Experimental implementation of identification-based optimizing control of a simulated moving bed process

Experimental implementation of an optimizing controller based on identified model for the separation of nucleosides in a laboratory scale simulated moving bed (SMB) unit is reported in this study. The manipulative variables are the three external and one internal flow rates while the outputs are productivity, solvent consumption, and purities of extract and raffinate streams averaged over a switching period. The feedback information is the concentration profile of extract and raffinate measured online using two ultraviolet (UV) detectors. Experimental results show that the designed controller is able to operate the SMB units under optimal condition fulfilling the purity requirements. Besides, the controller demonstrated excellent performance in terms of rejecting disturbances that may occur during SMB operations.