Pinched Wave Design of a Four-Zone SMB System Based on Size-Exclusion Mechanism

Abstract

Simulated moving bed (SMB) is an efficient separation technique. The system and operating parameters such as pump outputs, step time, bed voidage, size-exclusion factor, and extra-column dead volume can have fluctuations during the operation. If all the parameter deviations occur simultaneously, the standing wave design has no sufficient margin to maintain desired yield and purity. We have developed a new design method such that the standing waves are replaced by pinched waves. Even when the worst parameter deviations occur, the developed design method can guarantee desired yield and purity while ensuring the highest throughput and the lowest solvent consumption.