Optimal Operation of Continuous Chromatographic Processes: Mathematical Optimization of the VARICOL Process

Abstract

Continuous chromatographic processes have gained a lot of attention due to the increasing use as a preparative separation step for life science products. The simulated moving bed (SMB) process is a well-known example. A new multicolumn continuous chromatographic process was recently introduced as the VARICOL process [Ludemann-Hombourger, O. et al. The “VARICOL” Process: A New Multicolumn Continuous Chromatographic Process. Sep. Sci. Technol. 2000, 35(12), 1829]. Although in SMB chromatography a continuous operation is realized by periodic and simultaneous shifting of all inlet and outlet ports, VARICOL uses individual movements of the ports resulting in a more efficient use of the expensive adsorbent. This paper presents a more general definition of the VARICOL process than given previously. For this flexible process description, an optimization strategy for determining optimal operating parameters is presented. Based on a detailed mathematical process model, optimal operating conditions are computed for...