Online Estimation of Optimal Operating Conditions for Simulated Moving Bed Chromatographic Processes.

A new approach for determining optimal operating conditions for simulated moving bed chromatographic processes is presented. The method is based on recursive online estimation and requires only rough initial estimates. It is based on a simple foot point model of the moving concentration fronts and an online measurement of the corresponding retention times in the different zones of the plant. A mathematical representation of the adsorption isotherms is not required. The method is validated experimentally for the separation of bicalutamide enantiomers.