Scale-down of continuous protein purification by annular chromatography: Design parameters for the smallest unit

Theoretically, in fixed-bed chromatography an infinite separation time or volume is available. In annular chromatography the separation time is limited by the time required for a single rotation. In a chromatograph with a smaller annulus than the theoretical one, the equilibration zone will overtake the feed zone. The required separation time is determined by a number of steps such as equilibration, loading, washing, elution, regeneration and the retention of the solute. A mathematical model has been developed to estimate the minimum radius of an annular chromatograph. The minimal geometry of an annular chromatograph was calculated for a model system immunoglobulin and bovine serum albumin.