Analysis of affinity separations: I: Predicting the performance of affinity adsorbers

Abstract The analysis of affinity separations has lagged behind the rapid increase in new applications. The purpose of this work is to outline an approach to analysis that will aid the design and optimization of large-scale affinity separations. This paper is an introduction to the theory of fixed bed adsorption as it applies to affinity chromatography. This theory provides analytical tools for evaluating and predicting industrial-scale affinity column performance, based on data from laboratory-scale experiments. Design equations are included for continuous separations on a rotating annular chromatograph and for batch operation of the adsorption and wash steps. The design equations are derived from a general model by introducing appropriate simplifying assumptions for rate-limiting mass transfer and sorption steps.