Bead Size Matters

Resins for chromatographic processes must be selected to give the most economical performance and this results from resins with the highest separation efficiency. A relatively easy way of boosting chromatographic performance is to use resins with a smaller mean bead size. The attached animation shows the effect of bead size.  

You may like to order (free of charge) two studies made by Finex in cooperation withLappeenranta University of Technology in Finland, on two separation process cases namely: glucose-fructose separation and molasses desugarization. 

The Effect of Bead Size Distribution, Cross-linkage and Ionic Form

To meet the stringent demands of chromatographic separation Finex can offer you resins with a narrow bead size distribution. Furthermore, the porosity (water uptake) of resins can be tailored to the exact value by adjusting the level of cross-linkage or porogen. Finex chromatographic resins will be delivered “ready to use” in the exact ionic form according to each customer's needs. 

Properties

Resins can be optimized for any application by selecting the best mean bead size, the degree of cross-linking and ionic form. The type of resin porosity can be either gel type, mesoporous or macroporous. Finex has a wide assortment of chromatographic resins which are generally within the range of properties below.

Matrix   Styrene divinylbenzene copolymer
Functional group  Sulfonic acid
Physical form     Light amber translucent spheres
Specific gravity 1.15 to 1.30 g/ml (Na+ form)
Mean bead size   200 to 600 µm (30 to 80 mesh)
Bead size distribution 90 % of beads within ± 10 to 20 % of the mean bead size (or as requested)
Moisture retention 50 to 70 % (H+ form), higher retentions possible
Total exchange capacity 1.1 to 1.9 eq/l (H+ form)
Ionic form    H+, Na+, Ca2+, K+, Ba2+, Mg2+ etc.
Operating pH range 0 to 14
Max. operating temperature 140 °C (413 K) (Na+ form)
Chemical resistance  Insoluble in acidic, alkaline and on oxidizing solutions and in all common solvents

Our family of chromatographic resins includes also WAC, WBA and SBA resins. Please contact our marketing team for more details.