Evaluation of the optimal performance of ModiCon and ModiCon+VariCol simulated moving bed variants

Area of Science:

• Chromatography
• Chemical Engineering
• Separation Science

Background:

• Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) chromatography is a continuous separation technique.
• ModiCon and ModiCon+VariCol are advanced SMB variants with potential for improved enantioseparation.
• Existing literature suggests ModiCon is limited to nonlinear isotherms, a claim lacking experimental proof.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of the ModiCon process against conventional SMB for linear isotherms.
• To evaluate the ModiCon+VariCol process in systems with fewer columns.
• To investigate the enantioseparation of guaifenesin using these advanced SMB techniques.

Main Methods:

• Numerical and experimental evaluation of ModiCon and ModiCon+VariCol processes.
• Comparison of ModiCon with SMB for linear isotherms.
• Assessment of ModiCon+VariCol in low-column systems and for unequal product purity.

Main Results:

• ModiCon demonstrates high performance with linear isotherms, challenging prior assumptions.
• ModiCon+VariCol with 3 columns achieved higher throughput and productivity than 6-column SMB.
• The hybrid ModiCon+VariCol process showed over three times the productivity of conventional SMB.

Conclusions:

• ModiCon is effective for enantioseparation even with linear isotherms.
• ModiCon+VariCol offers significant advantages in throughput and productivity, especially in reduced column configurations.
• These findings highlight the potential of advanced SMB variants for efficient chiral separations.