Simulated Moving-Bed Chromatography With Segmented Eluent Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatographic separation methods using a simulated moving-bed scheme face challenges in achieving high-purity purification of target components, particularly in the production of antibody drugs, while minimizing the amount of adsorbent used, due to the need to handle components with varying adsorptive properties and the high cost associated with using large amounts of eluent.
Innovation Solution
A chromatographic separation method using a simulated moving-bed scheme that employs two or more kinds of eluents and sets specific positional relationships for feed solution and extraction ports in a circulation system with multiple packed columns, allowing for the separation of weakly, intermediately, and strongly adsorptive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large amount of eluent is used to desorb strongly adsorptive components, then the separation completeness is improved, but the concentration cost increases and production amount per adsorbent decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) with different functional zones. The eluent supply ports are strategically positioned in different sections to create localized desorption zones, allowing selective desorption of strongly adsorptive components without requiring excessive eluent throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the circulation system are assigned different eluent concentrations and supply timings. The eluent is supplied at specific positions (first eluent supply port in first section, second eluent supply port in second section) to create local high-desorption zones where strongly adsorptive components are targeted, while other regions maintain conditions suitable for maintaining target component purity.
2Productivity
If multiple kinds of eluents are used to improve separation performance, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple eluent supply ports positioned in different sections of the circulation system, each supplying eluent at different timings and concentrations. This segmented approach allows sophisticated separation control while keeping each individual supply point relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The eluents are supplied in a periodic, coordinated manner with specific timing relationships. The first eluent is supplied at a first timing, and the second eluent is supplied at a second timing that is coordinated with the first, creating a rhythmic separation process that improves productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through predictable cycles.
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
This method enables high-purity fractionation of target components with a reduced amount of adsorbent, enhancing separation efficiency and reducing costs by optimizing the use of eluents and port positions in the chromatographic separation system.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorbent having a selective adsorption ability with respect to a specific component of two or more components contained in a feed solution
Implementation Method 2
it is necessary to use a large amount of eluent for desorbing (removing) these components
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated moving-bed type chromatographic separation method including separating a weakly adsorptive component, a strongly adsorptive component, and an intermediately adsorptive component that has adsorptive property intermediate between the two components, with respect to an adsorbent, with two or more kinds of eluents by using a circulation system in which a plurality of unit packed columns each packed with an adsorbent are connected in series and in an endless form via pipes, the weakly adsorptive component, the strongly adsorptive component, and the intermediately adsorptive component being contained in a feed solution, wherein a feed solution supply port, eluent supply ports and a plurality of extraction ports are provided on the pipes of the circulation system, and positions of the feed solution supply port and the plurality of extraction ports are set to have a specified relationship; and a chromatographic separation system suitable for implementing the chromatographic separation method.