Simulated Moving Bed Layout With Alternating Flow for Easier Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulated moving bed separation technologies face challenges with tall, difficult-to-erect and maintain adsorbers, high energy consumption due to top-to-bottom fluid flow, large interbed volumes, and the need to shut down all beds for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device and method featuring adsorbers arranged in alternating upward and downward flow with a short-circuit line, allowing partial bed isolation for maintenance and reduced energy consumption, and improved H/D ratio for easier construction and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the column diameter is increased to improve processing capacity, then the processing capacity is improved, but the height/diameter ratio decreases making the device unsuitable for existing chromatography modules
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a conventional horizontal or slightly inclined column configuration to a vertically oriented simulated moving bed chromatography system. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve high processing capacity through increased column height while maintaining a high height/diameter ratio, making it compatible with existing chromatography modules and skids.
2Manufacturing precision
If the column length is increased to improve separation performance, then the separation performance is improved, but the device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves enhanced separation performance by extending the column in the vertical dimension rather than horizontally. This vertical configuration provides the necessary column length for effective separation while minimizing the device footprint and reducing overall system complexity compared to horizontal extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic valve switching and flow rate modulation to optimize separation performance in the vertical column. The simulated moving bed technique uses periodic switching of inlet and outlet ports to create a moving bed effect, enhancing separation efficiency without requiring excessive column length or complex static configurations.
3Productivity
If the column height is increased to improve processing capacity, then the processing capacity is improved, but the pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the particle size distribution and bed voidage parameters to reduce pressure drop in the vertical column. By carefully selecting and controlling the physical parameters of the stationary phase particles and bed configuration, the system achieves high processing capacity through increased column height while maintaining acceptable pressure drop levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic flow rate adjustment during different operational phases to manage pressure drop. Flow rates are optimized to balance processing capacity with pressure constraints, and the simulated moving bed technique allows for efficient mass transfer that reduces the equivalent height required for a given separation, thereby reducing pressure drop.
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
Facilitates easier construction and maintenance, reduces energy costs, and enables continuous operation with reduced performance during maintenance, while enhancing separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The stationary phase is polar and separates components of a non-polar or less polar analyte stream
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a simulated moving bed separation device and method, comprising a plurality of in-series adsorbers (1, 2) arranged alternately with upflow and downflow configuration, wherein each adsorber (1, 2) is divided into n adsorption chambers, each comprising an adsorbent bed, the n adsorbent beds being separated by n plates for injecting at least a feedstock and a desorbent and withdrawing at least an extract and a raffinate.