Trapping multiple dual mode centrifugal partition chromatography for the separation of intermediately-eluting components: Throughput maximization strategy

•Trapping MDM CPC throughput maximization strategy.•Experimental validation of throughput maximization strategy with model mixture.•Successful experimental separation with feed loading >50% column volume.•Trapping MDM CPC productivity 1.7× higher than for stacked pulse injections.

Trapping multiple dual mode centrifugal partition chromatography (trapping MDM CPC) is an alternative to isocratic pulse injections for the separation of intermediately-eluting components from complex mixtures using liquid-liquid chromatography. In this work, a throughput maximization strategy is developed and validated to investigate the full potential of trapping MDM CPC as a preparative technique. In the proposed approach, shake flask and stationary phase retention experiments are used to determine the maximum feed concentration and flow rate, respectively. A model-based parameter selection process combining a mathematical short-cut method and simulations based on the equilibrium cell model is used to obtain the column loading and step durations resulting in maximized process throughput. The proposed throughput maximization strategy is experimentally validated for the separation of a ternary model mixture of parabens. A preliminary comparison of trapping MDM CPC separation performance to that of stacked pulse injections is also made.