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Curtain Flow Column: Optimization of Efficiency and Sensitivity
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Published on: June 12, 2016

Viscous fingering in packed chromatographic columns: linear stability analysis.

G Rousseaux1, A De Wit, M Martin

  • 1Nonlinear Physical Chemistry Unit and Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 231, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.

Journal of Chromatography. A
|April 11, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Viscous fingering (VF) in liquid chromatography (LC) causes distorted peaks due to unfavorable viscosity contrasts. This study applies hydrodynamic instability theory to predict VF characteristics in analytical LC, considering particle size and carrier velocity.

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Area of Science:

  • Chromatography
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Physical Chemistry

Background:

  • Viscous fingering (VF) is a hydrodynamic instability occurring when a less viscous fluid displaces a more viscous one in a porous medium.
  • In liquid chromatography (LC), VF can arise at interfaces between the sample and eluent, leading to distorted peak shapes and broadening.
  • This phenomenon has been observed in size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explain the origin and characteristics of viscous fingering in LC.
  • To apply linear stability analysis to typical analytical LC conditions.
  • To interpret previously observed qualitative phenomena of VF in chromatography.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a simplistic LC column model to illustrate VF.
  • Application of linear stability analysis principles from Tan and Homsy (1986).
  • Analysis of VF onset for a step interface between two fluids under analytical LC conditions.

Main Results:

  • The study provides the most probable growth rate and wavelength (finger width) of VF.
  • Results are expressed in terms of particle size, solute diffusion coefficient, and carrier velocity.
  • The influence of column geometry and potential triggers for instability are discussed.

Conclusions:

  • The theoretical framework explains VF phenomena observed in LC.
  • Carrier velocity plays a critical role in the development of VF.
  • Understanding VF is crucial for optimizing LC methods and interpreting peak shapes.