Numerical modelling of liquid-liquid flow related to countercurrent chromatography (CCC)

Abstract

Numerical modelling of liquid-liquid flow related to countercurrent chromatography (CCC) C. S. Konig & I. A. Sutherland Brunel Institute for Bioengineering, Brunel University, UK Abstract The CCC method is based on interface mass transfer between two immiscible liquids that move countercurrently. To be able to predict interface mass transfer for a CCC system accurately, the correct interface prediction is essential. In the present work, our previous numerical and experimental studies of countercurrent flow in inclined and oscillating tubes have been extended for different CCC phase systems. Furthermore the numerical models have been extended to circular and coiled tubes which are rotated centrally. The results indicate that mixing due to secondary motions is significant during the initial stages. However, their influence decreases as a quasi-steady state is approached in the cases studied.