An adaptive control concept for simulated moving bed plants under reduced purity requirements

Abstract

Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography is an increasingly used separation technology. Several chromatographic columns are interconnected to form a ring. Cyclically, the feedings and drains are changed to allow a continuous separation. This process is very sensitive to parameter variation and disturbances. For this reason, an adaptive controller is suggested. The proposed controller is based on a simplified model and automatically adjusts the volumetric flow rates and switching time in order to achieve the desired purities. Simulation results are presented to give a first impression of the capabilities of this new control concept. © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.