Optimal design and experimental validation of synchronous, asynchronous and flow-modulated, simulated moving-bed processes using a single-column setup

The performance of asynchronous (Varicol) and flow-modulated (PowerFeed) simulated moving-bed processes, as well as their combination into a single hybrid scheme, are studied both experimentally and by numerical simulation. A recently developed single-column experimental setup is employed to demonstrate the feasibility of the various schemes, explore the effect of their major operating parameters, and illustrate the performance enhancements that are obtained when these schemes are properly optimized. The experimental feasibility and effectiveness of the various schemes are assessed by running and comparing optimized configurations for the linear separation of two nucleosides on a high-performance reversed-phase stationary phase.