Optimization of single-column chromatographic separation of fructooligosaccharides

An experimental study aimed at the design and optimization of single-column separation of fructooligosaccharides from mono- and disaccharides was carried out. Amberlite™ CR1320Ca, a cation-exchange resin with a calcium ion as the functional group was packed in two laboratory columns of different dimensions. Optimization parameters were the superficial velocity and the column load. In a smaller column, the maximal yield of fructooligosaccharides of 86% and the selectivity of separation of 82% were achieved for the column load of 2.0% and superficial velocity of 5.0 × 10−5 m s−1. At the same process conditions in a larger column, the yield and selectivity increased to 90%.