Simulated moving bed chromatography (SMBC) is increasingly applied as a separation technique in the pharmaceutical industry, production of fine chemicals, and in the field of bioengineering.
SMB is a multi-column method in process chromatography that enables substance mixtures to be continuously separated and extracted in two fractions. Its efficiency is significantly higher than batch chromatography, through better utilization of the column stationary phase.
Although in principle limited to two fraction separations, each partial fraction can be separated into further fractions by repeated use of the SMB process – down to binary substance mixtures.
Typically, the SMB process is used for two component mixtures, like chiral separations or mixtures with a "leading" or a "trailing" key product peak in the chromatogram.
Work faster, save space - Get higher productivity and purity than with comparable batch systems – with an even smaller SMB system
Reduce your costs - Save up to 90% of the solvent and reduce the solid phase costs up to 80%
Keep your sample concentrated - Gain nearly undiluted product and minimize concentration efforts
THE SMB PRINCIPLE
The SMB process enables the separation of binary mixtures by means of a simulated countercurrent between the solid and liquid phases. This is accomplished with a series of chromatography columns arranged in a ring. An eluent flow circulates through this ring. Two inlets (for feed and eluent) and two outlets (extract/red and raffinate/blue) define four separation zones. By continuously feeding sample and synchronously switching the columns against the eluent flow direction, a countercurrent is achieved between the solid and liquid phases, leading to high purity of both target fractions.
The movement of the solid phase is realized by simultaneously switching seven multi-position valves (AZURA® SMB) or one central multi-position valve (former KNAUER SMB, CSEP®). The bulk of the eluent is continuously circulated in the system, making it necessary to replace only that small amount which is removed in the extract and raffinate, thereby enabling savings of up to 90% of the eluent in comparison to a batch process. Due to the simulated countercurrent, the stationary phase is significantly better utilized with the SMB technique as compared to the batch process technique. The number of theoretical plates might be also less important, making it possible to use cost-effective larger particle size for the stationary phases.
AZURA® SMB Lab System
The AZURA® Lab SMB System is optimized for the separation of binary mixtures in gram-scale. As with the AZURA Lab SMB System special emphasis is put on the continuous operation mode and high productivity. The SMB standard configuration consists of four AZURA Assistans ASM 2.2L with seven multiposition valves and four P 4.1S Pumps as well as our user-friendly software PurityChrom MCC and the required IT hardware. Referring to the special needs of every separation the SMB system can be freely configured (e.g. closed-loop, open-loop,) and is upgradable (e.g. detector, flow meter). A maximum pressure up to 130 bar with 8 columns is possible. Depending on your application the columns can be heated or cooled to ensure the perfect and most constant separation conditions. It can be chosen between a stainless steel or a bioinert version.
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AZURA® SMB Pilot System
The AZURA Pilot SMB System is optimized for the separation of binary mixtures in gram to kilogram-scale. As with the AZURA Pilot SMB System special emphasis is put on the continuous operation mode and high productivity. The SMB standard configuration consists of four Pump 2.1L and seven multiposition valves integrated into four AZURA Assistans ASM 2.2L. Our user-friendly software PurityChrom® MCC and the required IT hardware are included too. Referring to the special needs of every separation, the SMB system can be freely configured (e.g. closed-loop, open-loop) and is upgradable (e.g. detector, flow meter). A maximum pressure up to 100 bar (eight columns) is possible. Depending on your application the columns can be heated or cooled to ensure the perfect and most constant separation conditions.
Read moreSoftware Solution to control and monitor AZURA multi column chromatography (MCC) systems
PurityChrom® MCC is a special version of our purification software PurityChrom® and is optimized to be used with continuous chromatography Systems e.g. SMB systems. PurityChrom® provides a very user-friendly and clearly structured interface. The system visualization offers a graphical representation and allows easy handling even of complex flow processes. Furthermore each device which is displayed in the fluidic scheme can be manually controlled, giving the opportunity to optimize, change and adapt your conditions also during the run. The new PurityChrom MCC SMB parameter wizard helps you to generate new SMB methods and optimize your parameters while the process is running. With the integrated starting point calculator, you can easily generate your SMB method with the adsorption isotherms of your substances. The method editor allows you to freely design your own multi-column process. There is also a possibility to pause your method during a run. The hold function provides you with complete control over your chromatography process. Solvent visualization calculates the consumption of solvent for the current run and prevents your columns from running dry. PurityChrom® allows flexible control of different devices from KNAUER and other manufacturers.
Build a custom solution based on your requirements. Just pick the components that match your method parameters.
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