Meridian Panel Distribution System for SMB Separation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulated moving bed (SMB) separation technologies face performance reduction due to contamination of streams, high investment and operating costs associated with rinsing systems, and hydrodynamic disturbances caused by 'distribution/extraction spiders' in large-diameter units with multiple separation stages.
Innovation Solution
A distribution and collection system with symmetrical distribution and collection channels of varying heights, ensuring constant inlet velocity and total collection of the 'pump around' stream, minimizing obstacles and eliminating the need for rinsing operations by maintaining equal residence times for fluid particles across the bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If distribution/extraction spiders are used to connect beds to injection/withdrawal networks, then fluid distribution and collection is achieved, but hydrodynamic disturbances occur in the bed and stream contamination happens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the distribution/extraction spiders from the system entirely. Instead of using spiders to distribute fluid to multiple beds, the patent employs individual distribution channels integrated directly into each bed structure, eliminating the source of hydrodynamic disturbances and stream contamination that spiders cause.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the distribution system by providing separate distribution channels for each bed rather than using a common spider network. Each bed has its own dedicated distribution and collection channels, which prevents stream contamination between beds and eliminates the hydrodynamic disturbances caused by centralized spider structures.
2Reliability
If rinsing systems are installed to prevent stream contamination, then stream purity is improved, but investment cost and operating cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of stream contamination into a benefit by designing a system where the distribution and collection channels are inherently isolated for each bed. This eliminates the need for rinsing systems while maintaining stream purity, as the channel design itself prevents contamination rather than requiring active rinsing to correct it.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the rinsing system from the overall process by designing distribution channels that inherently prevent stream contamination. The individualized channel design for each bed ensures stream purity without requiring additional rinsing equipment or operations, thereby reducing both investment and operating costs.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple beds are located in one or two adsorption columns, then space is optimized, but hydrodynamic disturbances increase due to obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the column into multiple beds, each with its own independent distribution and collection channels. This segmentation allows multiple beds to be packed efficiently in a single column while avoiding the use of obstructive spider structures, thereby maintaining optimal space utilization without introducing hydrodynamic disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the obstructive spider structures from the column by integrating distribution channels directly into each bed. This extraction of harmful obstacles allows multiple beds to be located in one column with optimized space utilization while eliminating the source of hydrodynamic disturbances that spiders create.
4Device complexity
If single line networks are used for injection and withdrawal, then device complexity is reduced, but stream contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fluid network by providing separate distribution channels for each bed instead of using a single common line. Each bed has its own dedicated channel that connects directly to the injection or withdrawal point, which prevents stream contamination while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through direct, individualized connections.
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
This solution enhances process performance by eliminating rinsing operations, reducing costs, and minimizing hydrodynamic disturbances, achieving uniform fluid residence times and reduced space requirements in SMB units, thereby improving the efficiency and productivity of large-diameter SMB separation units.
Implementation Method 1
adhering to a residence time that is more or less equal for all of the fluid particles entering into the distribution channel, passing through the bed, and being discharged via a collection channel
Implementation Method 2
a succession of adsorbent beds within which the 'pump around' flow flows
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a fluid distribution and collection device of a simulated moving bed separation unit comprising N plates, themselves divided into meridian panels, which device makes it possible to maintain an approximately identical residence time for each portion of fluid.