Method and apparatus for chromatographic component, separation with partial recirculation of mixture fractions

A method for the chromatographic separation of components of a multicomponent fluid mix using the Simulated Moving Bed method, comprising:

• inputting the multicomponent fluid mix and at least one solvent to a plurality of chambers or chamber sections containing at least one solid substance via at least one of first and second inflows of having connection ports disposed between the chambers or chamber sections, wherein the chambers or chamber sections are connected to each other in series to substantially form a loop;
• outputting from the chambers or chamber sections through at least one of first and second outflows having connection ports disposed between the chambers or chamber sections an extract stream containing at least one first component separated from the multicomponent fluid mix and a raffinate stream containing at least one second component separated from the component fluid mix;
• wherein the connection ports of the first and second inflows and outflows are newly positioned between two further chambers or chamber sections of the loop within a cyclic clock unit;
• storing at least part of at least one of the extract stream or the raffinate stream output from the chambers or chamber sections through at least one of the first and second outflows;
• and
• recirculating to at least one of the first and second inflows of the chambers or chamber sections at least one of the extract stream or the raffinate stream within a clock unit either alternately or simultaneously with inputting at least one of the multicomponent fluid mix or the solvent to the at least one of the first and second inflows.