A numerical investigation into the solids phase chromatography using a combined continuous and discrete approach

Solids phase chromatography for particle classification is based on different retention times of particles with different properties when they are elutriated through a confined geometry. This work aims at a fundamental understanding of such a technology by using the combined continuous and discrete method. A packed bed is employed as the model confined geometry. The numerical method is compared first with experimental observations, followed by a parametric analysis of the effects on the flow hydrodynamics and solids behaviour of various parameters including the number of injected particles, the superficial gas velocity, the contact stiffness and the diameter ratio of the packed column to the packed particles. The results show that the modelling captures some important features of the flow of an injected pulse of fine particles in a packed bed. An increase in the number of injected particles or the superficial gas velocity reduces the retention time, whereas the contact stiffness does not show much effect over the range of 5 × 102 to 5 × 104 N/m. It is also found that the effect on the retention time of the diameter ratio of the packed column to the packed particles seems complex showing a non-monotonous dependence.