This paper reviews simulated countercurrent chromatography, a separation process that has received only little attention. In contrast to standard batchwise operated chromatography, a periodical mode of operation is used. The feed and collection lines are shifted along the column, thus simulating countercurrent operation of the liquid phase and the stationary solid phase. As a result, higher product yield and higher product purity are obtained. At the same time the amount of solid phase and solvent phase required in comparison to discontinuous chromatography is reduced. Industrial applications have been developed since 1964 by Universal Oil Products (UOP). Large scale separation processes in the petrochemical and the sugar industries are already in operation. On the bench scale this process is used to separate biotechnological products and pharmaceuticals. The need to solve difficult separation problems (isomeric or racemic mixtures, biomolecules, polymers) will encourage further developments. Together with improved process-simulation tools and process control, simulated countercurrent chromatography will be established as a powerful separation technique with widespread industrial applicability.