Downstream processes of bioproducts from various sources are generally very costly. With Expanded Bed Adsorption (EBA) technology, biomass/solids removal and target capture can be combined in one unit leading to a shorter processing time, reduced process steps, and lower operation cost. Densified adsorbent media with a proper size distribution and the column inlet system are essential for proper EBA operation. However, there is a clear gap on the fundamental understanding of EBA, leading to a non-optimal media/column design and unexpected performance.<br/><br/>To gain more insight in the bed expansion profiles, solids recirculation and liquid dispersion, a series of computer simulations was performed using multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Multiphase CFD allows to probe the bed on the particle scale and extract information in a non-invasive manner. This paper will present most recent advanced multiphase CFD results, compare them with experimental data and show how solid phase properties such as size and density can be optimized to increase separation performance. The overall goal is to understand, optimize, design and scale up/down the EBA Technology which then can be used for various business applications, like biopharmaceuticals, natural products and enzymes.

Investigating hydrodynamics in expanded bed adsorption systems using multiphase computational fluid dynamics

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.