Simulated moving bed (SMB) is a powerful technique for the preparative-scale chromatography which allows the continuous injection and separation of binary mixtures. The concept has been known since 1961, the technology having been developed by UOP in the areas of petroleum refining and petrochemicals, and known as the “Sorbex” process. Other successful SMB processes in the carbohydrate industry are the production of high-fructose corn syrup (“Sarex” process) and the recovery of sucrose from molasses. Other companies developed alternative processes for the fructose-glucose separation.
