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Plan and size downstream operations
Planning downstream chromatography processes often requires estimating column dimensions, buffer volumes, and unit operation parameters before sufficient experimental data is available. Incorrect assumptions around sizing, flow rates, and capacity can drive repeated iterations as processes mature, slowing development and complicating scale-up decisions. Downstream bioprocessing calculators offer guidance for column and buffer assumptions by translating inputs into practical sizing and flow parameters. This way, teams can evaluate scenarios, align on assumptions, and shorten process development and scale-up timelines.
Chromatography calculators for downstream development
Across downstream process development stages, our collection of bioprocessing calculators supports chromatography design, workflow-level modeling, buffer estimation, and performance evaluation.
- Column dimensions
- Process modeling
- Buffers
- Column efficiency
Determine the appropriate column diameter, bed height, and volume to support chromatography setup and refinement. The column dimensions calculator converts these inputs into flow parameters, such as volumetric flow rate, linear velocity, and residence time, helping teams see how these parameters change as the column diameter increases.
Map out a full chromatography sequence before committing material or running experiments. The process modeling calculator estimates column volumes (CV), buffer requirements, and bed height across equilibration, loading, washing, elution, and cleaning steps. Our calculator allows you to apply default or experimentally determined values for binding capacity, safety margin, and column configuration to build on defined column dimensions, compare process options, and capture assumptions.
For process description, select your modality, target molecule, and choose the most appropriate Thermo Fisher Scientific-recommended chromatography resin. The dynamic binding capacity will automatically update depending on the resin selected.
For chromatography modeling, input the recommended default dynamic binding capacity for the resin. Please specify here if you have predetermined the binding capacity for your specific target molecule.
The safety margin field indicates the level of usage of the resin to mitigate loss of target (e.g., if you plan to load at 80% of the dynamic binding capacity, specify a 20% safety margin).
Enter a value for the column diameter to determine the required volume of packed resin and the corresponding bed height.
It is generally recommended to have a minimum bed height of 2 cm. If the calculated bed height is <2 cm, we recommend decreasing column diameter or using a 1 mL prepacked column.
The buffer calculator helps you quickly determine formulation values for buffer and related process liquids critical to downstream purification workflows. Based on the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation, the buffer calculator is designed to support decision-making and planning in chromatography and other purification steps. Automating these standard buffer preparation calculations helps reduce manual error and supports efficient development and scale-up of downstream processes for biologics production.
Evaluate chromatography performance by entering chromatogram-derived inputs, such as retention time, peak width, and bed height. The column efficiency calculator determines the asymmetry factor, plate count, height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP), and reduced plate height, enabling the assessment of column packing and operating conditions.
This data is presented for informational purposes only, and based on user inputs. We do not endorse or warrant these results as accurate, comprehensive, or complete.
Use calculators for different operating modes
Apply downstream bioprocessing calculators across purification stages to support workflow planning, compare operating scenarios, and explore how parameter changes affect process outcomes before and during experimental development.
Bind/elute
Estimate column sizing, binding capacity utilization, buffer volumes, and residence time for bind/elute steps to review loading strategies and elution conditions before or alongside experimental work.
Flow-through
Assess flow rates, residence time, and column configuration for flow-through polishing steps, helping teams compare impurity clearance strategies and residence time sensitivity as operating conditions evolve.
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
The column dimensions calculator is typically used at various scales to define column dimensions, flow rates, and residence time. As processes evolve, the process modeling calculator helps outline chromatography steps and estimate buffer volumes across the sequence. The buffer calculator is useful when planning process liquids while the column efficiency calculator is applied after experimental runs to review performance and guide targeted optimization.
The calculators rely on defined assumptions, standard equations, and recommended default values that reflect common downstream bioprocessing conditions. These inputs are intended as generalized references, not process-specific requirements. Results should be reviewed in the context of experimental data, material characteristics, and development objectives to determine how well they apply to a given workflow. For more details, please contact a technical specialist.
Use calculator outputs to explore how changes in column size, flow conditions, and buffer volumes may affect downstream operations as processes scale. The results support scenario comparison and early risk identification rather than defining final operating conditions. Apply these estimates alongside development data and scale-up studies to guide planning discussions, refine assumptions, and prioritize experimental work before manufacturing execution.
The calculators allow you to replace suggested default values with experimentally determined inputs, such as binding capacity, flow rates, or feedstream concentration. This flexibility helps align calculations with process-specific data generated during development. By incorporating user-generated inputs, process development teams can produce estimates that better reflect actual operating conditions while continuing to use the calculators as structured planning and comparison tools.
Calculator outputs support resin selection by translating media characteristics into practical process parameters, such as column size, flow conditions, and capacity utilization. Teams can evaluate operating ranges, assess trade-offs, and explore how media performance may influence downstream design when resin choice is paired with calculated estimates. This integrated view supports more informed chromatography design decisions during process development and optimization.
Explore more chromatography tools and resources
Complement bioprocessing calculators with additional tools and educational resources that support understanding of the chromatography process and decision-making.
Additional bioprocessing resources
Bioprocessing resources
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.