Optimal design of batch and simulated moving bed chromatographic separation processes

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Separation Science
• Process Chemistry

Background:

• Preparative chromatography, particularly simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography, is crucial for large-scale fine chemical separation.
• Existing design methods often focus only on operating conditions, hindering accurate economic comparisons between batch and SMB processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an effective strategy for the optimal selection of all process parameters (design and operation) in preparative chromatography.
• To enable accurate economic comparisons between different chromatographic separation techniques.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a detailed, experimentally validated process model.
• Reduction of influencing parameters through the introduction and optimization of dimensionless process parameters.
• Case study: separation of a racemic mixture (EMD53986) using Chiralpak AD.

Main Results:

• Demonstration that optimal design and operating parameters can be achieved for maximum productivity or minimum separation costs, not solely based on maximum pressure drop.
• The strategy allows for adjustment of chromatographic unit design and operating conditions based on available columns and packing materials.
• Complete optimization of both batch and SMB units facilitated a direct economic comparison.

Conclusions:

• The proposed strategy provides a robust framework for optimizing preparative chromatography processes.
• Accurate process economy evaluation is achievable by considering a holistic set of parameters.
• The influence of productivity and specific separation cost as objective functions was analyzed.