Continuous Separation and Purification of Chemical Species by Continuous Liquid-Liquid Partition Chromatography Implemented with Membrane-Based Phase Separators

Abstract

New equipment and methodology for the continuous separation and purification of chemical species via continuous liquid-liquid partition chromatography are presented. This is achieved by cascading countercurrent mixing and extraction steps carried out with slug flow in membrane-based phase separators. This methodology provides a continuous implementation of liquid-liquid separations typically achieved with centrifugal partition chromatography while eliminating several mechanical drawbacks and limitations and provides an alternative to simulated moving bed chromatography without the need for a solid phase. We present the methodology, describe and validate a predictive mathematical model to determine optimal operating conditions, and give example separations including chiral separation and scale up.