Continuous separation using an annular chromatograph with rotating inlet and outlet.

Abstract

A continuous rotating annular chromatograph is developed for preparative separation. An annular bed is fixed while a feed nozzle and product coDectqrs are rotated at the same speed. To evaluate the performance of this device, sodium chloride and methanol were separated by the action of ion exclusion. The rotation speed and feed rate were varied. The theoretical model predicted well the experimental concentration profile. Dispersion in the angular direction was negligible. The separation was efficiently achieved and the concentration of products was almost as high as that in the feed. The HETP was determined from the concentration profile and the contribution of respective mass transfer resistance was evaluated. The system was found to be a promising process for preparative chromatographic separation.Several techniques have been proposed for continuous chromatographic systems in preparative separations. Use of moving chromatographic beds permits continuous introduction of feed and continuous withdrawal of products. The systems may operate in counterflow or crossflow fashion. Counterflow systems were used industrially almost 40 years ago.2) Simulated counter-current systems were also established.5) However, most counterflow systems are restricted to two-component separation.