Numerical and experimental analysis of an approach based on variable solute distribution coefficients during purification by zone refining

A combined theoretical and experimental approach was undertaken to quantitatively determine the influence of a variable solute distribution coefficient, k, on the impurity distribution in multi-pass purification by zone refining. A numerical model capable of predicting the solute redistribution at a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Separation and purification technology 2007, Vol.52 (3), p.504-511
Main Authors: Cheung, Noé, Bertazzoli, Rodnei, Garcia, Amauri
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chemical engineering
Exact sciences and technology
Purification
Solute distribution coefficient
Zone refining
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Summary:A combined theoretical and experimental approach was undertaken to quantitatively determine the influence of a variable solute distribution coefficient, k, on the impurity distribution in multi-pass purification by zone refining. A numerical model capable of predicting the solute redistribution at any stage of a multi-pass zone refining was used for providing simulations. Experimental work on zone refining was carried-out with Sb, Pb and Sn samples. Axial impurities profiles have been experimentally determined for a number of zone passes. These results have been compared with the theoretical predictions by adopting both variable and constant k values. It has been shown that the adoption of a variable solute distribution approach in the simulation of impurity profiles during different zone passes of zone refining are generally much closer to the experimental profiles than the usual adoption of a constant k.
ISSN:1383-5866
1873-3794
DOI:10.1016/j.seppur.2006.06.005