Patent ID: 6843854
Filing Date: 2005-01-18
Classification: B01D,C07H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating a first component from a mixture containing the first component and a second component, the apparatus comprising: at least one column packed with a stationary phase having a greater affinity for the second component and having a first and second inlet coupled to the column and a first and second outlet coupled to the column, the at least one column being separated into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including a first and a second zone connected together in series and the second portion including at least a third zone and a fourth zone connected together in series; a first pump coupled to the first inlet and configured to provide the mixture to the second portion; a second pump coupled to the second inlet and configured to provide at least one solution to the first portion to remove the second component from the stationary phase; and a processor configured to control the flow rates of the first pump, the second pump, and the zones within the first portion and the second portion to facilitate the separation of the first component and the second component so that the first component exits the first outlet which is coupled to the second portion and the second component exits the second outlet which is coupled to the first portion, wherein the first component and the second component exhibit non-linear adsorption isotherms and non-negligible mass transfer resistances and wherein the first component is Clarithromycin and the second component is 6,11-O-methyl erythromycin A.