Simulated Moving Bed Reactor Dynamic Reactant Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional simulated moving bed reactor (SMBR) operations face challenges in efficiently varying reactant concentrations over time, limiting productivity and equilibrium-limited reactions, which restricts the continuous and counter-current operation for simultaneous reaction and separation.
Innovation Solution
The process involves varying the amount of one or both reactants at injection points during a sequential repeating injection cycle, with each step having a predetermined time, allowing for changes in reactant concentration to optimize productivity, using a stoichiometric excess of one reactant as a desorbent, and recycling streams for further use, while the solid separation media acts as both a catalyst and separator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional SMBR operations use constant reactant concentrations, then the operation is simple and stable, but productivity is limited and equilibrium-limited reactions cannot be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant reactant concentrations to time-varying concentrations. The amount of reactants injected at each injection point is varied during the sequential repeating injection cycle, creating dynamic operating conditions that enhance productivity while managing complexity through systematic control patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the concentration and amount of reactants injected during different steps of the injection cycle. This allows the system to overcome equilibrium limitations and improve productivity by adjusting operational parameters rather than maintaining fixed conditions.
2Productivity
If reactant concentrations are varied continuously, then productivity and conversion improve, but control and operation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the sequential repeating injection cycle, where reactant concentrations are varied in a systematic periodic manner. This structured approach allows productivity improvement while maintaining operational ease through repeatable cycles rather than requiring continuous complex adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the injection amounts and concentrations for each step of the cycle. This allows the system to achieve complex concentration profiles while simplifying operation, as the variations are predetermined and systematically executed rather than requiring real-time complex control.
3Manufacturing precision
If one reactant is used in stoichiometric excess as desorbent, then separation efficiency improves, but reactant utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the amount and concentration of the reactant used as desorbent during different steps of the injection cycle. This allows optimization of both separation efficiency and reactant utilization by varying parameters rather than maintaining fixed stoichiometric ratios throughout the process.
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 approach enhances the SMBR's productivity by overcoming separation limitations, allowing for improved conversion beyond equilibrium limits, increased yields, and simplified downstream purification, with potential applications in various equilibrium-limited reactions.
Implementation Method 1
separating the first product in the SMBR with the solid separation media
Implementation Method 2
The solid separation media in addition to helping to separate the reactants and products can also act as a catalyst for the reaction of the first reactant and the second reactant
Implementation Method 3
continuous and counter-current operation for simultaneous reaction and separation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a process for supplying a first reactant and a second reactant (reactants) to a simulated moving bed reactor (SMBR) at each step of a sequential repeating injection cycle, where the SMBR includes zones each having an injection point and each containing a solid separation media; reacting the reactants in the SMBR during the sequential repeating injection cycle (cycle) to form a first product; separating the first product in the SMBR with the solid separation media; and changing an amount of one or both of the reactants injected at one or more of the injection points of the SMBR during a step of the cycle. Changing the amount of the reactants can be done at each step of the sequential repeating injection cycle. Changing the amount can include changing an inlet concentration of the reactants injected at one or more of the injection points during each step of the cycle.