Modeling and simulation of SMB technology for pharmaceutical and fine chemical applications

The application of UOP Sorbex* simulated moving bed (SMB) technology for pharmaceutical separations is described. The marked differences between pharmaceutical and conventional bulk separations, makes predicting initial starting conditions difficult unless a well-defined modeling strategy is used. The dispersion and mass transfer coefficients of the adsorbent bed are determined using well-known correlations. Langmuir isotherms were measured using breakthrough tests. A one-dimensional, axial-dispersed plug now, linear driving-force model for the SMB process is solved using finite differences and a Newton Raphson iterative procedure. The model results are compared with experimental results for separation of 3-chloro-1-phenyl-propanol (CPP), a drug intermediate in the manufacture of flouxetine.