Multicomponent Interference Phenomena in Ion Exchange Columns

Extensive computer simulations of multicomponent ion exchange processes in fixed beds are reported. The simulations are based on the local equilibrium theory developed by Helfferich and Klein. The simulations illustrate through computer graphics how the various ions separate and migrate in a column. Detailed concentration profiles as a function of time are shown for cyclic chromatographic operations such as elution, displacement, and selective displacement processes. The simulations elucidate the main features of the interference phenomena as a result of solute competition for the sorbent sites. These simulations also provide important guidelines for designing bulk separation processes, for example, the strategies of recovery, the choices of cyclic operations, feed size, presaturant, eluant, and displacer.