Method and device for rapid chromatographic separation

A device for producing rapid chromatographic separation by exchange of substances between two fluid phases circulating in countercurrent flow comprising a vessel having an interior, a first phase inlet manifold and a first phase outlet manifold communicating with said interior of said vessel, a second phase inlet manifold and a second phase outlet manifold communicating with said interior of said vessel, and a plurality of parallel flat porous bodies disposed within said interior of said vessel, said porous bodies being constructed and arranged to provide the sole means in said vessel to separate said first phase inlet and outlet manifolds from said second phase inlet and outlet manifolds, said porous bodies being further constructed and arranged to maintain open communication between said first phase inlet and outlet manifolds and between said second phase inlet and outlet manifolds, whereby said porous bodies define a plurality fo stacked parallel consecutively numbered chambers in which said first phase is within the even numbered chambers and said second phase is within the odd numbered chambers, means to circulate said first phase through said even numbered chambers from said first phase inlet manifold to said first phase outlet manifold in a first direction parallel to said porous bodies, means to circulate said second phase through said odd numbered chambers from said second phase inlet manifold to said second phase outlet manifold in a second direction parallel to said porous bodies and opposite said first direction, the thickness of each of said phases being a constant value within the range of 0.1 to 100 microns, and said porous bodies each having a thickness within the range of 1 to 200 microns.