A new hypothesis on phase distribution in countercurrent chromatography

This paper describes a new hypothesis on phase distribution in Countercurrent Chromatography, which, if proven to be true, will simplify the operation of CCC and greatly improve its predictability, efficiency, and reliability. It builds on the hydrodynamic distribution model first proposed by Ito(1) where "the radial force components act against the Archimedean force to establish a hydrostatic distribution of the two phases throughout the coil." This study postulates that these forces do not necessarily have to oppose one another and, depending on the geometry of the helical/spiral coils and the direction of rotation, can be arranged to work together.