# Mixed convection in thermo-gravitational column: a continuous species separation

## TL;DR

This paper presents a method for continuous species separation using a thermo-gravitational column with a steady-state mass fraction stratification.

## Contribution

The novelty is achieving continuous separation in a thermo-gravitational column using a steady-state mass regime.

## Key findings

- Continuous separation was achieved by introducing and retrieving solution through vertical slots.
- Steady-state vertical stratification of mass fraction was confirmed through simulations and analysis.
- Analytical and numerical results showed good agreement.

## Abstract

So far, species separation has been achieved in closed vertical thermogravitational columns (TGC). To obtain continuous separation, the initially homogeneous binary solution with a positive thermodiffusion coefficient was introduced at a constant volumetric flow rate through one of the two vertical slots of the TGC and retrieved through the opposite slot. This process required the horizontal dimension separating the two slots to be sufficiently large for the mass regime at the exit slot to reach the steady state associated with a vertical stratification of the mass fraction. Analytical resolution and numerical simulations were developed and showed good agreement between theoretical and numerical results.