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

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.