An optimization-driven novel operation of simulated moving bed chromatographic separation

Abstract

Improvements of conventional SMB operation, such as in Varicol, Modicon, and Powerfeed, have enhanced SMB performance in the past decade. In this work, we propose a novel strategy that incorporates changing internal flow rates and switching periods periodically to enhance flexibility of operation and simultaneously enhance the purity of key product. This mode of operation, called as a dual switching strategy, has been investigated from a modelling perspective with simulation studies to validate the findings. The study incorporates detailed multiobjective optimization problem formulation focusing on performance metrics such as extract purity, recovery and throughput. Unlike the classical SMB processes, dual switching offers a wider scope with its larger degrees of freedom to mutually enhance purity and concentration of key product without the need for SMB configuration modifications. The results reveal a possible fractionating effect on the product side leading to two different purity fractions. Superior performance over the conventional operation has been validated by comparison with classical operation on an SMBC process for separation of glucose and fructose using Ca++ exchange resin.