Turbulent—laminar flow chromatographic

For laminar flow Reynolds (Re)m values are less than and with turbulent flow (Re)m>200. Packed gas chromatographic columns normally operate with a (Re)m of <10, so they may be considered operating with laminar flow. 

At the microscopic, molecular level, very complex theoretical equations are required to describe the chromatographic process. These include expressions for laminar or turbulent fluid flow random walk, diffusional broadening of analyte bands in both the mobile and stationary phases and the kinetics of near-equilibrium mass transfer between the phases. Such discussions are beyond the scope of this text. 

If the deposition of particles was not a factor or was in fact desired, the design would be much simpler. Most likely, such a device would operate in the turbulent flow mode the theoretical aspects have been discussed by Lucero (106) in exemplary detail for a hypothetical device in which gaseous sample molecules, particles, or both from a turbulent gas stream are dissolved into a laminar film liquid stream that flows in turn to a chromatograph sampling valve. 

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