Process Description and Comparative Evaluation of Three-Column Sequential Simulated Moving Bed Chromatography

A three-column sequential simulated moving bed (3C-SSMB) operation was proposed. It was compared with four-column SSMB, four-column, and three-column intermittent SMB based on theoretically optimized unit throughput per unit volume of the stationary phase. Four binary separation systems with different isotherm features were considered. Given the same flow rate ratio value, 3C-SSMB has the highest unit throughput when the system is constrained by an overall pressure drop. The results of multiobjective optimization show that the performance of 3C-SSMB may be further improved by operating under independently determined conditions. In the case of (±)Tröger’s base separation with binary bi-Langmuir isotherm, which is typical for enantiomers, optimal unit throughput of 3C-SSMB leads those of the other modes by 20% to 86%. 3C-SSMB is therefore a promising alternative operation mode for chiral separation using expensive stationary phase materials.