the comparison with the case in which the mobile phase is homogenous is also done. It is shown that the chromatographic progress with emulsion is more complicated and multiple. The existence of multi mobile phases may sharpen simple wave to be shock wave or diffuse shock wave to be simple wave.