Simulation of Fixed-Bed Chromatographic Processes Considering the Nonlinear Adsorption Isotherms

This paper presents the numerical approximation of a nonlinear equilibrium-dispersive (ED) model of multicomponent mixtures for simulating single-column chromatographic processes. Using Danckwerts boundary conditions (DBCs), the ED is studied for both generalized and standard bi-Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Advection-diffusion partial differential equations are used to represent fixed-bed chromatographic processes. As the diffusion term is significantly weaker than the advection term, sophisticated numerical techniques must be applied for solving such model equations. In this study, the model equations are numerically solved by using the Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) finite element method. The technique is designed to handle sudden changes (sharp discontinuities) in solutions and to produce highly accurate results. The method is tested with several case studies considering different parameters, and its results are compared with the high-resolution finite volume scheme. One-, two-, and three-component liquid chromatography elutions on fixed beds are among the case studies being considered. The dynamic model and its accompanying numerical case studies provide the initial step toward continuous monitoring, troubleshooting, and effectively controlling the chromatographic processes.