Abstract: An electrophoretic processor for separating proteins and other chemicals exhibiting varying electrophoretic mobilities. The preferred processor includes a rotor which turns within a stator to define a processing chamber therebetween. The rotor and stator are preferably cylindrical to provide an cylindrically annular processing chamber which will induce transverse secondary flows, preferably in the form of toroidal vortices. The transverse toroidal vortices improve heat transfer and counteract longitudinal flows which decrease separation. Embodiments are described which include multizone electric fields. The resulting electric fields are varied in strength to focus mobile molecules against a countervailing flow of carrier fluid. The described processors can be used to perform a variety of processes including batch and continuous flow zone electrophoresis and batch isoelectric focusing.

Abstract: An electrophoretic processor for separating proteins and other chemicals exhibiting varying electrophoretic mobilities. The preferred processor includes a rotor which turns within a stator to define a processing chamber therebetween. The rotor and stator are preferably cylindrical to provide an cylindrically annular processing chamber which will induce transverse secondary flows, preferably in the form of toroidal vortices. The transverse toroidal vortices improve heat transfer and counteract longitudinal flows which decrease separation. The processor can be provided with a process temperature stabilizer, such as a chamber surrounding the stator, through which a heat exchange fluid is passed. The processor can be used to perform a variety of processes including batch and continuous flow zone electrophoresis and batch isoelectric focusing.