Simulated Moving Bed (SMB)

Simulated Moving Bed (SMB)

Simulated Moving Bed (SMB)

The Next Step in Chromatography!

Continuous counter-current chromatography, also known as Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) Chromatography is a highly efficient separation technique in the field of preparative chromatography, for the pharmaceutical industry, production of fine chemicals, and in the field of bioengineering.

Why Simulated Moving Bed?

Simulated Moving Bed is a method in process chromatography that enables pseudo binary mixtures to be continuously separated and extracted in two fractions with maximum yield and purity. Its efficiency is significantly higher than batch chromatography due to better utilization of the column’s stationery phase.

Where can a SMB separation be used?

The SMB principle for continuous extraction of pure substances on a preparative scale is successfully used in several areas of chemistry and biochemistry. SMB is applicable in:

Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Chiral compounds such as cis-trans phytol, steroids, antibiotics
Food chemistry
Fatty acids, carbohydrate mixtures such as sucrose/molasses or fructose/glucose
Biochemistry
Peptides, phenylalanine, citric acid
Petro chemistry
C8-hydrocarbons such as xylene/toluene

When is a suitable time to set up a SMB process?

The extraction of pure substances (valuable substances) using a SMB system is offered after the required amount of a respective substance has been reached. Furthermore, the application of a SMB process is linked to the following prerequisites:

  • Two-component mixture (binary mixture)
  • Good solubility in the mobile phase
  • It must be possible to make an isocratic separation
  • Retention time of the substance must be under 20 minutes
  • Knowledge of the adsorption isotherms

Advantages of SMB technology as compared to classical batch chromatography

  • The entire stationary phase is continuously covered with the mixture to be separated which produces a much higher productivity.
  • A 90% reduction in the demand for solvent due to solvent recycling.
  • High plate counts or particle sizes are no longer required, reducing packing material by 80%.
  • Extract and raffinate are extracted (in high concentrations) which make it easier to remove solvent.

Operation scheme for interpreting and carrying out a SMB separation

  • Determine the phase volume ratio or porosity between the stationary and mobile phase.
  • Determine the adsorption isotherms for each component based on the overload chromatogram from each component or the mixture.
  • Determine the isotherm parameters using the PurityChrom software
  • Define the process (hardware).
  • Carry out a continuous "SMB separation".
  • Optimize the productivity.

Comparison between a SMB and preparative HPLC system

Parameters
Preparative System
SMB System
Separation process
Batch method
Continuous
Stationary phase
Only effective to a fractional part
Maximum charge
Mobile phase
Higher consumption
90% less consumption by recycling the solvent
Separation
Several components
2-3 components
Fractionation
Individual substances
Separation of a fraction from a mixture (can even be a mixture again)
Operating mode
Isocratic or gradient operation
Isocratic (step gradient possible)
Process simulation
Feasible
Feasible

KNAUER's SMB systems "in use" references

In the past several years KNAUER has been able to win over the confidence of several large research and development corporations. This is specifically true with our efficient and reliable SMB systems. Knauer SMB systems are supplied to :

  • SGP Pharma, Germany (since 2020)
  • KIT Karlsruhe, Germany (since 2019)
  • UFZ Leipzig, Germany (since 2019)
  • Indian Oil Corporation, Faridabad, India (since 2019)
  • ICT, Mumbai, India (since 2012)
  • Symrise, Germany (since 2008)
  • Zhejang University, China (since 2008)
  • IICT, Hyderabad, India (since 2006)
  • Asahi Kasei, Evanston, Illinois, USA (since 2005)
  • Sigma Aldrich, Buchs, Switzerland (since 2004)
  • University of Applied Science, Winterthur, Switzerland (since 2004)
  • University of Shenjang, China (since 2003)
  • Ningbo University, China (since 2003)
  • Gedeon Richter, Budapest, Hungary (since 2003)
  • NCL, Pune, India (since 2002)
  • Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea (since 2002)
  • Schering Plough Corp., New Jersey USA (since 2002)
  • Merck Rahway, New Jersey USA (since 2001)
  • Dow Chemicals Midland, Michigan USA (since 2001)
  • EISAI Research Institute, Andover, Massachusetts (since 2001)
  • Pfizer, Holland, Michigan, USA (since 2001)
  • Wuxi University, China (since 2000)
  • Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany (since 1999)
  • Goedecke Parke Davis, (Pfizer) Freiburg, Germany (since 1998)
  • Max Planck Institute Magdeburg, Germany (since 1998)

Our Product Range

A29100

SMB Biocompatible (PEEK, Ceramic) system for continuous chromatography in the Laboratory scale

The AZURA Lab SMB A29100 is optimized for the multicolumn separation of binary mixtures of small or biomolecules in gram-scale. It is a standard configuration of our AZURA Lab SMB having biocompatible MOC. It consists of seven 8-multiposition valves and four AZURA P 4.1S included in four Assistants ASM 2.2L. The high pressure range and the biocompatibility as well as the flexibility of the multiposition valves make this system the perfect solution for SMB chromatography.

Available Upgrade-Kits

With our preconfigured Upgrade-Kits you can upgrade your SMB chromatography system very easily and build up the system you need.

System and process control: A29800 (one CORI-FLOW), A29801 (four CORI-FLOW)
Heating and column organisation: A29903 (oven), A29901 (column holder ID 50), A29902 (for columns with 8, 16 or 20mm ID)

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A29101

SMB Stainless Steel system for continuous chromatography in the Laboratory scale

The AZURA Lab SMB A29101 system is optimized for the multicolumn separation of binary mixtures of small molecules in gram-scale. It is a standard configuration of our AZURA Lab SMB having stainless steel MOC. It consists of seven 8-multiposition valves and four AZURA P 4.1S included in four Assistants ASM 2.2L. The high pressure range as well as the flexibility of the multiposition valves make this system the perfect solution for SMB chromatography.

