Optimal Design of Simulated Moving Bed for Enantioseparation: Nonlinear Isotherm Systems

Abstract

A simulated moving bed (SMB) is an emerging technology for enantioseparation because both high purity and high yield can be achieved with low solvent consumption and high productivity. In this study, optimal conditions for SMB separation are found using the nonlinear standing wave design with a pressure constraint. Both system parameters (total column number, zone configuration, particle size, column length, and column diameter) and operating parameters (zone flow rates, switching time, and feed concentration) are optimized for the lowest separation cost. Also, the effects of parameters are investigated on the productivity, desorbent consumption, and separation cost. The optimization study is applied for two different separation systems with Chiralpak AD as the chiral stationary phase: one is phenylpropanolamine (high selectivity) and the other is FTC-ester (low selectivity). The high selectivity system has a lower separation cost than the low selectivity system.