Expanded bed adsorption (EBA) is well demonstrated integration technology for capturing bio-products from un-clarified feedstock. Liquid mixing and axial dispersion plays a crucial role in the performance of an expanded bed. In this study, a high density ion exchange resin (INDION225H) is explored for using in expanded bed adsorption. Liquid mixing and axial dispersion in the packed and expanded bed has been examined using RTD studies. Breakthrough experiments on adsorption of copper ions were performed in a packed and an expanded bed. The study provides an insight into dispersion in the packed and expanded bed, which would be useful in commercial operations like water and waste water treatment. Adsorption breakthrough experiments were further simulated using an axially dispersed plug flow model. Simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental outcome. Plug flow behavior was observed up to a velocity of 0.00135m/s, which corresponds to a bed expansion of 18%. Results endorse that proper choice of adsorbent and superficial velocity can allow for carrying out bigger scale adsorptive separations like waste water treatment in expanded bed, with a minimum impact on the bed efficiency. A new non dimensional number has also been proposed for the performance analysis of expanded bed. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.