Directed transport of monomer-dimertrimer systems. Comparison of the asymptotic and countercurrent distribution approaches

A numerical investigation of the equations governing the asymptotic transport behavior of a model system involving rapid equilibration between monomer, dimer, and trimer predicts that maximally only two boundaries may be found.  The position of the minimum is a function of the equilibrium constants governing the reaction.  For certain of the combinations of the relevant parameters for which the asymptotic equations predict the presence of two boundaries, the inclusion of diffusional effects indicate that such resolution is difficult to achieve in customary transport experiments.  In all cases, when diffusion is present, only the 0.6C concentration level moves with constant velocity, all other levels moving with time-dependent velocities. (October 1970)