Optimizing preparative separations at high recovery yield

A new objective function is introduced for the optimization of the design and operation conditions in preparative chromatography. Instead of the production rate, we propose to maximize the product of the production rate and the recovery yield. This new objective function leads to optimum experimental conditions under which the production rate is almost as high as it would be if only the production rate were maximized, but the recovery yield is significantly improved. The advantages of the novel objective function are demonstrated by calculations based on both the ideal and the equilibrium-dispersive models of chromatography. The application of this novel objective function is beneficial in isocratic overloaded elution, in overloaded gradient elution and in displacement chromatography.