Parametric uncertainties and influence of the dead volume representation in modelling simulated moving bed separation processes

In this study, a systematic numerical procedure for identifying the model parameters of simulated moving bed (SMB) separation processes is developed. The parameters are first estimated by minimizing a weighted least-squares criterion using experimental data from batch experiments, e.g. the time evolution of the concentration of elution peaks. Then, a cross-validation is achieved using data from experiments in SMB operation. At this stage, the importance of a careful modelling of the dead volumes within the SMB process is highlighted. In addition, confidence intervals on the estimated parameters and on the predicted concentration profiles are evaluated.