Abstract: A continuous fixed bed separation system includes a plurality of fixed bed treatment columns, a valve system, and a controller. The valve system provides a continuous flow loop through the plurality of fixed bed treatment columns. The flow loop passes through at least one subset of columns of the plurality of fixed bed treatment columns in parallel. A controller changes the valve system to modify the position of an inlet and an outlet within the flow loop and modify each subset of columns in parallel to include a new subset of columns of the plurality of fixed bed treatment columns in parallel. The new subset of columns partially overlaps with the previous subset of columns. The positions of the valve system are cycled such that each fixed bed treatment column ultimately performs each step of a multi-step separation treatment within the system.