Available Upgrade-Kits

With our preconfigured Upgrade-Kits you can upgrade your SMB chromatography system very easily and build up the system you need.

System and process control: A29800 (one CORI-FLOW), A29801 (four CORI-FLOW)
Heating and column organisation: A29903 (oven), A29901 (column holder ID 50), A29902 (for columns with 8, 16 or 20mm ID)

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A29201

SMB Pilot system for continuous purification

To extract high-purity pharmaceutical active ingredients from natural products at high yields is a major challenge. Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) chromatography, as a continuous LC method, sets the standard for productivity, purity and yield.

This AZURA SMB pilot system is dedicated for the continuous production of API´s. The System allows the continuous separation of mixtures of substances and extraction into two fractions. High purities and simultaneous yields of up to 100% distinguish this process from conventional preparative LC methods.

The system features four preparative Pump 2.1L and seven multi-position valves integrated into four AZURA Assistants ASM 2.2L

  • The three system pumps are equipped with 500 ml/min stainless steel pump heads, enabling volume flows of up to 250 ml/min inside the SMB cycle. The feed pump works with a 100 ml pump head and can thus also precisely dose the feed in the low flow range.
  • The seven multi-position valves, operated by the valve unifier VU 4.1, are made of stainless steel and are equipped with connections for 1/8" capillaries. The Valve Unifier VU 4.1, integrated in the ASM 2.2L provides the latest technology to our SMB systems. The smart valve drive features automatic valve recognition and adjusts torque and switching speed specifically for each valve. This RFID technology enables to read GLP data, for example the maintenance of the rotor seal exchange is simplified by automatic notifications.
  • The new plug-in design of the ASM 2.2L allows the modules to be removed by loosening just four screws, enabling the user to quickly exchange the modules. Especially in production processes the downtime of a system in case of service has to be minimum.
  • The PurityChrom® MCC control software provides an intuitive and easy operation of the SMB. PurityChrom® MCC offers the possibility to independently record, store, monitor, and process error messages, warnings of level meter as well as several detector signals (UV, RI), flowmeters and other signals via analog inputs. The software complies with 21 CFR Part 11.
  • The Pilot SMB system includes four flowmeters. The flow rate accuracy in all SMB zones and the feed stream is recorded for each cycle. The use of four flowmeters allows a complete real-time monitoring of the entire SMB process so that the user can directly react to any deviations in the flow rates.
  • As a complete system, the AZURA SMB pilot system will be pre-installed on a table with the dimensions 1300 x 870 x 1000 mm (WxDxH). Every device and capillaries are fixed and therefore well structured. Additional components i.e. flowmeters are also integrable. The product streams and the column in and outlets are placed user friendly outside the table ensuring a fast and easy connection via tube fittings. The easy cleanable stainless-steel surface, antistatic wheels and leakage tubs fulfils main requirements for production areas. The AZURA SMB Pilot System can be easily transferred by the customer inside or between different production sides due to its moveable design.
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A29201

Cannabis Producer: SMB Pilot system for continuous cannabinoid production.

To extract high-purity pharmaceutical active ingredients from natural products at high yields is a major challenge. This also applies to the cannabinoid sector. Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) chromatography, as a continuous LC method, sets the standard for productivity, purity and yield.

This AZURA SMB pilot system "Cannabis Producer" is dedicated for the continuous production of cannabinoids from cannabis. The Cannabis Producer allows the continuous separation of mixtures of substances and extraction into two fractions. High purities and simultaneous yields of up to 100% distinguish this process from conventional preparative LC methods.

The system features four preparative Pump 2.1L and seven multi-position valves integrated into four AZURA Assistants ASM 2.2L

  • The three system pumps are equipped with 500 ml/min stainless steel pump heads, enabling volume flows of up to 250 ml/min inside the SMB cycle. The feed pump works with a 100 ml pump head and can thus also precisely dose the feed in the low flow range.
  • The seven multi-position valves, operated by the valve unifier VU 4.1, are made of stainless steel and are equipped with connections for 1/8" capillaries. The Valve Unifier VU 4.1, integrated in the ASM 2.2L provides the latest technology to our SMB systems. The smart valve drive features automatic valve recognition and adjusts torque and switching speed specifically for each valve. This RFID technology enables to read GLP data, for example the maintenance of the rotor seal exchange is simplified by automatic notifications.
  • The new plug-in design of the ASM 2.2L allows the modules to be removed by loosening just four screws, enabling the user to quickly exchange the modules. Especially in production processes the downtime of a system in case of service has to be minimum.
  • The PurityChrom® MCC control software provides an intuitive and easy operating of the SMB. PurityChrom® MCC offers the possibility to independently record, store, monitor, and process error messages, warnings of level meter as well as several detector signals (UV, RI), flowmeters and other signals via analog inputs. The software complies with 21 CFR Part 11.
  • The Pilot SMB system includes four flowmeters. Flow rate accuracy in all SMB zones and the feed stream is recorded for each cycle. The use of four flowmeters allows a complete real-time monitoring of the entire SMB process so that the user can directly react to deviations of the flow rates.
  • As a complete system, the Cannabis Producer will be pre-installed on a table with the dimensions 1300 x 870 x 1000 mm (WxDxH). Every device and capillaries are fixed and therefor well structured. Additional components i.e. flowmeters are also integrable. The product streams and the column in and outlets are placed user friendly outside the table ensuring a fast and easy connection via tube fittings. The easy cleanable stainless-steel surface, antistatic wheels and leakage tubs fulfils main requirements for production areas. The AZURA SMB Pilot System can be easily transferred by the customer inside or between different production sides due to the moveable design.
  Download Brochure