Effect of module design on the efficiency of membrane chromatographic separation processes

The efficiency of membrane chromatography is critically dependent on membrane module design. This paper discusses the vital role of fluid flow distribution and collection within a membrane module in membrane chromatographic processes. The performances of membrane modules of three different diameters based on a new design which enhanced both feed flow distribution and effluent collection were compared with corresponding conventional modules. Protein bioseparation being one of the major applications of membrane chromatography, these studies were carried out using lysozyme as test solute. The lysozyme binding capacities of cation-exchange membranes housed in the different modules were measured both in the breakthrough mode and in the pulse chromatographic mode. The membrane modules based on the new design showed significantly higher lysozyme binding capacities than the corresponding conventional modules. The binding capacity enhancement due to module design increased with increase in membrane diameter. With the largest diameter membrane module, the breakthrough binding capacity enhancements with the new design were in the range of 110–112%. With the same diameter membrane module the maximum binding capacity enhancements in the pulse chromatographic mode was found to be around 135%. The reasons for the increase in binding efficiency are explained.