Mass transfer mechanisms in fixed-bed adsorption of erythromycin

Abstract

The equilibrium and kinetic characteristics of the adsorption of erythromycin to Sepabeads SP825 were determined. The equilibrium data in a batch system was well described by a Langmuir isotherm. The separation performance was investigated in a fixed-bed system with respect to the adsorption superficial velocity, ionic strength and pH. A mathematical model was used to simulate the mass transfer mechanism, taking film mass transfer, pore diffusion and axial dispersion into account. The model predictions were consistent with the experimental data and were consequently used to determine the mass transfer coefficients.

Keywords

fixed-bed adsorption / superficial velocity / ionic strength / erythromycin