Chromatographic SMB Fractionation with Active Inactive Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fractionating complex mixtures, such as sulphite cooking liquors and beet molasses, often result in low product yields and purities, and inefficient use of chromatographic separation resin beds.
Innovation Solution
A chromatographic sequential simulated moving bed (SMB) system with a separation loop comprising at least two compartments, featuring a separation cycle with active and inactive flow paths, allowing the separation profile to be circulated more than once or less than once, to achieve high product fraction yields, purities, and separation capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional chromatographic methods are used for fractionating complex mixtures, then the separation process is simple to operate, but the product yields and purities are low
Solution Approach 1:
The chromatographic separation loop is divided into multiple compartments (at least 2 compartments) with different flow paths (active and inactive). This segmentation allows different regions of the separation loop to perform different functions simultaneously, enabling complex separations to be achieved through coordinated operation of multiple compartments rather than a single complex column.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a dynamic separation cycle with multiple steps (feeding step, circulating step, eluting step) where flow paths are actively switched between active and inactive states. This dynamic control allows the separation process to adapt during operation, optimizing product purity at different stages of the cycle while maintaining operational feasibility through automated control.
2Productivity
If conventional chromatographic methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the separation capacity and resin bed utilization are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The separation loop is segmented into multiple compartments that can be independently controlled with different flow paths. This allows the resin bed to be utilized more efficiently by directing flows through specific compartments based on the separation stage, increasing overall separation capacity without requiring a proportionally larger system.
Solution Approach 2:
The same separation loop and resin beds serve multiple functions during different steps of the separation cycle. The compartments can act as feeding zones, circulating zones, or eluting zones at different times, maximizing the utilization of the resin bed capacity and increasing productivity without adding separate dedicated components for each function.
3Productivity
If the separation profile is circulated once through the loop, then the process is straightforward, but the product fraction yields are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The separation cycle employs periodic circulation of the separation profile through the multi-compartment loop, with the profile being circulated more than once or less than once through the complete loop during each separation cycle. This periodic action with multiple circulations allows for repeated separation opportunities, increasing product yield while the cyclic nature maintains process manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the separation profile in constant circulation through the active flow paths during the separation cycle. By circulating the profile multiple times through the loop and utilizing both active and inactive flow paths, the system maximizes the extraction of valuable fractions continuously, increasing overall product yield without creating discontinuous batch operations.
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 method effectively increases product fraction yields, purities, and separation capacities by utilizing active and inactive flow paths within the SMB system, optimizing the chromatographic separation process and enhancing the resin bed utilization.
Implementation Method 1
chromatographic sequential simulated moving bed (SMB) system... chromatographic separation loop... separation profile... fractionating a feedstock into two or more fractions
Implementation Method 2
chromatographic resin bed... eluting phase... circulating phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for fractionating a feedstock into two or more fractions enriched with different components, and more particularly to a method for fractionating a feedstock into two or more fractions by a chromatographic sequential simulated moving bed (SMB) system, wherein the SMB system comprises a separation loop comprising at least 2 compartments; and wherein the method comprises a separation cycle comprising at least one feeding step, at least one circulating step and at least one eluting step; wherein the dissolved substances in the feedstock form a separation profile as they progress through the separation loop; and the separation profile is progressed more than once or less than once through the separation loop in each separation cycle; and wherein at least two flow paths are present in the separation loop during each feeding step of the separation cycle; and at least one of said flow paths is an active flow path and at least one of said flow paths is an inactive flow path.