Optimal operating strategies for SMBC

Simulated Moving Bed Chromatography (SMBC) is a technical realization of the counter current adsorption process approximate by sequentially switching the inlet and outlet valves of interconnected columns in the direction of fluid flow. In this work, a systematic, simulation based optimization study is carried out for different operational goals in SMBC to enhance the performance of an existing laboratory setup. The optimization work involves Pareto optimal solution for two different conflicting objective functions. Optimal transition between such operating conditions is a challenging task. The quantitative results obtained by comparing the optimal transition method with a non-optimal, step change method shows that the optimal transition requires less time to achieve the new reference cyclic steady state. All of the above methods are studied on a SMBC process for separation of glucose and fructose using Ca++ exchange resin.