Systematic optimization and experimental validation of ternary simulated moving bed chromatography systems

Over the past several decades, many modifications have been proposed in SMB chromatography in order to effectively separate a binary mixture. However, the separation of a multi-component mixture using SMB is still one of the major challenges. Recently, a computational study was performed which compared various existing isocratic ternary separation operating schemes (including the JO process) in terms of the maximum throughput attained, and Generalized Full Cycle strategy was proposed based on a systematic design, which was found to have significant improvement over existing strategies [Agrawal and Kawajiri (2012)]. Nevertheless, the operating strategies were not experimentally validated. In this study, we validate both JO and Generalized Full Cycle SMB systems experimentally. A simultaneous optimization and model correction scheme has been implemented to arrive at the optimal operating condition which satisfies the optimal productivity as well as the desired purity and recovery of products experimentally.