Separation, Hydrodynamics and Heating Effects in Continuous Annular Electro-Chromatography (CAEC).

Abstract: This article presents investigations to transfer an analytical batch electro-chromatography to a continuous annular electro-chromatography process. In order to study the electro-chromatographic effects of such a process a lab scale planar reference system was manufactured and tested. This planar device represents a fraction of the final annular geometry. An inorganic C8 reversed-phase monolith was filled between two glass plates as stationary phase inside a 1mm gap. The generation of Joule heating during the process was determined by using a contact-free thermal camera system. Additionally, the volume flow rate of the electrolyte was detected at the outlet geometry with a continuous imaging analysis system using the transmitted light method. Finally, a mixture of neutral test substances was used to evaluate the continuous separation and to compare the results of the planar plate with an analytical capillary. The obtained results indicate a uniform electro-osmotic flow as well as a successful separation of the test system and a good agreement between the efficiency of the planar gap and an analytical capillary electro-chromatographic device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]