Overview of Chromatography Separation Technology

Our advanced SSMB (Sequential Simulated Moving Bed) chromatography process delivers a dynamic multi-column flow system that surpasses classical SMB. By leveraging high-performance ion-exchange resins and bespoke process-control strategies, it achieves superior purity, yield, and economic operation in both continuous and semi-continuous modes.

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1. Fundamental Principles

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1. Two-Component Separation

   • Each component in a mixture is categorized as “fast” or “slow” based on its distribution coefficient (𝐾) and separation factor (α) on the resin.

   • Typical separation factors:

     • Sugars: α ≥ 1.2

     • Organic acids: α ≥ 1.1

2. Sequential Simulated Moving Bed (SSMB)

   • Simulates resin movement through multiple columns, reducing back-mixing by 20–30% compared to fixed-bed SMB.

   • Zone layout:

     1. Adsorption (Feed)

     2. Wash

     3. Extract

     4. Raffinate

     5. Regeneration

   • Key parameters:

     • Switch time: optimized between 5–20 seconds

     • Total resin volume: scalable in 1–10 m³ modular blocks

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2. System Configuration & Modes

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1. Six-Column Fixed Mode
   In this configuration, the system runs with six chromatographic columns and six pumps. The feed flow can be adjusted between 500 and 5,000 L/h, and the pressure drop across each column ranges from 0.2 to 0.5 bar per meter of packed height. This setup delivers very high separation sharpness, making it ideal for demanding purification tasks. Each column is specified at 200–400 mm in diameter with a packed height of 1.5–2.5 meters.

2. Six-to-Four Column Hybrid ModeThis flexible mode also starts with six columns and six pumps but can automatically reconfigure to operate on only four columns during off-peak periods. The flow rate in this hybrid configuration spans 300–3,000 L/h, with a per-column pressure drop of 0.15–0.4 bar/m. By switching between six-column operation in high-demand seasons and four-column operation when demand is lower, the system optimizes both throughput and energy/resource efficiency.​​

• Resin Specifications

  • Particle size: 300–600 µm

  • Pore volume: 0.5–0.8 mL/g

  • Chemical stability: pH 1–14

  • Temperature range: –20 °C to 120 °C

• Equipment & Instrumentation

  • Valves: 4/2 and 6/2 multi-position stainless-steel

  • Pumps: Temperature-controlled, dosing accuracy ±0.5 %

  • Sensors:

    • Refractometer or UV (200–400 nm) for online concentration

    • Thermocouples/RTDs for ±0.1 °C temperature control

    • pH & conductivity probes for process monitoring

  • Control: Redundant PLC + SCADA; OPC-UA integration; MQTT-based remote data collection

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3. Technological Advantages

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1. High Separation Efficiency

   • 15–25 theoretical plates per meter (N)

   • Achieves product purity ≥ 99.5 %

2. Reduced Energy & Water Consumption

   • Continuous CIP cycles extend cleaning intervals; 30–50 % savings in water and chemicals.

   • 80 % recovery of regeneration chemicals (NaCl, HCl) via recycle modules.

3. Modular Scalability

   • Plug-and-play blocks support 1 to 500 tpd lines.

   • Easy capacity increase by adding columns in series or parallel.

4. Easy Maintenance & Start-Up

   • Quick-release manifolds and replaceable seals (FKM/EPDM).

   • Full operator self-sufficiency after three days of on-site training.

   • Automated self-test and wear-monitoring algorithms.

5. Comprehensive Service

   • Process simulation (gPROMS/Aspen Chromatography Modeler), pilot validation, turnkey installation, and commissioning.

   • 24/7 remote monitoring plus biannual on-site performance audits.

6. Cost & Investment Efficiency

   • 25–40 % lower CAPEX compared to international equivalents.

   • Local manufacturing and spare-parts network ensures < 2-week delivery.

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4. Application Areas & Process Examples

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• Glucose/Fructose Syrups

  • Feed Conditions: 40 % solids; pH 4.5; 40 °C

  • Capacity: 50 tons per day

  • Target Purity: ≥ 99.0 %

  • Typical Yield: 96–98 %

  • Notes: Ideal for processing syrups derived from corn starch or fruit-juice feedstocks.

• Citric Acid Mother Liquor

  • Feed Conditions: 55 % solids; pH 1.3; 60 °C

  • Capacity: 60 tons per day of dry solids

  • Target Purity: ≥ 97.7 %

  • Typical Yield: ≥ 98 %

  • Notes: Meets the purity and performance grades required by food, pharmaceutical, and polymer industries.

• Lactic Acid

  • Feed Conditions: 10 % solids; pH 2.5; 25 °C

  • Capacity: 1 ton per day

  • Target Purity: ≥ 95.0 %

  • Typical Yield: 90–92 %

  • Notes: Well suited for bioplastic manufacturing and food-additive production lines.

• Lysine

  • Feed Conditions: 5 % solids; pH 3.0; 30 °C

  • Capacity: 0.5 ton per day

  • Target Purity: ≥ 98.5 %

  • Typical Yield: 94–96 %

  • Notes: Commonly used in the purification of amino acids for feed-grade applications.

• Sorbitol / Mannitol

  • Feed Conditions: 30 % solids; pH 7.0; 45 °C

  • Capacity: 10 tons per day

  • Target Purity: ≥ 99.2 %

  • Typical Yield: 97–99 %

  • Notes: Ideal for producing sweeteners and cosmetic-grade sugar alcohol streams.

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Note: Values are representative; final specifications are confirmed after detailed feed characterization and process simulation.

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For all consulting, piloting, and full-scale installations, please contact Shandong Changcheng Biotechnology Co.