Adsorption of phenylalanine onto polymeric resins: equilibrium, kinetics and operation of a parametric pumping unit

Adsorption of D, L-Phenylalanine onto polymeric adsorbents (Amberlite XAD-4 and XAD-16; Sephabeads SP206 and SP207) was studied. Adsorption equilibrium isotherms were measured by batch equilibration at 15 and 40 degrees C, showing the possibility of using a parametric pumping technique for aminoacid purification/recovery. Dynamic studies in a laboratory adsorption column Amicon Column (22 x 500 mm) were carried out to further screen adsorbents and obtain mass transfer parameters to be used in the modeling, simulation and operation of the pilot parametric pumping unit. The pilot plant includes a Amicon Columnn (90 x 1000 mm) and is completely automated. A package for the simulation of this cyclic operation was developed. Simulated and experimental results using Sephabeads SP206 (Mitsubishi Kasei Corporation, Japan) are in good agreement. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.