Preparative Chromatography Scale-Up Calculator

Scale laboratory columns to pilot and commercial bioprocess chromatography maintaining bed height, linear velocity, and volumetric throughput.

Laboratory Small-Scale Column

Lab Column Diameter D₁ (mm): e.g., 16 mm or 26 mm Tricorn/XK

Bed Height H (cm): Constant bed height rule

Lab Volumetric Flow Q₁ (mL/min):

Lab Sample Load Mass m₁ (mg):

Production Scale Target

Production Column Diameter D₂ (mm): Pilot (100-300mm) or Manufacturing (400-1400mm)

Scale-Up Parameters & Sizing

Scale-Up Factor (Area Ratio):

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Linear Flow Velocity (u):

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Production Flow Q₂ (L/h):

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Production Flow Q₂ (L/min):

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Production Bed Volume (L):

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Scaled Sample Load (g):

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Empty Column Residence Time (min):

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Recommended Tools & Equipment

Tested hardware and components for high reliability

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the golden rule of chromatography scale-up?

Keep the column bed height (H) and linear velocity (u in cm/h) constant between lab and production scale while increasing the column cross-sectional area proportionally to volume and sample mass.

Why is linear velocity preferred over volumetric flow rate in scale-up?

Linear velocity (cm/h) dictates mobile phase mass transfer kinetics, peak diffusion, and fluid shear through the packed resin beads regardless of column diameter.

How does pressure drop scale with diameter?

If bed height and linear velocity are held constant, Darcy-Ergun pressure drop theoretically remains unchanged, although wall friction effects decrease slightly in larger diameter columns.