Modelling and efficient computational simulation of simulated moving bed chromatographic separation processes

Chromatographic separation processes provide a powerful tool for the separa tion of mixtures in which the components have different adsorption affiniti es, especially when high purities are required. In this area, simulated mov ing bed (SMB) technology is becoming an important technique for large-scale continuous chromatographic separation processes since it provides the adva ntages of a continuous countercurrent operation while avoiding the technica l problem of a true moving bed. Because of the complex dynamics of the proc ess, the choice of the optimal operation parameters and the control of the process in order to keep the product specifications at any time is not stra ightforward. For this challenging task, a reliable dynamic model of the pro cess is necessary which is accurate enough as well as efficient enough in o rder to permit its online use for model based control. The purpose of this contribution is to review the state of the art in dynamic modeling of SMB c hromatographic separation processes, highlighting new trends and results in the design of computationally effective simulation models suitable for onl ine applications.