Meridional Panel Distribution Device for Simulated Moving Bed Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulated moving bed separation technologies face performance reduction due to contamination of streams through common lines, leading to increased costs and productivity losses, and obstacles within adsorbent beds disrupt fluid flow, necessitating costly rinsing systems and minimizing hydrodynamic impacts.
Innovation Solution
A distribution and collection device for simulated moving bed separation units with a diameter greater than 1 meter, featuring meridian panels with separate collection and distribution channels, and peripheral conduits that connect these channels externally, ensuring equal residence times and minimizing obstacles, thus eliminating the need for rinsing and maintaining consistent fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If common lines are used to connect injection/withdrawal networks to valves, then device complexity is reduced, but stream contamination occurs and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the common line into separate dedicated lines for each stream (feed, solvent, extract, raffinate). Each injection/withdrawal network is connected to its own exclusive line, preventing stream contamination while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic segmentation of the fluid pathways.
2Ease of operation
If distribution/extraction spiders are used within the adsorbent bed, then fluid distribution is achieved, but obstacles are created that disturb flow and reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the distribution function from the internal spider structure and relocates it to peripheral distribution panels positioned at the boundaries of the adsorbent bed. This removes the obstructive spiders from the bed interior while preserving fluid distribution capability through the peripheral panels that channel flow along the bed periphery.
3Reliability
If rinsing systems are implemented to prevent stream contamination, then stream purity is improved, but investment cost and operating cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by establishing dedicated exclusive lines for each stream from the source to the valve, preventing contamination before it can occur. This eliminates the need for subsequent rinsing operations, as the system architecture inherently prevents stream mixing and contamination from the outset.
4Ease of operation
If obstacles are placed in the adsorbent bed for distribution, then fluid distribution is achieved, but residence time uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces peripheral distribution panels as intermediary structures that mediate between the external fluid source and the adsorbent bed. These panels act as intermediate distribution points that channel fluid along the bed periphery, providing uniform flow distribution without creating the disruptive obstacles that would cause non-uniform residence times within the bed interior.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for distribution and collection for a simulated moving bed separation unit, in which the plates (n) supporting the adsorbent beds (6) are divided into meridional panels (12) comprising a collection channel (8), a distribution channel (4) and a separation plate (11) separating the collection channel and the distribution channel, in which a plurality of peripheral pipes (10) outside the column are provided to connect solely a collection channel of one meridional panel to the distribution channel of the same meridional panel.