Optimization a large-scale chromatography for biotechnological applications

An economic evaluation of a chromatographic separation is discussed. The effects of particle size, cycle time, solvent, and column costs are analyzed. With small particles (< 20 mu m), the cost of the packing can be as much as 99% of the total cost of the process, whereas with large particles (> 60 mu m), resin costs are less than half of the total. A strong optimum is found between 20-40 mu m for maximum productivity, using both Gaussian models and the mass transfer model of Lapidus and Amundson to generate peaks. A new compilation of resin costs, column costs, and pump costs is given.