Optimal design of affinity membrane chromatographic columns

A method for the optimal affinity membrane column design, based in the solution of the Thomas kinetic model for frontal analysis in membrane column adsorption, is presented. The method permits to choose suitable membrane operating conditions, column dimensions and processing time, to maximize the throughput when an operating capacity restriction in the range of 80-95% of the column capacity is used. Two basic design charts were obtained by computer simulation, for residence and processing time calculation, respectively. These charts can be used and manipulated in a wide range of operational conditions, provided that four design specifications related to column axial and radial Peclet numbers, length and pressure drop, are fulfilled. The application of the method was illustrated using experimental data and a simple analytical procedure. The implications of the method and results on the design and optimization of affinity membrane chromatographic columns are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.