Cytiva Flow Rate Calculator

Example Data Table

Formula Used

Column area: A = π × (D / 2)²

Bed volume: BV = A × H

Flow rate: Q = Linear velocity × A / 60

Linear velocity: v = Q × 60 / A

Residence time: RT = BV / Q

Column volumes per hour: CV/h = Q × 60 / BV

Method volume: Total volume = method CV × BV + sample volume + system volume

Pressure estimate: ΔP = μ × L × u / k

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the column inner diameter and packed bed height.
2. Select whether you know linear velocity or pump flow.
3. Add viscosity and permeability for pressure estimation.
4. Enter method volumes in column volumes.
5. Add sample volume and system extra volume.
6. Enter target column size for scale-up comparison.
7. Press the calculate button.
8. Download the CSV or PDF report for records.

About Cytiva Flow Rate Planning

A Cytiva flow rate calculator helps users plan chromatography runs with clear, repeatable numbers. It connects column geometry, linear velocity, bed volume, and residence time in one view. These values matter when scaling a method from a small column to a larger column.

Flow rate is not only a pump setting. It is linked to the cross sectional area of the packed bed. A wider column needs a higher volumetric flow to keep the same linear velocity. A taller bed increases residence time and often improves contact between sample and resin.

This calculator accepts column diameter, bed height, viscosity, permeability, method volumes, and scale-up targets. Users can start with a desired linear velocity or a known pump flow. The tool then calculates the missing flow condition. It also estimates bed volume, column volumes per hour, total method volume, cycle time, fraction count, and pressure drop.

Residence time is useful for binding, washing, and polishing steps. A short residence time can reduce contact. A long residence time can improve interaction, but it also increases run time. The best value depends on resin chemistry, sample type, buffer viscosity, and process goals.

Scale-up should preserve the important performance driver. Many chromatography methods scale by keeping bed height and linear velocity constant. This keeps residence time similar while the flow rate rises with column area. Some processes instead keep residence time constant, especially when target bed height changes.

The pressure estimate is a planning guide. It uses viscosity, superficial velocity, bed length, and permeability. Actual pressure can change with packing quality, tubing, filters, temperature, resin age, and sample condition. Always compare the result with system and column limits before running valuable samples.

The method volume section supports practical run planning. Enter equilibration, wash, elution, cleaning, and sample load values. The calculator combines them with bed volume and flow rate to estimate total processing time. This helps prepare buffers, schedule instruments, and design collection plans.

Use the export options to keep records. CSV files help with spreadsheets. PDF reports are useful for batch notes and review. Recheck units before using any number in production. For best results, confirm calibration, remove air, and record temperature. Small setup changes can shift flow behavior during repeated runs safely.

FAQs