Use of ERT and Chromatography columns

Electrical process tomography is a technique which provides the conductivity distribution within pipes, columns and vessels.  It is one of the few ways in which the in situ performance of packed columns can be evaluated.

The manufacture of certain proteins, and purification of others, will often use a packed column.  The yield of this process depends on the flow conditions through the column.  In addition, the cost of the media of a column is substantial.  At present is it is difficult to determine the quality of a packed bed and so determine its useful life.

We are pleased to report on work done over several years in the application of electrical tomography as a tool to better understand packed columns and so improve their performance.