Transverse Flow Chromatography Device for Uniform Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatography columns with small bed-height to diameter ratios face challenges in achieving uniform flow distribution, leading to radial and axial dispersion effects, which result in broad and poorly resolved peaks, affecting purity, recovery, and productivity in biopharmaceutical separations.
Innovation Solution
A chromatography device with a unique design featuring a first plate with a channel directing fluid transversely over the chromatographic media and a second plate with a channel collecting fluid also transversely, ensuring consistent fluid flow and pressure balance across the chamber, thereby reducing residence time distribution and improving peak resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If columns with small bed-height to diameter ratios are used to increase productivity and reduce pressure drop, then flow distribution uniformity deteriorates, leading to radial and axial dispersion effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the flow distribution system into multiple segments by incorporating a distribution plate with multiple inlet ports arranged in a pattern. This segmentation allows the fluid to be introduced at multiple locations simultaneously, improving flow distribution uniformity across the chromatographic media while maintaining the productivity benefits of small bed-height columns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs an asymmetric arrangement of inlet ports on the distribution plate, positioned at specific locations to compensate for the non-uniform flow patterns that naturally occur in small bed-height columns. This asymmetric design creates more uniform flow distribution by balancing the flow paths across different regions of the chromatographic media
2Stress or pressure
If small bed-height columns are used to reduce pressure drop, then peak resolution deteriorates due to radial and axial dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The collection plate is segmented into multiple outlet ports strategically positioned to collect fluid from different regions of the chromatographic media. This segmentation ensures that dispersed bands are captured uniformly, maintaining peak resolution even in small bed-height columns where radial and axial dispersion occur
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by positioning inlet and outlet ports at specific locations on the distribution and collection plates. These localized port placements are designed to compensate for regional flow variations and dispersion effects, ensuring optimal peak resolution in specific areas of the column while maintaining low pressure drop
3Productivity
If non-uniform flow distribution occurs in small bed-height columns, then sample front distortion increases, affecting separation quality
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate with multiple segmented inlet ports introduces fluid at several locations simultaneously, creating a more uniform sample front from the beginning of the separation process. This prevents the distortion that would otherwise occur in small bed-height columns due to non-uniform flow distribution
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves sharper, more symmetric peaks and improved resolution in protein separations, enhancing the efficiency and consistency of chromatographic processes, particularly for packed-bed devices with low bed-height to diameter ratios.
Implementation Method 1
the chromatographic media being configured to remove the solute from the fluid as the fluid passes through the chromatographic media
Data Source
AI summary
A chromatography device for removing a solute from a fluid is provided. The device has a first plate having an inlet and a first channel. The first channel directs the fluid from the inlet towards chromatographic media housed in a chamber coupled to the first plate. The chamber has a leading edge for receiving the fluid from the first channel and a trailing edge for delivering the fluid to a second channel. The chromatographic media is configured to remove the solute from the fluid as the fluid passes through the chamber. The device also has a second plate coupled to the chamber having the second channel and an outlet. The second channel directs the fluid from the chamber to the outlet. The direction of flow of fluid through the first channel and the second channel is transverse to a direction of flow of the fluid through the chromatographic media. A method of removing a solute from a fluid is also provided.