Standing wave design of nonlinear SMB systems for fructose purification

Design equations were derived from standing wave analysis for continuous mo ving bed (CMB) and simulated moving bed (SMB) systems with nonlinear isothe rms. Simple wave solutions and hodograph plots from batch elution experimen ts can be used to derive the optimal operation conditions for SMB systems w ithout mass-transfer effects. The design equations are tested with results from computer simulations and experimental data from two pilot-scale SMB un its for the separation of fructose from glucose. Batch equilibrium tests of single component and binary solutions are used to estimate adsorption isot herm parameters. Overall mass-transfer and axial dispersion coefficients ar e estimated from eight sets of pulse, frontal and elution data at different concentrations and flow rates. The isotherm and mass-transfer parameters a re used in the standing wave analysis to determine the zone flow rates and switching times for the two SMB units. Experimental column profiles, produc t purities, and product concentrations agree closely with simulation result s. This method gives robust operation conditions for SMB systems with nonli near isotherms, and optimal cycle time and zone flow rates for nonlinear sy stems without mass-transfer effects can be determined from the standing wav e analysis.