A modeling method based on incomplete mixed cells in counter-current chromatography: Interphase mass transfer ratio

Area of Science:

• Chromatography
• Chemical Engineering
• Separation Science

Background:

• Counter-current chromatography (CCC) performance is significantly impacted by complex mass transfer processes.
• Optimizing CCC requires a deeper understanding of interphase mass transfer efficiency during elution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a model for accurately estimating interphase mass transfer efficiency in CCC.
• To propose a fast algorithm for calculating the interphase mass transfer ratio (IMTR).
• To investigate the factors influencing IMTR and its relationship with CCC column efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Development of an incomplete mixed cell model incorporating layering-mixing-layering and wave-like mixing.
• Implementation of a fast estimation algorithm for the interphase mass transfer ratio (IMTR).
• Experimental analysis of IMTR under various operating conditions and its correlation with influencing factors.

Main Results:

• The proposed model and algorithm accurately estimate interphase mass transfer efficiency.
• Experimental results showed low IMTR values (average ≤10%), indicating low interphase mass transfer efficiency as a key factor in CCC column efficiency.
• IMTR was found to be positively correlated with theoretical plates and stationary phase retention (Sf), and negatively correlated with incomplete mixing cells (n).

Conclusions:

• Low interphase mass transfer efficiency is a primary limitation in CCC performance.
• The IMTR serves as a valuable index for evaluating CCC column efficiency and understanding mass transfer mechanisms.
• Recommendations are provided for experimental design to isolate the effects of interphase mass transfer on CCC efficiency.