Abstract
Using a multilayer helical separation column coaxially mounted on a horizontal rotary shaft, retention of the stationary phase and partition efficiency were studied at various rotation speeds ranging from 20 to 800 rpm. A binary two-phase solvent system composed of chloroform/water was used to elute the lower organic phase through the head of the rotating column. The results indicated that best retention of the stationary phase was obtained at a low rotation speed of 75 rpm yielding the highest peak resolution between caffeine and theophylline. Because of its simplicity and low rotation speed, the system has a potential to be scaled-up for an industrial-scale separation simply by increasing the capacity of the helical column.