In this paper, we present details of a mathematical model for magnetic chro
matography (MC) systems where strong distorted magnetic fields are used to
separate particles from a colloidal mixture. The model simulates the effect
of magnetic field gradients on particle motion, and includes calculation o
f the fluid flow, magnetic field, and particle concentration field. It is b
ased on the finite-volume method (FVM) and uses an expanding-grid technique
to handle domains with large aspect ratios. The model has been validated a
gainst the results from an analytical model. The numerical model has been u
sed to simulate the performance of a real MC system under various operating
conditions. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Inc.