Parallel Column Washing in Simulated Moving Bed Chromatography

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chromatography systems face inefficiencies due to the need for separate wash steps that render columns unavailable for use during the separation process, particularly in simulated moving bed chromatography systems, where columns must be washed after each run, prolonging downtime and reducing system utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for parallel washing of chromatography columns during the separation process in a simulated moving bed chromatography system, allowing simultaneous separation and wash steps using a multi-position valve to alternate fluid flow between columns, ensuring each column is exposed to washing fluid while maintaining high resolution and equal wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate wash step is performed after each chromatography run, then columns are cleaned and prepared for next use, but columns become unavailable during washing, increasing downtime and reducing system utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolumn cleanlinessVSAvoidsystem utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the chromatography function across multiple columns (first column for separation, second column for washing). This segmentation allows the washing operation to occur in parallel with the separation operation on a different column, eliminating the sequential bottleneck where one column must complete washing before the next run can begin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous productive operation by ensuring that while one column is being washed, another column is simultaneously performing separation. This continuity eliminates idle time and ensures that the system is always in a productive state, with no downtime between runs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If columns are washed after each run, then retained molecules are removed and columns are prepared for new runs, but the washing time prolongs downtime between separations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolumn readinessVSAvoiddowntime between runs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The washing action is initiated in advance on the second column while the first column is still performing separation. By the time the first column completes its separation and requires washing, the second column is already clean and ready, eliminating the waiting time that would otherwise occur between runs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic switching between columns, where columns alternate between separation and washing modes. This periodic action ensures that at any given time, one column is always available for immediate use while another undergoes washing, maintaining continuous operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If a single column is used for both separation and washing sequentially, then system complexity is reduced, but system throughput and efficiency are decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of columnsVSAvoidsystem throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the chromatography function into dedicated columns for separation and washing. This segmentation, while increasing the number of columns, enables parallel operation that significantly boosts throughput and efficiency, as the columns work simultaneously rather than sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each column is designed to perform multiple functions (separation and washing) but is optimized for one function at a time. The columns are universally capable of both operations, allowing flexible allocation and switching between functions to maximize system productivity while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables continuous operation of chromatography systems by allowing simultaneous separation and wash steps, reducing downtime and ensuring equal wear on all columns, thereby optimizing system efficiency and throughput.

Implementation Method 1

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) separates molecules according to differences in size as they pass through a SEC medium in a column

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSize exclusion chromatography: Chromatography

Implementation Method 2

a multi-position valve to alternate fluid flow between columns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20250325922A1Parallel Separation and Washing in Size Exclusion Chromatography Separation or in Desalting of a Target from a Sample

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 CYTIVA SWEDEN AB

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for performing washing of columns in a simulated moving bed chromatography system while separation is being performed in the system.