Jet-Breaker Panel Layout for Simulated Moving Bed Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulated moving bed separation processes face challenges in improving fluid flow dynamics within columns containing multiple adsorbent beds, leading to issues such as axial dispersion and partial fluidization of particle beds, which negatively impact process performance.
Innovation Solution
A distribution and collection device for simulated moving bed separation columns, featuring a panel design with an upper grid, collector, separation plate, distributor, and a jet-breaking element to direct fluid orthogonally, reducing axial dispersion and improving hydrodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fluid is distributed directly onto the adsorbent bed, then distribution is simple, but axial dispersion increases and hydrodynamics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is segmented into multiple functional zones: a collection zone for receiving fluid from upstream, a mixing zone for combining main and secondary fluids, and a distribution zone with jet-breaking elements for controlled fluid delivery. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, reducing axial dispersion while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Jet-breaking elements are introduced as intermediary components between the distributor and the adsorbent bed. These elements mediate the fluid flow by breaking up jets and redistributing fluid uniformly, preventing direct high-velocity impact on the bed while improving hydrodynamics and reducing axial dispersion.
2Productivity
If jet velocity is increased to improve mixing, then mixing efficiency improves, but partial fluidization of particle bed occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Jet-breaking elements are positioned upstream to preemptively break up high-velocity jets before they reach the adsorbent bed. This preliminary action reduces jet velocity and prevents partial fluidization while maintaining adequate mixing efficiency through controlled fluid distribution patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet-breaking elements serve as intermediaries that reduce the kinetic energy of the fluid jet while preserving its mixing function. They transform the direct high-velocity jet into a distributed lower-velocity flow pattern that mixes effectively without causing particle bed fluidization.
3Productivity
If collection zone size is increased to improve fluid collection, then collection efficiency improves, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection zone is segmented into multiple collection points distributed across the tray surface, each connected to the mixing zone through optimized flow paths. This segmentation allows efficient collection from large areas while maintaining manageable pressure drops across each individual collection path.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection system utilizes three-dimensional flow path optimization, allowing fluid to collect vertically from the adsorbent bed and then flow horizontally across the tray to mixing zones. This multi-dimensional approach increases collection efficiency while distributing pressure loss across multiple dimensions rather than concentrating it in a single plane.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed device enhances fluid flow by minimizing axial dispersion and reducing groove formation, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a jet-breaking element (12) adapted to direct the main fluid in the distributor in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the main fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
a distributor adapted to distribute the main fluid onto the downstream adsorbent bed
Implementation Method 3
a column comprising a plurality of adsorbent beds arranged in series according to the flow direction of the fluid(s) used in the column
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Distribution and collection panel comprising an upper grid (4), a collector (5), a separation plate (6) with outlet openings (11), a distributor (7), a lower grid (8), an injection-withdrawal box (9) adjacent to the separation plate, and a jet-breaking element (12) perpendicular to the flow (E) of a main fluid and comprising two solid jet-breaking plates (13) being: extended on either side of the injection-withdrawal box; juxtaposed to the lower grid; arranged under the outlet openings (11); adapted to direct the main fluid into the distributor in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the flow (E), the ratio I/L of the width I of the solid jet-breaking plate to the width L of the lateral part of the separation plate being at least 0.1.