Relay simulated moving bed chromatography: concept and design criteria

Area of Science:

• Chromatography
• Chemical Engineering
• Separation Science

Background:

• Simulated moving-bed (SMB) chromatography is a continuous separation technique.
• Classical SMB processes often require complex flow control systems.
• Optimizing SMB for efficiency and reduced resource consumption is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel class of multicolumn chromatographic processes, termed R-SMB.
• To eliminate the need for flow controllers or extra pumps in SMB systems.
• To maintain SMB analogy while simplifying column outlet handling.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of the R-SMB process based on equilibrium theory.
• Analysis of R-SMB under linear adsorption systems.
• Examination of R-SMB performance under finite column efficiency conditions.
• Comparison with classical open- and closed-loop SMB processes.

Main Results:

• The R-SMB process demonstrates the same separation region as classical SMB for linear systems.
• R-SMB exhibits two distinct cycles based on selectivity values.
• Under finite column efficiency, R-SMB requires less desorbent and is more productive than standard SMB.
• Performance advantage of R-SMB increases as column efficiency decreases.

Conclusions:

• The R-SMB process offers a simplified and more efficient alternative to classical SMB chromatography.
• This new process reduces operational complexity and resource requirements.
• R-SMB is particularly advantageous in scenarios with lower column efficiencies.