A simple robust control for simulated moving bed chromatographic separation

Simulated moving bed (SMB) is a continuous chromatographic process used for the separation of chemical mixtures. This paper presents an almost plug-and-play control strategy, which requires little prior knowledge about the adsorption properties. A discrete-time nonlinear model derived from the wave theory is the basis to control the position of the adsorption and desorption fronts. The front velocities are estimated on-line enabling the compensation of initial parameter discrepancies, and drift due to adsorbent aging or temperature fluctuation. The overall performance of the control strategy is evaluated using numerical simulation for two case studies relative to the separation of fructo-oligosaccharides and cyclopentanone – cycloheptanone, respectively.