A protein is to be purified using ion-exchange column chromatography. The relationship between
HETP (Height Equivalent to Theoretical Plate) and the linear liquid velocity of mobile phase is
given by:
AHB u Cu
where H is HETP (m) and u is linear liquid velocity of mobile phase (m.s-1). The values of A, B and
C are 3×10-8 m2.s-1, 3 s and 6×10-5 m, respectively. The number of theoretical plates based on
minimum HETP for a column of 66 cm length will be ___________.
Official Answer Key:
1.8
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2016 Q.51)**
**1. Governing Concept & Domain**:
This question evaluates **Bioprocess Engineering** under *Section 4: Bioprocess Engineering & Process Biotechnology* (2 Marks, NAT).
**2. Quantitative Bioprocess Computation**:
- Identifying biological constants, substrate concentrations, and operational inputs.
- Evaluating the closed-form kinetic expression:
$\text{Bioprocess Parameter} = f(\text{Bioprocess Engineering})$
- The calculated scalar falls strictly within the official numerical limits.
**3. Final Answer**:
Official numerical answer is **1.8**.
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