Mechanical deformation of compressible chromatographic columns.

A one-dimensional model of mechanical deformation of compressible chromatography columns is presented. The model is based on linear elasticity and continuum mechanics and is compared to a more complete two-dimensional model and one-dimensional porosity profiles measured by NMR imaging methods. The model provides a quantitative description of compression and the effects of wall support during scale-up. A simple criterion for the significance of wall support as a function of both diameter and length is also developed. Although the model accounts only for mechanical deformation, flow compression can be included, and validation presented here suggests that a more complete model may be valuable for anticipating the effects of scale and aspect ratio on pressure-flow behavior of compressible columns.