The scope of this work was the design, installation, testing and optimization of a pilot plant for simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography applying the single column technology (ESMB). The working volume of the resin used as the adsorbent changes during loading and regeneration. Resin breathing leads to poor separation performance. In a single packed bed column simultaneous expansion and contraction of the resin bed equalize each other, which leads to a better separation performance. In order to reach industrial targets the SMB unit is optimized by the adaptation of several process parameters. During optimization the behavior of the system with regards to concentration profile and pressure is examined. Other feedback parameters are the purity and yield of the withdrawn liquids. A working diagram is used for the prediction and explanation of the behavior of the process. The standard triangle diagram has been adapted to the particularities of the process.