Dynamics of reactive chromatographic columns of inert core/hollow/film coated spherical packing: An analytical solution and applications

The transient behavior of reactive-diffusive fixed-bed (chromatographic columns or reactors) packed with inert core/shell core/hollow/thin film coated monodisperse spherical rigid particles is investigated. We modeled the reactive sorption system with linear mass exchange law between the flowing and the stationary phases. The coupled governing partial differential equations were integrated analytically using Laplace transformations. The analytical closed form solution involves two infinite integrals. The closed form solution was integrated numerically and the breakthrough curves of the system were studied under the influence of the system parameters. The limiting cases are discussed, a simple asymptotic closed form solution for fixed-bed desorbers with monodisperse spherical particles is obtained, and results are generalized for similar kinetics of reactive chromatographic columns (fixed-beds) for diffusion/absorption into the inert core spherical packing. Further, potential applications of the mathematical model and results in processes such as liquid vapor extraction, various forms of chromatography, reactive sorption, multifunctional reactors, process intensification, and regeneration of ion exchange columns are briefly discussed.