Online Process Monitoring in SMB Processes

Abstract

Abstract Conventionally, preparative chromatographic separation processes are operated in batch mode. For more efficient separation, the simulated moving bed (SMB) process has been introduced. Due to its hybrid dynamics, optimal operation of the SMB process is challenging. For increased process efficiency, model-based optimizing control schemes can be applied. These schemes require online information about the states and the parameters of the plant. The online process monitoring strategy presented here is based on the transport dispersive model of the SMB process and simultaneously estimates the states and the parameters of the individual columns by exploiting the switching nature of the SMB process. The scheme can be activated before the process reaches its cyclic steady state (CSS). The strategy is demonstrated for the separation of two amino acids.