Development of continuously operating two-dimensional thermal field-flow fractionation equipment

A new type of the thermal field-flow fractionation apparatus designed and c onstructed in the Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry provides continuous fr actionation of polymers according to their molecular masses. The principle is to separate sample components into filaments from the continuous sample flow in a disk-shaped channel and to collect a sample species at the circum ference of the channel. The upper wall of the channel is stationary, and th e lower one rotates slowly. The method is based on a two-dimensional fracti onation mechanism and demonstrates the collection of 2 polystyrene samples in a cyclohexane carrier. The method also provides a gentle fractionation e nvironment for high polymers with low shear forces, flexible run conditions , and numerous industrial applications from special products to process qua lity control. The construction procedure of the complete apparatus is descr ibed with technical details.