Optimal design and operation of simulated moving bed chromatographic reactors

This paper presents a novel optimization and design strategy for simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatographic processes in general and SMB reactors in p articular. A suitable computationally efficient and accurate process model is presented. The choice of the process model is motivated by a brief revie w on modeling and simulation of SMB processes. A review on design strategie s for SMB processes, their capabilities, and limitations is given, which is limited to pure separation processes since no rigorous design and optimiza tion approach for SMB reactors has been published so far. The novel optimiz ation strategy is based on mathematical optimization, a rigorous dynamic pr ocess model, and a detailed cost function. The desired properties of the no vel optimization approach are derived from the limitations of the currently known design strategies. The capabilities of the new approach are illustra ted using two applications of the SMB chromatographic reactor. Potential sa vings in operating cost of up to 20% and in desorbent consumption of up to 60% are identified.