One-step optimization strategy in the simulated moving bed process with asynchronous movement of ports: A VariCol...

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Chromatography
• Process Optimization

Background:

• The VariCol process, a variation of simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography, offers enhanced separation performance and operational flexibility.
• Optimal operating parameters, particularly port-switching strategies, are crucial for maximizing VariCol's benefits.
• Existing optimization methods for VariCol often involve complex mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, simplified methodology for optimizing VariCol process parameters.
• To reduce the computational complexity associated with VariCol process optimization.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method and compare VariCol with SMB processes.

Main Methods:

• Developed a new optimization methodology based on a single non-linear programming (NLP) formulation.
• Modeled the VariCol process using the average column configuration across three zones.
• Applied the NLP method to optimize enantioseparation scenarios for 1,1´-bi-2-naphthol and aminoglutethimide.

Main Results:

• The single NLP approach successfully reduced the complexity of the optimization problem compared to MINLP formulations.
• The proposed method allowed exploration of optimal solutions across all VariCol process domains.
• Optimized VariCol demonstrated competitive or superior separation performance compared to conventional SMB processes.

Conclusions:

• The novel single NLP methodology provides an efficient and less computationally demanding approach for optimizing the VariCol process.
• This simplified optimization strategy is advantageous for achieving high separation performances, especially in real-time applications.
• The study validates the potential of VariCol, when optimally controlled, for advanced chromatographic separations.