Modeling Two Phase Fluid Flow in High Speed Counter Current Chromatography

G. Stevens [1], K. Weisbrod [1], R. Chamberlin [1], S. Yarbro [1],
[1] Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
Published in 2018

High-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC) is a unique process presenting possibilities for efficient separations by creating a large interfacial area between two phases in counter current flow. Millifluidic channels rotate about both planetary and solar axes to create a rapidly changing gravitational field and unique flow patterns. This research seeks to further our understanding of the fluid dynamics of HSCCC through numerical simulations. A model in the COMSOL Multiphysics® software has been developed to study the behavior of the dynamic interface between two immiscible fluids. A level set model creates a dynamic acceleration field. Model sensitivities are explored to provide insights into the governing processes of HSCCC. Additionally, effects of assumptions made during model initialization are discussed.