Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fractionating a feedstock into two or more fractions enriched with different components, and more particularly to a method for fractionating a feedstock into two or more fractions by a chromatographic sequential simulated moving bed (SMB) system, wherein the SMB system comprises a separation loop comprising at least 2 compartments; and wherein the method comprises a separation cycle comprising at least one feeding step, at least one circulating step and at least one eluting step; wherein the dissolved substances in the feedstock form a separation profile as they progress through the separation loop; and the separation profile is progressed more than once or less than once through the separation loop in each separation cycle; and wherein at least two flow paths are present in the separation loop during each feeding step of the separation cycle; and at least one of said flow paths is an active flow path and at least one of said flow paths is an inactive flow path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fractionating a feedstock into two or more fractions enriched with different components, and more particularly to a method for fractionating a feedstock into two or more fractions by a chromatographic sequential simulated moving bed (SMB) system, wherein the SMB system comprises a separation loop comprising at least 2 compartments; and wherein the method comprises a separation cycle comprising at least one feeding step, at least one circulating step and at least one eluting step; wherein the dissolved substances in the feedstock form a separation profile as they progress through the separation loop; and the separation profile is progressed more than once or less than once through the separation loop in each separation cycle; and wherein at least two flow paths are present in the separation loop during each feeding step of the separation cycle; and at least one of said flow paths is an active flow path and at least one of said flow paths is an inactive flow path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating and recovering xylose from a xylose-containing plant-based solution. The method is performed in a chromatographic separation system, which comprises one or more weak base anion exchange resins and optionally one or more other resins selected from strong acid cation exchange resins and weak acid cation exchange resins, by passing the solution through the separation system, followed by recovering at least one fraction enriched in xylose. Optionally, a rhamnose fraction may also be recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating and recovering xylose from a xylose-containing plant-based solution. The method is performed in a chromatographic separation system, which comprises one or more weak base anion exchange resins and optionally one or more other resins selected from strong acid cation exchange resins and weak acid cation exchange resins, by passing the solution through the separation system, followed by recovering at least one fraction enriched in xylose. Optionally, a rhamnose fraction may also be recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatographic separation process for fractionating betaine-containing solutions by utilizing fractions comprising parts of the separation profile as a substituent of the eluent in a novel and inventive manner. The process provides improved separation capacity and separation efficiency without affecting the yield or purity of betaine or other products. The process can especially be applied to sequential SMB separation systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiprofile chromatographic sequential SMB process of separating and recovering betaine and sucrose from concentrated raw juice or thick juice. In the process of the invention, the betaine subprofile and the residual subprofile of successive separation profiles are overlapping. A sucrose fraction and a betaine fraction containing also residual components are recovered. Betaine is further separated from the betaine fraction for example by chromatographic processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-profile chromatographic sequential SMB process of separating and recovering products such as sugars and betaine from multicomponent feed solutions. In the process of the invention, product fractions and optionally recycle fractions are collected from several positions of the chromatographic separation system. The process of the invention may be applied to the separation of sucrose and betaine from sugar beet based solutions and to the separation of sugars, e.g. xylose, from plant-based hydrolysates, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatographic separation process for fractionating solutions containing sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar acids and/or betaine by utilizing fractions comprising parts of the separation profile as a substituent of the eluent in a novel and inventive manner. The starting solutions are typically multicomponent plant-based extracts and hydrolysates, stillages, and fermentation products and derivatives thereof. The process prow vides improved separation capacity and separation efficiency without affecting the yield or purity of product components, such as sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar acids, and betaine. The process can especially be applied to sequential SMB separation systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatographic separation process for fractionating betaine-containing solutions by utilizing fractions comprising parts of the separation profile as a substituent of the eluent in a novel and inventive manner. The process provides improved separation capacity and separation efficiency without affecting the yield or purity of betaine or other products. The process can especially be applied to sequential SMB separation systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatographic separation process for fractionating solutions containing sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar acids and/or betaine by utilizing fractions comprising parts of the separation profile as a substituent of the eluent in a novel and inventive manner. The starting solutions are typically multicomponent plant-based extracts and hydrolysates, stillages, and fermentation products and derivatives thereof. The process prow vides improved separation capacity and separation efficiency without affecting the yield or purity of product components, such as sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar acids, and betaine. The process can especially be applied to sequential SMB separation systems.

Abstract: A method for loading and unloading a barge (40), and a mechanism for coupling a pusher (30) with a barge by means of coupling units (10) provided on either side of the pusher (30). To allow loading and unloading of the barge (40), the pusher is coupled with the barge by means of slides (34) and vertical guides (33) comprised in the coupling mechanism, which allow the height position of the barge to change freely in relation to the pusher. After completion of the loading or unloading process, the pushpins (11) of the coupling units (10) of the pusher are locked in coupling sockets (25) or holes in the coupling plates (32) of the barge.