The "VARICOL" process: A new multicolumn continuous chromatographic process

A new continuous chromatographic process is presented. This is in contrast to the known simulated moving bed (SMB) process which employs a synchronous shift of inlet/outlet lines. The basic principle of the new VARICOL process is based on a nonsynchronous shift of the inlet/outlet valves in a multicolumn system. A numerical example compares the performances of the new VARICOL process to the well-known SMB process. This study shows that the VARICOL performances can be better than those of the SMB process. For example, a 5-columns VARICOL permits the same purities to be reached as a 6-columns SMB with the same productivity. Interest in the process is also validated experimentally. Both SMB and VARICOL are optimized to reach the highest achievable productivity for given outlet purities. The productivity of a 5-columns system can be improved 18.5% by using the VARICOL process.