LAMBDA OMNICOLL Fraction Collector for Automated Sampling from a Fixed-Bed Adsorption Column

In continuous fixed-bed adsorption experiments, the composition of the column outlet changes continuously as the adsorbent approaches breakthrough. Collecting samples at defined time intervals is therefore essential for tracking the performance of the adsorption bed.

In this published study on ultra-deep fuel desulfurization, the LAMBDA OMNICOLL Fraction Collector-Autosampler was directly connected to the outlet of the fixed-bed adsorption column to automatically collect treated fuel samples.

Reference:  Salonikidou, E. D., Giannakoudakis, D. A., Rekos, K., Kostoglou, M., Deliyanni, E., & Triantafyllidis, K. S. (2026). Fixed-bed ultra deep fuel desulfurization over nanoporous activated carbons: unraveling competitive adsorption under dynamic conditions and breakthrough model analysis. Chemical Engineering Science, 336, 124543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2026.124543. (sciencedirect.com)

DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2026.124543

OMNICOLL Connected Directly to the Column

The experimental setup consisted of a model-fuel reservoir, a peristaltic pump, a vertical PTFE fixed-bed adsorption column, and the LAMBDA OMNICOLL automatic sampling system connected downstream of the column.

The model fuel was pumped through the activated-carbon bed at 8 mL/h. As the treated fuel exited the column, it was directed into the OMNICOLL sampling system. OMNICOLL automatically collected a fraction every 30 minutes, creating a time-resolved series of samples throughout the experiment.

Fig 1: Example experimental set up

From Column Effluent to Breakthrough Curve

The collected fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). These measurements provided the effluent concentration at successive time points, allowing the researchers to construct breakthrough curves and determine breakthrough, exhaustion and saturation of the adsorption bed.

This is where the OMNICOLL connection to the column becomes particularly important: rather than manually taking samples from the continuously flowing column outlet, the system automatically collected the effluent according to the programmed sampling interval.

OMNICOLL as an Automated Process Sampler

Although fraction collectors are widely used in chromatography, the LAMBDA OMNICOLL can also be used for automated sampling directly from continuous-flow systems. When connected with a pump, it can collect fractions at programmed time or volume intervals, making it suitable for applications involving adsorption columns, chemical reactions, fermentations and other processes.

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