The performance of ion-exchange membranes for protein purification is analyzed using numerical
solutions of different mathematical models. The models incorporate nonlinear sorption isotherms
and mass-transfer coefficients based on either the overall or local solid-phase and liquid-phase
driving forces. The numerical solutions are compared to analytical solutions which use overall
mass-transfer coefficients only and, in general, are theoretically incorrect for nonlinear isotherms.
The numerical solutions are fit to experimental breakthrough curves from the literature. The
models allow the determination of the rate-controlling mass-transfer phenomena and solid-phase
concentration, and prediction of the operating and membrane-design parameters needed to obtain
sharp breakthrough curves.
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