Described herein is a method of adjusting the composition of a chromatography product to achieve a target enriched proportion of a desired component from an input feed having a lower proportion of the desired component using simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography wherein the eluent for the SMB apparatus may comprise the very input feed being enriched. The method is exemplified by enriching a high fructose corn syrup from a 42% fructose syrup to a 55% fructose syrup without substantially reducing the dissolved solids concentration of the 55% syrup relative to the input 42% syrup. The 42% syrup is also used as the eluent for the SMB apparatus and may be reconstituted from the raffinate stream by passing the raffinate stream over a glucose isomerase column alone or in combination with a dextrose feed. The method reduces water usage and saves energy by minimizing the need for evaporation to obtain a 55% fructose syrup with a high dissolved solids content.

A fractal flow device comprising at least one fractal pack. The at least one fractal pack comprises at least two fractal cells, where each fractal cell comprises a fractal distributor, a chamber adjacent the fractal distributor, and a fractal collector adjacent the chamber. Methods of using the fractal flow device are also disclosed.

An illustrative valve block includes a plate, a fluid transfer block, and a diaphragm. The plate includes a channel configured to receive a first fluid and a recess connected to the channel. The fluid transfer block includes an inlet connection configured to receive a second fluid and an outlet connection. The fluid transfer block also includes a plurality of valve inlet bores connected to the inlet connection. The plurality of valve inlet bores are distributed along at least part of a first curved shape. The fluid transfer block further includes a plurality of valve outlet bores each fluidly connected to the outlet connection. The plurality of valve outlet bores are distributed along at least part of a second curved shape. The diaphragm is between the pressure plate and the fluid transfer block. The plurality of valve inlet bores and the plurality of valve outlet bores adjoin the recess.

Disclosed is a continuous process for the purification of steviol glycosides such as Rebaudioside D and/or Rebaudioside M extracted from the dried stevia leaves or extracted from a fermentation broth using continuous simulated moving bed processes and nanofiltration without the addition of organic solvents to obtain a purified steviol product comprising sweet steviol glycosides. The sweet steviol glycosides can be used as substitutes for caloric sweeteners in beverages and in other food items.

Various embodiments are directed to a valve switching system for selectively interconnecting components of a bioprocess installation, comprising a valve switching cassette and an actuator block. It is proposed, that the valve switching cassette comprises a perforated backer plate securing a valve membrane structure to a cassette manifold, that the actuator block comprises a drive membrane structure with at least one drive membrane and a perforated backer plate securing the drive membrane structure to an actuator block body, wherein for selectively switching valve units, an actuator of the actuator block may urge the drive membrane structure through aligned perforation holes of both backer plates into engagement with the valve membrane structure.

Adsorptive bed devices include a monolithic scaffold having a stress absorbing rigid structure and open cells filled with adsorptive beads. The monolithic scaffold restricts movement of the plurality of adsorptive beads, absorbs stress induced by a hydraulic pressure gradient along a direction of liquid flow. In one embodiment the adsorptive bed is packed into a chromatography column, and in another embodiment the adsorptive bed is sealed in a monolithic block. In another embodiment, the adsorptive bed device includes an adsorptive block, first and second planar distributors and peripheral seal.

An illustrative valve block includes a pressure plate, a fluid transfer block, and a diaphragm. The pressure plate includes a pressure channel configured to receive a pressurized first fluid and a recess in a surface of the pressure plate. The pressure channel and the recess are fluidly connected. The fluid transfer block includes an inlet connection configured to receive a second fluid and an outlet connection. The fluid transfer block also includes a plurality of valve inlet bores each fluidly connected to the inlet connection. The plurality of valve inlet bores are distributed along at least part of a first circular shape. The fluid transfer block further includes a plurality of valve outlet bores each fluidly connected to the outlet connection.

Systems and methods for enriching an organic acid from a fermentation broth containing residual color, salts, and carbohydrates using simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography to produce a high purity organic acid extract is disclosed. One embodiment of the method purifies citric acid from a fermentation broth into two product streams: a first product stream rich in salt, color, and carbohydrate impurities, and a second product stream comprising an extract enriched in organic acid.

A lattice and distribution network for a stackable chromatography cassette comprising: a peripheral seal; at least one screen forming the lattice surrounded by the peripheral seal, each at least one screen comprising a plurality of struts in a latticed arrangement; a first internal distribution network fluidly coupled to the lattice and surrounded by the peripheral seal; a second internal distribution network disposed opposite the first internal distribution network, fluidly coupled to the lattice and surrounded by the peripheral seal; wherein a direction of fluid flow is established from the first internal distribution network through the lattice to the second internal distribution network; and wherein preferential streamlines are minimized.

An improvement in a valve block for use with diaphragm-based valves is disclosed. The valve block includes a fluid-transfer plate with multiple small-diameter inlet bores connecting to a common inlet channel, and multiple small-diameter outlet bores connecting to a common outlet channel. The valve block also includes a pressure plate and diaphragm aligned and connected to the fluid-transfer plate in a way that allows pressurized material in the pressure plate to control the state of the channels formed by the inlet and outlet bores. The sizing and number of bores is optimized to accommodate high fluid flow rates, control fluid pressure, and enhance reliability.