The annular space between rotating cylinders as a geometry for open-channel liquid chromatography

Summary The annular slit between two cylinders, one of which is rotating, looks attractive for carrying out open channel LC, with chromatographic flow in the axial direction. Under ideal conditions, the dynamics of chromatographic separation are as good as those prevailing in an open tubular column.As is the case for Myers and Gidding's open parallelplate LC, the sample capacity of the proposed geometry can be much higher than of open tubular chromatography.Rotation of one of the cyclinders offers two advantages, which may be helpful in achieving the ideal situation. First, the thickness of the slit between the cylinders tends to be more uniform at higher rotation speeds. Second, the increased mixing of the liquid in the direction perpendicular to chromatographic flow can be expected to diminish the detrimental effect of any remaining lack of uniformity in the thickness of the slit and the capacity factors.Preliminary results with such a system are reported.Dedicated to Professor J. F. K. Huber on the occasion of his 60th birthday.