A two-dimensional transport dispersive (TD) model, based
on the
Navier–Stokes equation, describing an energy conservation of
fluid motion, and a one-dimensional TD model, were built to describe
the diffusions of glycolic acid (GA) and NaCl in the axial and radial
directions in a preparative column. The elution and breakthrough curves
of GA and NaCl were simulated with the models, and the instantaneous
concentrations of GA and NaCl in the column were further studied.
The results indicated that the two-dimensional TD model simulated
the elution curve of GA, whereas that of NaCl could be simulated with
the one- or two-dimensional TD models. The parameters of the models
were obtained by combining the empirical and inverse methods, which
enhanced the simulation accuracy. The external transfer diffusion
was the rate-controlling step during adsorption of GA due to a Biot
constant less than 10. Moreover, the concentration of NaCl was slightly
higher than that of GA at the same axial position in the column, and
the diffusion fronts of GA and NaCl were in a parabolic form. On increasing
the column temperature, the retention time of GA and the resolution
gradually decreased, whereas the diffusion of NaCl did not change
appreciably. The breakthrough volumes of both NaCl and GA remained
unchanged, and the total transfer coefficient of GA showed a downward
trend overall within the experimental range.