EBA 2.0 - Improving Expanded Bed Adsorption Technology for Bioproduct Recovery

Downstream processes of bioproducts from various sources are generally very costly. With Expanded Bed Adsorption (EBA) technology, biomass/solids removal and target capture can be combined in one unit leading to less processing time, reduced process steps, and lower operation cost. The densified adsorbent media with a proper size/distribution and the column inlet system are essential for proper EBA operation. However, there is a clear gap on the fundamental understanding of EBA, leading to a non-optimal media/column design and unexpected performance. In this project the academic and industrial researchers from both countries will collaborate tightly to improve EBA technology, from the design of new systems, better understanding of EBA performance to the application verifications. DSM will develop new media and special columns with nozzle/rotating inlet. Zheijang University will focus on the experimental evaluation of new systems with the methods developed. Delft University of Technology will perform advanced computational fluid dynamic calculations on axial distribution and the influence of flow distributers. Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical will do some process applications with new EBA system. The overall goal is to understand, optimize, design and scale up/down the EBA Technology which then can be used for various business applications, like biopharmaceuticals, natural products and enzymes.