Design of a simulated moving bed: Optimal particle size of the stationary phase

The influence of the particle size on simulated moving bed (SMB) design is studied using the chiral separation of methyl mandelate on Chiralcel OD, The theoretical model of the pressure drop and band dispersion is validated with experimental results obtained with two different particle sizes (20 and 50 mu m) using linear adsorption isotherms. The influence of the particle size on the SMB column size and productivity shows that the optimum particle size is 20-25 mu m when working with an acceptable column length and a minimum amount of stationary phase. Due to the high cost of the coated silica stationary phases used for chiral separation, the separation cost is thus minimized.